Rare photography and stunning artworks illustrate the history of NASA’s Space Shuttle program from 1981 to 2011, providing an unprecedented look at the missions, equipment, and astronauts.

Written and curated by recognized historians of space exploration, NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary is the authoritative photo history of the iconic space program.

Officially known as the Space Transportation System (STS), the Space Shuttle program operated from 1981 to 2011. During that time, five Shuttle systems took part in 135 missions under the operation of NASA. This approach—namely reusable spacecraft—revolutionized space exploration.NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary traces the STS’s 30-year operational history.Essays by former NASA chief historian Roger Launius are accompanied by a collection ofincredible Shuttle photography and imagery mined from the depths ofNASA’s archives by aerospace historian Piers Bizony—all of it presented inlarge-format color.

Readers will witness the pre-1981 evolution, the missions, astronauts, ground personnel and infrastructure, and amazing accomplishments of the Shuttle program and its spacecraft:ColumbiaChallengerDiscoveryAtlantis, andEndeavour. From the launch site at Cape Kennedy, Florida, to mission control in Houston, Texas, to the landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, all aspects of Shuttle operation are covered, including key roles in efforts such as theHubble Telescope and International Space Station, as well as the tragedies ofChallenger and Columbia disasters.

Every carefully chosen image inNASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary tells an aspect of the Shuttle story. The resulting book is not only a unique view of a key chapter of NASA history—it’s a compelling collection of stunning NASA photography and illustrations.