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Books in Astronautics

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    • Photonic Laser Propulsion

      • 1st Edition
      • March 11, 2025
      • Young K. Bae
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 6 2 7 0
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 6 2 8 7
      Photonic Laser Propulsion offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of rapid mass space transportation by surveying one of the most significant breakthrough technologies to overcome the limitations of current propulsion systems based on conventional rocketry.Written by the pioneer of photonic laser propulsion (PLP), this book strives to establish a strong foundational understanding while exploring advanced theoretical concepts. Readers are guided through quantum mechanics, optical resonators, and radiation pressure that underpin this revolutionary thrust mechanism, to then be offered past experimental milestones and cutting-edge demonstrations that trace its evolution and validate its feasibility. A presentation of current application examples as well as long-term development pathways for interplanetary commutes and interstellar probes conclude the excursus, fostering curiosity and charting a course for further research exploration in this dynamic realm.Researchers both in academia and industry and a host of other technical audiences at all levels will think of this volume, which consolidates a growing body of knowledge surrounding PLP, as a key resource for their study or work to enable innovative space endeavors, including human civilization’s expansion within our solar system or interstellar exploration.

    • Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Design Handbook

      • 1st Edition
      • October 7, 2023
      • Ashley Chandler Karp + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 1 6 1 9 9 9
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 1 6 5 9 3 5
      Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Design Handbook provides system scaling laws, design methodologies, and a summary of available test data, giving engineers all the tools they need to develop realistic hybrid system designs.Important supporting theory from chemistry, thermodynamics, and rocket propulsion is addressed, helping readers from a variety of backgrounds to understand this interdisciplinary subject. This book also suggests guidelines for standardized reporting of test data, in response to difficulties researchers have in working with results from different research institutes.

    • Electrostatic Dust Mitigation and Manipulation Techniques for Planetary Dust

      • 1st Edition
      • August 18, 2022
      • Nima Gharib + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 1 9 7 5 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 2 3 2 5 5 2
      Electrostatic Dust Mitigation and Manipulation Techniques for Planetary Dust explains how to control and remove dust in space due to the presence of a vacuum, abrasiveness of dust particles and electrostatic charge on particles. The book introduces innovative technologies that use electrostatic and di-electrophoretic forces to remove and transport small particles away from surfaces. In addition, it discusses how to resolve thermal control problems and reduce lung inhalation and eye irritation problems. The book includes two abrasive wear test devices that were designed to study the rate of volume wear for different materials when subjected to lunar dust simulant of different size ranges. This will be an ideal resource for space system engineers, space exploration researchers, and advanced students and professionals in space engineering.

    • Modern Flexible Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling Methodology for Flapping Wing Vehicles

      • 1st Edition
      • September 15, 2017
      • Cornelia Altenbuchner + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 1 4 1 3 6 6
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 1 2 8 1 4 1 3 7 3
      Modern Flexible Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling Methodology for Flapping Wing Vehicles presents research on the implementation of a flexible multi-body dynamic representation of a flapping wing ornithopter that considers aero-elasticity. This effort brings advances in the understanding of flapping wing flight physics and dynamics that ultimately leads to an improvement in the performance of such flight vehicles, thus reaching their high performance potential. In using this model, it is necessary to reduce body accelerations and forces of an ornithopter vehicle, as well as to improve the aerodynamic performance and enhance flight kinematics and forces which are the design optimization objectives. This book is a useful reference for postgraduates in mechanical engineering and related areas, as well as researchers in the field of multibody dynamics.

    • Automatic Control in Aerospace 1994 (Aerospace Control '94)

      • 1st Edition
      • May 23, 2014
      • D. Schaechter + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 2 2 3 8 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 6 9 2 0
      An important, successful area for control systems development is that of state-of-the-art aeronautical and space related technologies. Leading researchers and practitioners within this field have been given the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss results at the IFAC symposia on automatic control in aerospace. The key research papers presented at the latest in the series have been put together in this publication to provide a detailed assessment of present and future developments of these control system technologies.

    • Astronautics Year

      • 1st Edition
      • May 12, 2014
      • David Howard
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 0 8 2 6 8
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 2 1 6 9 4
      Astronautics Year: An International Astronautical and Military Space/Missile Review of 1964 documents in detail the international astronautical and military space/missile activities conducted in 1964. This book focuses on two major space achievements—RANGER 7 and VOSKHOD I. RANGER 7 was a spectacular achievement demonstrated by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, while VOSKHOD I was claimed as the biggest rocket in existence that was launched while carrying two retro-rocket systems. This compilation also provides brief notes on a number of space/missile projects and programs underway during 1964, such as the AADS-70, ADOBE, AIM-47A, and APOLLO. A table containing a fully comprehensive listing of all announced spacecraft launch attempts made during the same year are likewise described. This text is recommended for researchers and specialists concerned with aeronautics and aerospace research.

    • Gas Turbine Aero-Thermodynamics

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • F. Whittle
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 2 6 7 1 8 0
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 3 2 1 9
      For the first time simplified methods of dealing with gas turbine thermal cycles, and further theoretical innovations, have been embodied into a concise textbook. All the major aspects of the subject are covered in a comprehensive and lucid manner. Examples are included for greater clarity

    • Space and Humanity

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • L. G. Napolitano
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 7 2 2 5
      This volume contains a selection of 27 papers that are chiefly survey, state-of-the-art, review or programmatic in nature. The volume itself is structured in three parts: Part I, The System, that deals with Space Transportation, Space Stations and Platforms; Part II, Hard and Soft Technologies, that deals with Technology Applications, Astrodynamics, Space Power and Propulsion; Part III, The Utilization, that addresses the two main lines Space Exploration and Applications, including Earth Observation, Telecommunication and Space Education, Microgravity, Safety and Rescue.

    • Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Nguyen Vinh
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 6 9 4 3 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 6 0 1 4 5 2
      Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight deals with the optimization of trajectories in atmospheric flight. The book begins with a simple treatment of functional optimization followed by a discussion of switching theory. It then presents the derivation of the general equations of motion along with the basic knowledge in aerodynamics and propulsion necessary for the analysis of atmospheric flight trajectories. It goes on to the study of optimal trajectories by providing the general properties of the optimal aerodynamic controls and the integrals of motion. This is followed by discussions of high subsonic and supersonic flight, and approximation techniques to reduce the order of the problem for a fast computation of the optimal trajectory. The final chapters present analyses of optimal reentry trajectories and orbital maneuvers. This book is intended as a reference text for scientists and engineers wanting to get into the subject of optimal trajectories in atmospheric flight. If used for teaching purposes, the book is written in a self-contained way so that a selective use of the material is at the discretion of the lecturer. The first 11 chapters are sufficient for a one-semester course with emphasis on optimal maneuvers of high performance aircraft.

    • Optimal Space Trajectories

      • 1st Edition
      • December 2, 2012
      • Jean-Pierre Marec
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 6 9 1 0 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 6 0 1 0 7 0
      Studies in Astronautics, Volume 1: Optimal Space Trajectories focuses on the concept of optimal transfer and the problem of optimal space trajectories. It examines the relative performances of the various propulsion systems (classical and electrical propulsions) and their optimization (optimal mass breakdown), along with parametric and functional optimizations and optimal transfers in an arbitrary, uniform, and central gravitational field. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of optimal transfer and the modeling of propulsion systems. It then discusses the Hohmann transfer, the Hoelker and Silber bi-elliptical transfer, and the deficiencies of parametric optimization. The book explains the canonical transformation, optimization of the thrust law using the Maximum Principle, and optimal orbit corrections. The time-free orbital transfers and time-fixed orbital transfers and rendezvous are also discussed. Moreover, this volume explains the classical high-thrust and electric low-thrust propulsion systems and rendezvous between two planets. This book is written primarily for engineers who specialize in aerospace mechanics and want to pursue a career in the space industry or space research. It also introduces students to the different aspects of the problem of optimal space trajectories.