Space Invaders: How Robotic Spacecraft Explore the Solar System

by Michel van Pelt

Manned space programs attract the most media attention, and it is not hard to understand the danger, the heroism, the sheer adventure we as earthbound observers can imagine when humans are involved. But robotic missions deserve a respectful and detailed history and analysis of their own, and this book provides it. Instead of describing one specific spacecraft or mission, Michel van Pelt offers a "behind the scenes" look at the life of a space probe from its first conceptual design to the analysis of the scientific data returned by the spacecraft.

325 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tanwen Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well thought out and entertaining guide to what a robotic space mission is and how they go about making them. Excellent writing helped me to zip through the pages, and filled with several anecdotes and stories I hadn't come across before.