Shuttle, Houston

My Life in the Center Seat of Mission Control

By: Paul Dye

Narrated by: John Pruden

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

From the longest-serving flight director in NASA's history comes a revealing account of high-stakes Mission Control work and the Space Shuttle program that has redefined our relationship with the universe.

A compelling look inside the Space Shuttle missions that helped lay the groundwork for the Space Age, Shuttle, Houston explores the determined personalities, technological miracles, and 11th-hour saves that have given us human spaceflight.

Relaying stories of missions (and their grueling training) in vivid detail, Paul Dye, NASA's longest-serving flight director, examines the split-second decisions that the directors and astronauts were forced to make in a field where mistakes are unthinkable, and where errors led to the loss of national resources - and more importantly one's crew. Dye's stories from the heart of Mission Control explain the mysteries of flying the Shuttle - from the powerful fiery ascent to the majesty of on-orbit operations to the high-speed and critical re-entry and landing of a hundred-ton glider.

The Space Shuttles flew 135 missions. Astronauts conducted space walks, captured satellites, and docked with the Mir Space Station, bringing space into our everyday life, from GPS to satellite TV. Shuttle, Houston puts listeners in his own seat at Mission Control, the hub that made humanity's leap into a new frontier possible.

©2020 Paul Dye (P)2020 Hachette Books

Critic reviews

"An excellent portrait of Mission Control, the teams, and the later missions. This should be required reading for anyone aspiring to be part of human space flight, as well as all scientists, engineers, project managers of any kind, and anyone considering a career in a highly complex field or program." (Gene Kranz, former flight director, NASA, and author Failure Is Not an Option)

"Shuttle, Houston gives us tremendous insight on the Mission Control Center. Paul Dye captures the awe and amazement of being part of that team. His wonderful explanations of how everyone works together and his understanding of the science and history will fascinate anyone who appreciates the dynamic world of human space exploration." (Shannon Lucid, former astronaut)

"A passionate look at the U.S. space shuttle program....The author fondly recalls in scrupulous detail the highlights of his three-decade career as a top NASA flight controller...both engaging and informative....The author's simple anecdotes about everyday working life at mission control that make for the most readable, entertaining sections.... Dye's memoir is a balanced mix of moments both banal and breathtaking." (Kirkus Reviews)

This book covers the shuttle years at NASA.

I have read dozens of books about the early NASA years, but this is the first that covers the shuttle years. It was one of those books that I found myself wanting to listen to, even if I only had 10 minutes available, so it gets five stars.

6 stars - just brilliant

I thoroughly insightful view in mission control for the shuttle. This book mixes just the right about of theory with explanations and real world stories from the author's career. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a very long time.

MUST READ if you have any interest in the Shuttle!

Excellent book! very interesting and informative if you want to know tge story from the other side of the Shuttle program. Didn't want it to end. You definitely need to be a bit of a science and space geek, but still a good read for the average listener.