{"title":"David J Shayler","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"nasa-s-first-space-shuttle-astronaut-selection-book-david-j-shayler-9783030457419","title":"NASA's First Space Shuttle Astronaut Selection","description":"Unofficially they called themselves the TFNG, or the Thirty-Five New Guys. Officially, they were NASA’s Group 8 astronauts, selected in January 1978 to train for orbital missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Prior to this time only pilots or scientists trained as pilots had been assigned to fly on America’s spacecraft, but with the advent of the innovative winged spacecraft the door was finally opened to non-pilots, including women and minorities. In all, 15 of those selected were categorised as Pilot Astronauts, while the other 20 would train under the new designation of Mission Specialist. Altogether, the Group 8 astronauts would be launched on a total of 103 space missions; some flying only once, while others flew into orbit as many as five times. Sadly, four of their number would perish in the Challenger tragedy in January 1986.    In their latest collaborative effort, the authors bring to life the amazing story behind the selection of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts, examining their varied backgrounds and many accomplishments in a fresh and accessible way through deep research and revealing interviews. Throughout its remarkable 30-year history as the workhorse of NASA’s human spaceflight exploration, twice halted through tragedy, the Shuttle fleet performed with magnificence. So too did these 35 men and women, swept up in the dynamic thrust and ongoing development of America’s Space Shuttle program.    \"This book on the Group 8 Astronauts, the TFNGs, is an excellent summation of the individuals first selected for the new Space Shuttle Program. It provides insight into what it took to first get the Space Shuttle flying. For any space enthusiast it is a must read.\"                          - Robert L. Crippen PLT on STS-1                                           “As a reader, I had many moments where long, lost memories of the triumph and tragedy of the space shuttle program were brilliantly reawakened at the turn of a page.  Loved it!  This is a must-have book for every space enthusiast’s library.”                           -  TFNG Mission Specialist Astronaut Richard ‘Mike’ Mullane, author of Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut    “Many of the anecdotes in the book brought back memories of challenges, opportunities, and a team of men and women who were committed not just to the space program, but to one another...I've gone back to it several times as a reference source.”                             -  TFNG Steve Hawley, 5-time Space Shuttle Mission Specialist Astronaut     \"The TFNG book is incredible and amazingly thorough! The detail in the book is awesome! It is my go-to book for any of the details I’ve forgotten.\"                            -  TFNG Dr. Rhea Seddon, 3-time Space Shuttle Mission Specialist Astronaut.    \"I can't believe how detailed and complete it is!!! FANTASTIC work!!!\"                           -  TFNG Robert L.\"Hoot\" Gibson, 5-time Space Shuttle Pilot \u0026amp; Commander and former Chief of the NASA Astronaut Office","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49521147478289,"sku":"GOR011983237","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":49737588441361,"sku":"NGR9783030457419","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50930421006609,"sku":"CIN3030457419G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51061064499473,"sku":"NIN9783030457419","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52689371693329,"sku":"NLS9783030457419","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/3030457419.jpg?v=1751415151"},{"product_id":"gemini-5-book-david-j-shayler-9783031113772","title":"Gemini 5","description":"This third book of the Gemini mission series focuses on the flight that simulated in Earth orbit the duration of an eight-day Apollo mission to the Moon.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":49743650914577,"sku":"NGR9783031113772","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51061410529553,"sku":"NIN9783031113772","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/3031113772.jpg?v=1751424727"},{"product_id":"manned-spaceflight-log-ii20062012-book-david-j-shayler-9781461445760","title":"Manned Spaceflight Log II20062012","description":"Manned Spaceflight Log discusses over 40 recent spaceflights from September 2006 through September 2012, a time of great change in human spaceflight history.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51327118213393,"sku":"CIN1461445760VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51381208121617,"sku":"GOR007819026","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52676796940561,"sku":"NLS9781461445760","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52749810565393,"sku":"NIN9781461445760","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1461445760.jpg?v=1751338602"},{"product_id":"outpost-in-orbit-book-david-j-shayler-9781989044032","title":"Outpost in Orbit","description":null,"brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51602821808401,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51602823020817,"sku":"CIN1989044034G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1989044034.jpg?v=1751063078"},{"product_id":"hubble-space-telescope-book-david-j-shayler-9781493928262","title":"The Hubble Space Telescope","description":"The highly successful Hubble Space Telescope was meant to change our view and understanding of the universe. Within weeks of its launch in 1990, however, the space community was shocked to find out that the primary mirror of the telescope was flawed. It was only the skills of scientists and engineers on the ground and the daring talents of astronauts sent to service the telescope in December 1993 that saved the mission.  For over two decades NASA had developed the capabilities to service a payload in orbit. This involved numerous studies and the creation of a ground-based infrastructure to support the challenging missions. Unique tools and EVA hardware supported the skills developed in crew training that then enabled astronauts to complete a demanding series of spacewalks.  Drawing upon first hand interviews with those closely involved in the project over thirty years ago this story explains the development of the servicing mission concept and the hurdles that had to be overcome to not only launch the telescope but also to mount the first servicing mission – a mission that restored the telescope to full working order three years after its launch, saved the reputation of NASA, and truly opened a new age in understanding of our place in space.  This is not just a tale of space age technology, astronauts and astronomy. It is also a story of an audacious scientific vision, and the human ingenuity and determination to overcome all obstacles to make it possible. Hubble Space Telescope: From Concept to Success is a story of an international partnership, dedicated teamwork and a perfect blend of human and robotic space operations that will inspire people of all ages. The subsequent servicing missions that enabled the telescope to continue its scientific program beyond its 25th year in orbit are described in a companion volume Enhancing Hubble’s Vision: Servicing a National Treasure.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52085592359185,"sku":"CIN1493928260G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781493928262.jpg?v=1756830550"},{"product_id":"enhancing-hubble-s-vision-book-david-j-shayler-9783319226439","title":"Enhancing Hubble's Vision","description":"This book tells the story of the four missions to maintain Hubble's successful operation. Between 1997 and 2009 these repaired, serviced and upgraded the instruments on the telescope to maintain its state-of-the-art capabilities. It draws on first hand interviews with those closely involved in the project. The spacewalking skills and experiences gained from maintaining and upgrading Hubble had direct application to the construction of the International Space Station and help with its maintenance. These skills can be applied to future human and robotic satellite servicing and maintenance activities as well, not only in Earth orbit but at locations deeper in space.    A companion to this book, The Hubble Space Telescope: From Concept to Success, relates the events of the Telescope’s launch in 1990 and its rough start, after a 20-year struggle to place a large optical telescope in orbit. Originally intended to operate for fifteen years, Hubble has just passed its 25th anniversary, and there is every expectation that it will survive for thirty years. Despite its early problems, the Hubble Space Telescope has become a lasting legacy of the Space Shuttle program, and indeed is a national treasure.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":52101853905169,"sku":"NGR9783319226439","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9783319226439.jpg?v=1757094800"},{"product_id":"gemini-4-book-david-j-shayler-9783319766744","title":"Gemini 4","description":"The flight of Gemini 4 in June 1965 was conducted barely four years after the first Americans flew in space. It was a bold step by NASA to accomplish the first American spacewalk and to extend the U.S. flight duration record to four days. This would be double the experience gained from the six Mercury missions combined.  This daring mission was the first to be directed from the new Mission Control at the Manned Spacecraft Center near Houston, Texas. It also revealed that:       Working outside the spacecraft would require further study.  Developing the techniques to rendezvous with another object in space would not be as straightforward as NASA had hoped.  Living in a small spacecraft for several days was a challenging but necessary step in the quest for even longer flights.  Despite the risks, the gamble that astronauts Jim McDivitt and Ed White undertook paid off. Gemini 4 gave NASA the confidence to attempt an even longer flight the next time. That next mission would simulate the planned eight-day duration of an Apollo lunar voyage. Its story is recounted in the next title in this series: Gemini 5: Eight Days in Space or Bust.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52760992612625,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52760993235217,"sku":"NIN9783319766744","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9783319766744.jpg?v=1763588175"},{"product_id":"linking-the-space-shuttle-and-space-stations-book-david-j-shayler-9783319497686","title":"The Linking the Space Shuttle and Space Stations","description":"How could the newly authorized space shuttle help in the U.S. quest to build a large research station in Earth orbit? As a means of transporting goods, the shuttle could help supply the parts to the station. But how would the two entitles be physically linked? Docking technologies had to constantly evolve as the designs of the early space stations changed. It was hoped the shuttle would make missions to the Russian Salyut and American Skylab stations, but thesewere postponed until the Mir station became available, while plans for getting a new U. S. space station underway were stalled. In Linking the Space Shuttle and Space Stations, the author delves into the rich history of the Space Shuttle and its connection to these early space stations, culminating in the nine missions to dock the shuttle toMir. By 1998, after nearly three decades of planning and operations, shuttle missions to Mir had resulted in: • A proven system to link up the space shuttle to a space station• Equipment and hands-on experience in handling tons of materials• An infrastructure to support space station assembly and resupply Each of these played a pivotal role in developing the skills and procedures crucial to the creation of the later, much larger and far more complex International Space Station, as described in the companionvolume Assembling and Supplying the ISS: The Space Shuttle Fulfills Its Mission.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52761248235793,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52761248563473,"sku":"NIN9783319497686","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9783319497686.jpg?v=1763589327"},{"product_id":"around-the-world-in-84-days-book-david-j-shayler-9781894959957","title":"Around the World in 84 Days","description":null,"brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53650040389905,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53650040848657,"sku":"CIN1894959957G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781894959957.jpg?v=1781175656"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/collections\/author-books-by-david-j-shayler.oembed","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}