|
Author
|
Topic: NASA Spacecraft Familiarization and Flight Manuals (Periscope Film reprints)
|
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 06-30-2011 10:29 AM
   
Periscope Film is releasing reprints of NASA's spacecraft familiarization and flight manuals. For example: NASA Project Gemini Familiarization Manual Manned Satellite Spacecraft Just ten days after Alan Shepard Jr. became America's first man in space on May 5, 1961, President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation, suggesting that the United States should land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. The ambitious goal of Project Apollo required a series of intermediate steps, which were to be explored by Project Gemini. Created on January 3, 1962, Project Gemini's objectives were many. During ten manned flights in 1965 and 1966, astronauts would perform spacewalks, rendezvous with orbiting vehicles using maneuvering and propulsion systems, and perform docking tests. A great deal of experience was gained and equipment tested, and with one exception - a dry land capsule landing - all of the planned objectives were met. All ten manned flights were made using Titan II two-stage boosters that were purpose-built for Gemini and known as "GLV" or Gemini-Titans. The prime contractor for the Mercury capsule McDonnell Aircraft, constructed the two-man Gemini capsule. A larger, more sophisticated spacecraft than Mercury, the Gemini capsule relied on a detachable Equipment Module for power, propulsion, and life-support systems. The capsule itself was outfitted with ejection seats, carried an on-board Guidance Computer, and could be flown in six directions. Created by NASA and contractor McDonnell Aircraft, this Familiarization Manual explains all the systems aboard the Mercury space capsule including cabin controls, sequence, electrical power, cooling, guidance and control, communications, retrograde rocket, and landing systems and procedures. Dating from September of 1965 for the long range and extended missions, it represents a late revision of documents created at the beginning of the Gemini program. Originally restricted, this manual has been declassified and is presented in its entirety, running nearly 600 pages. - Paperback: 584 pages
- Publisher: Periscope Film LLC (May 26, 2011)
- ISBN-10: 1935700693
- ISBN-13: 978-1935700692
I'm puzzled by the last sentence of the product description - classified?Other titles available (any feedback on all those would be appreciated): |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 06-30-2011 12:09 PM
I purchased one of the LM Familiarization Manuals the other week and was very impressed with the quality of the reproduction. Particularly when an identical original went on eBay days earlier for nearly 100 times the asking price. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 07-05-2011 02:10 AM
Any thoughts on what shuttle-related titles/manuals would be worth being reprinted? |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 07-05-2011 01:53 PM
Any of the shuttle manuals make fascinating reading. I missed out on an auction on the abort sites, and I had one on entry/egress procedures, as well as on the ALT flights. |
RocketmanRob
Member Posts: 268
From: New York City USA
Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 07-06-2011 08:38 PM
These can also be purchased a slightly reduced prices via Amazon.com. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 07-13-2011 03:54 AM
Also available, the X-15 Rocket Plane Pilots Flight Operating Manual.Edit: this may be the same as this one. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 07-13-2011 02:10 PM
Confirmation from Periscope LLC: they are the same. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 04-30-2012 02:49 PM
New titles: - Apollo CSM News Reference
- Apollo LEM News Reference
- Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle Operations Handbook
- Space Shuttle Transportation System Manual
- X-1A Rocket Plane Manual, Pilots Flight Operating Manual
|
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 05-15-2012 08:28 AM
Two more titles: - Skylab News Reference
- Skylab: A Guidebook (which is a reprint of this publication)
|
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
|
posted 05-15-2012 12:12 PM
Periscope Films' website and Amazon.com also list a reprint of the Apollo EMU manual. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 06-28-2012 09:45 AM
Another publisher has a reprint of the Saturn V Flight Manual SA 503 . |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 08-23-2012 02:24 PM
Three additional titles: - Saturn IB / Saturn V Rocket Payload Planner's Guide
- NASA Space Shuttle Main Engine Design Features
- NASA Space Shuttle Crew Escape Systems Handbook
|
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 03-08-2013 05:55 AM
Added title: - Lunar Module LM 10 thru LM 14 Vehicle Familiarization Manual
On a side note, anybody encounters a Google-issued warning message when trying to log on to the publisher's web site? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-08-2013 10:59 AM
Don't know why somebody would spend money on these. Most are available on the internet. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 03-08-2013 02:46 PM
In case light goes out...  As for why people spend money on one thing rather than another, the list would be endless. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3118
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 03-09-2013 01:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jim Behling:
Don't know why somebody would spend money on these. Most are available on the internet.
For the same reason it's better to have your favourite film on a Bluray disc than to download it from the internet: it's about ownership and exclusive possession. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 03-11-2013 06:13 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
On a side note, anybody encounters a Google-issued warning message when trying to log on to the publisher's web site?
They are aware of the issue and are working on it. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-11-2013 06:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
For the same reason it's better to have your favourite film on a Bluray disc than to download it from the internet: it's about ownership and exclusive possession.
Why is it better? If it is the same number of bits/bytes, then it is the same thing. A disk whether it is a hard drive or optical, they are just storage mediums. Since these documents are just reprints, it is actually "better" to have them as electronic (which ownership and exclusive possession is still applicable). Electronic data can be duplicated for safe keeping, it has a smaller storage footprint, it is green, it is more accessible and it is easier to search. To me, the content is what is important, not how it is displayed to me. Then again, I am on a collectors forum. Over the last year, I have sold every document that I have, if I have an electronic version of it. I reduced my file storage by 15 linear feet. I preferred the data and so I sold a my shuttle press kits, most were original issue.
|
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 03-11-2013 09:21 AM
Jim the free PDF versions I've found online are fairly low quality. The photos and graphics are especially hard to see, being more "grey and white" than black and white. They appear to be copies of copies.To the point of preferring a physical copy to data stored on a hard drive, many are hesitant to place valued items in electronic storage systems as they believe the risk of loss is greater. I don't agree with that* but it is common among some folks. *As long as best practice data storage techniques are in place, including on and off site back ups. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-11-2013 11:11 AM
quote:
Originally posted by garymilgrom:
As long as best practice data storage techniques are in place, including on and off site back ups.
And that is a practice that I do. A daily backup and an offsite backup. Another thing good about this is that it is portable, something important in a hurricane zone. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3118
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 03-11-2013 05:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jim Behling:
Why is it better? If it is the same number of bits/bytes, then it is the same thing.
I assume you're one of those people who would prefer to talk to someone on a screen than face-to-face in real life. I have family photographs from the 1930s up to the present day in print form. All of the best of them are also stored digitally. How long do you think today's digital-only family photos will survive if they haven't been printed on photographic paper? A generation is going to lose all its pictorial memories because of this mania for total reliance on digital copies. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-11-2013 06:45 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
I assume you're one of those people who would prefer to talk to someone on a screen than face-to-face in real life.
No, I prefer face to face on a monitor vs just a handset for long distance conversions. I also, rather get up and walk to someone's office vs using the phone or texting. As digital vs print, your conclusion is straight from the stone age. The digital is going to outlast print. My photo "albums" are my iPads and laptops. They also serve as my literary and video library. Unlike print albums, my photos are shared with my brother, sister and children in four different states. I could share them with you right now if we were friends. |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:15 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
A generation is going to lose all its pictorial memories because of this mania for total reliance on digital copies.
Bravo! Couldn't agree more. quote:
Originally posted by Jim Behling:
Unlike print albums, my photos are shared with my brother, sister and children in four different states. I could share them with you right now if we were friends.
Great. YOU can do all that. And when prices for raw materials and precious metals will skyrocket making all those technological gizmos outrageously expensive, what will you do? You'll still have your old iPad but there are no guarantees it'll be working. We no longer build things that last. Obsolescence is king. Enjoy this era while it lasts. (Was it the state of New York that got their maps on some sort of special microfilms but couldn't read them anymore because the manufacturer of the device necessary to read the films no longer existed? I don't know if New York managed to solve the problem.) |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:25 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
A generation is going to lose all its pictorial memories because of this mania for total reliance on digital copies.
I don't think so. All prints except perhaps dye sublimation prints will fade with time. Digital files can be copied and printed endlessly. Stored on hard drives or optical discs they may last forever. Your physical prints will likely last a few 10's of years - mine from the 60's are certainly heavily degraded, whether print or slide. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
And when prices for raw materials and precious metals will skyrocket making all those technological gizmos outrageously expensive, what will you do?
I will wager good money that collectSPACE, as a digital publication, will outlast numerous print-only publications, but the longevity of digital versus print is not really the issue here.Getting back to the original question, why would someone buy a publication that is available for free in digital form, it is both a matter of personal preference and of intended use. Digital publications offer some advantages over print, including portability and in many cases, the ability to more easily search the contents. But for browsing and casual reading, print publications still offer an experience that to some is more enjoyable. There is also what we can call the "bathroom factor" — until e-readers are inexpensive enough to become acceptable bathroom* reading, print magazines, newspapers and books will continue to find a place in many people's homes. (*Bathroom, backyard, beach, etc.) |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 3398
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:38 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
Obsolescence is king. Enjoy this era while it lasts.
No, technological advancement is King!The hardware may become obsolescent but the medium of the material can evolve. VHS tapes (no doubt some hail anything since 8mm as heretical!) are pretty much obsolete but you can still transfer them to DVD or other media that are more enduring. Likewise the LP. In turn the DVD will be replaced and you just shift your data to the new medium. "Digital" doesn't mean one thing: it is necessarily an evolving form. That said, you'll never get me reading a book off a Kindle, as the physicality of a book is a major part of its attraction and for that reason I like my hard copy flight plans, manuals etc. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-12-2013 07:59 AM
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
Great. YOU can do all that. And when prices for raw materials and precious metals will skyrocket making all those technological gizmos outrageously expensive,
If that were to happen, we would have bigger issues and image and document safekeeping would rank low on my Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The same would apply to this website and most of its topics. The scraps of paper with ink or the disks of thread that happen to make a long distance voyage that are held in so high regard on this site would also have no value in such a world. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3118
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Jim Behling:
As digital vs print, your conclusion is straight from the stone age.
Speaking of the stone age, bear in mind that stone age cave paintings have survived for tens of thousands years; the Dead Sea Scrolls have survived for two thousand years; the Rosetta Stone has survived for 1,800+ years, etc. Your "literary and video library" will be long lost a couple of centuries from now (or earlier). Don't misunderstand me - I agree that photographic prints will all fade in time, but having made high-quality digital scans of them, I can make fresh prints which will last another 50-100 years. To be pessimistic, if we suffer a global catastrophe that puts all the lights out but stops short of destroying the human race, what use will your iPads and laptops be to you? Our race memories and our history will survive in the printed books and the photograph albums. A final thought: use Google to locate a poem called "Ozymandias." I rest my case. |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 03-12-2013 06:49 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
To be pessimistic, if we suffer a global catastrophe that puts all the lights out but stops short of destroying the human race, what use will your iPads and laptops be to you? Our race memories and our history will survive in the printed books and the photograph albums.
If that happens, the printed books and and the photograph albums won't survive either. They will be easy sources of fuel for fire. And we won't care about them either. See Maslow's hierarchy of needs. quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
Don't misunderstand me - I agree that photographic prints will all fade in time, but having made high-quality digital scans of them, I can make fresh prints which will last another 50-100 years.
Huh? That just negated your argument. |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
|
posted 03-12-2013 07:00 PM
Just ask a real archivist about how to really preserve your photos and how long printed (as well as digital) media will last. You're in for a shock.Almost all color film has a limited life. It'll eventually be a blank image someday. Storing them prolongs that, though. Cheap books is not preservation at all. The bindings fail quickly, and the paper won't last the generations. Digital degrades. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Continually copying digital files can in many cases degrade (even basic data information like a Word file of just letters and words). I once talked with someone at the Library of Congress and she said there will be a giant gap in information about life from the 60s until God-knows-when because almost ALL of the info that is on media that won't last. There will be eventually almost no color photos, very little film, and digital media has proven to be a dead-end for long term preservation as well. Most books are printed on paper that won't last, with bindings that don't even last the lifetime of the first owner. She said that someone, say 200 years from now, will be yelling at us for putting all our info on media that was cheap and by their time, nothing will be left for them to know anything about us. It's sort of chilling to know that. To make something last, it costs money that nobody is willing to spend. Printing onto true archival paper with the proper inks is something few will do anymore. And thinking web-related information will last forever? Seriously, I can't even think of a way to address that without busting out laughing. You don't have to listen to me, ask someone who handles information preservation for a living (and NO, I don't mean your web guy). They'll tell you a real horror story for the future... |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 07-08-2013 04:05 PM
The latest: Skylab Saturn IB Flight Manual |
advertisement