The Space Shuttle Operator S Manual

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 Soyuz spacecraft played a major role in Russia's plans for a manned landing on the Moon and several test models were flown at the height of the 'space race'. Originally designed for circumlunar flight, Soyuz has been the mainstay of Russia's space program.

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."

ShipPlotter is a unique piece of software that enables a user to have a live radar type display of shipping in their local coastal region or other regions and waterways around the world. The software decodes radio signals, received using a VHF radio receiver or scanner, from ships transmitting digital data using the marine Automatic Identification System (AIS). The book provides an excellent description of the AIS system and messaging.ShipPlotter visually displays the position and identification of each ship either as radar view or on a chart created from a graphic image file, a satellite image download or a downloaded Open Street Map.Whilst mariners, small boat owners and yachtsmen can use the ShipPlotter software this book is written for and intended solely for the hobbyist and ship-spotting enthusiast. Its contents therefore should not be used as any sort of guidance or advice for those who are not firmly fixed to their seats in the comfort of their homes on dry ground!