Understanding Space An Introduction to Astronautics Website Space Technology
Understanding Space provides an excellent in-depth explanation of astronautic principles making it a must-have for undergrad aerospace students.
This is an introductory text in astronautics designed for managers and young engineers new to the space field. The study of astronautics and space missions can appear difficult at times, but our goal is to bring space down to Earth and de-mystify it, so each reader understands the big picture with confidence. It contains historical background and a discussion of space missions, space environment, orbits, atmospheric entry, spacecraft design, spacecraft subsystems, and space operations. 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.
User Ratings and Reviews
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars A must-have for new professionals and students in the field
I own an earlier edition of this book, which I bought after a friend and Air Force Academy graduate let me borrow his. Unless you are already a guru in all things space-related, there is probably something useful in this book.
It is a primer for the basics of orbit and attitude dynamics, mission designs, subsystems, launch and reentries, operations, as well as other topics. The math is all kept at the algebra level, which keeps it from discouraging readers who want to get concepts without getting tangled up in dense math.
Unlike many texts, this one is very well-illustrated, and written in a manner that actually makes it fun to read, including sidebars with descriptions of historical and current real world missions, as well as descriptions and diagrams of various current and future technology subsystems, including propulsion schemes. Few textbooks have ever held my interest as well as this one, and inspired me to seek out more detailed texts for some of the subjects.
Many times have I had to teach young new people the ropes, or to explain to outsiders asking me questions about something they aren’t familiar with, and this book has always made it easier to explain things, especially with its ample illustrations.
If you are a professional in the field and have a stack of textbooks on the shelf by your desk, I recommend adding this one.
3 Stars Arcjet graphics missing.
I bought this book sometime ago based upon the high ratings on amazon and my personal desire to assimilate the knowledge.
I have therefore only leisurely read one of the chapters that interested me and although the content is top notch, I am quite annoyed at the placement of an incorrect graphic cutaway on page 576, The cutaway in question is supposed to show how an Arcjet engine operates, but the cutaway is that of a thermal nuclear engine that was discussed, and portrayed, some pages earlier.
So in closing, this text may need extensive editting.
5 Stars Very well written book on the subject
This book is really easy to read. The author has done a great job at presenting the history, the risks and the technologies that have allowed us to have missions in space. It provides a good understanding of issues that have to be resolved for a mission in space, such as near-zero gravity issues (problems such as outgassing), radiation (single event phenomena), heat transfer, etc. It also provides benefits of space missions, discusses different types of orbits, etc. Overall, this is a great book to give you a good understanding of space, space vehicles (i.e. satellites) and the issues encountered and the way we have or currently are addressing them as well as challenges for the future.
5 Stars A must read
this a great book….written in a very easy to understand for the non specialist..it’s worth the money you’ll pay.
4 Stars Very interesting
I found this book to be very enjoyable. A great review of Calculus and linear Algebra, are available in the appendix. This book has easily understood orbital concepts and is easy to follow. Anyone with and interest in Space technology should enjoy this book.
