Space: The Fragile Frontier (Library of Flight Series) [Hardcover]

Mark Williamson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563477769 | ISBN-13: 978-1563477768 | Publication Date: April 28, 2006

Protection of the space environment - for the study of and use by successive generations of explorers and developers - is an important concept that has yet to enter the collective consciousness of the space community. This book illustrates the relevance of the space environment to science, commerce and the individual, and explains why we should consider protecting some of its unique properties and most significant territories. "Space: The Fragile Frontier" is the first book to draw together the recognized issues of Earth orbital debris and planetary protection, set them in the context of space law and ethical policies, and encourage a balance between desirable expansion into space and protection of the space environment. It calls for a sustainable approach to space exploration and development. "Space: The Fragile Frontier" is aimed at scientists, engineers and policy-makers with an interest in space exploration and development, and students who intend to develop a career in a space-related subject. You may not agree with everything you read, but it will change the way you think about space and everything we do there.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Williamson is an independent Space Technology Consultant advising the space industry and the space insurance community. A Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer, he has more than 25 years' experience in satellite communications engineering, technical management and space consultancy. As a technical author, he has written some 350 articles on many aspects of space technology, and several dozen papers on subjects as diverse as space law, space education and space history. He has also served as the editor of three international space industry magazines. His other books include The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology and a student text, The Communications Satellite.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast (April 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563477769
• ISBN-13: 978-1563477768
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,911,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Book About An Oft Neglected Subject., September 14, 2006

By 

Charles J. Rector (Woodstock, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Space: The Fragile Frontier (Library of Flight Series) (Hardcover)

Space: The Fragile Frontier by Mark Williamson argues that the space environment must be protected just like the environment of planet Earth. Williamson opposes experiments in which spacecraft are crashed into various and sundry heavenly bodies. Williamson claims that we are "disfiguring" the landscape of other planets and moons via crashing spacecraft.

Williamson does offer a good discussion of the ethical and legal issues posed by space pollution. Williamson makes a number of claims that he ultimately cannot support with his evidence. Williamson comes across as a bit of an alarmist who presents little reason why we should share his concerns.

This is an interesting book that sheds light on a subject that is all too often neglected.