Haynes releases space shuttle Owner’s Workshop Manual
Haynes Publishing, the producers of the iconic Haynes Owner’s Workshop Manuals, has released a manual for the NASA space shuttle.
The manual has been released to jointly mark the 30th anniversary of the shuttle’s first mission and to mark the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic first space flight.
The manual has been written by Dr David Baker, who worked with NASA for over 25 years on the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programmes between 1965 and 1990.
It includes the full story of the Shuttle, its design, construction and operation, supported by more than 250 photographs, technical diagrams and explanations.
The book also outlines the historical context of the shuttle and its part in the joint Russian and American space operations that ultimately helped improve relations between the two following the Cold War.
The Shuttle’s internal layout and systems are explained in full including the operation of life support, electrical power production, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing and avionics.
Life on board is also described in detail, including how astronauts live with weightlessness. Eating in space offers unique challenges and the manual lists the specifically designed kit, such as food trays with Velcro strips to attach them to the knee, and magnetic strips to keep cups, cutlery, and condiments within reach.
Haynes has produced a number of unusual Owner’s Manuals to complement its standard car range; these have included ones for a B-17 Flying Fortress, the Apollo Moon lander and fictional transports, such as the USS Enterprise.