STAR TRUCK: Untold History of the Space Shuttle

by John Getter

Overview

In Volume 2 of his Moonwalkers(tm) series, author John Getter once again uses his experience as NASA’s reporter-of-choice for pool coverage, private pilot and personal friend to many of the astronauts to reveal the little-known stories behind the history of the space shuttle.

Join John as he takes the reader on a journey through the joys and frustrations of the human adventure of the space shuttle and exploration, from its inception during the first American’s walk on the moon to the last shuttle flights. Share the humor of the "cola wars" in space and the "toilet tours." Learn more about the shocking revelations and cover-ups that followed the Challenger and Columbia disasters. Experience the emotions as John describes the accidents and what the investigations revealed really happened to the crew as their shuttles were destroyed. And examine the dangerous and potentially devastating effects resulting from the decision to end the space shuttle program prematurely.

This e-book includes 30 color photographs from John's personal collection as well as NASA and Soviet archives. A great follow-up to John's best-seller Moonwalkers(tm) Volume 1 "To The Moon: Untold Stories of the Space Race."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940013601956
Publisher:	Premiere Projects
Publication date:	01/10/2011
Series:	Moonwalkers , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

John Getter earned his reputation as a pre-eminent storyteller early in his broadcasting career. Interviews ranged from Lou Jacobs, who for decades was the image of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, to physicist Edward Teller, who admitted he hated being called the father of the hydrogen bomb, to Neil Armstrong, first human to walk on the moon.

Building on that remarkable start, John was enthralled when he saw the early tests of what would become the space shuttle. He moved to Houston and spent the next several years covering the manned space program.

John is also a private pilot, so he combined his knowledge of aviation with the love of a good story and soon became known as one of the most respected reporters covering exploration. He flew the space shuttle simulator, worked in real spacesuits, participated in scientific tests that later flew in space and spent more than 200 minutes in zero gravity.

He ultimately became NASA’s reporter-of-choice for pool coverage of activities aboard the famous “Vomit Comet” or Zero-G airplane. He flew with countless astronauts, mission specialists and politicians. He and his photographer helped several astronauts learn how to shoot video in weightlessness before they ventured to space.

The crew of the final ill-fated flight of the Challenger considered John a personal friend. He built on these connections to become personally acquainted with every surviving moonwalker and was a major player hosting each of them in the official 20th anniversary celebrations of the Apollo program at Johnson Space Center.

His reports were regularly featured by CBS News and CNN and seen in more than 135 countries. His reporting included coverage from all across America, Central and South America, Europe and Russia. In addition, he covered news based in Washington, D.C., that included the White House, presidential transitions and Congress.

He now lives in Las Vegas where he enjoys the desert, is very active in rescuing Doberman Pinschers, produces news and television content, consults with clients and still tells stories such as these.

Editorial Reviews

Having enjoyed John Getter's television work for many years, I was looking forward to reading his book, "Moonwalkers - Untold Stories of the Space Race". As expected, it was "Getter storytelling" at its finest.

The read is fast and compelling. The observations and conclusions are right on the money. You could feel the tension of the space race and gain a renewed respect for all of those involved. I highly recommend his book as a great read for all age groups!

John Schilberg