Basics of space flight

by Dave Doody

How do you get to another planet? Can gravity assist you? How do spacecraft communicate? Broad in scope and loaded with references, Basics of Space Flight identifies the many fields and concepts associated with robotic interplanetary space exploration, and shows how they operate together. Popular with teachers, students, and anyone who is curious about "how they do that." In this edition its many illustrations are in color. A less expensive black & white edition is also available (see Amazon listings). It is possible to obtain a 20% discount off the list price, which may be of interest to resellers. Go to http: //tinyurl.com/bsf-color and use code 3AWQ7MBU. Note this may require setting up an additional buyer account with Amazon. Bluroof Press / www.bluroof.us

Genres: Space, Research, Nonfiction

300 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Simon Dobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted to understand the theory and practice of space flight, this is the place to start. It's an extremely friendly introduction that starts from the basics -- the solar system, the planets, comets, and other phenomena -- and works out from there to a full description of mission planning and execution.

The treatment of orbits and orbital mechanics is particularly strong: I have a lot of maths and physics in my background, and the explanation here is way simpler than you'll find in any textbook. IN fact it's the perfect introduction before diving into the maths if you want to, and there are pointers in the text to the appropriate web sites and other sources.

All in all a great introduction to a subject that still has the power to fascinate.