WHEN THE RACE WAS WON: THE STORY OF NASA'S GEMINI PROGRAM.

This review focuses on *When the Race Was Won*, a book that chronicles NASA's Gemini program, a critical but often overlooked phase in the Space Race that featured 10 two-man crewed missions advancing orbital rendezvous and docking techniques essential for the Apollo lunar landings. The book covers the program's technical achievements, including spacecraft maneuverability, long-duration flights, and pioneering spacewalks, while also highlighting the evolving role of Mission Control and the astronauts' personalities. It situates Gemini within the broader context of 1960s space exploration, emphasizing the program's innovative developments amid technological infancy. The narrative is noted for its engaging style and detailed recounting, making it accessible to both space enthusiasts and newcomers to human spaceflight history.