Going Beyond

"Going Beyond: The Space Exploration Initiative and the Challenges of Organizational Change at NASA" by John M. Logsdon is a monograph that delves into the complexities of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) during the administration of President George H. W. Bush. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Organizational Change at NASA: The book explores the attempts to transform NASA into a more dynamic and forward-thinking organization, particularly in the wake of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.
2. Space Exploration Initiative (SEI): Logsdon examines the SEI, a bold new program aimed at human space exploration beyond Earth orbit, and the challenges it faced.
3. White House-NASA Relations: The monograph highlights the deteriorating relationship between the White House and NASA, which was exacerbated by misunderstandings and miscommunications about the approach to SEI.
4. Leadership and Administration: The book discusses the roles of key figures such as Vice President Dan Quayle and NASA Administrator Richard Truly, and how their perspectives influenced the SEI.

Plot Summary

The book begins by setting the context for the need for change at NASA following the Challenger disaster. Logsdon describes how the Bush administration, led by Vice President Quayle and the National Space Council, sought to revitalize NASA with a new vision for space exploration. The Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) was announced on July 20, 1989, with ambitious goals that went beyond NASA's existing shuttle missions and space station plans.

Logsdon details the conflicts that arose between the White House and NASA. The administration believed that NASA needed significant changes to implement the SEI effectively, while NASA administrators like Richard Truly thought the agency could achieve the goals with its traditional approach and ample funding. This misunderstanding led to resentment and a breakdown in trust, ultimately hindering the success of the SEI.

The book also explores the specific events and decisions that contributed to these conflicts. For example, the infamous 90-Day Study, which was seen as a failure by the administration, and the presentation by Lowell Wood of Lawrence Livermore, which was not communicated to NASA Administrator Truly in advance, further strained the relationship between the two entities.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the context and themes discussed in "Going Beyond" suggest that the book offers a detailed and nuanced historical account of the challenges faced by NASA during this period. Logsdon's access to previously unavailable documents from the Bush presidential library and his acquaintance with key individuals involved in the events provide a unique perspective.

The critical reception is likely to be positive due to Logsdon's reputation as an elder statesman of space policy history and his ability to add depth to the narrative through his independent perspective. The book's focus on organizational change and the complexities of inter-agency relations would be of interest to historians, policymakers, and enthusiasts of space exploration.

Additional Context

• Author's Background: John M. Logsdon is a renowned historian of space policy, known for his extensive research and publications on the subject. His previous work, "Ronald Reagan and the Space Frontier," sets the stage for his exploration of subsequent administrations' space policies.
• Monograph Series: "Going Beyond" is part of the NASA History Series, which aims to provide comprehensive and authoritative accounts of significant events and initiatives in NASA's history.

In summary, "Going Beyond" by John M. Logsdon offers a rich and detailed exploration of the challenges faced by NASA during the Space Exploration Initiative, highlighting the complexities of organizational change and inter-agency relations. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of space history and policy, providing insights that are both historical and contemporary.