Lost American Projects: A Spacecraft Modellers Guide

The book explores the major American space programs that carried crews, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle, and the North American X-15 rocket plane. It highlights the new hardware and techniques used, and how space scientists and engineers were looking at how they could be put to even greater use. However, none of these projects were ever built or flew. Lost American Projects – A Spacecraft Modellers Guide is a follow-on to Mat Irvines earlier book, Scale Spacecraft Modelling, and provides a guide for building models of these projects to display alongside those that did fly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2024
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The United States has a rich history of ambitious space projects that never saw the light of day. From the early days of space exploration with Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo in the 1960s and 1970s, to the Space Shuttle era in the 1980s, these programs have left an indelible mark on the history of space travel. However, many more projects were proposed and designed, but never materialized. This book delves into the world of these lost American projects, exploring their designs, concepts, and potential impact on space exploration.

One of the most remarkable projects was the North American X-15 rocket plane. Designed by NASA and operated by the Air Force, the X-15 was capable of reaching altitudes of over 35 miles, making it the highest-flying aircraft in history. Pilots who flew the X-15 earned their Astronaut Wings, a testament to the plane's incredible capabilities. Despite its success, the X-15 program was eventually terminated, but its legacy lives on.

Another project that never made it off the ground was the Space Shuttle orbiter. The Space Shuttle was a revolutionary spacecraft that transported astronauts and cargo to and from low Earth orbit. It featured a unique design with two solid-fuel rocket boosters and a giant external tank, allowing it to reach space quickly and efficiently. However, the Space Shuttle program faced several challenges, including the Challenger disaster in 1986, which led to the termination of the program in 2011.

Despite the loss of these projects, the legacy of space exploration in the United States continues to thrive. NASA and other space agencies are working on new projects, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which are designed to take humans to Mars and beyond. These projects represent the latest in space technology and innovation, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in space.

Lost American Projects – A Spacecraft Modellers Guide is a comprehensive guide to these lost projects, featuring detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions for building models of these spacecraft. Whether you are a seasoned spacecraft modeller or a newcomer to the hobby, this book will provide you with the knowledge and skills to bring these lost projects to life.

In conclusion, the United States has a rich history of ambitious space projects that never saw the light of day. From the X-15 rocket plane to the Space Shuttle orbiter, these projects have left an indelible mark on the history of space travel. While these projects may never fly, they can be brought to life through the art of spacecraft modelling. Lost American Projects – A Spacecraft Modellers Guide is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of these lost projects and bringing them to life in miniature.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 246 x 189 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719843204