Overview

Solar sailing is a topic of growing popular and media interest. Solar sail propulsion will make space exploration more affordable and offer access to destinations within (and beyond) the solar system that are currently beyond our reach. This book describes solar sails, how they work and what they will be used for in the exploration of space in an easily readable manner which does not necessitate any prior knowledge of physics or solar sailing. It discusses current plans for solar sails and also describes how advanced technology, such as nanotechnology, might enhance solar-sail performance. Much has been accomplished recently to make solar sail technology very close to becoming an engineering reality and it will soon be used by the world's space agencies in the exploration of the solar system and beyond.

The book has four parts, each with multiple chapters which, in turn, contain some references and suggested further reading. Parts 1 - 3 are non-mathematical, while Part 4 contains more detailed technical information.

Part 1 summarizes space propulsion systems and technologies. These are the key to any deep space exploration by humans, robots, or both. Solar-sail propulsion will make space exploration more affordable and offer access to destinations within (and beyond) the solar system that are currently beyond our reach.

Part 2 describes the fundamentals of space solar sail propulsion at a non-mathematical level and will include the near-, mid- and far-term missions that might use solar sails as a propulsion system. Near-term missions will study the sun and will carry artifacts and human DNA into deep space. Mid-term missions will go to the outer solar system and into nearby interstellar space. The far-term missions might be possible with very large, ultra-lightweight sails, possibly using beamed energy from space-based lasers, to carry our first spacecraft to another star.

Part 3 outlines solar sail technology and the construction of current and future sailcraft, including the work of both government and private space organizations. Images of sail hardware that has been built, tested and, in some cases, flown will be included. Part 4 will give a more rigorous explanation of solar sail propulsion (supporting Part 1) and the supporting analysis of the missions and technologies discussed in Parts 2 & 3.

Full Product Details

9780387563671

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Reviews

From the reviews: <p> Conceptually simple and romantic, solar sailing is an enchanting technological solution for space exploration. a ] Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel is the latest book to explore this topic a ] . Aimed at undergraduates, the book convincingly captures the history of ideas about solar sails, their current state of play and their future promise. a ] Suitable for aerospace students and keen enthusiasts alike, this book may one day inspire some of them to build a solar-sail-powered vessel. (Stuart Clark, Nature, Vol. 452, April, 2008) <p> You would a ] find a more knowledgable team to write a book titled Solar Sails: A Novel Approach to Interplanetary Travel (Copernicus, 2008), and ita (TM)s a pleasure to add that despite the sub-title, questions of interstellar significance receive solid treatment. a ] a title that needs to be on your shelf if youa (TM)re seriously interested in the next step as we move beyond rocketry. (Centauri Dreams, September, 2008) <p> Solar sails have for decades promised to revolutionize in-space transportation. a ] In Solar Sails, Giovanni Vulpetti, Les Johnson, and Gregory L. Matloff try to serve both nontechnical and technical audiences by dividing the book into four parts. a ] The result is a book that provides does provide a comprehensive yet readable overview of how solar sails work and how they could be used in the near future. (Jeff Foust, The Space Review, October, 2008) <p> This is a top-notch treatment of a propulsion concept thata (TM)s clearly innovative and a a ~must havea (TM) capability to forge outward to the stars. Easy to read a ] the general reader will find that the authors care about youunderstanding the implications of harnessing solar sails. a ] Peppered with illustrative drawings and photos, as well as a glossary of terms, this book is a valuable contribution to the field and helps keep the sunlight shining on an important enabling technology for spacefaring societies. (Coalition for Space Exploration, October, 2008) <p> The book is composed of two main sections, one of which takes a look at solar sailing development from a non-technical viewpoint, while the latter section is a technical look at solar sailing mechanics and engineering. a ] I would recommend this book a ] . this book has a lot to offer to both non-technical and technical readers. (Visual Astronomy, December, 2008) <p> The book is divided into four major parts; the first three are directed towards non-engineers with formulas kept to a minimum, the language here is for entry-level space readers. The last part is slightly more advanced, aimed towards students of engineering and people with a more technical mind. a ] The book targets a broad audience who would be interested in an introduction to a new technology a ] . Ita (TM)s a good choice for someone looking at a new technology and offers a modest price tag. (The Space Fellowship, December, 2008)

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