Return to Flight: Inside NASA's Space Shuttle Missions in the Wake of the Columbia Disaster

by James F. Peters

If you’ve ever wanted to know what the Columbia astronauts and NASA Mission Control were thinking, feeling, and doing in the final moments of the shuttle’s flight on February 1, 2003, look no further than Return to Flight by Dr. James F. Peters. But, as implied by its title, this is not merely the recounting of a tragic accident; it is a story about the passionate and dedicated women and men who, in the wake of disaster, faithfully supported the US human spaceflight program, creatively striving to ensure the next shuttle mission would be the safest yet.

With the very existence of the shuttle program hanging in the balance, Dr. Peters is appointed to lead a team of NASA engineers and contractors whose job is to identify and solve debris issues and scientifically determine the “safety of flight.” Facing the technical challenges, as well as the mounting criticism, with determination, the team achieves the impossible and makes way for future missions.

From inside NASA, Return to Flight gives a fascinating, in-depth account of the process that led to the continuation of the Space Shuttle Program and the people who made it possible.

465 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2015

Reviews

[Dan Macinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that will be appreciated by all engineers

Excellent book! Any engineer that has worked in the aerospace industry will appreciate the technical details and put yourself in Dr. Peters shoes. In addition to learning the details of the Columbia disaster and how NASA returned to flight, you will also learn much about the NASA organization, the people, and interspersed among the technical details, the personal side of Jim and his engaging personality. A really rewarding read!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough inside account of the technical and political processes involved in returning the Space Shuttle to flight following the Columbia accident. A must-read for anyone who worked for the Space Shuttle program in their career.

[Bash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indepth look at post-Columbia NASA's stuggle for safety

Debris strike caused the damage that cost seven astronauts' lives in the Columbiaentry accident. This book details the agency's struggle to solve foam and ice debris strike problems as the shuttle retuned to flight.