They were initially assembled by Edgar M. Cortright, a senior official of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as a personal reminder of the stirring years when man first developed the ability to propel his cameras and instruments, and then himself, beyond the Earth's atmosphere. With this publication, they become a part of NASA's flow of reports to the American public on some of the growing returns from its investment in the exploration of space. As such, I hope this book can find its way into many American homes, for it is a part of a record of achievement of which our country can be proud."