ABOUT BOOK

This part of the course Introduction to Aerospace Engineering is focused on two aerospace disciplines: "space and orbital mechanics" and "structures and materials". These topics are discussed in detail and will provide an understanding for both aircraft and for spacecraft/space missions. Study Goals- List/describe the reasons for going into space and the principles of rockets, including their trajectories.- Motivate the selection of spacecraft configurations depending on the mission and identify the main elements of a satellite.- Describe the features of the space environment and their consequences for space activities.- Determine elementary satellite orbits, transfer orbits and maneuvers- Describe and work with elementary space propulsion aspects: launch, velocity budget and rocket equation- List the characteristics of typical aerospace materials & structures and describe their meaning and relevance- List the main structural elements of an aerospace vehicle and describe their functions and performance