NASA Space Shuttle (1972-2011): books

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 in 1981, the NASA Space Shuttle completed nearly 140 missions before its retirement in 2010. David Baker traces the development of the reusable spacecraft concept in the 1960s and its transformation into a practical vehicle in the early 1970s.

The book details the Shuttle's design, engineering, construction, and operation. It explains the internal layout and key systems, including life support, power generation, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing, and avionics.

With clear explanations, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the Shuttle's technology, functionality, and history, making it essential reading for space enthusiasts and engineers alike.

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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.

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To Orbit and Back Again : How the Space Shuttle Flew in Space

This book looks at the Space Shuttle, and answers one simple question: "How does it work?" The question may be simple, but the answer is not as easy to give.

This work describes the structures and systems used each time the Shuttle was launched, and then follows an imaginary mission, explaining how those structures and systems were used in orbital operations and the return to Earth.
Details of how anomalous events were dealt with on individual missions are also provided, as are the recollections of those who built and flew the Shuttle.

Highly illustrated with many diagrams, photographs and technical drawings, To Orbit and Back Again focuses on the engineering aspects of the Shuttle. It describes the systems and subsystems in clear, non-technical terms brings to the fore the design work behind the Space Shuttle and the mission itself

Table of Contents:

Foreword
1. A brain and mind for the Orbiter: the avionics system
2. A skeleton for the Orbiter: structure and mechanisms
3. Power to the orbit: the main engines
4. Power to the orbit: solid rocket boosters
5. Shuttle propulsion: the external tank
6. Maneuvering in space: the orbital maneuvering system and reaction
7. Heart and lung of the Orbiter: the environmental control life supports system and electrical control system
8. The Orbiter's skin: the thermal protection system
9. Auxiliary power unit and hydraulic system
10. Fundamentals of the Shuttle GNC
11. The art of reaching orbit
12. Orbital dancing
13. Returning home

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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.

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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.

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The Space Shuttle Program : Technologies and Accomplishments

This book tells the story of the Space Shuttle in its many different roles as orbital launch platform, orbital workshop, and science and technology laboratory.
It focuses on the technology designed and developed to support the missions of the Space Shuttle program. Each mission is examined, from both the technical and managerial viewpoints.

Although outwardly identical, the capabilities of the orbiters in the late years of the program were quite different from those in 1981.Sivolella traces the various improvements and modifications made to the shuttle over the years as part of each mission story.
Technically accurate but with a pleasing narrative style and simple explanations of complex engineering concepts, the book provides details of many lesser known concepts, some developed but never flown, and commemorates the ingenuity of NASA and its partners in making each Space Shuttle mission push the boundaries of what we can accomplish in space.

Using press kits, original papers, newspaper and magazine articles, memoirs and interviews, this book provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive account available of the shuttle's many missions and will refocus interest on a remarkable flying machine and space program that is often pushed to the background.

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