Focusing on life support systems (LSS) essential for human habitation in space, this textbook explores their capabilities and functions within crewed spacecraft. It is designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these systems sustain life in extraterrestrial environments. The content is tailored to meet the educational needs of those studying aerospace engineering and related fields.
The increasing demand for commercial astronauts is explored, highlighting the emerging field of commercial space operations. The book delves into the profiles of individuals who will lead these missions and the various types of missions they will undertake, offering valuable insights into the future of space exploration.
Detailing the Falcon 1, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, the book
shows how SpaceX is able to offer a full spectrum of light, medium, and heavy
lift launch capabilities to its customers and how it is able to deliver
spacecraft into any inclination and altitude, from low Earth orbit to
geosynchronous orbit to planetary missions.
Today's astronauts require many different abilities. They must not only be expert in performing flight simulations but must also be proficient in such dissimilar subjects as photography, thermodynamics, electrical repairs, flight procedures, oceanography, public affairs, and geology. In Prepare for Launch, the author introduces the technologies and myriad activities that constitute or affect astronaut training, such as the part-task trainers, emergency procedures, the fixed-based and motion-based simulators, virtual environment training, and the demands of training in the Weightless Environment Training Facility. With plans to return to the Moon and future missions to Mars, the current selection criteria and training are very different from those used for short duration mission Space Shuttle crews. Dr. Erik Seedhouse in this book focuses on how astronaut candidates are taught to cope with different needs and environments (for example, hibernation, artificial gravity, and bioethics issues) and also includes brief discussions of the astronaut application and selection process.
Until recently, spaceflight has been the providence of a select corps of astronauts whose missions, in common with all remarkable exploits, were experienced vicariously by the rest of the world via television reports and Internet feeds. These spacefarers risked their lives in the name of science, exploration and adventure, thanks to government-funded manned spaceflight programs. All that is about to change The nascent commercial suborbital spaceflight industry will soon open the space frontier to commercial astronauts, payload specialists and, of course, spaceflight participants. Suborbital explains the tantalizing science opportunities offered when suborbital trips become routine and describes the difference in training and qualification necessary to become either a spaceflight participant or a fully fledged commercial suborbital astronaut. Suborbital also explains how the commercial suborbital spaceflight industry is planning and preparing for the challenges of marketing the hiring of astronauts. It examines the role of commercial operators as enablers accessing the suborbital frontier and how a partnership with governments and the private sector will eventually permanently integrate the free market’s innovation of commercial suborbital space activities
Focusing on NASA's Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE) initiative, this book outlines the mission to send a crew to Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons. It delves into the numerous challenges that such a mission entails, offering a comprehensive foundation of mission requirements. The text serves as both an informative guide and a detailed exploration of the complexities involved in interplanetary travel and exploration.
Recent surveys have provided new and updated information into public insights of the nascent space tourism industry. This book uniquely explores in detail the cutting-edge technologies, spacecraft capabilities, launch vehicles and the training that will define this commercial enterprise. The book also provides a manual for future suborbital and orbital private space explorers. Over half of the book is dedicated to providing for the first time essential training material for private spaceflight participants. This book provides a much needed, well-rounded understanding of what promises to be the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world.
Focusing on the biological impacts of prolonged radiation exposure, the book examines the risks astronauts face during deep-space missions beyond Earth's protective magnetic field. It discusses the potential health consequences of galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events, while also exploring strategies for mitigating these dangers. The text provides insights into current technologies and their limitations in safeguarding astronauts from the harmful effects of space radiation.
The narrative highlights Sir Richard Branson's remarkable journey from a bold phone call to Boeing for a spare 747 to becoming a transformative figure in the airline industry. His ventures now span six continents and include Virgin Galactic, which aims to make space travel accessible to commercial astronauts and tourists. With over 600 seats sold for $250,000 each, Branson's vision of allowing people to experience the awe of Earth from space is on the verge of becoming a reality, blending excitement with entrepreneurial ambition.
This book describes the technology of expandable modules that inflate into
space habitats. It details how this technology is changing the face of
commercial spaceflight and is laying the foundation for an orbital economy.
