Welcome Aboard! You are about to embark on a spectacular adventure, blazing a trail for future space travel in the world's greatest flying machine. Prepare for lift-off using the step-by-step instructions for launch and ascent. Soar into the sky consulting the authentic gatefold reproduction of the Shuttle's instrument panel. Operate the remote manipulator arm, the space telescope, and the data relay satellite as you communicate with ground control. Chart your space flight using the authentic fold-out orbital map. Hurtle back through the Earth's atmosphere to land the aircraft gently like a glider. Congratulations! We hope your mission is rewarding and fascinating! Sincerely, Directorate for Crew Training Written for the layperson by curators at the National Air and Space Museum, with colorful illustrations throughout, THE SPACE SHUTTLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL takes the reader through all the motions of an actual mission -- from preparation to takeoff to orbit to re-entry.

Designed between 1969 and 1972 and first flown into space in 1981, the NASA Shuttle will have flown almost 140 missions by the time it is retired in 2011. 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.

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 includes 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, and one no space flight enthusiast should be without."

This series examines the history and science of space exploration. It also delves into the careers and technological advancements associated with this exciting field of study.

Full color publication. This document has been produced and updated over a 21-year period. It is intended to be a handy reference document, basically one page per flight, and care has been exercised to make it as error-free as possible. This document is basically "as flown" data and has been compiled from many sources including flight logs, flight rules, flight anomaly logs, mod flight descent summary, post flight analysis of mps propellants, FDRD, FRD, SODB, and the MER shuttle flight data and inflight anomaly list. Orbit distance traveled is taken from the PAO mission statistics.