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 millennia, the Space Shuttle had carried crews into space over 85 times. Although it is 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 photos throughout, this book covers the design, development and operational history of a unique vehicle.