The interest in the search for extrasolar life and extraterrestrial intelligence is expressed by NASA's financial backing for extrasolar exploration by space probes. This survey of 21st-century state-of-the-art extrasolar and interstellar space exploration, focuses on the most promising techniques.
Springer Praxis Books: Letecké inženýrství Série
Tato série se noří do fascinujícího světa vesmírného inženýrství a kosmických letů. Poskytuje hluboký vhled do principů, které umožňují našim ambicím dosáhnout hvězd. Od návrhu kosmických lodí po navigaci v hlubokém vesmíru, každý svazek odhaluje složitosti a zázraky dobývání vesmíru. Je to nezbytný zdroj pro každého, kdo je uchvácen budoucností lidstva mezi hvězdami.






Doporučené pořadí čtení
Orbital motion in strongly perturbed environments
Applications to Asteroid, Comet and Planetary Satellite Orbiters
- 390 stránek
- 14 hodin čtení
The proposed book will provide a detailed, technical introduction to the analysis of orbital motion in strongly perturbed environments, focusing on motion about small Solar System bodies, such as comets and asteroids. The author shows why such small bodies are of interest and why they can be used as a motivation for the general analysis of orbital mechanics. He shows how it is possible to model the small body environment, including specialised cases such as those of binary asteroids, comets and ‘rubble piles’, and how the fundamental equations of motion are derived. The properties of the various solutions to the equations of motion are described and the methods of analysis and their application are discussed. Both ballistic motion and powered motion on and about small bodies are considered and case studies for different small body missions are presented. The author concludes his comprehensive treatment with a discussion of the mechanics of multi-body small body systems and a review of advanced topics and future applications.
Focusing on the resurgence of lunar and Martian exploration, this comprehensive book delves into the ExoMars Rover and the US Mars Exploration Rover program, highlighting the authors' contributions to these significant missions. It provides insights into the technological advancements and international efforts driving humanity's return to the Moon and Mars, making it a timely resource for understanding contemporary space exploration.
Rocket and spacecraft propulsion
- 226 stránek
- 8 hodin čtení
"This book deals with the newest applications and systems used in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. Written from perspective of the user rather than the theorist, it discusses the range of launch vehicles in use today throughout the world, and includes the very latest details of some of the advanced propulsion systems currently being developed." "The book covers the fundamentals of the subject, from the basic principles of rocket propulsion and vehicle dynamics through the theory and practice of liquid and solid propellant motors, to new and future developments."
Interplanetary Mission Analysis and Design
- 524 stránek
- 19 hodin čtení
Focusing on mission analysis and design techniques, this book covers a comprehensive range of interplanetary missions, from inner to outer planets and Solar System escape trajectories. It begins with fundamental concepts of interplanetary travel, including Earth departure and orbit selection. Various propulsion systems and transfer techniques are explored, highlighting gravity assist principles and low-thrust transfers. The book concludes with optimization methods tailored for interplanetary missions, making it a valuable resource for understanding space exploration strategies.
Focusing on modern launch vehicles, this revised third edition offers practical insights into their global usage and features up-to-date information on advanced propulsion systems under development. It's a comprehensive resource for understanding current technologies in the aerospace sector.
The book provides a detailed technological analysis of human missions to Mars, breaking down the journey into distinct stages. It covers the progression from Earth's surface to low-Earth orbit, the departure toward Mars, and the complexities of Mars orbit insertion, landing, and ascent. Additionally, it examines the trans-Earth injection process and the return to Earth, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and innovations involved in interplanetary travel.
Deep space flight and communications
Exploiting the Sun as a Gravitational Lens
- 500 stránek
- 18 hodin čtení
Most books on interstellar flight focus on propulsion systems, but this work addresses two equally crucial aspects of such missions. The first part explores the Sun's gravitational lensing effect for scientific missions extending to 550 AU and beyond. The author details how the Sun acts as a gravitational lens, the scientific investigations possible along the journey and at the 550 AU boundary, the requirements for exiting the Solar System at high speeds, and various project ideas for interstellar exploration. The second part tackles the challenges of communication between an interstellar spacecraft and Earth, particularly at high velocities. It evaluates mathematical tools related to the Karhunen-Loève Transform (KLT) for optimal telecommunications, which may one day facilitate communication for humans traveling through the Galaxy. This section begins with a summary of the author’s 2003 Pešek Lecture at the IAC in Bremen, introducing KLT to engineers and newcomers. A DVD is planned to accompany the book, containing full mathematical derivations of KLT for those interested, while the text will present results without extensive mathematical proofs. This approach allows astronautical engineers to understand practical applications without getting overwhelmed by complex mathematics.