Space shuttle stories Firsthand astronaut accounts from all 135 missions

Jones (Sky Walking, 2007) offers a sweeping overview of the history of the Space Transportation System (better known as the space shuttle) that defined the U.S. space program for the last quarter of the twentieth century, via firsthand accounts from the crews of every one of the 135 STS missions: stories about the work they did, the challenges they faced, and what it's like to rocket into space and come back down to Earth. It's fascinating to hear their perspectives. These stories are presented chronologically and divided into three sections, marked by the Challenger and Columbia disasters, beginning with shuttle development in the 1970s and ending with the construction of the International Space Station. Each section is prefaced with historical information and context. One significant appeal of this book is the many high-quality, full-color photographs: every mission crew and dozens of stunning shots of the shuttle in use. This is an excellent recommendation for fans of the space shuttle and anyone interested in the U.S. space program.

Veteran astronaut Jones's (Sky Walking) latest book is exactly what the title promises: a visually stunning collection of photographs, mission statistics, and firsthand anecdotes from astronauts on board each of NASA's 135 shuttle missions. From the trepidation and elation surrounding the first shuttle flights to the melancholy pride that covered the final flight of the space shuttle Atlantis, each mission is described with tantalizing details. The two shuttle tragedies--the loss of Challenger and its seven crew members in 1986 and the seven deaths from Columbia's disintegration in 2003--are portrayed with solemn dignity, and the place of those vehicles and their astronauts in the history of the shuttle program is respectfully defined. The pictures that accompany each voyage's description and crew list are terrific. They include action shots of the shuttle and group photos of the crew, wearing anything from the renowned orange space suits to Hawaiian shirts and the special logo patch designed for each mission. VERDICT This delightful compilation of facts, figures, and photography will thrill and educate readers with an interest in the realities of American space travel.--Jennifer Moore