Dictionnaire de l'astronautique

Thomas de Galiana, Paul Muller (pref.)
Year1963
PublisherLibrairie Larousse
PlaceParis
LanguageFR
Pages319
SeriesLes Dictionnaires de l'Homme du XXe Siècle
Rating★★★☆☆ (3/5)
AudienceGeneral, Student
LevelIntermediate
Keywords
astronauticspropulsionrocketartificial satellitespace race
ThemesSpace Race, Launchers & Propulsion

The first comprehensive encyclopedic dictionary of astronautics in the French language, published by Larousse in 1963. In 319 pages, Thomas de Galiana defines the scientific and technical vocabulary of space exploration, from fundamental physics to contemporary Soviet and American programs. Prefaced by astronomer Paul Muller of the Paris Observatory, the work covers rocket and propulsion terminology, space programs (Vostok, Mercury, Pioneer, Luna), orbital mechanics, space biology, and planetary geography, lavishly illustrated with photographs and technical diagrams.

📖 Editorial Review

The first work of its kind in the French language, this Larousse dictionary appeared in autumn 1963, weeks after Valentina Terechkova's flight aboard Vostok VI. The timing was apt: astronautics was generating new vocabulary daily that the public, journalists, and students struggled to follow. …