Introduction to Rocket Science and Space Exploration

The growing demand of space services for imaging, mobile communication, global positioning systems and disaster management, life extension of satellites by fueling, space station operations, deflecting incoming asteroids, and reducing debris from orbits, requires reusable rockets. The chapters in the book cover understanding of the universe, history of rockets, space missions, satellites, the principle of rocketry, its design and development, rocket technology, the solar system, the environment and protection of earth, and thoughts on Earth 2.0. Features: Explores the link between universe, space exploration, and rocketry. Discusses topics such as protection of the Earth from asteroids, debris, and global warming. Includes basic methodology to be adopted to design rockets for various applications. Covers use of multi-objective optimisation to realise a system and differences in design philosophies for satellite launch. Examines material on environmental protection of the Earth. This book is aimed at senior undergraduates and professionals in aerospace engineering.