Defence and Discovery: Canada’s Military Space Program, 1945–74, by Andrew B. Godefroy

Abstract

Andrew B. Godefroy, Defence and Discovery: Canada's Military Space Program, 1945-74, Vancouver: UBC Press, 2012. 256 pp., ISBN: 978-0774819602, $32.95 (pbk)Defence and Discovery sets out to provide reader with an analysis of Canada's role in exploration of upper atmosphere and outer space from end of Second World War in 1945 until ratification of country's first space policy in 1974. As author indicates, the book seeks to reveal nature of first three decades of Canada's exploration of space and to place it within wider context of political history of Canadian science and technology (6).Organized chronologically and thematically, Defence and Discovery examines specific periods of space research and technological development and key players who were involved in this important activity. Godefroy begins his analysis by looking at security and aerospace research prior to Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik rocket in October 1957. Next, he turns to Canada's engagement with missiles and rocketry, with particular focus on development of Black Brant rocket and Churchill range. Sequentially, Godefroy then examines Canada's early space policies, nation's development and launching of Alouette satellite followed by agreement with United States on use international satellites for ionospheric studies. The book then looks at Canada's participation in militarization and weaponization of space in 1960s with particular emphasis on anti-ballistic missile defence activities and Royal Canadian Air Force's space defence program. Godefroy concludes his examination by discussing demise of Cold War space program and Canada's new agenda for activity in outer space. The reader will not be surprised to learn that money, resources, and politics played key roles in demise of Canada's ambitions in space in 1960s.Defence and Discovery is a well-written book with significant amounts of primary source research and technical detail about Canada's engagement and scientific and technological developments in upper atmosphere and space. Considered from a scholarly perspective, this book clearly provides a wealth of evidence and technical detail about its subject. It is a significant addition to body of knowledge on Canada's history with space. As author himself observes, there has been very little scholarly work completed in this subject area. However, scholarly strength of this work is also a weakness for general reader. It is a detail-oriented monograph that is not an easy read for someone without an existing understanding of Canada's military and political history. …