What do you think?
Rate this book
Advanced Space Propulsion Systems
Space propulsion systems have a great influence on our ability to travel to other planets or how cheap a satellite can provide TV programs. This book provides an up-to-date overview of all kinds of propulsion systems ranging from classical rocket technology, nuclear propulsion to electric propulsion systems, and further to micro-, propellantless and even breakthrough propulsion, which is a new program under development at NASA. The author shows the limitations of the present concepts and how they could look like in the future. Starting from historical developments, the reader is taken on a journey showing the amazing technology that has been put on hold for decades to be rediscovered in the near future for questions like how we can even reach other stars within a human lifetime. The author is actively involved in advanced propulsion research and contributes with his own experience to many of the presented topics. The book is written for anyone who is interested in how space travel can be revolutionized.
137 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2002
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 1, 2024
Ein schönes Buch für Studenten und Interessierte Raumfahrt Enthusiasten.
Read
July 25, 2011Wow. $50 for this little beauty.
The first chapter is a nice, but very brief (and consequently spotty), review of the history of rocketry, followed by a pretty good discussion of the physics or rocket flight. Gives the impression that this is going to be a pretty advanced text.
The next three chapters are so flawed as to be almost indigestible, featuring numerous erroneous statements and figures, as well as references to popular fiction as examples of technological innovation. The author displays a poor understanding of the current state of chemical propulsion and rocket technology.
The fifth and sixth chapters concern electric and micro-propulsion, and are handled rather well.
Chapter seven is a look at propellantless propulsion, not so much "advanced" as "speculative."
Chapter eight concerns "Breakthrough Propulsion." I was particularly intrigued (flabbergasted) by the implication that if we just wait a few years, limitations placed on space travel (mass and speed) by the Theory of Relativity will probably vanish.
Three short chapters of reasonably good content. Five short chapters of questionable merit. A pretty nice Further Reading section. $50. Wow.
The first chapter is a nice, but very brief (and consequently spotty), review of the history of rocketry, followed by a pretty good discussion of the physics or rocket flight. Gives the impression that this is going to be a pretty advanced text.
The next three chapters are so flawed as to be almost indigestible, featuring numerous erroneous statements and figures, as well as references to popular fiction as examples of technological innovation. The author displays a poor understanding of the current state of chemical propulsion and rocket technology.
The fifth and sixth chapters concern electric and micro-propulsion, and are handled rather well.
Chapter seven is a look at propellantless propulsion, not so much "advanced" as "speculative."
Chapter eight concerns "Breakthrough Propulsion." I was particularly intrigued (flabbergasted) by the implication that if we just wait a few years, limitations placed on space travel (mass and speed) by the Theory of Relativity will probably vanish.
Three short chapters of reasonably good content. Five short chapters of questionable merit. A pretty nice Further Reading section. $50. Wow.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews