Description
Book SynopsisNow is the time to fly to space! New technological developments, commercialisation of spaceflight and advances in space medicine have made human space travel more attainable than ever before.
This entertaining but nevertheless authoritative book gives a practical introduction to space travel from a number of viewpoints: How spacecraft are built, how to steer and navigate them, instructions for a comfortable everyday life in space and a guide to remain healthy and strong in weightlessness.
The Spacefarer's Handbook is full of advice, tips and anecdotes to prepare the reader for their own trip to space. At the same time, it does not lose the scientific perspective on spaceflight. The authors, a physicist and a space medicine specialist, explain the underlying concepts rigorously and include recent research findings. From the operating principles of rocket engines, via bone loss in weightlessness to the methane lakes of Titan, this book contains everything aspiring spacefarers need to know! It also serves as a very good resource, beyond general space enthusiasts, for science fiction readers & writers who are looking for a better foundation in space flight.
"Highly recommended for everyone who wants to fly to space and all passengers of our mothership Earth!"
Hans Schlegel, ESA Astronaut
Trade Review“This book is intended as a general introduction to space travel for anyone contemplating such an adventure. Each chapter provides a general summary of the main topics that any non-professional astronaut might want to learn more about. … this is a well-written, useful — and sometimes light-hearted — introduction for anyone who wants to know more about humanity’s efforts to leave planet Earth.” (Peter Bond, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1284), October, 2021)
“Their book is presented in a breezy, refreshing style, and is an acceptable read even for knowledgeable people. … The book also has some interesting anecdotes.” (John Silvester, Spaceflight, Vol. 63, August, 2021)
“If you have a question about going into space, and surviving once you’re there, then this book needs to be on your shelf as soon as possible.” (Stuart Atkinson, Popular Astronomy, popastro.com, July-August 2021)
“I can’t remember when a book exceeded my expectations quite as much as this one did. … the book has an affordable, far from academic-level price tag – so it’s highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the finer points of human spaceflight.” (Popular Science, popsciencebooks.blogspot.com, May 5, 2021)
Table of Contents1. How to Become a Spacefarer.- 2. Building Spacecraft.- 3. How to Fly a Spacecraft.- 4. Daily Life in Space.- 5. Space Medicine.- 6. Exploration and Colonisation.
