Blast Off!: Look Inside Spectacular Spacecraft (Hardcover)

Take a journey through outer space to discover how spacecraft changed the world, and how they might even shape our future...

From early rockets to distant space probes, learn what it takes to blast off from Earth and even live in space. With incredible cross-sections of 20 real-world spacecraft, discover what happens to them during take-off, what life is like inside the International Space Station, and what future missions to the Moon could look like.

20 beautifully detailed drawings and fascinating facts about spacecraft from across the world:

• Discover real spacecraft from the world’s space agencies, including satellites, telescopes, space stations, probes and more, with their inner workings laid bare to delight curious young minds

• Learn about space missions from history, as well as details about what the future of space exploration has in store

• The perfect gift for space-loving children who want to learn more about the incredible designs that are shaping our understanding of space

Throughout Blast Off!, kids will be able to pore over large pages complete with detailed cross-sections and cutaways. Magnificent spacecraft and rockets are shown up close and in detail, including satellites, space stations, and space telescopes, with fun facts and details to spot. Each cross-section reveals the inner workings of a wide variety of spacecraft – perfect for inquisitive kids who love some space-themed fun!

Spacecraft shown as cross-sections include: the International Space Station, the Ariane 6 rocket, the Skylab Space Station, the Lunar Gateway, the Rosetta probe, Cassini-Huygens, Venus Express, Herschel Space Laboratory, The James Webb Space Telescope, and more.

About the Author

Ben Elcomb is a former TV producer and scriptwriter who writes non-fiction and fiction. He loves to make science and natural history accessible to a young audience.

Rômolo D’Hipólito is an artist and illustrator from Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. His work has been recognized and awarded by Folha de S. Paulo, Anima Mundi Festival, Society for News Design (NY), ÑH (Spain), Ibero-América Ilustra (Mexico) and Anima Latina Festival (Argentina).

In 2019, he received a special mention in the Golden Pinwheel Competition (Shanghai) and one of his works became part of the collection of the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR).

In 2021, he illustrated as co-author the book Amazon River by Flying Eye Books, being published in more than 10 languages around the world and being part of the shortlist for the World Illustration Awards 2022 in London.