There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. Others were grueling slogs through 1000 military organizations abbreviated names. It’s a pity because the stories in this book are truly fascinating I just feel they could be told with a little more brevity than endless lists.

I'm not really sure what to think of this. I thought it would be more about how physics and the military intersect, but like other reviews say, it's kind of all over the place. It was a rough read. The first chapter nearly made me put the book down. Then, in the second chapter, though, it gave a history of physics and navigation. I don't know if this was so much about the "alliance" between astrophysics and the military, but more about well ... I don't really know.

Well researched and informative but pretty chewy read. Enjoyed but glad I’m finished lol

Giving it four solely to “acknowledge” the false controversy. Had Dr. Tyson been found guilty in civilian court; had the prosecution failed to complete its own case; etc, etc. I’m commenting solely on the work, which is overdue. Everyone knows the iconic (and somewhat manufactured) moment when President Eisenhower warned of a “military industrial complex.” We overlook his enthusiastic participation in its birth.

This work does a GREAT job of highlighting how totally unrelated geopolitical events were used to justify bending science to the whims of the those who enjoy the application of organized violence. It’s overdue.

Comprehensive overview of space research and technology with an emphasis on the inevitable relationship between science and war. In essence, the two exist in a symbiotic relationship that drives innovation in both fields.

The book’s most striking aspect was its evaluation of space technology’s current state. Space technology is not as far along as media and unclassified defense reports represent—likely a result of spending priorities.

Additionally, the book impressed upon me the necessity for international cooperation in space research and exploration. Space is an untapped resource that can extend humankind’s terrestrial existence. However, no single country or group of countries can independently undertake space research and exploration. It must be a collaborative effort. Humankind must prioritize cooperation over competition in space to maximize space’s potential.

Good read.

I love history of science books, and thought the intersection of science and the military would be an interesting lenses to explore past discoveries through. While not entirely absent from the text, this is certainly not the theme of the book. Most of the book is an anti-war / anti-military screed. I am not a republican, or a fan of war, or the military. However, the over-the-top preachiness combined with constant winging about how small a percent of the budget goes to science, compared to how much goes to the military, is straight up cringe-inducing. We get it scientist, you think more money should go to the thing you do than other things you don't even like. This polemic is sprinkled throughout with non-sequitur digs at republicans past and present, and well as heaping praise for democrats and democratic social programs, especially those that aren't related to either science or military spending. And just in case you missed the 'subtle' partisanship, there's a whole chapter near the end dedicated to the importance of the '#resistance' movement for good measure.

What history of science is covered mostly revolves around the history of navigation and in particular the quest to find longitude at sea. NdgT's treatment of the subject holds a dim candle indeed to Dava Sobel's excellent "Longitude".

This was my first NdgT book, and I have to say I was very disappointed, not sure I'm even going to bother with 'astrophysics for people in a hurry' after this.

Maybe this book just wasn't for me. Was it educational? Yes! Did it drone on too long? Also yes.

Like I said, if you're into astrophysics and all, more power to you. I just feel like this book went on for a long time. I swear, I listened to the man talk about telescopes for a good 2 hour drive, and that drive felt longer than usual.

Again, not my cup of tea, but ut just wasn't for me.

Good book, but contained more history than I was looking for - most of which I already knew.