Story of the Space Shuttle

From the reviews: "As the space shuttle returns to flight for what will probably be its final series of missions, this book provides a comprehensive (400 pages) history of this 'workhouse' of the American space programme. ... A number of well-reproduced black and white photographs illustrate some of the highlights of the shuttle's missions. Two useful appendices - a shuttle mission log and list of acronyms - round out the book. ... this book is good value and deserves a place on every space enthusiast's bookshelf." (Nick Quinn, Astronomy Now, September, 2005) "This is another book from David Harland and Springer Praxis that deals with the scientific contribution the Shuttle has made to space travel. It lists the missions under type such as DoD, microgravity, Shuttle Mir, ISS and Communications Satellites, amongst others. ... This approach is very good and Harland writes in a very informative and readable style. ... The book ... has some useful appendices. A recommended book for those who like to have at hand details of individual mission and their achievements." (Rex Hall, Spaceflight, Vol. 47 (5), May, 2005) "The US Space Shuttle, which entered service in 1981, was conceived as a reusable spacecraft ... . The Story of the Space Shuttle explains the scientific contribution that it has made to the international space programme, focusing on the Shuttle's utility ... . Each chapter is devoted to a specific type of operation, and the missions are discussed in this context. ... David Harland provides the definitive work about this amazing project." (Praxis Publishing - Bookman, November, 2004)

• Author's preface.- Acknowledgements.- Origins.- The early years.- The Challenger accident.- Department of Defense involvement.- Communications satellites.- A multiplicity of missions.- The art of spacewalking.- Microgravity.- Studying Earth.- Shuttle-Mir.- The loss of Columbia.- International Space Station.- Reflections.- Mission logs.- Acronyms.- Index.