Laboratory Astrophysics and Space Research

The book presents the most recent developments of laboratory studies in astrophysics and space research. The individual chapters review laboratory investigations under simulated space conditions, studies for the design of successful space experiments or for supporting the interpretation of astronomical and space mission recorded data. Related theoretical models, numerical simulations and in situ observations demonstrate the necessity of experimental work on the Earth's surface. The expertise of the contributing scientists covers a broad spectrum and is included in general overviews from fundamental science to recent space technology.
The book intends to serve as a reference for researchers and graduate students on the most recent activities and results in laboratory astrophysics, and to give reviews of their applications in astronomy, planetology, cosmochemistry, space research and Solar System exploration.

Inhalt
The Interstellar Medium: A General Introduction.- Laboratory Astrophysics in Solar System Studies An Overview.- Ice in the Interstellar Medium.- Water Ice on Comets and Satellites.- Physical and Mechanical Properties of Lunar and Planetary Soils.- Interstellar and Interplanetary Grains Recent developments and new opportunities for experimental chemistry.- Investigation on Planetary Atmospheres using Laboratory Simulation Experiments The example of Saturn's Moon (Titan).- Space Plasma Phenomena: Laboratory Modeling I. Fields, Streams, Matter in Plasma.- Space Plasma Phenomena: Laboratory Modeling II. Waves and Particles in Plasma, Turbulence.- Carbon From Space to Laboratory.- Physics and Chemistry of Impacts.- Radiation Physics.- Mass Spectrometers Developed for Planetary Missions.- Applications of Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry (LDMS) to Cosmogeochemistry: Direct Analysis of Organic Compounds in Meteorites.- Aspects of Laboratory Dust Aggregation with Relevance to the Formation of Planetesimals.- Preparing for the 1998/99 Leonid Storms.- Light Scattering by Dust under Microgravity Conditions.- Microscopy in Space Past and Future From macro via micro to nano.- Space Mission Support The Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan.- Mars Express: Mission Scenario and Objectives.- The ESA SMART-1 Mission From laboratory to Deep Space with Electric Propulsion.- The International Rosetta mission.- Space Robotics.- Lander Systems for Planetary Missions.- Simulation Experiments with Cometary Analogous Material.- Astrobiology Studies of Microbes in Simulated Interplanetary Space.- Addresses of editors and e-mail addresses of main authors.