This book reveals the innovative technological origins and highly politicized security evolution of the Canadian rocket and space program during the height of the Cold War space race.

The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War is well documented, but few are aware that Canada, too, was an early contender in space exploration. Indeed, in 1962, Canada bested the more powerful United Kingdom to become the third nation to reach outer space.

Defence and Discovery presents the first comprehensive investigation into the origins, development, and impact of Canada’s space program. Through meticulous research, including newly declassified material, it demonstrates the central role of the military in Canada’s early space research. Moreover, it reveals the technological, political, and strategic implications of the country’s early innovation in space-research technology, and its subsequent turn from this arena.

A striking contribution to Canada’s military and political history, Defence and Discovery illuminates a significant yet understudied period in Canada’s growth as a nation.

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Godefroy meticulously plots Canada’s involvement in space research... it is an extremely well-researched and well-written historical analysis, that will most likely appeal to those interested in Canadian scientific achievements such as the Avro Arrow.

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Godefroy’s relentless pursuit of the details of the history of Canada’s military space program has resulted in a profoundly original work that makes a significant contribution not only to the history of science and technology, but also to international history more generally ... non-specialists will have to work to get through this book, and I fear that too many Canadians might not have the patience to do so ... that is a real shame, because if they were to learn even half as much as I have, they would be significantly better placed to participate in discussions of international policy in Canada in the future.

"Godefroy has translated his lifelong fascination with space and his expertise, garnered from working in the Canadian Force’s Directorate of Space Development, into a fascinating story of Canada’s important contributions to defence on the “final frontier.”" - Canadian Military Journal, Vol. 12, No. 3, Summer 2012

"Andrew Godefroy does a terrific job of presenting a very complicated story ... Quest readers, in particular those interested in military space history which generally focuses on the American and Soviet programs, will find this book breaking new ground." - Quest: The History of Spaceflight, Vol 19 No 1