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Space Vehicle Design (Aiaa Education Series)

by: Michael D. Griffin, James R. French
en

1563475391  9781563475399 

 


Space Vehicle Design (Aiaa Education Series)
By Michael D. Griffin, James R. French


 


Product Description:

Much has changed, both in the space community and in the larger world, in the years since the first edition of this classic, best-selling book appeared.

While there is now a huge collection of core knowledge, tutorial material, mathematical "applets," and design data available about spacecraft systems engineering which did not exist when the first edition was published, the second edition continues to fulfill the book’s original goal—that of linking and integrating the many disciplines relevant to the field of space systems engineering in a way that is impossible when they are considered separately, or even in one text that is the product of many authors. The text starts with an overall description of the basic mission considerations for spacecraft design, including space environment, astrodynamics, and atmospheric reentry. Then the various subsystems are discussed, and in each case, both the theoretical background and the current engineering practice are fully explained.

Some material has been updated to make the treatment consistent with current experience and practice in the field. At the same time, there is much that remains relevant from what are now the earlier decades of the space program. Nothing of real value has been omitted merely on the grounds that it is old. This edition contains a new chapter on reliability analysis, much new technical material in other sections, and many homework problems. The book pres the space systems engineer the tools to evaluate the overall impact of candidate design concepts on the various component subsystems and the integrated system leading to the final design selection.

Despite the incredible richness of Web-based resources for the modern engineer, it remains true that most Web sites and links are exceedingly volatile. For that reason, the authors have chosen to include and reference only that which is accessible through archived references, creating an authoritative text that pres both suitable materials for senior-level courses in aerospace engineering and a useful reference for the practicing aerospace engineer.



Summary: A good text but very general
Rating: 4

I used this book in a space vehicle design class. If you intend to use this text to gain a broad understanding of the basic design considerations for space vehicles, I believe you will be satisfied. If, however, you would like to go into depth regarding rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, structural/vibration analysis, reentry, etc. look for a text which is devoted to those topics. This text does cover such topics as well as others but is lacking in detail. There are some good examples throughout each chapter and problems at the end of each chapter.



Summary: difficult design constraints
Rating: 4

To an engineering reader, the book gives some appreciation of why it is so expensive in money and time to build a new spacecraft. The text gives a systems-level view of the different components such a craft is likely to need. A propulsion system. Attitude control. Navigation. Communications. All of these must work for the craft to be viable.

The chapters go into the numerous constraints often encountered. Mass is the most critical. Very costly to launch these spacecrafts. And the lifting capacity of whatever launch vehicle is chosen can be one of the major constraints.

Power for the various systems is minimal. Perhaps solar panels can be used. Or a radio isotope thermal generator. But solar panels aren't typically viable for missions to the outer solar system. Whatever is chosen, you have only a trickle of power to work with. Then how to communicate with Earth? The gain on the craft's antenna for transmission and reception is limited.

Amazing that any spacecrafts are successful.