How Spacecraft Fly: Spaceflight Without Formulae

by Graham Swinerd

In this popular science book, Graham Swinerd explains, without the use of mathematics and in an informal way, aerodynamic and astrodynamic flight for non-technical readers who are interested in spaceflight and spacecraft.

Genres: Science, Space, Engineering

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cristina Muresan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fascinated with spaceflight for a while, having read up mainly on the Apollo programme, and the obligatory couple of sci-fi books recently, but was lacking the basic "101". I'm looking to change my career to something space-related but not having a technical background is a bit daunting. So this book was the perfect first step towards understanding the basics - one day I may add the "formulae" parts to it, but for now, this book was just what I needed. In essence, it's all just common sense - beautifully conveyed by this book!
Only thing I regret is not reading this book back when I was choosing my university degree, may have gone for engineering!!
As other readers note, the final chapters on "current developments" are obviously not so current anymore. Still, interesting to see what they thought "back then" would be achieved now. It looks like the author has not quite been able to forecast the extent of private involvement in space (who could have?), and the ISS is outliving its initial life expectancy by quite a bit!

[David Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of how spacecraft fly and operate. Covers a wide range of topics but does so in a way that isn't patronizing or explodes your brain with maths.

This is the perfect engineering book that you can read on the Can or in Bed. It's a good introduction to Aerospace Engineering and the type of book that can be read by all ages.

However, this isn't the sort of book you need if your writing your Masters Thesis on an Aerospace topic but its the perfect introduction to Space and Aerospace Engineering.

[Amol Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

As author Graham Swinerd says its a book for people who are interested to know about rocket and satellite working but dont know about its mathematics and find it hard. As he claims this book is for beginners with no mathematics background. He kept very simple. Beginning chapters are about Gravity, orbit and physics around it. Then following chapters about rockets, satellite and their structure as well as functioning. Final chapters about future of space exploration frontier. Good and simple book.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent; does exactly what it says on the tin. Well, there is one formula... but I don't think anyone is scared of E = mc^2 these days.

Loved the author's passion and sense of humour. The minor quibble would have been to take a few exclamation marks out, but then I'm generally guilty of that myself, so I can't really talk!

Thoroughly recommend to anyone with an interest in space.

[Andrew]

Recommended at https://twitter.com/fizzpup/status/14...

[Marc Osetec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I worked in aerospace and there were things I learned in this book. An excellent reference at a higher hierarchy.

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, detailed overview of everything that's involved with spacecraft and spaceflight -- from what it takes to leave the Earth's orbit, to descriptions of all the various subsystems required to keep it functioning. This book really doesn't contain any "formulae", but I developed a greater appreciation of what a massive engineering feat it is to launch and maintain something in orbit.

The last two chapters are speculative, and, because it was published around 2008, dated in many places. And most people's eyes (including my own) will glaze over during some parts of the book. But I loved getting into the weeds of the various ways real orbits deviate from "ideal" orbits, and an entire chapter dedicated to the attitude control subsystem.