1 / 7The Complete Book of Spacecraft: Rockets, Shuttles, Satellites, and Space Stations
Rockets Shuttles Satellites Stations: The Complete Book of Spacecraft is an illustrated history and reference covering spacecraft from Sputnik 1 to the International Space Station, with profiles of crewed and uncrewed vehicles from several space programmes. Its era-based coverage and multiple-view illustrations suit readers who want both historical context and visual detail.
At a glance
- Profiles spacecraft from Sputnik 1 through the International Space Station, including concepts that have not left Earth’s atmosphere.
- Covers crewed and uncrewed spacecraft, including satellites, capsules, spaceplanes, rockets and space stations.
- Organised by era and includes examples from the United States, Soviet Union/Russia, the European Space Agency and China.
- The listing describes more than 250 artworks, including scale illustrations and some cross-sections.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines spacecraft profiles with historical context, making it useful for browsing as well as reference.
- International coverage and a range of vehicle types extend beyond rockets and crewed missions.
- Illustrations provide visual detail, with customer feedback noting that some can be enlarged to full-page size without losing detail.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Motorbooks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 28 Aug. 2025 |
| Edition | Enlarged |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 264 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0760395071 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0760395073 |
| Weight listed | 1.46 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24.38 x 2.51 x 28.19 cm |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The publisher describes this as an updated and revised edition, while the product details identify the edition as “Enlarged”. The listing does not clarify the relationship between those descriptions, so check the edition details if a specific revision matters.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the history and engineering of spacecraft.
- Space enthusiasts who value illustrated references spanning rockets, satellites, capsules, shuttles and stations.
- Readers seeking an international overview that includes both historical vehicles and forward-looking concepts.
Less suited to
- Readers looking specifically for a technical handbook focused on detailed engineering calculations or operational instructions.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
78% 78% - 4 stars
16% 16% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the book as informative and highlights its spacecraft and rocket coverage. The illustrations also receive positive comments, including a report that some can be enlarged to full-page size without losing detail. For readers choosing an illustrated reference, these comments speak to the appeal of its subject coverage and visuals, though they do not establish how every section is presented.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as informative.
- Feedback highlights the coverage of spacecraft and rockets.
- Illustrations receive positive comments, including a report of full-page enlargement without loss of detail.
Frequently asked questions
What spacecraft does the book cover?
The listing says it profiles vehicles from Sputnik 1 to the International Space Station, including rockets, satellites, capsules, spaceplanes, shuttles and space stations.
Does it include illustrations?
Yes. The listing describes more than 250 artworks, including scale illustrations and, in some cases, cross-sections and archival photographs.
Which space programmes are represented?
The book is described as covering spacecraft from the United States, Soviet Union/Russia, the European Space Agency and China.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 264 pages.
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