Space Shuttle 40th Anniversary Edition

Updated to include the final Shuttle missions, and published to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the first Shuttle mission, in 1981, former NASA Shuttle engineer David Baker provides a fascinating description of the origin of the reusable launch vehicle concept during the 1960s, itsevolution into a viable flying machine in the early 1970s, and its subsequent design, engineering, construction and operation. TheShuttle'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