Steve Matthews

This new edition is a captivating fusion of technical adventure and personal memoir, chronicling one man’s remarkable journey through the pioneering days of America’s manned space program. From tracking missiles aboard radar ships in the far reaches of the Caribbean, South Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, to key roles in Apollo launch operations, the author’s story offers a rare insider’s view of a transformative era of space exploration.

 

Beginning with his early assignments with RCA on missile tracking ships, the author embarks on a five-year odyssey filled with exotic ports, high-stakes missions, and unexpected romance. A chance encounter at a 1960 Christmas party introduces him to Betty Bostic—a meeting that will shape the course of his life. After years at sea and island postings in San Salvador and Antigua, he transitions to North American Aviation and joins launch operations at Cape Canaveral as a quality control specialist in the Apollo program.

 

There, fate reunites him with Betty. Amid the triumphs and tragedies of Apollo—including the harrowing events surrounding the Apollo 1 fire—they marry and forge a life together within the heart of history. Their space-age adventure continues with assignments in Madagascar, where their first son is born, and finally Bermuda, where their odyssey gently ends.