NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary

From 1981 to 2011, NASA conducted 135 missions by way of five Shuttle systems in a groundbreaking endeavor officially called the Space Transportation System. 10 years later, celebrate the 30 year operational history of the Space Shuttle program with this carefully curated book that provides a stunning look at the Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis spacecraft.

Compiled by two accomplished space writers and historians, the unparalleled expertise of these curators results in a truly thorough guide that explores every aspect of the Shuttle story. Roger Launius has held honorable historian-related titles throughout his career at institutions such as NASA and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Aerospace historian Piers Bizony has a plethora of experience writing about space and science for many magazines, and has several books to his name.

Essays from Launius are paired with large-format color images and illustrations sourced directly from deep within NASA’s own archives. Combined, NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary is not only a thorough look into the Shuttle story but a stellar piece of memorabilia that’s the perfect addition to any NASA enthusiast’s collection.