Ballistic Missile and Space Technology, Volume IV: Re-Entry and Vehicle Design focuses on the advancements of processes, methodologies, and technologies involved in re-entry and vehicle design, including hypersonics, material structures, propulsion, and communications. The selection first offers information on the pyrolysis of plastics in a high vacuum arc image furnace and aerothermodynamic feasibility of graphite for hypersonic glide vehicles. Discussions focus on aerothermochemical behavior of graphite, transient heat conduction, equilibrium glide trajectory, and apparatus and pyrolysis procedure. The text then takes a look at an engineering analysis of the weights of ablating systems for manned reentry vehicles and trajectories of lifting bodies entering planetary atmospheres at shallow angles. The manuscript ponders on propulsive control of atmospheric entry lifting trajectories, re-entry engineering mechanics, and rocket casing behavior predicted by laboratory tests. Topics include description of testing program, full-scale casing results, camera design, theoretical correlation, approximate thrust vector optimization, and propellant weight estimation. The selection is a dependable reference for astronauts and researchers interested in re-entry and vehicle design.

In this unique volume, an international cast of leading scholars from several disciplines offers a comprehensive assessment of the current status of space-based weaponry. Regional and technical experts offer their analysis of the major powers' special interests in space and also examine the broader issues of ICBM proliferation, testing, monitoring, and verification as well as possible opportunities for cooperation between states with a stake in space power.

Ballistic Missile and Space Technology, Volume II: Propulsion and Auxiliary Power Systems focuses on the exchange of technical information and ideas among engineers and scientists working on ballistic missile and space programs, including hypersonics, aerodynamic heating, material structures, propulsion, communications, computers, and bioastronautics. The selection first offers information on the method for the interpretation of radiographic film of large solid propellant rockets and Soviet rocket propulsion. Discussions focus on applications, large Soviet liquid rocket engines, futuristic propulsion schemes, and Soviet rocket vehicles. The text then examines several criteria for determining the propellant bias for optimum performance of liquid propellant stages and precision determination of vacuum specific impulse from trajectory data. The manuscript tackles charged metal droplets for propulsion, versatile ion source for propulsion, and electrogasdynamic analysis of ion jet neutralization. The book also reviews pulsed plasma accelerator employing electrodes and electrostatic lift for space vehicles. Topics include energy relations, electric induction effects, electrical charging of objects in space, and factors affecting the performance of plasma accelerators. The selection is a primary reference for readers interested in space electronics.