Defining the Shuttle : the spaceplane tradition -- Designing the Shuttle : living within the political system -- Managing the Space Shuttle : leadership, change, and big technology -- Engineering the engine : the Space Shuttle main engine -- Protecting the body : the orbiter's thermal protection system -- Revolutionizing electronics : software and the challenge of flight control -- Flying the Shuttle : operations from preparation through flight to recovery -- Using the Shuttle : operations on orbit -- Losing the Shuttle (or nearly) : accidents and anomalies -- Constructing a port in orbit : the Space Shuttle and building the Space Station -- A victory for clean interfaces : Europe's participation in the Space Shuttle program -- Living and working on the Shuttle : the challenge of routine -- Wowing the public : the Shuttle as a cultural icon -- Retiring the Space Shuttle : what next? -- Epilogue.
Summary:
"This book, more than any other, distills and captures the historical essence of the Space Shuttle program from its post-Apollo inception to its winding down and retirement in 2011. The Shuttle program is the single most significant, and among the most inspirational, science and technology programs in human history to date. ... [The authors] assess the program's historic impact upon our technoculture as the world's premiere "big science" and "high technology" program, both in terms of its stunning and unique benefits and its immeasurable and troubling opportunity costs - both inspirational and practical."--P. vii.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.