The space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War is arguably the most famous international rivalry in modern history. Few, however, are aware that Canada was also 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.

In Defence and Discovery, Andrew Godefroy presents the first comprehensive examination of the origins, development, and impact of Canada's space program. Drawing on newly declassified archival sources and a wealth of secondary...