Looks forward to the completion of the ISS, possibility of return to the moon, manned flights to Mars, and the prospect of safety and rescue far beyond.

Describes the role of Mission Control and recovery forces in ensuring the support from the ground to the crew in space.

Provides a unique range of historic archive of material on the Russian programme.

Presents a review of the Columbia accident, its investigation and various proposed rescue scenarios.

Details escape systems devised for rocket research aircraft, early manned spacecraft, abort and recovery options from Earth orbit, and from lunar distance.

Demonstrates that crew safety has been a factor in planning and mounting on all manned spaceflights.