This book reveals the innovative technological origins and highly politicized security evolution of the Canadian rocket and space program during the height of the Cold War space race.
Description
The Cold War space race between the United States and the Soviet Union is well documented, but few are aware of Canada’s early activities in this important arena of global power. Defence and Discovery represents the first comprehensive investigation into the origins, development, and impact of Canada’s space program from 1945 to 1974. Meticulously researched, it demonstrates the central role of the military in Canada’s early space research, illuminating a significant yet understudied period in Canada’s growth as a nation.
Reviews
Godefroy meticulously plots Canada’s involvement in space research... it is an extremely well-researched and well-written historical analysis, that will most likely appeal to those interested in Canadian scientific achievements such as the Avro Arrow.
- Alex Davis
Godefroy has translated his lifelong fascination with space and his expertise, garnered from working in the Canadian Force’s Directorate of Space Development, into a fascinating story of Canada’s important contributions to defence on the “final frontier.”
- Randall Wakelam
Godefroy’s relentless pursuit of the details of the history of Canada’s military space program has resulted in a profoundly original work that makes a significant contribution not only to the history of science and technology, but also to international history more generally ... non-specialists will have to work to get through this book, and I fear that too many Canadians might not have the patience to do so ... that is a real shame, because if they were to learn even half as much as I have, they would be significantly better placed to participate in discussions of international policy in Canada in the future.
- Adam Chapnick
Andrew Godefroy does a terrific job of presenting a very complicated story ... Quest readers, in particular those interested in military space history which generally focuses on the American and Soviet programs, will find this book breaking new ground.
- David Christopher Arnold, Editor