Wheels Stop: The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Space Shuttle Program, 1986-2011

The Space Shuttle program faced a crisis after the Challenger disaster in 1986, but it recovered and completed its greatest missions, including mending Cold War tensions, conducting research, deploying satellites, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and assisting in constructing the International Space Station. The book "Wheels Stop" tells the story of the shuttle's crews and their close encounters with astronauts, flight controllers, and shuttle workers, capturing the human side of the program's amazing journey.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 456 pages
\n Publication date: 01 May 2021
\n Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
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The Space Shuttle, a remarkable feat of human engineering and the first reusable spacecraft, was a source of immense pride for humanity. However, the Challenger tragedy in 1986 cast a shadow over the program and questioned the integrity of NASA, an institution once considered untouchable.

Wheels Stop, a captivating book, delves into the aftermath of the Challenger disaster and the remarkable journey of the Space Shuttle. It chronicles the recovery efforts, from the Return to Flight mission of STS-26 in 1988 to the final shuttle mission on STS-135 in 2011. The book takes readers behind the scenes, showcasing the dedication and resilience of the shuttle crews as they mended Cold War tensions with the former Soviet Union, conducted vital research, deployed satellites, repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, and contributed to the construction of the International Space Station.

In addition to its technical achievements, Wheels Stop also pays tribute to the tragic loss of the Columbia crew in the 2003 disaster. The book explores the human side of the Space Shuttle journey, capturing the close encounters between astronauts, flight controllers, and shuttle workers. These personal stories add depth and emotion to the narrative, making it an engaging and unforgettable read.

The Space Shuttle was a complex machine, but the individuals it carried into orbit were often even more remarkable. The book showcases the courage, determination, and resilience of the astronauts, flight controllers, and shuttle workers who made the Space Shuttle program a success. It is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the indomitable spirit of exploration.

Wheels Stop is a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration, engineering, or the human spirit. It provides a captivating account of the Space Shuttle program's triumphs and tragedies, offering a glimpse into the incredible journey of humanity into space.

\n Weight: 696g\n
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781496224941\n \n