‘Space tourism’ is becoming a reality. Ordinary people around the world are starting to wonder if they could really go to space and what it would be like –among them, many amateur astronomers. This book explains the basics of what is involved in getting into space, from building the rocket and choosing where to go, to planning the mission and getting home again. It details the extraordinary conditions astronauts cope with when they are in space, and how they communicate with Earth. It explains how amateur astronomers can observe satellites and calculate their orbital parameters. It even has answers to questions such as, ‘How does a spacecraft know exactly where it is?’ and, ‘What are the toilet facilities like?’ The book is an introduction to space vehicles and space travel: the vehicles themselves, their propulsion systems, environmental systems, navigation, and steering. It looks at possible future missions, and explores the far future of space flight – what is possible and what is not. Explainsthe mechanics of space flight without mathematics. Reveals all aspects of moving into space, from rocket design to living in space. Makes you want to become a space tourist INDICE: Rocket and spacecraft design: propellants, launch vehicles and spacecraft.- Mission planning and backup including choosing the launch site and supplies.- Navigation in three dimensions.- Communication.- Life in space (how humans cope).- Observing satellites: >From naked eye observations to professional observatories.- Where to go (exploring the planets, the Moon, and further out).- What the future holds (different types of propulsion systems).- Glossary.- Index.
- ISBN: 978-0-387-75377-5
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 208
- Fecha Publicación: 01/03/2008
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés