Spacelab: Research in Earth Orbit Shapland, David and Rycroft, Michael J.

Spacelab is Europe's first manned laboratory to orbit the Earth. Spacelab - Research in Earth Orbit presents a splendidly illustrated account of this most ambitious and exciting adventure. The authors chart the ten year programme of Spacelab's development from the spark of its conception to the blaze of its perfect launch on the Space Shuttle in November 1983. Experiments performed on board the reusable shuttle encompass a wide range of disciplines - from astronomy to zoology. The first results are discussed, and future space activities examined. The unique colour photographs from the first Spacelab mission combine with the interesting and informative text to provide a definitive record of this major initiative in space. Lucid and readable, the book will appeal to every enquiring mind.