Best Astronautics & Space Flight Books of 2025

The Baby University Board Book Set is the perfect gift for parents who want to introduce their little ones to science and STEM concepts. The set includes four educational books, each featuring colorful and simple introductions to scientific principles for babies. Written by an award-winning physicist, Chris Ferrie, these books cover topics such as quantum physics, rocket science, general relativity, and Newtonian physics. This board book set is a wonderful way to encourage early learning and makes a great newborn baby gift. Overall, this series is a unique and valuable addition to any child's library.

Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space is a fascinating and revealing book by the late astronomer Carl Sagan. The book traces the history of human exploration into the cosmos and assesses the future that lies ahead as we venture out into our solar system and beyond. Sagan argues that the exploration and eventual settlement of other worlds are necessary for the survival of the human race. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration and the future of humanity. Sagan’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race is a phenomenal true story of black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space. The book is a powerful, revelatory history essential to our understanding of race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America. The author chronicles the careers of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA's greatest successes. This book is an inspiring tribute to the remarkable women whose contributions to science and technology were overlooked for far too long.

Skunk Works by Ben Rich is a gripping memoir that chronicles America's most secret and successful aerospace operation. From the development of the U-2 to the Stealth fighter, the book provides up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists and engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. The book is filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions. Overall, Skunk Works is a fascinating read that highlights the extraordinary feats of engineering and human achievement against fantastic odds.

The FAR/AIM 2023 is an essential resource for aviators and aviation enthusiasts, providing up-to-date information on federal regulations, procedures, and illustrations for safe operation in US airspace. It includes a comprehensive guide to specific pilot training certifications and ratings, a glossary for pilots and controllers, standard instrument procedures, airworthiness standards, and important FAA contact details. This book is the most complete guide to aviation rules available and a must-have for anyone in the aviation community. The FAA's commitment to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world is evident in this comprehensive guide.

The book "Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record" is a stunning collection of hundreds of newly-restored and all-new images from the NASA archives that offer a never-before-seen perspective on the Apollo missions. The author, Andy Saunders, has applied cutting-edge enhancement techniques to create the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced. The book is a mesmerizing and high-definition journey into the unknown, showcasing crystal-clear portraits of astronauts in their spacecraft and offering new insight into one of our greatest endeavors. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Apollo missions or astronautics and space flight.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe is a thrilling epic that investigates the true heroism and courage of the first Americans to conquer space. Wolfe's empathetic writing style brings to life the inner thoughts and emotions of the astronauts, providing a unique perspective on one of humanity's greatest achievements. The book has been praised for its technical accuracy, humor, and character studies. Overall, The Right Stuff is a superb and unforgettable read that showcases the incredible feats of the early space program and the remarkable individuals who made it possible.

The Space Atlas, Second Edition is an off-Earth atlas that covers everything from constellation star guides to annotated planetary maps based on the latest wave of space missions. This National Geographic production is full of magazine-quality photos and sumptuous graphics. The book is deeply informative, and anything notable in space gets a proper treatment. Astronaut and American hero Buzz Aldrin offers a new special section on Earth's Moon and its essential role in space exploration past and future. Overall, this book is an essential addition to any astronautics and space flight enthusiast's collection.

Rise of the Rocket Girls is a fascinating and inspiring true story of the women who played a vital role in launching America into space. Nathalia Holt's extensive research and interviews with the team members offer a unique perspective on the role of women in science. The book is a New York Times bestseller and has been highly praised for its vivid depiction of the women's stories, making history and breaking the boundaries of both gender and science. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in women's biographies and the history of the space program.

Failure Is Not an Option is a captivating memoir by Gene Kranz, a veteran NASA flight director, who witnessed the making of history from the early days of the Mercury program to the last Apollo mission and beyond. Kranz shares thrilling stories from the space program, including the hair-raising near misses that occurred during missions that appeared nearly flawless. He also offers new information about famous flights and demonstrates the leadership, discipline, trust, and teamwork that made the space program a success. This book is a fascinating firsthand account of one of America's greatest achievements and a welcome contribution to the history of space flight.