Description

This volume of the NASA Historical Data Book is the seventh in the series that describes NASA's programs and projects. Covering the years 1989 through 1998, it includes the areas of launch systems, human spaceflight, and space science, continuing the volumes that addressed these topics during NASA's previous decades. Each chapter presents information, much of it statistical, addressing funding, management, and details of programs and missions. This decade, which followed the Agency's return to flight after the Challenger accident, was especially productive. Upgraded expendable launch vehicles sent missions into Earth orbit and toward the outer reaches of space; 66 Space Shuttle missions were successfully launched; the Space Station received its first components; and 30 space science missions, most of which met their scientific goals, began returning scientific data to Earth. These events took place in an environment both of international cooperation and one in which NASA learned to make the best use possible of its resources. A forthcoming companion volume will describe NASA's Earth science missions; aeronautics and space research activities; tracking and space operations; facilities; resources; and personnel areas.