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This is an introductory text in astronautics. It contains historical background and a discussion of space missions, space environment, orbits, atmospheric entry, spacecraft design, spacecraft subsystems, and space operations. It features section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations, and is extensively illustrated with many photos, figures, and examples Space law, politics,and economics This is a truly user-friendly, full-color text focused on understanding concepts and practical applications but written in a down-to-earth, engaging manner that painlessly helps you understand complex topics. It is laid out with multi-color highlights for key terms and ideas, reinforced with detailed example problems, and supported by detailed section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations.
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Understanding Space An Introduction to Astronautics SPACE TECHNOLOGY SERIES This book is published as part of the Space Technology Series, a cooperative activity of the United States Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Wiley J. Larson Managing Editor From Kluwer and Microcosm Publishers: Space Mission Analysis and Design Third Edition by Larson and Wertz. Spacecraft Structures and Mechanisms: From Concept to Launch by Sarafin. Reducing Space Mission Cost by Wertz and Larson. From McGraw-Hill: Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics Second Edition by Sellers. Space Propulsion Analysis and Design by Humble, Henry, and Larson. Cost-Effective Space Mission Operations by Boden and Larson. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications by Vallado. Applied Modeling and Simulation: An Integrated Approach to Development and Operation by Cloud and Rainey. Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis and Design by Larson and Pranke. The Lunar Base Handbook by Eckart. Future Books in the Series: Space Transportation Systems Design and Operations by Larson. Visit the website: www.understandingspace.com Revised Second Edition UNDERSTANDING SPACE An Introduction ta Astronautics Jerry Jon Sellers With Contributions by: Williams J. Astore Robert B. Giffen Wiley J. Larson all from United States Air Force Academy Editor Douglas H. Kirkpatrick Illustrated by: Dale Gay Text Design by: Anita 5hute 5pace Technology Series Custom Publishing Boston Burr Ridge, IL Dubuque, IA Madison, Wl New York 5an Francisco Banykok Bogota Caracas Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan New Delhi Seoul Singapore Sydney Taipei 5t. Louis Toronto UNDERSTANDING SPACE An Introduction t o Astronautics Revised Second Edition Copyright © 2004, 2000, 1994 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act o 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. McGraw-Hill's Custom Publishing consists of products that are produced from camera-ready copy. Peer review, class testing, and accuracy are primarily the responsibility of the author(s]. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 WCK WCK 09876543 I5BN D-D7-2943G4-5 Editor: Judith Wetherington Production Editor: Carrie Braun Cover Design: Dale Gay Text Design: Anita 5hute Printer/Binder: Quebecor World This book is dedicated to the thousands of people who've devoted their lives to exploring space. Understanding Space An Introduction to Astronautics Chapter 1 Space