The Space Environment: Implications for Spacecraft Design - Revised and Expanded Edition

Description

Through offering insight into the nature of the space environment and how spacecraft interact with it, this book presents a singular account of the environmental effects that can damage or cause poor performance of orbiting spacecraft. The discussion covers design modifications aimed at eliminating effects as solar absorptance increases caused by self-contamination, materials erosion by atomic oxygen, electrical discharges due to spacecraft charging, degradation of electrical circuits by radiation, and bombardment by micrometeorites. The book thus bridges the gap between studies of the space environment, as performed by space physicists, and spacecraft design engineering, as practised by aerospace engineers.

Alan C. Tribble is a rocket scientist who has spent over ten years designing dozens of spacecraft for various missions. Formerly with Boeing's Space Systems Division, he now does research and development with Rockwell Collins. His other books include the "Princeton Guide to Advanced Physics" and "A Tribble's Guide to Space" (both Princeton).

"Anyone involved in the design, production, or use of instruments in space would benefit from access to a copy of this book. It collects together ... subject areas that are more typically dealt with by single-topic specialists, and covers these aspects of the space environment in a readable, no-nonsense style."--Observatory "Successfully bridges the divide between the space physicists' and the spacecraft design engineers' views of the space environment. It is a much needed and timely book."--M. J. Rycroft, Journal of Atmosphere and Terrestrial Physics "This splendid book ...[is] both an up-to-date reference and a textbook... Very readable for both technical and lay audiences."--Choice