NASA Space Shuttle (1972-2011): Books (2/2)

NASA Space Shuttle Manual (1981 onwards) - An insight into the design, construction and operation (Haynes Space Manual)

Designed between 1969 and 1972 and first flown into space in 1981, the NASA Shuttle has flown almost 140 missions by the time it was retired in 2010. David Baker describes the origin of the reusable launch vehicle concept during the 1960s, its evolution into a viable flying machine in the early 1970s, and its subsequent design, engineering, construction and operation.

The Shuttle's internal layout and systems are explained, including the operation of life support, electrical power production, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing and avionics systems.

NASA Space Shuttle - Crew Escape Systems Handbook

Prepared for NASA by contractor United Space Alliance in 2005, this Space Shuttle Crew Escape System Handbook details the equipment, systems and procedures that would have been used in the event of an emergency during launch.

Designed for use by astronauts, instructors and ground personnel, the text describes and explains the crew-worn equipment and orbiter hardware, emergency escape modes, and crew duties and responses during egress.
It includes a discussion of the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES), helmet, parachute and harness, and survival gear. It also details hatch opening procedures, the escape pole, slide system, Sky Genie, slidewire basket system, the Window 8 escape panel, special seat features, and more.
A short supplement also provides information about Shuttle Transoceanic Aboard Landing sites.

Richly illustrated with numerous diagrams and photos, this book provides fascinating insights into rarely discussed aspects of the Space Shuttle program and astronaut training.

NASA Space Shuttle - Transportation System Manual

The Space Shuttle Transportation System Manual provides a highly detailed overview of the components that made up the Space Shuttle program. Created in 1984 for NASA by prime contractor Rockwell International, this book was intended as a highly readable, easy-to-understand reference for members of the press and corporate clients.
The 600+ page text features hundreds of technical diagrams and photographs, an overview of the Shuttle program, and detailed sections on spacecraft structures, spacecraft systems and payloads.
Spacecraft structures chapters include information about the orbiter,propulsion systems, external boosters, external tank and payload deployment. Spacecraft systems chapters include discussions of the thermal protection system, orbital maneuvering system, reaction control system, electrical power and life support systems, communications, avionics, landing gear and more. Additional chapters provide background concerning the development and testing of the shuttles, and payloads such as Spacelab, the Payload Assist Module and Space Telescope.
Despite the tragedies that resulted in the loss of two of the spacecraft, the Space Shuttle program was a highly successful one that facilitated the construction of the International Space Station, deployment and service of the Hubble Space Telescope, and produced many other significant milestones.

This book sheds light in particular into the first few years of the spacecraft's spectacular three decade service life (1981-2011) and lays out many goals for the STS,many of which were fulfilled and some which were not. A highly complete, detailed look inside the spacecraft, how it was designed, built and operated, this book remains one of the best Space Shuttle references available.

Space Shuttle Launch System 1972–2004 (Osprey)

The Space Shuttle is one of the oldest and most famous manned launch systems - the only launch vehicle that has been used for a longer period of time is the Soviet (now Russian) R-7 booster.
By the start of the third millennium, the Space Shuttle had carried crews into space over 85 times. Although not a military structure, the Shuttle had been sold as an all-purpose launch system to be used jointly for military and civilian purposes. Featuring full-colour photos throughout, this book covers the design, development and operational history of a unique vehicle.

Contents: Introduction - Design and Development - Operation History - Orbiter Vehicles - Colour plate commentary - Index.