NASA Space Shuttle Manual: An Insight Into the Design, Construction and Operation of the NASA Space Shuttle (Owner's Workshop Manual)

This "owner's manual" (!!) describes the design of the shuttle, how it is constructed and how it works in operation. There are copious good quality photographs showing various stages of construction, and also plenty of diagrams that add factual detail. The accompanying text is well written, not at all dry, and adds to the enjoyment of the book. The author has managed to navigate a sensible middle path between the two extremes of overwhelming the reader with technical detail or, on the contrary, just providing a sequence of pretty pictures - I'd say he has got the balance about right. You don't have to be an engineer or a technical expert to understand this book, although you will find it easier going if you know a little bit about space-flight and rocketry. (And even if you don't you will by the time you've finished reading it.) He also is clearly writing from personal experience combined with a good technical knowledge of the Shuttle and its operations, so this is not a hagiography. He is not afraid to criticise the technical and commercial shortcomings of the Shuttle's design, or NASA's failure to react to the clear warning signs that preceded the losses of Challenger and Columbia. In short an excellent manual that not only does what it says on the cover, but also goes well beyond this. I would recommend it highly.

Full of fascinating facts for young space enthusiasts

purchased this for my father who is hard to buy for and he loved it, perfect for any space fan

A well structured and written book, with a good balance of technical and operational detail. While other books from Mr Baker can be heavy on jargon or flow poorly, this is not one of them. With a fine selection of photos and drawings, well synchronized with the text, this book gives a great insight into the development, design and operation of the space shuttle. Sections on the booster rockets and main engines stood out. I liked the detail on the electric, hydraulic and mechanical systems.

I've been buying a lot of these Haynes "Owner's Workshop Manual" recently. They are an excellent reference item when building model kits and easy to read as a stand alone book. They follow a standard format- history, variants, Use and Maintenance. The books are usually written by former user/experts and are always very informative. Also, the quality of photos and illustrations are second to none, often showing the unseen/hard to get to areas. Haynes are onto a winner with these, as they are an excellent addition to a reference library. This particular manual covers the design/prototyping of the shuttle, through it's missions (and tragic accidents) through to it's eventual retirement and place in history. Some of the pictures inside from NASA archives were previously unpublished, which is an additional bonus.

Christmas present for my physics student son who has other books in the series, he is very pleased with it.

Shows all the many things that need to be considered building this wonderful awesome shuttle. Perfect for those fascinated by space

I bought as a b-day present for my dad and he loves it. It contains fantastic imagery and the information is in such an accessible yet not in "dumbed down" form. The only issue I/my dad has is the length, its just to short for such a good book.

Libro da acquistare per gli appassionati

Fantastic and unprecedented technical insight into the Space Shuttle (program). EXCELLENT, TEXT, PICTURES AND PRINT, as most newer Haynes workshop books.

Ha llegado con una esquina doblada y rota

rien à dire, très fourni et documenté, belles illustrations, explications techniques et détaillées je suis satisfait de cet achat, j'ai les mêmes pour soyouz et appolo

I bought used one. Very nice information for studying Space Shuttle. full color many photos and illustration.