The Politics and Perils of Space Exploration

This book examines the U.S. space program's triumphs and failures in order to assess what constitutes a successful space policy. Using NASA and the space industry's complex history as a guide, it draws global lessons about space missions and the trends we can expect from different nations in the next decade and beyond.

Space exploration has become increasingly dependent on cooperation between countries as well as the involvement of private enterprise. This book thus addresses issues such as: Given their tenuous history, can rival countries work together? Can private enterprise fill NASA's shoes and provide the same expertise and safety standards?

Written by a former NASA Aerodynamics Officer at Houston Mission Control working on the Space Shuttle program, the second edition of this book provides updated information on U.S. space policy, including the new strategy to return to the Moon prior to traveling to Mars. Additionally, it takes a look at the formation of the SpaceForce as a military unit, as well as the latest developments in private industry. Overall, it is a thought-provoking resource for both space industry professionals and space enthusiasts.

Auteur

Linda Dawson received her BS in Aerospace Engineering from MIT and her MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from George Washington University at NASA Langley Research Center. She is a retired Senior Lecturer Emeritus in Physics and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma. She served as an Aerodynamics Officer for the Mission Control Center Ascent and Entry Flight Control Teams during the first space shuttle mission. During orbital phases, she served as an adviser on the impact of system failures on the orbiter's re-entry trajectory and configuration. From re-entry through touchdown, she was responsible for monitoring the orbiter's stability and control, advising the crew of any necessary corrective actions. Her engineering career also included work on space-related projects for Boeing Aerospace. Additionally, she has served on the Space Committee for the Museum of Flight Seattle.

Since retiring from the University of Washington, Ms. Dawson has authored two books on space exploration: "The Politics and Perils of Space Exploration" (1st edition 2017), and "War in Space, the Science and Technology Behind Our Next Theater of Conflict" (2018), both with Springer.

Contenu
New Material:

• 4 new chapters approx.. 60 pages
• Updated material approx 20 pages

• New photos/illustrations approx.. 10 *Chapter 1 The Excitement of Current Space Exploration Today

• New Chapter. Summary of current space programs, both national and international, manned and unmanned. 20 pagesChapter 2 The New Space Race

• Currently 22 pages, needs updating to current events including international conflicts and commercialization about 5 additional pages.Chapter 3 Commercial Interests in Outer Space

• Currently 15 pages, needs updating to current events plus commercialization issues about 5 pages.Chapter 4 Why Not Go Back to the Moon?

• Retitled, Going Back to the Moon

• Currently 9 pages, of which 2-3 need updating and 6-8 need to be added onChapter 5 Mars

• Currently 30 pages, of which at least 3-4 pages need updating and 3-4 pages added on.*Chapter 6 Current Politics and the Space Force

• New chapter - 14 pagesChapter 7 The Science and Dangers of Outer Space

• Currently 24 pages, need 2-3 pages added on to add updated research.Chapter 8 Politics and the Space Race

• Currently 19 pages, needs 2-3 pages updated and 3-4 pages added on.Chapter 9 The Post Apollo and the Space Shuttle Era

• Currently 26 pages, stands as is.Chapter 10 Politics, the ISS, and Private Enterprise

• Needs to be retitled as Politics and the ISS

• Currently 19 pages, needs 3-4 pages rewritten.*Chapter 11 Politics and Commercial Space Activities

• New chapter, 14 pagesChapter 12 Technological Risks

• Needs to be retitled Technological Risks of Space Flight, Space Accidents

• Currently 14 pages, needs 2-3 updated pages.Chapter 13 New Technology and Deep Space

• Currently 15 pages, needs 2-3 pages updated and 2-3 pages added on

  • Chapter 14 Future Topics in Space

• New Chapter Space tourism, space contamination, search for extra-terrestials , 12 pages