Book Review: Countdown to Launch by Ralph Hollis

We rocket enthusiasts all know Werner von Braun and Willy Ley. This first-person account in "Countdown To Launch!" introduces another rocket pioneer. Raised in the post-war midwest during the nuclear missile race, living within the circular error probability of a military base strike, Ralph Hollis led a group of high school students to design and build two-stage rockets. One of these was capable of reaching 35.000 feet and returning gently to earth using hand designed parachute mechanisms. Ralph used very primitive computers to help in the construction of vital U.S. missiles such as the Minuteman III and ring laser gyroscopes for submarines. Joining the pantheon of Werner and Willy, Ralph Hollis give a first-person pioneer insight we rocket enthusiasts thirst to hear. If you love rockets, you need this book.