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Spacecraft Momentum Control Systems
by Frederick A. Leve Brian J. Hamilton Mason A. PeckThe goal of this book is to serve both as a practical technical reference and a resource for gaining a fuller understanding of the state of the art of spacecraft momentum control systems, specifically looking at control moment gyroscopes (CMGs). As a result, the subject matter includes theory, technology, and systems engineering. The authors combine material on system-level architecture of spacecraft that feature momentum-control systems with material about the momentum-control hardware and software. This also encompasses material on the theoretical and algorithmic approaches to the control of space vehicles with CMGs. In essence, CMGs are the attitude-control actuators that make contemporary highly agile spacecraft possible. The rise of commercial Earth imaging, the advances in privately built spacecraft (including small satellites), and the growing popularity of the subject matter in academic circles over the past decade argues that now is the time for an in-depth treatment of the topic. CMGs are augmented by reaction wheels and related algorithms for steering all such actuators, which together comprise the field of spacecraft momentum control systems. The material is presented at a level suitable for practicing engineers and those with an undergraduate degree in mechanical, electrical, and/or aerospace engineering.
Spacecraft Operations
by Thomas Uhlig Florian Sellmaier Michael SchmidhuberThe book describes the basic concepts of spaceflight operations, for both, human and unmanned missions. The basic subsystems of a space vehicle are explained in dedicated chapters, the relationship of spacecraft design and the very unique space environment are laid out. Flight dynamics are taught as well as ground segment requirements. Mission operations are divided into preparation including management aspects, execution and planning. Deep space missions and space robotic operations are included as special cases. The book is based on a course held at the German Space Operation Center (GSOC).
Spacecraft Operations (Springer Aerospace Technology)
by Thomas Uhlig Florian Sellmaier Michael SchmidhuberThis book describes the basic concepts of spacecraft operations for both manned and unmanned missions. The first part of the book provides a brief overview of the space segment. The next four parts deal with the classic areas of space flight operations: mission operations, communications and infrastructure, the flight dynamics system, and the mission planning system. This is followed by a part describing the operational tasks of the various subsystems of a classical satellite in Earth orbit. The last part describes the special requirements of other mission types due to the presence of astronauts, the approach of a satellite to another target satellite, or leaving Earth orbit in interplanetary missions and landing on other planets and moons.The 2nd edition is published seven years after the first edition. It contains four new chapters on flight procedures, the human factors, ground station operation, and software and systems. In addition, several chapters have been extensively expanded. The entire book has been brought up to date and the language has been revised.This book is based on the “Spacecraft Operations Course” held at the German Space Operations Center. However, the target audience of this book is not only the participants of the course, but also students of technical and scientific courses, as well as technically interested people who want to gain a deeper understanding of spacecraft operations.
Spacecraft Optical Navigation (JPL Deep-Space Communications and Navigation Series)
by William M. Owen Jr.UNIQUE RESOURCE EXPLORING HOW SPACECRAFT IMAGERY PROVIDES PROFESSIONALS WITH ACCURATE ESTIMATES OF SPACECRAFT TRAJECTORY, WITH REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES AND DETAILED ILLUSTRATIONS Spacecraft Optical Navigation provides detailed information on the planning and analysis of spacecraft imagery to help determine the trajectory of a spacecraft. The author, an experienced engineer within the field, addresses the entirety of celestial targets and explains how a spacecraft captures their imagery. Aimed at professionals within spacecraft navigation, this book provides an extensive introduction and explains the history of optical navigation, reviewing a range of optical methods and presents real world examples throughout. With the use of mathematics, this book discusses everything from the orbits, sizes, and shapes of the bodies being imaged, to the location and properties of salient features on their surfaces. Specific sample topics covered in Spacecraft Optical Navigation include: History of various past spacecraft, including Mariner and Viking, Voyager, Galileo, NEAR Shoemaker, and Cassini, and flight hardware, star catalogs, and stereophotoclinometryCameras, covering the gnomonic projection (and deviations from it), creation of a digital picture, picture flattening, and readout smearsModeling optical navigation observables, covering apparent directions to an object, star, and limbs or terminators, and orientation of camerasObtaining optical navigation observables, covering centerfinding for stars and resolved and unresolved bodies, and using opnav data in orbit determination Spacecraft Optical Navigation is an ideal resource for engineers working in spacecraft navigation and optical navigation, to update their knowledge of the technology and use it in their day-to-day. The text will also benefit researchers working with spacecraft, particularly in navigation, and professors and lecturers teaching graduate aerospace courses.
Spacecraft Power System Technologies (Space Science and Technologies)
by Zhigang Liu Qi Chen Xiaofeng Zhang Liying ZhuThis book provides an introduction to the main design principles, methods, procedures, and development trends in spacecraft power systems. It is divided into nine chapters, the first of which covers the classification and main components of primary power system design and power distribution system design. In turn, Chapters 2 to 4 focus on the spacecraft power system design experience and review the latest typical design cases concerning spacecraft power systems in China. More specifically, these chapters also introduce readers to the topological structure and key technologies used in spacecraft power systems. Chapters 5 to 7 address power system reliability and safety design, risk analysis and control, and in-orbit management in China’s spacecraft engineering projects. The book’s closing chapters provide essential information on new power systems and technologies, such as space nuclear power, micro- and nano-satellite power systems, and space energy interconnection systems. An outlook on future development trends rounds out the coverage.
Spacecraft Power Systems
by Mukund R. Patel Omid BeikThis second edition of Spacecraft Power Systems is a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, design trades, components, controls, and operations of spacecraft power systems based on the real-world design and operations of spacecraft that have successfully flown for decades. It also includes emerging high-voltage, high-power systems for in-space propulsion for interplanetary travel. With new and updated chapters, sections, and discussions, the second edition covers up-to-date high-voltage, MW-scale electric propulsion, updated PV and battery systems, spacecraft power components, power electronics, and their architectures and operations. This book also presents the latest in spacecraft design processes and trades, controls, operations, and protection. This book is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering taking courses in Space Systems, Space Engineering, and Spacecraft Power Systems, as well as for practicing aerospace and power engineers and managers who are designing, developing, and operating spacecraft power systems.
Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-State Failures
by Joseph Homer Saleh Jean-François CastetThe aerospace community has long recognized and repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reliability for space systems. Despite this, little has been published in book form on the topic. Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-state Failures addresses this gap in the literature, offering a unique focus on spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of system and subsystem anomalies and failures.The authors provide new results pertaining to spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of on-orbit anomaly and failure data that will be particularly useful to spacecraft manufacturers and designers, for example in guiding satellite (and subsystem) test and screening programs and providing an empirical basis for subsystem redundancy and reliability growth plans. The authors develop nonparametric results and parametric models of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem reliability and multi-state failures, quantify the relative contribution of each subsystem to the failure of the satellites thus identifying the subsystems that drive spacecraft unreliability, and propose advanced stochastic modeling and analysis tools for the reliability and survivability of spacecraft and space-based networks.Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-state Failuresprovides new nonparametric results pertaining to spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of on-orbit anomaly and failure data;develops parametric models of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem reliability and multi-state failuresquantifies the relative contribution of each subsystem to the failure of the satellitesproposes advanced stochastic modeling and analysis tools for the reliability and survivability of spacecraft and space-based networks.provides a dedicated treatment of the reliability and subsystem anomalies of communication spacecraft in geostationary orbit.
Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-State Failures: A Statistical Approach
by Joseph Homer Saleh Jean-François CastetThe aerospace community has long recognized and repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reliability for space systems. Despite this, little has been published in book form on the topic. Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-state Failures addresses this gap in the literature, offering a unique focus on spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of system and subsystem anomalies and failures. The authors provide new results pertaining to spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of on-orbit anomaly and failure data that will be particularly useful to spacecraft manufacturers and designers, for example in guiding satellite (and subsystem) test and screening programs and providing an empirical basis for subsystem redundancy and reliability growth plans. The authors develop nonparametric results and parametric models of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem reliability and multi-state failures, quantify the relative contribution of each subsystem to the failure of the satellites thus identifying the subsystems that drive spacecraft unreliability, and propose advanced stochastic modeling and analysis tools for the reliability and survivability of spacecraft and space-based networks. Spacecraft Reliability and Multi-state Failures provides new nonparametric results pertaining to spacecraft reliability based on extensive statistical analysis of on-orbit anomaly and failure data; develops parametric models of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem reliability and multi-state failures quantifies the relative contribution of each subsystem to the failure of the satellites proposes advanced stochastic modeling and analysis tools for the reliability and survivability of spacecraft and space-based networks. provides a dedicated treatment of the reliability and subsystem anomalies of communication spacecraft in geostationary orbit.
Spacecraft System Design (Space Science, Technology and Application Series)
by Liu JieDrawing on practical engineering experience and latest achievements of space technology in China, this title investigates spacecraft system design and introduces several design methods based on the model development process.A well-established space engineering system with spacecraft as the core is integral to spaceflight activities and missions of entering, exploring, developing and utilizing outer space. This book expounds the key phases in the workflow of spacecraft development, including task analysis, overall plan design, external interface, configuration and assembly design and experimental verification. Subsystems that function as the nuclei of spacecraft design and important aspects in the model development process are then examined, such as orbit design, environmental influence factors, reliability design, dynamics analysis, etc. In addition, it also discusses the digital environment and methods to improve the efficiency of system design.The title will appeal to researchers, students, and especially professionals interested in spacecraft system design and space engineering.
Spacecraft Systems Engineering
by John Stark Graham Swinerd Peter FortescueThis fourth edition of the bestselling Spacecraft Systems Engineering title provides the reader with comprehensive coverage of the design of spacecraft and the implementation of space missions, across a wide spectrum of space applications and space science. The text has been thoroughly revised and updated, with each chapter authored by a recognized expert in the field. Three chapters - Ground Segment, Product Assurance and Spacecraft System Engineering - have been rewritten, and the topic of Assembly, Integration and Verification has been introduced as a new chapter, filling a gap in previous editions.This edition addresses 'front-end system-level issues' such as environment, mission analysis and system engineering, but also progresses to a detailed examination of subsystem elements which represents the core of spacecraft design. This includes mechanical, electrical and thermal aspects, as well as propulsion and control. This quantitative treatment is supplemented by an emphasis on the interactions between elements, which deeply influences the process of spacecraft design.Adopted on courses worldwide, Spacecraft Systems Engineering is already widely respected by students, researchers and practising engineers in the space engineering sector. It provides a valuable resource for practitioners in a wide spectrum of disciplines, including system and subsystem engineers, spacecraft equipment designers, spacecraft operators, space scientists and those involved in related sectors such as space insurance.In summary, this is an outstanding resource for aerospace engineering students, and all those involved in the technical aspects of design and engineering in the space sector.
Spacecraft TT&C and Information Transmission Theory and Technologies
by Jiaxing LiuSpacecraft TT&C and Information Transmission Theory and Technologies introduces the basic theory of spacecraft TT&C (telemetry, track and command) and information transmission. Combining TT&C and information transmission, the book presents several technologies for continuous wave radar including measurements for range, range rate and angle, analog and digital information transmissions, telecommand, telemetry, remote sensing and spread spectrum TT&C. For special problems occurred in the channels for TT&C and information transmission, the book represents radio propagation features and its impact on orbit measurement accuracy, and the effects caused by rain attenuation, atmospheric attenuation and multi-path effect, and polarization composition technology. This book can benefit researchers and engineers in the field of spacecraft TT&C and communication systems. Liu Jiaxing is a professor at The 10th Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.
Spacecraft Thermal Control Technologies (Space Science and Technologies)
by Xin Zhao Jianyin Miao Qi Zhong Qiwei ZhaoThis book presents fundamental theories, design and testing methodologies, and engineering applications concerning spacecraft thermal control systems, helping readers gain a comprehensive understanding of spacecraft thermal control systems and technologies. With abundant design methods, advanced technologies and typical applications to help them grasp the basic concepts and principles of engineering applications, it is mainly intended for engineering and technical staff engaged in spacecraft thermal control areas. The book discusses the thermal environments commonly used for space flight missions, rules and regulations for system design, thermal analysis and simulation, and thermal testing methods, as well as the design and validation of the thermal control systems for Chinese spacecraft, such as the Shenzhou spacecraft and Chang’e Lunar Lander and Rover. It also introduces them to communication and remote sensing satellites and presents advanced thermal control technologies developed in recent years, including heat transfer, heat insulation, heating, refrigeration and thermal sensor technologies. Addressing the design and validation of thermal control systems for various types of Chinese spacecraft, the book offers a valuable theoretical and practical reference guide for researchers and engineers alike.
Spacecraft that Explored the Inner Planets Venus and Mercury (Springer Praxis Books)
by Thomas LundA series of increasingly capable spacecraft were sent to explore the inner planets Venus and Mercury. The history of that planetary exploration is traced in this book along with the evolution of sophisticated spacecraft that unveiled long-sought secrets of the planets. The spacecraft were ingenious and reflected the best efforts of talented people working with the available technology of the day. Additionally, this book showcases engineering involved in those capable machines. A consecutive series of 34 planetary spacecraft, which span the time period 1961 to 2021, are described. This includes the unsuccessful missions of several early spacecraft that paved the way for a better understanding of Venus’ hostile environments. This book will describe many successful spacecraft sent to Venus by the Soviet Union and many successful spacecraft sent to Venus and to Mercury by the United States.The recent exploration of Venus by the European Space Agency’s Venus Express and the Japanese spacecraft Akatsuki can also be found in this book. The author draws on over 50 years of experience on aircraft and spacecraft systems to tell the story of these planetary spacecraft. The spacecraft experience includes being the technical lead for the landing radars on the Surveyor and Apollo lunar landers as well as providing analyses for the rendezvous radar for the Space Shuttle. Practical engineering experience is augmented by Master’s degrees in electrical engineering, physics, and business administration.
Spaced Out: Space Case; Spaced Out; Waste Of Space (Moon Base Alpha #2)
by Stuart GibbsIn this New York Times bestselling novel the moon base commander has gone missing and Dash Gibson is on the case. The second mind-boggling mystery of the Moon Base Alpha series from beloved author Stuart Gibbs.There’s nowhere to hide on the world’s first moon base. After all, it’s only the size of a soccer field. So when Nina Stack, the commander of Moon Base Alpha, mysteriously vanishes, the Moonies are at a total loss. Though he may be just twelve years old, Dashiell Gibson is the best detective they’ve got. But this confusing mystery pushes Dash to his limits. Especially since Dash accidentally made contact with an alien and has to keep it a secret. With the fate of the entire human race hanging in the balance, will Dash be able to solve the mystery of the missing Moonie?
Spacefarers: How Humans Will Settle the Moon, Mars, and Beyond
by Christopher WanjekA wry and compelling take on the who, how, and why of near-future colonies in space. From bone-whittling microgravity to eye-popping profits, the risks and rewards of space settlement have never been so close at hand. More than fifty years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, why is there so little human presence in space? Will we ever reach Mars? What will it take to become a multiplanet species, colonizing the solar system and traveling to other stars? Spacefarers meets these questions head on. While many books have speculated on the possibility of living beyond the Earth, few have delved into the practical challenges or plausible motives for leaving the safe confines of our home planet. Christopher Wanjek argues that there is little doubt we will be returning to the Moon and exploring Mars in the coming decades, given the potential scientific and commercial bonanza. Private industry is already taking a leading role and earning profits from human space activity. This can be, Wanjek suggests, a sustainable venture and a natural extension of earthbound science, business, and leisure. He envisions hotels in low-earth orbit and mining, tourism, and science on the Moon. He also proposes the slow, steady development of science bases on Mars, to be followed by settlements if Martian gravity will permit reproduction and healthy child development. An appetite for wonder will take us far, but if we really want to settle new worlds, we’ll need the earnest plans of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Wanjek introduces us to those planners, who are striving right now to make life in space a reality.
Spaceflight and the Central Nervous System: Clinical and Scientific Aspects
by Christian Otto Alan R. Hargens Millard F. Reschke Alex P. MichaelThis book consolidates the current knowledge of how short and long-duration spaceflight affects the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system. It also incorporates the methodology and constraints of studying the central nervous system in space. Chapters detail advances in imaging techniques available to assess intracranial and intraocular pathology as well as translational medicine with an emphasis on brain cancer and neurodegenerative disease in spaceflight. Additionally, the book offers theoretical background information, tested laboratory protocols, and step-by-step methods for reproducible lab experiments to aid neuroscientists and neurobiologists in laboratory testing and experimentation. Spaceflight and the Central Nervous System is the first to comprehensively include all aspects of spaceflight-induced changes in the central nervous system. It is an invaluable resource for basic and clinical laboratory trainees and researchers in aerospace medicine and physiology or for those looking to gain specific knowledge in spaceflight neuroscience.
Spaceflight in the Shuttle Era and Beyond: Redefining Humanity's Purpose in Space
by Valerie NealAn exploration of the changing conceptions of the Space Shuttle program and a call for a new vision of spaceflight. The thirty years of Space Shuttle flights saw contrary changes in American visions of space. Valerie Neal, who has spent much of her career examining the Space Shuttle program, uses this iconic vehicle to question over four decades&’ worth of thinking about, and struggling with, the meaning of human spaceflight. She examines the ideas, images, and icons that emerged as NASA, Congress, journalists, and others sought to communicate rationales for, or critiques of, the Space Shuttle missions. At times concurrently, the Space Shuttle was billed as delivery truck and orbiting science lab, near-Earth station and space explorer, costly disaster and pinnacle of engineering success. The book&’s multidisciplinary approach reveals these competing depictions to examine the meaning of the spaceflight enterprise. Given the end of the Space Shuttle flights in 2011, Neal makes an appeal to reframe spaceflight once again to propel humanity forward. &“Neal may be the one person who knows the space shuttle program better than the astronauts who flew this iconic vehicle. Her book casts new light on the program, exploring its cultural significance through a thoughtful analysis. As one who lived this history, I gained much from her broader perspective and deep insights.&”—Kathryn D. Sullivan, retired NASA astronaut and former Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration &“A much needed look at how to create a cultural narrative for human spaceflight that resonates with millennials rather than the Apollo generation. Quite valuable.&”—Marcia Smith, Editor, SpacePolicyOnline.com
Spaceflight: A Concise History (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge Series)
by Michael J. NeufeldA concise history of spaceflight, from military rocketry through Sputnik, Apollo, robots in space, space culture, and human spaceflight today. Spaceflight is one of the greatest human achievements of the twentieth century. The Soviets launched Sputnik, the first satellite, in 1957; less than twelve years later, the American Apollo astronauts landed on the Moon. In this volume of the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, Michael Neufeld offers a concise history of spaceflight, mapping the full spectrum of activities that humans have developed in space. Neufeld explains that “the space program” should not be equated only with human spaceflight. Since the 1960s, unmanned military and commercial spacecraft have been orbiting near the Earth, and robotic deep-space explorers have sent back stunning images of faraway planets. Neufeld begins with the origins of space ideas and the discovery that rocketry could be used for spaceflight. He then discusses the Soviet-U.S. Cold War space race and reminds us that NASA resisted adding female astronauts even after the Soviets sent the first female cosmonaut into orbit. He analyzes the two rationales for the Apollo program: prestige and scientific discovery (this last something of an afterthought). He describes the internationalization and privatization of human spaceflight after the Cold War, the cultural influence of space science fiction, including Star Trek and Star Wars, space tourism for the ultra-rich, and the popular desire to go into space. Whether we become a multiplanet species, as some predict, or continue to call Earth home, this book offers a useful primer.
Spaceflight: A Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 1 (A-G)
by Patrick J. WalshThis book is a comprehensive history of the first six decades of space exploration, from the end of World War II to the modern era of routine international cooperation in space.
Spaceflight: A Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 2 (H-R)
by Patrick J. WalshThis book is a comprehensive history of the first six decades of space exploration, from the end of World War II to the modern era of routine international cooperation in space.
Spaceflight: A Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 3 (S-Z)
by Patrick J. WalshBeginning in the 1950s, spaceflight's history spans about a half a century--a short history, but profound in its cultural and technological impact and the level of resources involved. Evidently bound by love to the study, Walsh has assembled this three-volume reference, which includes entries on every space mission, both human and robotic, and is distinguished, also, by a substantial number of biographical entries covering astronauts, Russian cosmonauts, and other non-US, and non-Russian cosmonauts. Arranged alphabetically, the 699 entries are enhanced with small b&w photos; a chronology, a bibliography, and a comprehensive index appear in the third volume. Clear, accessible writing and comprehensive coverage make this a useful and engaging reference that will serve a wide audience of students and the general public as well as industry workers interested in the context and history of their endeavors. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Spacelab Payloads: Prepping Experiments and Hardware for Flight (Springer Praxis Books)
by David J. Shayler Michael E. HaddadSpacelab was a reusable laboratory facility that was flown on the Space Shuttle from 1983 to 1998. Completing 22 major missions and contributing to many other NASA goals, Spacelab stands as one of the Shuttle program’s most resounding successes. The system comprised multiple components, including a pressurized laboratory module, unpressurized carrier pallets and other related hardware, all housed in the Shuttle’s Payload Bay and crew compartment. But how did all those varied components actually come together? The answer is the little-known “Level-IV”, a team of managers and engineers who molded separate elements of hardware into cohesive and safe payloads. Without the dedication and drive of the Level-IV team, the huge successes of the Spacelab missions would not have been achieved. This is their story. You will learn herein how Level-IV was formed, who was involved, and the accomplishments, setbacks and problems faced along the way, in a story that blends both the professional and personal sides of Level-IV operations and its legacy. Upon reading this book, you will gain a new appreciation for this crucial team and understand what is meant when you hear the term “Level-IV”.
Spaceman (Adapted for Young Readers): The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
by Mike MassiminoAn astronaut who completed spacewalks on two Hubble missions tells his inspiring story in this middle grade adaptation of the bestselling adult memoir, Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe.From the time he was seven-years-old and saw Apollo 11 land on the moon, Mike Massimino dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Long Island is a long way from space. Kids like him, growing up in working-class families, seldom left the neighborhood. But with the encouragement of teachers and mentors, Mike ventured down on a path that took him to Columbia University and to MIT. It wasn't easy. There were academic setbacks and disappointments aplenty--and NASA turned him down three times. Still, Mike never gave up. He rose to each challenge and forged ahead, inching closer to realizing his boyhood dream. His love of science and space, along with his indomitable spirit and sense of teamwork eventually got him assigned to two missions to fix the Hubble Space Telescope--as a spacewalker. Spaceman takes readers on Mike's unlikely ride from Earth to space, showing the breathtaking wonder of science and technology along the way."Mike Massimino is a spaceman through and through. In this edition for young people, he tells us how hard work can take you out of this world. He believes in teamwork, and he never gives up. Prepare to be inspired." --BILL NYE, SCIENCE GUY and CEO, THE PLANETARY SOCIETY
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe
by Mike MassiminoNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shares incredible true stories from space—a rare, wonderful world where science meets the most thrilling adventure. &“Mike is a spaceman through and through; he tells how hard work can take you out of this world.&”—Bill Nye the Science Guy Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself strapped to a giant rocket that&’s about to go from zero to 17,500 miles per hour? Or to look back on Earth from outer space and see the surprisingly precise line between day and night? Or to stand in front of the Hubble Space Telescope, wondering if the emergency repair you&’re about to make will inadvertently ruin humankind&’s chance to unlock the universe&’s secrets? Mike Massimino has been there, and in Spaceman he puts you inside the suit, with all the zip and buoyancy of life in microgravity.Massimino&’s childhood space dreams were born the day Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. Growing up in a working-class Long Island family, he catapulted himself to Columbia and then MIT, only to flunk his first doctoral exam and be rejected three times by NASA before making it through the final round of astronaut selection.Taking us through the surreal wonder and beauty of his first spacewalk, the tragedy of losing friends in the Columbia shuttle accident, and the development of his enduring love for the Hubble Telescope—which he and his fellow astronauts were tasked with saving on his final mission—Massimino has written an ode to never giving up, revealing just what having &“the right stuff&” really means.
Spaceplane HERMES
by Luc van den AbeelenThis is the first comprehensive book on the European Hermes program. It tells the fascinating story of how Europe aimed for an independent manned spaceflight capability which was to complement US and Soviet/Russian space activities. In 1975, France decided to expand its plans for automated satellites for materials processing to include the development of a small 10 ton spaceplane to be launched on top of a future heavy-lifting Ariane rocket. This Hermes spaceplane would give Europe its own human spaceflight capability for shuttling crews between Earth and space stations. The European Space Agency backed the proposal. Unfortunately, after detailed studies, the project was cancelled in 1993. If Hermes had been introduced into service, it could have become the preferred "space taxi" for ferrying crews to and from the International Space Station. But that opportunity was lost. This book provides the first look of the complete story of and reasons for the demise of this ambitious program. It also gives an account which pieces of Hermes survived and are active in the 2nd decade of the 21st century. This fascinating story will be a great read for space enthusiasts. But it will also serve as a comprehensive documentation of an important episode in the history of manned spaceflight.