PATHWAYS TO THE PLANETS
Memoirs of an Astrophysicist
by
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PREFACE
This book will become an important resource for those readers interested in the history of aerospace, astrophysics, computer science and mathematics. It is a true, first hand account of a computer system, which provided the information necessary to guide our spacecrafts to the planets. This represented a unique scientific odyssey and a great leap in understanding the physics of our solar system. It chronicles scientific breakthroughs relating analysis from the world’s greatest physicists (Galileo, Kepler,
As a leading mathematician and computer programmer involved with these projects, Mr. Strand paints a picture of a complex technology with its inter-woven success and frustrations insightfully colored by witty stories. He also describes the twists and turns of his own problem-solving experiences from childhood to the present day. This very human setting unfolds into a surprisingly diverse world of scientific experiences. Chemistry, geo-physics, electronics and fiber optics are some of the additional topics. Non-technical readers will find a rich and surprising look into human interactions through Mr. Strand’s amusing anecdotes.
Linnea Rodes
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About the Book
When my generation grew up, we were never limited by the sky or the stars. Man had already begun to probe its mysteries. Our mothers and fathers before us had created methods, maps, and ships that would forever change their planet and the way their children would view the world. So, when our small new-media company was offered the opportunity to work with John Strand and Pathways to the Planets, we all knew that it was a chance of a lifetime to work with someone who was instrumental in helping man reach that small rock in space called the moon.
We live in the new world created by those brave pioneers and today are posed new frontiers; nano-science, cyberspace, molecular medicine, etc... All afforded to us humans, at least in part, by the extraordinary people portrayed in this book. Pathways to the Planets is a unique insight into the lives of those individuals as told through the memoirs of Astrophysicist John Strand. I personally, found this book to be an affirmation for anyone who seeks adventure and welcomes challenge and certainly a must read for those who were there (on earth!) during that exciting time.
What a journey producing this book has been!
For more information on John Strand, Pathways to the Planets or the early days of the space program go to “http://www.pathwaystotheplanets.com/” .
by Perry Berryhill - President, Panacore Corporation
About the Author
John’s teenage year’s could be best described as a true “American Graffiti.” At seventeen he entered the Army and was trained as a medical laboratory technician. This was the beginning of a life-long passion for Science. Following the service Avery Label employed him as a chemist. John developed a patent and adhesive formulations that significantly contributed to Avery’s explosive growth.
Having studied mathematics in college, he decided to join North American and worked on spacecraft trajectories for project Apollo. With computer and analysis skills now well established he started work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This work produced the Navigation system used for projects Mariner, Viking, Voyager and beyond. His contribution to the world’s knowledge of celestial mechanics resulted in a congressional award. This work, described in a Scientific American article, represented advances in the world of Physics, Mathematics and Computers, including a verification of Einstein’s theory of Relativity.
As a Navy consultant he contributed to a project called VAST, which was a breakthrough in electronic component automation.
John’s future plans are to promote preservation of the historical records of scientists associated with landing men on the moon and the exploration of the planets.