Spacecraft Technology
The early years
Published on 22. February 2006
Book
Hardback
408 pages
978-0-86341-553-1 (ISBN)
Description
Spacecraft Technology: The early years charts the fascinating story of the early Space Age, encompassing the launch of the first satellites and the landing of men on the Moon. While concentrating on the most significant technology developments, it places them in the context of historical events, specific missions and the individuals that made it all happen.
Following a chapter on the pre-history of space exploration and another on the development of rocketry, the book covers the early development of space science satellites, Earth observation satellites, communications satellites, lunar probes and manned space capsules.
Three chapters are dedicated to the hardware designed for the Apollo programme and its role in transporting men to the Moon, landing them there and transporting them across the lunar surface.
Spacecraft Technology: The early years is aimed at scientists and engineers with an interest in the history of space activity and the general reader who enjoys delving into the background of modern technology.
Following a chapter on the pre-history of space exploration and another on the development of rocketry, the book covers the early development of space science satellites, Earth observation satellites, communications satellites, lunar probes and manned space capsules.
Three chapters are dedicated to the hardware designed for the Apollo programme and its role in transporting men to the Moon, landing them there and transporting them across the lunar surface.
Spacecraft Technology: The early years is aimed at scientists and engineers with an interest in the history of space activity and the general reader who enjoys delving into the background of modern technology.
Reviews / Votes
'Spacecraft Technology: The Early Years should be on the reading list for decision makers and technology entrepreneurs alike, if only to remind the current generation how the great innovations that we take for granted ultimately came to be.' -- Jonathan Krezel * Space Times * '...in general this is a good introduction to space history' -- Ander Hansson * Spaceflight *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Stevenage
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
680 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-86341-553-1 (9780863415531)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
01/2009
1st Edition
Institution of Engineering and Technology
€144.89
Available for download
Person
Mark Williamson BSc, MInstP, MIET, FBIS is an independent Space Technology Consultant advising the space industry and the space insurance community. A Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer, he has more than 25 years' experience in satellite communications engineering, technical management and space consultancy.
As a technical author, he has written more than 350 articles on space technology and several dozen papers on subjects as diverse as space law, space education and space history. He has also served as the editor of three international space industry magazines.
His other books include The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology and a student text, The Communications Satellite.
As a technical author, he has written more than 350 articles on space technology and several dozen papers on subjects as diverse as space law, space education and space history. He has also served as the editor of three international space industry magazines.
His other books include The Cambridge Dictionary of Space Technology and a student text, The Communications Satellite.
Content
Chapter 1: A prologue to the Space Age
Chapter 2: Highway to space - the development of the space launch vehicle
Chapter 3: Looking at space - the development of the space science satellite
Chapter 4: Looking at Earth - the development of the Earth observation satellite
Chapter 5: Keeping in touch - the development of the communications satellite
Chapter 6: Probing the Moon - the development of the lunar science spacecraft
Chapter 7: Man in space - the development of the manned capsule
Chapter 8: First and only moonship - the development of the Apollo Command and Service Module
Chapter 9: Lunar lander - the development of the Apollo Lunar Module
Chapter 10: Electric moon car - the development of the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle
Chapter 11: An epilogue to the space race
Chapter 2: Highway to space - the development of the space launch vehicle
Chapter 3: Looking at space - the development of the space science satellite
Chapter 4: Looking at Earth - the development of the Earth observation satellite
Chapter 5: Keeping in touch - the development of the communications satellite
Chapter 6: Probing the Moon - the development of the lunar science spacecraft
Chapter 7: Man in space - the development of the manned capsule
Chapter 8: First and only moonship - the development of the Apollo Command and Service Module
Chapter 9: Lunar lander - the development of the Apollo Lunar Module
Chapter 10: Electric moon car - the development of the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle
Chapter 11: An epilogue to the space race