The Space Shuttle has been the dominant machine in the U.S. space program for thirty years and has generated a great deal of interest among space enthusiasts and engineers. This book enables readers to understand its technical systems in greater depth than they have been able to do so before. The author describes the structures and systems of the Space Shuttle, and then follows a typical mission, explaining how the structures and systems were used in the launch, 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. Many photographs and technical drawings illustrate how the Space Shuttle functions, avoiding the use of complicated technical jargon. The book is divided into two sections: Part 1 describes each subsystem in a technical style, supported by diagrams, technical drawings, and photographs to enable a better understanding of the concepts. Part 2 examines different flight phases, from liftoff to landing. Technical material has been obtained from NASA as well as from other forums and specialists. Author Davide Sivolella is an aerospace engineer with a life-long interest in space and is ideally qualified to interpret technical manuals for a wider audience. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the topic including the evolution of given subsystems, reviewing the different configurations, and focusing on the solutions implemented.

A New Era In Space Transportation contains selected papers presented at the 27th International Astronautical Congress, held in Anaheim, California in October 1976. The book presents a survey of the trends and developments in astronomical research in the world. The proceedings cover a variety of points of view on the aspects of space transportation. It is divided into four parts. Part I is devoted to theme sessions, lectures, and a comprehensive look into the American and European programs of space transportation. The second part addresses certain areas in the fields of Engineering and Life Sciences such as Astrodynamics, Bioastronautics, Fluid Dynamics, Materials and Structures, Propulsion, Fluid Dynamics of Planetary Atmospheres, and Laser Uses in Propulsion. Part III deals with Space Technology and Space Systems. The final part focuses on relevant applications like telecommunications, remote sensing of earth resources, and material processing in space. Engineers, astronomers, astrophysicists, biologists, industrialists, and researchers in the field of space technology will find this book a good source of information.