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.

A. Sivathanu Pillai graduated in Engineering in 1969, and then worked in ISRO and DRDO during the last five decades, under aerospace leaders Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was also visiting professor in IISc and IITs. His active participation in the development of Satellite Launch vehicles and Guided missiles made him to specialise in Multi - disciplinary technology projects, Rocket Technology, Aerospace Systems, Institution Build up and Advanced system engineering and Program management. Dr. Pillai’s skills in networking multiple institutions for the development of critical missile technologies overcoming denial regimes (Missile Technology Control Regime) enabled realization of strategic missiles. Dr. Pillai was the Architect and Founder CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, which is a unique Joint Venture, first of its kind between India and Russia to design, develop, produce, and market the most advanced supersonic cruise missile, BRAHMOS, which has been inducted in the Indian Armed Forces, as a major strike weapon.

Fifteen academic institutions in India and abroad have recognised Prof. Pillai’s scientific contributions and awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). He is a recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and Fellowships, most importantly Padma Bhushan (2013) and Padma Shri (2002) by Government of India, Order of Friendship (2013) by the Government of Russian Federation. Prof. Pillai has written ten books including, The success mantra of BRAHMOS, 40 years with Abdul Kalam - Untold Stories, Revolution in Leadership, Nano Science and Nano Technology for Engineering and co-authored with Dr. Abdul Kalam for the books (a) Envisioning an Empowered Nation and (b) ’Thoughts for Change - we can do it’ (Defining 10 futuristic technologies).