The Development of Propulsion Technology for U.S. Space-launch Vehicles: 1926 - 1991In this definitive study, J. D. Hunley traces the program?s development from Goddard?s early rockets (and the German V-2 missile) through the Titan IVA and the Space Shuttle, with a focus on space-launch vehicles. Since these rockets often evolved from early missiles, he pays considerable attention to missile technology, not as an end in itself, but as a contributor to launch-vehicle technology. Focusing especially on the engineering culture of the program, Hunley communicates this very human side of technological development by means of anecdotes, character sketches, and case studies of problems faced by rocket engineers. He shows how such a highly adaptive approach enabled the evolution of a hugely complicated technology that was impressive?but decidedly not rocket science. Unique in its single-volume coverage of the evolution of launch-vehicle technology from 1926 to 1991, this meticulously researched work will inform scholars and engineers interested in the history of technology and innovation, as well as those specializing in the history of space flight. |
Contents
US SpaceLaunch Vehicles 195891 | 8 |
Propulsion with Alcohol and Kerosene Fuels 193272 | 8 |
Propulsion with Storable Fuels and Oxidizers 194291 | 9 |
Propulsion with Liquid Hydrogen and Oxygen 195491 | 9 |
Solid Propulsion JATOs to Minuteman III 193970 | 27 |
Other editions - View all
The Development of Propulsion Technology for U.S. Space-launch Vehicles ... J. D. Hunley Limited preview - 2007 |
The Development of Propulsion Technology for U.S. Space-Launch Vehicles ... J. D. Hunley Limited preview - 2013 |
The Development of Propulsion Technology for U.S. Space-launch Vehicles ... J. D. Hunley No preview available - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
Able achieved Aerojet Aeronautics air force American Apollo Army Astronautics Atlas Ballistic became began booster Braun called caused Centaur Center changes chap Chapter Company contract contributed Corporal cost Delta Division early experience failures feet final firing firm flight folder followed fuel German History ignition improved increased initial injector John July June Laboratory later launch vehicles liquid liquid hydrogen major Martin Martin Marietta Minuteman missile mission motor NASA needed Notes nozzle occurred Office operational orbit oxidizer oxygen percent performance Polaris pounds Press pressure problems produced Project propellant Propulsion pump quotation Redstone Report Research resulted Rocket Engine Rocket Motor Rocketdyne satellites Saturn Scout seen Solid solid-propellant solid-rocket Space Shuttle specific successful tank technical Thiokol third Thor thrust tion Titan United University upper stage Vanguard Washington weight