Deep Space Propulsion - A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight (Paperback, 2012)

The technology of the next few decades could possibly allow us to explore with robotic probes the closest stars outside our Solar System, and maybe even observe some of the recently discovered planets circling these stars. This book looks at the reasons for exploring our stellar neighbors and at the technologies we are developing to build space probes that can traverse the enormous distances between the stars. In order to reach the nearest stars, we must first develop a propulsion technology that would take our robotic probes there in a reasonable time. Such propulsion technology has radically different requirements from conventional chemical rockets, because of the enormous distances that must be crossed. Surprisingly, many propulsion schemes for interstellar travel have been suggested and await only practical engineering solutions and the political will to make them a reality. This is a result of the tremendous advances in astrophysics that have been made in recent decades and the perseverance and imagination of tenacious theoretical physicists. This book explores these different propulsion schemes - all based on current physics - and the challenges they present to physicists, engineers, and space exploration entrepreneurs. This book will be helpful to anyone who really wants to understand the principles behind and likely future course of interstellar travel and who wants to recognizes the distinctions between pure fantasy (such as Star Trek's 'warp drive') and methods that are grounded in real physics and offer practical technological solutions for exploring the stars in the decades to come.

General

Imprint:	Springer-Verlag New York
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	November 2011
First published:	2012
Authors:	K. F. Long
Dimensions:	235 x 155 x 21mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	367
Edition:	2012
ISBN-13:	978-1-4614-0606-8
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Astronomy, space & time > General Books > Professional & Technical > Other technologies > Space science > Astronautics
LSN:	1-4614-0606-4
Barcode:	9781461406068

Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate? Let us know about it.

Does this product have an incorrect or missing image? Send us a new image.

Is this product missing categories? Add more categories.

Review This Product

No reviews yet - be the first to create one!