Deep Space Craft: An Overview of Interplanetary Flight (Astronautical Engineering)

Foreword by Steve Squyres. Deep Space Craft opens the door to interplanetary flight. It surveys the broad landscape of engineering and scientific disciplines that contribute to deep space flight, providing plenty of references for delving into any one of them. This highly focused guide to interplanetary space exploration uses many examples of previous and current endeavors. It enables the reader understand and research almost any topic related to spacecraft and to seek the latest scientific findings, the newest emerging technologies, or the current status of a favorite flight. Appendix A gives illustrated descriptions of spacecraft and ground facilities to reinforce the classification framework. Appendix B contains illustrated detailed descriptions of a dozen scientific instruments, including some ground-breaking engineering appliances, which have either been in operation or are poised for flight. Appendix C has annotated illustrations to clarify regions and structures in the solar system and the planets' ring systems, and places the solar system in context with the local interstellar environment. Appendix D details the electromagnetic spectrum. Appendix E lists a chronology of space exploration. Appendix F lists units of measure and abbreviations. The Glossary is extensive, and the Index is thorough. Hardcopy and paperback available. Read more