By Dr David Baker. Hardback. 196pp.
Publisher: Haynes Publishing. ISBN: 978 1 84425 866 6

The Space Shuttle Manual...
There are over 250 photographs, technical diagrams and explanations. The photographs are, in general, stunning. There are many of the iconic shots, but also a good amount of behind the scenes photography.
The manual includes details about the design, construction and operation of the Shuttles. The internal layout and systems are explained in full including the operation of life support, electrical power production, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing and avionics. This is quite similar to The Space Shuttle Operator’s Manual by Joels, Kennedy and Larkin, published by Macmillan in 1982. But then, the basic design has hardly charged over the years.
All the technical parts are well explained, although some of the original diagrams are too small, so it is difficult to see which part is labelled and indeed what the labelling says in some instances.
Other sections include the whole mission process from getting the Shuttle ready, launch and lift off to re-entry and landing. Life on board is also covered, showing how astronauts live and work with weightlessness and a there is a personal reflection by the author on the missions. Recommended !!!