Osprey New Vanguard 99 : Space Shuttle Launch System 1972-2004

The Space Shuttle is one of the oldest and most famous manned launch systems - the only launch vehicle that has been used for a longer period of time is the Soviet (now Russian) R-7 booster. By the start of the third millennium, the Space Shuttle had carried crews into space over 85 times. Although not a military structure, the Shuttle had been sold as an all-purpose launch system to be used jointly for military and civilian purposes. Featuring full-colour photographs throughout, this book covers the design, development and operational history of a unique vehicle. Text by Mark Lardas with illustrations by Ian Palmer.

Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Development
• Operation History
• Orbiter Vehicles
• Colour Plate Commentary
• Index