Understanding Space: An Introduction to AstronauticsThis is an introductory text in astronautics. It contains historical background and a discussion of space missions, space environment, orbits, atmospheric entry, spacecraft design, spacecraft subsystems, and space operations. It features section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations, and is extensively illustrated with many photos, figures, and examples 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. |
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acceleration angular momentum antenna argument of perigee ascending node astronauts atmosphere attitude basic burnout CDHS Chapter charged particles circular orbit communication components Courtesy of NASA/Johnson define Describe determine direction Earth Efuture electrical example FireSat flight flight-path angle frequency gravity ground track heat Hohmann Transfer hyperbolic trajectory inclination initial interplanetary km/s launch vehicle look Mars mass Moon NASA NASA/Johnson Space Center Newton's nozzle object operations orbital elements orbital plane parking orbit payload perigee plane change pressure problem propellant propulsion radiation radius re-entry right ascension rocket rotation satellite semimajor axis sensors shown in Figure Space Shuttle spacecraft spacecraft's velocity specific angular momentum specific impulse specific mechanical energy speed spinning structure subsystem surface systems engineering process target planet temperature thermal thrust thrusters torque trajectory transfer orbit true anomaly U.S. Air Force vector vehicle's velocity change