The only comprehensive text available on space propulsionfor students and professionals in astronautics.

The only comprehensive text available on space propulsion for students and professionals in astronautics.

Written to answer the question of how to design rockets, Space Propulsion Analysis and Design provides readers the ability to complete a basic system configuration, mass estimate, and an estimate of the system’s performance. Written by 16 engineers with decades of space design experience, this book offers advice, tested configurations, and historical precedents for rocket performance. The book covers the basics of rocket design, major technology types such as liquids, solids, hybrids, nuclear, and electric, plus a mission design example and discussion of future possibilities for space propulsion. Written for practicing systems and propulsion engineers, managers, and engineering students, this book gives readers a practical handbook to the design and configuration of rocket systems.

An understandable perspective on the types of space propulsion systems necessary to enable low-cost space flights to Earth orbit and to the Moon and the future developments necessary for exploration of the solar system and beyond to the stars.

Annotation This practical book gives young professionals all the information they need to know to get started in the space business. It takes you step-by-step through processes for systems engineering and acquisition, design and development, cost analysis, and program planning and analysis. You'll find the systems engineering and design process that applies to all space transportation systems, then the overall system architecture considerations that also apply to all space transportation systems. There is also detailed coverage of space launch vehicles by class, including the current space shuttle, other manned reusable systems, expendable systems, and future systems. A companion CD-ROM contains the Operations Simulation and Analysis Modeling System software.