A New Era In Space Transportation contains selected papers presented at the 27th International Astronautical Congress, held in Anaheim, California in October 1976. The book presents a survey of the trends and developments in astronomical research in the world. The proceedings cover a variety of points of view on the aspects of space transportation. It is divided into four parts. Part I is devoted to theme sessions, lectures, and a comprehensive look into the American and European programs of space transportation. The second part addresses certain areas in the fields of Engineering and Life Sciences such as Astrodynamics, Bioastronautics, Fluid Dynamics, Materials and Structures, Propulsion, Fluid Dynamics of Planetary Atmospheres, and Laser Uses in Propulsion. Part III deals with Space Technology and Space Systems. The final part focuses on relevant applications like telecommunications, remote sensing of earth resources, and material processing in space. Engineers, astronomers, astrophysicists, biologists, industrialists, and researchers in the field of space technology will find this book a good source of information.