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Books in Astronautics

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11-16 of 16 results in All results

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.

Space Power Systems

  • 1st Edition
  • November 12, 2012
  • Nathan Snyder
  • English
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 1 4 3 9 6 - 7
Space Power Systems covers systems based on the three primary sources of energy of practical value, namely, solar, nuclear, and chemical sources. This book is organized into four parts encompassing 32 chapters that also explore the requirements for space power. Part A presents the general aspects of solar cell power systems based on the work performed for US space vehicles that are to be placed in orbit. This part specifically considers a graph showing the variation of characteristic parameters of the solar cell battery storage system as a function of flight altitude. Considerable chapters in this part are devoted to the solar cell power plant for the space vehicles ADVENT, RANGER, TIROS, and TRANSIT. The remaining chapters provide a detailed analysis of the physics and engineering of solar panel and solar mirror design. Part B contains a series of papers involving the various aspects of the Atomic Energy Commission SNAP (Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power) program. Many details are presented for the 3 kw, liquid metal, turbo-machinery SNAP II power systems covering subjects from the basic concept through vehicle integration and safety aspects. Significant chapters in this part discuss the compact and apparently highly reliable radioisotope thermoelectric generator. Part C highlights the methods of storing and expelling high energy cryogenic fuels, which can provide from two to five times more energy per unit weight than the silver-zinc primary battery. Part D provides an interesting and useful estimation of the many requirements that are likely to become firm for space vehicles. Space vehicle engineers, designers, and researchers will find this book invaluable.

Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students

  • 2nd Edition
  • October 26, 2009
  • Howard D. Curtis
  • English
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 8 8 7 8 4 - 5
Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the basic concepts of space mechanics. These include vector kinematics in three dimensions; Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation; relative motion; the vector-based solution of the classical two-body problem; derivation of Kepler’s equations; orbits in three dimensions; preliminary orbit determination; and orbital maneuvers. The book also covers relative motion and the two-impulse rendezvous problem; interplanetary mission design using patched conics; rigid-body dynamics used to characterize the attitude of a space vehicle; satellite attitude dynamics; and the characteristics and design of multi-stage launch vehicles. Each chapter begins with an outline of key concepts and concludes with problems that are based on the material covered. This text is written for undergraduates who are studying orbital mechanics for the first time and have completed courses in physics, dynamics, and mathematics, including differential equations and applied linear algebra. Graduate students, researchers, and experienced practitioners will also find useful review materials in the book.

Non-Rocket Space Launch and Flight

  • 1st Edition
  • April 6, 2006
  • Alexander Bolonkin
  • English
  • Hardback
    9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 4 4 7 3 1 - 5
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 4 5 8 7 5 - 5
In recent years scientists have investigated a series of new methods for non-rocket space launch, which promise to revolutionize space launches and flight. Particularly in the current political climate new, cheaper, and more ‘fuel efficient’ methods are being investigated. Such new methods include the gas tube method, cable accelerators, tether launch systems, space elevators, solar and magnetic sails, circle launcher space keepers and more. The author of Non-Rocket Space Launch and Flight brings a vast amount of experience to the topic, having worked as a engineer, designer, project director and researcher at key institutes including NASA and the US Air Force.

Space Weather Study Using Multipoint Techniques

  • 1st Edition
  • Volume 12
  • May 8, 2002
  • L.-H. Lyu
  • English
  • eBook
    9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 5 4 1 5 1 - 8
Magnetic storms may cause damage to satellites, radiation hazard to astronauts, disruption of radio communications, and interruption of ground electric power lines. Space weather prediction becomes an important issue to be addressed in the twenty-first century. International Solar Terrestrial Program (ISTP) employs five satellites to probe the solar wind and magnetosphere, providing valuable information for space weather prediction. The Asia-Pacific region is becoming one of the economic centers in the world. The continuous drive for scientific and technological progress in parallel is evidenced by the establishment of many space research organizations in many countries of this area. In Taiwan, the National Space Program Office (NSPO) established her third satellite program -- COSMIC (Constellation Obsering Systems for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate), which is a science experiment to demonstrate the utility of atmospheric radio limb soundings from a constellation of six low-earth orbiting satellites in operational weather prediction, space weather monitoring, and climate monitoring and research.In order to provide a forum to discuss the many new results in this rapid-moving field and to forge international collaborations, a three-day COSPAR Colloquium on "Space Weather Study Using Multipoint Techniques" was held. This colloquium have provided a forum for experts from the international community to present new results on the timely topic "space weather".

Automatic Control in Aerospace 1994 (Aerospace Control '94)

  • 1st Edition
  • March 17, 1995
  • D. Schaechter + 1 more
  • English
  • 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.