5.3 The Physics of Rocket Propulsion Rockets for Space Practice Exercises References Exploring the Solar System and

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1 Contents 1 Reaching for the Stars Introduction An Overview of Propulsion Schemes for Space Practice Exercises... 9 References The Dream of Flight and the Vision of Tomorrow Introduction Becoming a Spacefaring Civilization The Promise of the Future Why We Shouldn t Go Out into Space Why We Should Go Out into Space Practice Exercises References Fundamental Limitations to Achieving Interstellar Flight Introduction How Much Speed Is Required to Reach the Stars? How Much Energy Is Required to Reach the Stars? Practice Exercises References Aviation: The Pursuit of Speed, Distance, Altitude, and Height Introduction The History of Propulsion in Aviation The Physics of Aviation Propulsion Practice Exercises References Astronautics: The Development and Science of Rockets Introduction The History of Propulsion in Rocketry xv

2 xvi Contents 5.3 The Physics of Rocket Propulsion Rockets for Space Practice Exercises References Exploring the Solar System and Beyond Introduction Near Earth The Colonization of Mars Other Planetary Objects Mining He-3 from the Gas Giants The Outer Solar System Practice Exercises References Exploring Other Star Systems Introduction The Stars and the Worlds Beyond The Discovery and Evolution of Life Practice Exercises References Solar System Explorers: Historical Spacecraft Introduction Precursor Mission Probes Pioneer Probes Voyager Probes Galileo Ulysses Cassini-Huygens Deep Space Cosmos I New Horizons Dawn Interstellar Boundary Explorer Summary Discussion on Probe Design Practice Exercises References Electric and Nuclear-Based Propulsion Introduction Electric Propulsion Nuclear Thermal and Nuclear Electric Propulsion The Interstellar Precursor Probe The Thousand Astronomical Unit Mission

3 Contents xvii 9.6 The Innovative Interstellar Explorer Project Prometheus Practice Exercises References Sails & Beams Introduction Solar Sailing The Interstellar Heliopause Probe Interstellar Probe Beamed Propulsion Beamed Microwaves and Starwisp Problems References Nuclear Fusion Propulsion Introduction Fusion: The Holy Grail of Physics Fusion Power for Space Exploration The Enzmann Starship Project Daedalus Project Longshot Project VISTA Discovery II Problems References External Nuclear Pulse Propulsion Introduction Nuclear Pulse Detonation and Project Orion The Medusa Concept Problems References Towards Relativistic Propulsion: Antimatter and the Interstellar Ramjet Introduction Relativity in Space Flight The Interstellar Ramjet The Bussard Ramjet Spacecraft Concept Matter-Antimatter Annihilation The AIMStar Spacecraft Concept The ICAN-II Spacecraft Concept Practice Exercises References

4 xviii Contents 14 Aerospace Design Principles in Interstellar Flight Introduction Principles of Aerospace Design Systems Engineering Approach to Concept Design Studies Technology Readiness Levels A Concept Design Problem for a Precursor Mission Proposal Scoping Concept Design Space Concept Solution Problems References The Scientific, Cultural and Economic Costs of Interstellar Flight Introduction The Advance of Science Planetary Physics, Including Terrestrial and Giant Planets Stellar Physics, Including Different Spectral Types The Presence and Evolution of Life The Physics of the Interstellar Medium The Physics of the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud Layers of Different Stars Galactic Structure, Cosmology and the Global Picture Exotic Physics, Including Gravitational Issues Engineering Design Issues Such as Spacecraft Reliability Cultural Growth and the Rise and Fall of Civilization The Economics of Space Exploration Practice Exercises References The Role of Speculative Science in Driving Technology Introduction The Connection between Science and Fiction Breakthrough Propulsion Physics and the Frontiers of Knowledge NASA Horizon Mission Methodology Problems References Realising the Technological Future and the Roadmap to the Stars Introduction International Co-operation in the Pursuit of Space

5 Contents xix 17.3 Establishing Precursor Missions and the Technological Roadmap for Interstellar Exploration Project Icarus, Son of Daedalus, Flying Closer to another Star The Alpha Centauri Prize Problems References From Imagination to Reality Epilogue Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Index

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