Sigma 7

Colin Burgess’s first book, “The Diggers of Colditz” was published simultaneously in the U.K. and Australia in 1985.  His next few books were on the Australian prisoner-of –war experience and then he turned his efforts to writing about his principal interest: human space exploration. Colin has written a number of books on the subject for the University of Nebraska Press and Springer-Praxis. The books he has written or co-authored for Springer-Praxis are “NASA’s Scientist-Astronauts,” “Animals in Space,” “The First Soviet Cosmonaut Team,” “Selecting the Mercury Seven,” “Moon Bound,” “Freedom 7,” “Liberty Bell 7,” “Friendship 7,” and “Aurora 7”.  Colin also wrote a new book on the Interkosmos program along with co-author Bert Vis, and is preparing a history of NASA’s Group 5 and 7 astronauts with co-author David J. Shayler. In addition, he is the series editor and sometimes author for the Outward Odyssey series of books on the social history of space exploration for the University of Nebraska Press.

Foreword by Tracy Kornfeld.- Acknowledgements.- Author Prologue.- Chapter 1: A flier's son.- Chapter 2: The making of a flight-ready astronaut.- Chapter 3: The art of space flight.- Chapter 4: Sigma 7 flies.- Chapter 5:  "A sweet little bird".- Chapter 6: Press conferences, parades, and post-flight honors.- Chapter 7: A Life beyond Apollo.- Chapter 8: Final Salute to a hero.- Appendices.- Index.

"This book includes an early biography for Schirra and details of the Sigma 7 spaceflight, with the events leading up to the flight and post-flight activities. The author includes many outstanding and interesting historical photographs, such as mission training, publicity photos of the Mercury astronauts, and visits with President John F. Kennedy. This book will make a great addition to the library of any enthusiasts interested in the history of the space program. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers." (J. Z. Kiss, Choice, Vol. 54 (5), January, 2017)