Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems: Enabling Technologies for Space Exploration (Springer Praxis Books / Astronautical Engineering) [Hardcover]

Paul A. Czysz (Author), Claudio Bruno (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540888136 | ISBN-13: 978-3540888130 | Publication Date: March 16, 2009 | Edition: 2nd ed.

An understandable perspective on the types of space propulsion systems necessary to enable low-cost space flights to Earth orbit and to the Moon and the future developments necessary for exploration of the solar system and beyond to the stars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews of the second edition: “Authors discuss the main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different spacecraft-propulsion systems, ranging from launchers designed to reach Earth orbit to deep-space probes and interstellar explorers. … describes in detail the shortcomings of current systems and the requirement to develop new, low-cost launch vehicles and space tugs that are capable of conducting sustained operations in low Earth orbit. … Aimed at a technically literate readership, the book is particularly thorough in dealing with the potential and drawbacks associated with various types of nuclear propulsion.” (Peter Bond, The Observatory, Vol. 130 (1214), June, 2010) “It discusses concepts and designs for the propulsion of future spacecraft which are capable of exploring the solar system and to travel beyond. … The book is generally well-written … . It is well-referenced, includes many figures (and a colour section) and is logically structured in nine sections and two appendices. … The typical reader of this book is an engineer working on the field or related topics … . a valuable reference for experts on the field and those who want to become one.” (Manuel Vogei, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 51 (6), 2010)

From the Back Cover

In this second edition of Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems, the authors demonstrate the need to break free from the old established concepts of expendable rockets, using chemical propulsion, and to develop new breeds of launch vehicle capable of both launching payloads into orbit at a dramatically reduced cost and for sustained operations in low-Earth orbit. The next steps to establishing a permanent ‘presence’ in the Solar System beyond Earth are the commercialisation of sustained operations on the Moon and the development of advanced nuclear or high-energy space propulsion systems for Solar System exploration out to the boundary of interstellar space. In the future, high-energy particle research facilities may one day yield a very high-energy propulsion system that will take us to the nearby stars, or even beyond. Space is not quiet: it is a continuous series of nuclear explosions that provide the material for new star systems to form and provide the challenge to explore. This book provides an assessment of the industrial capability required to construct and operate the necessary spacecraft. Time and distance communication and control limitations impose robotic constraints. Space environments restrict human sustained presence and put high demands on electronic, control and materials systems. This comprehensive and authoritative book puts spacecraft propulsion systems in perspective, from earth orbit launchers to astronomical/space exploration vehicles. It includes new material on fusion propulsion, new figures and updates and expands the information given in the first edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 584 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2nd ed. edition (March 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540888136
• ISBN-13: 978-3540888130
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #719,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, January 24, 2011

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lala - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems: Enabling Technologies for Space Exploration (Springer Praxis Books / Astronautical Engineering) (Hardcover)

Its rather expensive, but you get what you pay for.. Overall a very good book. Its a practical, applied engineering text, rather than a physics text book. The book starts out with existing rocket hardware, and then makes rational expansions into rocket based combined cycles and air breathing scramjets. It moves on to various applications of nuclear rocketry (both thermal and electric) and ends with a discussion of various fusion propulsion concepts. There isn't much speculation on esoteric physics such as wormholes - just applied engineering based on known principles of physics. Its written by engineers, for engineers (I'm an aerospace propulsion engineer myself). The non-technical reader might find this a bit heavy.