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Into the Black
Into the Black: The Extraordinary Untold Story of the First Flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astronauts Who Flew Her | Rowland White
13 posts | 8 read | 29 to read
The real-life techno-thriller from a bestselling author and aviation expert that recaptures the historic moments leading up to the launch of the space shuttle Columbia and the exciting story of her daring maiden flight. Using interviews, NASA oral histories, and recently declassified material, Into the Black pieces together the dramatic untold story of the Columbia mission and the brave people who dedicated themselves to help the United States succeed in the age of space exploration. On April 12, 1981, NASAs Space Shuttle Columbia blasted off from Cape Canaveral. It was the most advanced, state-of-the-art flying machine ever built, challenging the minds and imagination of Americas top engineers and pilots. Columbia was the worlds first real spaceship: a winged rocket plane, the size of an airliner, and capable of flying to space and back before preparing to fly again. On board were moonwalker John Young and test pilot Bob Crippen. Less than an hour after Young and Crippens spectacular departure from the Cape, all was not well. Tiles designed to protect the ship from the blowtorch burn of re-entry were missing from the heat shield. If the damage to Columbia was too great, the astronauts wouldnt be able to return safely to earth. NASA turned to the National Reconnaissance Office, a spy agency hidden deep inside the Pentagon whose very existence was classified. To help the ship, the NRO would attempt something never done before. Success would require skill, perfect timing, and luck. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Into the Black is a thrilling race against time and the incredible true story of the first space shuttle mission that celebrates our passion for spaceflight.
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sullijo
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Pickpick

As a child of the 80s the shuttle program has always loomed large in my imagination, so I found “Into the Black“ a fascinating look at the development of the shuttle and Columbia's maiden flight. White's book is well researched. He sometimes dips into technical details, but for the most part keeps the focus on the human players. A great book for anyone interested in aviation history, manned space flight, or just real life adventures! 🚀

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ssravp
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Pickpick

I've said it before, and I'll, say it again. Give me all of the space books! 🌎🌕💫🚀🛰

bookishkai Me, too! 7y
ssravp @bookishkris I can't get enough! 7y
bookishkai @ssravp I've been obsessed since I was really little, like 3 or 4. And it never lost its allure. I especially like books about Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. 7y
ssravp @bookishkris I prefer that era too but this one was really good. 7y
9 likes4 comments
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ssravp
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"We've never been here."

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MatthewBurris
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Today's shipment. Thursday make me tired.

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8little_paws
Mehso-so

This book, about the development of the space shuttle, was very detailed and technical and so for me was just so-so. For someone with more knowledge of flight and planes/rockets, I'm sure this would be a hit. I'm going to check Swapna Krishna's website for other ideas for space related non fiction that might be better suited to my knowledge level.

LectricSheep What about Packing for Mars (said the unabashed Mary Roach fangirl)? 8y
8little_paws @LectricSheep I'll check that one out! 8y
27 likes4 comments
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8little_paws
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Going to force myself to read a little more of this before I bail on it. Bart's taking a nap now... after a string of bad days for him, today was a good one and he did not get sick at all (knock on wood). I switched his cat food out for a new protein source and I'm hoping it helps. I'll try to get him to the doctor this week if I can as well. #littenkittens

WhatDeeReads Awww poor baby! I hope he continues to feel well. 8y
Lauren_reading Hope he feels better!! 8y
Mimi28 Hope Bart feels better! ❤️ 8y
See All 6 Comments
GlitteryOtters Fingers crossed that this change works well for him (we went through something similar with one of my dogs when she was younger--took a couple tries, but once we found what worked for it, the change was immense). 💕 8y
LauraBeth Hope your furbaby feels better 8y
Bette Feel better Bart. 💤🤒🐱❤️ 8y
41 likes6 comments
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8little_paws
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#booktober out of this world! This book is about the inventing of the Space Shuttle. Going to be honest... I am about 80 pages in and not really connecting with it. But today I have off of work, so I'll try to put a bit of a dent in it!

@RealLifeReading

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Christy2318
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Pickpick

The first section is a bit disjointed but this is a really interesting read. I had no idea the astronauts were so involved in the development of the shuttle. I wish I had read this before our visit to Johnson Space Center.

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BethFishReads
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So excited about reading this inside-scoop story of the COLUMBIA. Love the glossy photo inserts, the maps, über-cool diagrams, and more. Thanks to my friend @skrishna

BethFishReads Forgot to mention this is a @TouchstoneBooks 9y
skrishna I hope you love this as much as I did. 9y
Felso I have this on my wish list! Looking forward to your review. 9y
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kaylaraeintheway
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Book mail is the best mail. Especially when said book is about space flight!

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Liberty
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Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! (Related: The second volume of the Brannigan/Winwood-authored Metallica biography is also called Into the Black. The more you know...)

denise Eeeee! I literally pulled this one out of my pile just this morning! Will be starting it this week :) 9y
skrishna I HOPE YOU LOVED IT 9y
Liberty @skrishna I had to postpone it for work reading, but I will be back at it soon! 9y
37 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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skrishna
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Pickpick

Hands down, this account of the beginning of the space shuttle and orbiter program is going to be one of my top reads of 2016. It is excellent. @TouchstoneBooks

SGJ A Neil Young line, right? Cool. 9y
TouchstoneBooks 🙌🙌🙌 9y
28 likes9 stack adds2 comments