This book gives an account, as little biased as possible, on human space missions beyond low Earth orbit in general, and specifically to the planets of the solar system. The importance of advanced propulsion is stressed and the mathematical methods needed to design missions based on them are described. The included computer code allows the user to assess the feasibility of the various missions using different propulsion systems and how advancements in propulsion can allow humankind to become a true spacefaring civilization.

As opposite to the majority of books dealing with mission design, where the subject is usually dealt with in a highly mathematical way, here an attempt is made to avoid as much as possible the mathematical complexities and to focus on the practical aspects of the design. However, the equations needed to make numerical analysis and simulations of the missions are described and discussed.

An original computer code is included in the book, and an appendix helps the reader to understand how to use it. The code is different from existing ones since its main aim is to be user friendly and to allow the user to make a preliminary design of interplanetary missions aimed to planets and their satellites, comets or asteroids.

Focuses more on the implementation of the theory to build user-friendly programs than on the theory itself Includes a user-friendly computer code allowing to perform a preliminary interplanetary mission design Gives emphasis on advanced space propulsion and on how it can be used to shorten the travel time to the planets

Autorentext

Prof. Giancarlo Genta received degrees in Aeronautical (1971) and Aerospace (1972) Engineering at the Politecnico di Torino. He held positions as Assistant Professor of Machine Design, Associate Professor and then Full Professor in Machine Design. From 1989 to 1995, he served Head of the Department of Mechanics at Politecnico di Torino. He has been Coordinator of Ph.D. course in Mechatronics. Dr. Genta is Member of the Academy of Sciences of Torino and of the International Academy of Astronautics. He was awarded the International Yangel Medal for Outstanding Contributions to the development of space sciences and technologies and the Engineering Science Award for outstanding achievement in engineering science of the IAA. He heads the IAA Study Group on Human Mars Exploration. He published more than 400 papers and 30 research and popular science books. He is Author of 4 novels including 2 in the Springer series Science and Fiction.

Zusammenfassung
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Inhalt

Introduction: building a spacefaring civilization.- 2. The solar system.- 3. Propulsion for interplanetary journeys.- 4. Point-to-point motion in field-free space.- 5. Leaving Earth.- 6. Interplanetary travel: impulsive approximation.- 7. Interplanetary travel: continuous thrust.- 8. Orbit to orbit travel: continuous thrust.- 9. Trajectories in the Earth-Moon system.- 10. Travelling between extrasolar planets.