Document Information
Space Handbook
Astronautics and Its Applications
The Space Handbook, first published in 1958, was designed to serve as a basic guide on the uses and characteristics of space systems, including astronautics and its applications, technology in the space environment, rocket vehicles, propulsion systems, propellants, internal power sources, structures and materials, flight path and orientation control, guidance, communication, observation and tracking, and atmospheric flight. Written at the request of the Hon. John W. McCormack, chairman of the House Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration, it was produced in only three weeks using RAND’s own funds in the public interest. Now, fifty years after its initial publication, and to celebrate RAND’s 60th Anniversary, RAND is proud to bring this classic work back into print in paperback and digital formats.
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Paperback Cover Price: $32.50
Discounted Web Price: $29.25
Pages: 352
ISBN/EAN: 978-0-8330-4223-1
Free, downloadable PDF file(s) are available below.
Part 1
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Prefatory Material, Part 1: Chapter One
Part 3
(File size 3.4 MB, 14 minutes modem, 2 minutes broadband)
Part 3: Chapters Twenty – Twenty-Seven
Part 4
(File size 2.5 MB, 10 minutes modem, < 1 minute broadband)
Part 4: Chapters Twenty-Eight – Twenty-Nine, Appendix, Glossary, Index
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Contents
Part 1: Introduction
Chapter One:
Introduction
Part 2: Technology
Chapter Two:
Space Environment
Chapter Three:
Trajectories and Orbits
Chapter Four:
Rocket Vehicles
Chapter Five:
Propulsion Systems
Chapter Six:
Propellants
Chapter Seven:
Internal Power Sources
Chapter Eight:
Structures and Materials
Chapter Nine:
Flight Path and Orientation Control
Chapter Ten:
Guidance
Chapter Eleven:
Communication
Chapter Twelve:
Observation and Tracking
Chapter Thirteen:
Atmospheric Flight
Chapter Fourteen:
Landing and Recovery
Chapter Fifteen:
Environment of Manned Systems
Chapter Sixteen:
Space Stations and Extraterrestrial Bases
Chapter Seventeen:
Nuclear Weapon Effects in Space
Chapter Eighteen:
Cost Factors and Ground Facilities
Chapter Nineteen:
Current Programs
Part 3: Applications
Chapter Twenty:
Specific Flight Possibilities
Chapter Twenty-One:
Observation Satellites
Chapter Twenty-Two:
Meteorological Satellites
Chapter Twenty-Three:
Navigation Satellites
Chapter Twenty-Four:
Satellites as Communication Relays
Chapter Twenty-Five:
Balloon Satellites
Chapter Twenty-Six:
Bombing from Satellites
Chapter Twenty-Seven:
Scientific Space Exploration
Part 4: Astronautics in Other Countries
Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Astronautics in the U.S.S.R.
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Astronautics in Other Countries
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