
Wheels Stop
The Tragedies and Triumphs of the Space Shuttle Program, 1986–2011
- 456 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Humanity’s first reusable spacecraft and the most complex machine ever built, NASA’s Space Shuttle debuted with great promise and as a dependable source of wonder and national pride. But with the Challenger catastrophe in 1986, the whole Space Shuttle program came into question, as did NASA itself, so long an institution that was seemingly above reproach. Wheels Stop tells the stirring story of how, after the Challenger disaster, the Space Shuttle not only recovered but went on to perform its greatest missions. From the Return to Flight mission of STS-26 in 1988 to the last shuttle mission ever on STS-135 in 2011, Wheels Stop takes readers behind the scenes as the shuttle’s crews begin to mend Cold War tensions with the former Soviet Union, conduct vital research, deploy satellites, repair the Hubble Space Telescope, and assist in constructing the International Space Station. It also tells the heart-wrenching story of the Columbia tragedy and the loss of the magnificent STS-107 crew.
As complex as the shuttle was, the people it carried into orbit were often more so—and this is their story, too. Close encounters with astronauts, flight controllers, and shuttle workers capture the human side of the Space Shuttle’s amazing journey—and invite readers along for the ride.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Front Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- List of Illustrations
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1. Back in the Game
- 2. Cloak and Dagger, Science on Orbit
- 3. Hubble Huggers
- 4. Sleeping with the Enemy
- 5. A Home on Orbit
- 6. “The Debris Was Talking to Me”
- 7. “We Came Home”
- 8. A Kick in the Pants
- 9. The End of an Era
- 10. A Magnificent Machine
- Epilogue
- Sources
- Index