NASA Secrets The story of the Space Shuttle Vehicles— Launching Satellites

About the Book

This book, NASA Secrets is the story about the days of NASA when the six orbiters, or Space Shuttles came into existence. Prior to the Shuttles, the only way to launch satellites were off, of unmanned rockets. We needed a better system. In the late seventy’s, the Shuttle program was created, built, and used to put bigger, and more powerful satellites into orbit. As a trainer my team and I trained many of the Air Force Engineers, and many various contractors, technicians, even those Astronauts, to launch satellites from the shuttle, into various type orbits. I take you through, what I called the Cradle to Grave concept, the life of the Space Shuttle from the manufacturer plant to the testing, and down to Kennedy Space Center, preparation for launch, and the actual launch from one of the two pads. The program lasted approximately thirty years, and many accomplishments were made during that span. Some even changed our lives. Unfortunately, due to overruns, costs, and other setbacks the program was cancelled. I cover the two main accidents, the Challenger, and the Columbia crashes. Then, I explain our satellite communication system, called TDRS, the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope, and the new James Webb Telescope. It is a remarkably interesting and informative read, where everyone, all ages can enjoy it.

About the Author

Albert Monroe was born and raised in Oakland, California. He joined the Air Force in 1963, during the Viet Nam war. As a C-5 aircraft crewmember, he accrued ten thousand flight hours over a long 22-year career. For his endeavors, Al was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and the Air Medal. While stationed in Europe, he was presented a Letter of Commendation, by the European Commander, for load planning in a joint NATO exercise in Iran. Al graduated college with his Undergraduate, and master’s degree. He also graduated both the USAF Leadership School and Senior NCO Academy During his illustrious career, his military travels took him all over the globe supporting our NATO allies. He participated in real life harrowing experiences including the Viet Nam Babylift evacuation at the end of the war. Also, participated in the Iranian and the African Congo evacuations, Retiring, from the Air Force, in 1984, he worked ten years for Lockheed-Martin, teaching Satellite Operations, and NASA Space Shuttle classes. Moving to Nevada in 2001, Al was a University Professor, and taught for twelve years. After medical issues in 2018, he permanently retired, and took up writing full time. He currently reside in Las Vegas with his wife.