Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics + Website (Space Technology Series) [Hardcover]

Jerry Sellers (Author), William Astore (Author), Robert Giffen (Author), Wiley Larson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0077230302 | ISBN-13: 978-0077230302 | Edition: 3

Understanding Space provides an excellent in-depth explanation of astronautic principles making it a must-have for undergrad aerospace students.

This is an introductory text in astronautics designed for managers and young engineers new to the space field. The study of astronautics and space missions can appear difficult at times, but our goal is to bring space down to Earth and de-mystify it, so each reader understands the big picture with confidence. It contains historical background and a discussion of space missions, space environment, orbits, atmospheric entry, spacecraft design, spacecraft subsystems, and space operations. This is a truly user-friendly, full-color text focused on understanding concepts and practical applications but written in a down-to-earth, engaging manner that painlessly helps you understand complex topics. It is laid out with multi-color highlights for key terms and ideas, reinforced with detailed example problems, and supported by detailed section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent primer for the serious space enthusiast. The reader will need more than a passing familiarity with algebraic concepts, but this book is written in textbook format -- what the heck, it IS a textbook! If anyone ever planned to launch a satellite from their own backyard, this is the book that will guide them. Want to be an engineer-physicist? Want to be an astronaut? This is the book for you --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Inside this new second edition, you'll find:

Space missions

History of space

Orbits and interplanetary trajectories

Atmospheric re-entry

Space system engineering

Spacecraft subsystems

Space operations and support

Economics of space

Satellite communications

Space law, politics,and economics This is a truly user-friendly, full-color text focused on understanding concepts and practical applications but written in a down-to-earth, engaging manner that painlessly helps you understand complex topics. It is laid out with multi-color highlights for key terms and ideas, reinforced with detailed example problems, and supported by detailed section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 792 pages
• Publisher: Learning Solutions; 3 edition (May 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0077230302
• ISBN-13: 978-0077230302
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in-depth explanation of astronautic principles, February 29, 2000

By 

Aero Nut (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics (Paperback)

I was unaware of this book until I needed it for a college course in Orbital Dynamics. This book is the most accessible that I've seen on the subject. It supplies an in-depth, yet understandable explanation, of spaceflight principles covering orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, guidance, and reentry. The math is at a high-school senior or college freshman level but a motivated individual should be able to master most of the material. Make sure to work the chapter problems if you want a thorough understanding of the subject. If you want to REALLY understand the basic principles of spaceflight, this is THE book!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to many issues with space., February 6, 2000

By 

Chris Swan (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics (Paperback)

I am Aerospace Engineering student and found the book to be a very good introduction to many questions regarding space and space travel. While this book does not go into specifics, it is easy to read and understand (high school level).

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Relating Space for the Masses!!, March 25, 2006

By 

J. Page "tdrss" (Southwest USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Space : An Introduction to Astronautics (Hardcover)

Mr. Jerry Jon Seller's book, "Understanding Space" is an amazing textbook about the technical aspects of space. The text is well written, the diagrams are easily understood, and the "tech-factor" for space geeks is acceptably high. It is no wonder that the United States Air Force has recommended "Understanding Space" as its baseline text concerning Technical aspects of space flight.

For those afraid of "rocket-science" level math, the book is written at a very easy level, using algebra, trigonometry, and bits of calculus covered with a whole BUNCH of physics. It is an excellent text for technical classes, and also easily readable for non-technical space classes. I've personally referenced this book in *EVERY* space-related class I've taken (4 undergrad and a *whole* bunch of graduate classes) - if you buy it, you will use it, I guarantee.

The only downside to this text lies in the fault of its users, not the author or publisher. This book was written to be the introduction to the Space Technology Library, a list covering more advanced topics in space. That said, the text is written at a high-school/undergraduate level for math and physics; yet the USAF has committed its "Certified Space Professionals" to using the text at their advanced level "Space 200" course. If you're taking (or teaching) space-related classes, understand the level of information you're needing - there *are* other space technical books (some by the same publisher) that will cover these topics in more depth (i.e. harder math and physics).