Here, Dave Shayler examines the hurdles faced by space crews as they
prepare and embark on space missions. Divided into six parts, the text
opens with the fateful, tragic mission of the Challenger crew in 1986.
This is followed by a review of the risks that accompany every space
trip and the unique environment in which the space explorer lives and
works. The next four sections cover the four parts of any space flight
(training, launch, in-flight and recovery) and present major historical
incidents in each case. The final section looks at the next forty years
beyond the Earth's atmosphere, beginning with the International Space
Station and moving on to the difficulties inherent in a manned
exploration of Mars.