The Space Shuttle Operator's Manual

by Kerry Mark Joels

Welcome Aboard!

You are about to embark on a spectacular adventure, blazing a trail for future space travel in the world's greatest flying machine.

Prepare for lift-off using the step-by-step instructions for launch and ascent. Soar into the sky consulting the authentic gatefold reproduction of the Shuttle's instrument panel. Operate the remote manipulator arm, the space telescope, and the data relay satellite as you communicate with ground control. Chart your space flight using the authentic fold-out orbital map. Hurtle back through the Earth's atmosphere to land the aircraft gently like a glider.

Congratulations! We hope your mission is rewarding and fascinating!

Sincerely,

Directorate for Crew Training


Written for the layperson by curators at the National Air and Space Museum, with colorful illustrations throughout, THE SPACE SHUTTLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL takes the reader through all the motions of an actual mission -- from preparation to takeoff to orbit to re-entry.

Genres: Space, Science, Nonfiction, Reference, Technology

179 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1982

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid, I really wanted to be an Astronaut, or at least be involved in the space program. Turns out that didn't happen, But I still follow Astrophysics subjects.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid. With the detailed illustrations of the instrument panels I could pretend to press the buttons on my under the desk space capsule. With the script for liftoff I could be my own mission control. And the cutouts let me build parts of it out of lego’s for the GI Joes to play in.
As an adult I was so happy to rediscover this gem, and the nerd in me swooned when I realized Mr. Scott’s Guide to the Enterprise had copied the formatting. Of course the debate begins: which came first?

[John Hobbs]

Fun read :-)

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Reminds me of my work with NASA back in grad school.

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good techincal book. Presented in easy to understands terms. The simulated missions are a great bonus.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being in the Workman High School Space Shuttle Club, this book was invaluable and very helpful with learning all facets of the space shuttle! I loved it.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth picking up a copy.

[The Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

3-2-1-LIFTOFF. Explore the amazing world of the Space Shuttle with this work. Get an up-close view of how astronauts launch, live in space, and return safely to earth. You can find information on payloads, meals in space, and the ever-important question - how do astronauts go to the bathroom in space.

[Paul Belanger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at the wealth of knowledge in this book. It gave me the impression of something a student would get at Space Camp, and maybe it is. If you are a fan of space exploration and the Shuttle project then this is a great read. I would have liked to have read this decades ago.

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This book is really fun to read. It has all kinds of fun information. If you do not know a lot about the Space Shuttle, then you will very likely learn a lot! From the way the astronaut food is made, to running experiments to launching satellites, this book is full of information!

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent technical description of everything from systems to procedures. Included are cockpit panel diagrams, procedures for various missions including tasks and associated panels and Shuttle-ground communications.

[Karl Kindt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning read. Well presented. It makes the entire space shuttle process clear to the layman in a detailed and intriguing manner.

[Rob Adams]

I was browsing in a bookstore when I came across a book with an incredible title: "The Space Shuttle Operator's Manual." Could this book really tell me how to fly the shuttle? Turn out the answer is yes, theoretically. It had detailed checklists of what switches to switch and buttons to press to lauch the shuttle, carry out various missions, and land. It even had fold out pages with the control panels printed on them, so when the checklist said "Pressurize nitrogen tanks," you can find the switches to do that. What a great way to geek out!

[Chuck Emmer]

The Space Shuttle Operator's ManualKerry Mark Joels

[Taylor Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as a teenager. I read it when it first came out in 1982. Maybe silly to add it to my Goodreads ’Read’ category 40+ years later, but I just happened to find it in a box in my garage and wanted to honor it.

[Michael Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space is the place! A wealth of knowledge of all things regarding the space shuttle, with lots of awesome diagrams, photos, and logs. Would absolutely recommend to anyone interested in space flight or NASA.