Books in Astronautics

Photonic Laser Propulsion

1st Edition
March 11, 2025
Young K. Bae
English
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.

Astronautics Year

1st Edition
May 12, 2014
David Howard
English
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
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.

Energy Conversion for Space Power

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Nathan Snyder
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 4 2 4 8 9

Progress in Astronautics and Rocketry, Volume 3: Energy Conversion for Space Power focuses on the use of dependable electric power sources on space vehicles. Composed of various literature, the book first discusses the physics of thermoelectricity, thermoelectric generator of materials, the use of semiconductors in thermoelectric conversion, and the use of high temperature thermoelectric materials for power generation. The text also presents experiments on the effect of irradiation on thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric elements in space power systems, and thermionics. The book then describes photovoltaic effect and conversion of solar energy; trends in silicon solar cell technology; the use of silicon solar cells in energy conversion; and how radiation affects solar cell power systems. The text notes the specifications of batteries if used in communications satellites; the use of positive-displacement engines and turbines on cryogenic power systems; and the characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators in space power conversion. The book is a good source of information for readers and scientists wanting to explore the potential of energy conversion in space power technology.

Torques and Attitude Sensing in Earth Satellites

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
S. Fred Singer
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 3 2 3 1 6 2 3 8 8

Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, Volume 7: Torques and Attitude Sensing in Earth Satellites focuses on the possible torques that can affect the angular momentum of an Earth satellite. This book provides an understanding of the environment in which a satellite operates. Organized into 16 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the application of force-free motion to space programs. This text then discusses the torque effects of a gravitational field, particularly with its gradient. Other chapters consider a particular method of gravity-gradient stabilization that utilizes a passive device to damp librations and thereby attain a vertical orientation. This book discusses as well the effects of the geomagnetic field on the angular motion of a satellite. The reader is also introduced to the method of magnetic attitude control employed in the Tiros satellite. The final chapter deals with the problem of horizon sensing, which is important for satellites requiring Earth stabilization. Astrophysicists will find this book useful.

Optimal Space Trajectories

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Jean-Pierre Marec
English
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.

Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight

1st Edition
December 2, 2012
Nguyen Vinh
English
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.

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