Smithsonian Books

Roger D. Launius

ROGER D. LAUNIUS served as chief historian of NASA between 1990 and 2002 and is a recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Exceptional Achievement Medal. From NASA, he moved to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, where he served most recently as Associate Director for Collections and Curatorial Affairs. He has written or edited more than 30 books on aerospace history, including The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration, Apollo's Legacy, and NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary.

 

Stories from this author

'Life on Mars?' Is More Than a David Bowie Song—It's a Question Humans Keep Asking

A former chief historian of NASA reflects on the history and future of Mars exploration

Roger D. Launius | November 21, 2024