This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of space technology and a holistic understanding of the system-of-systems that is a modern spacecraft.With a foreword by Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX, and contributions from globally leading agency experts from NASA, ESA, JAXA, and CNES, as well as European and North American academics and industrialists, this handbook, as well as giving an interdisciplinary overview, offers, through individual self-contained chapters, more detailed understanding of specific fields, ranging through:·         Launch systems, structures, power, thermal, communications, propulsion, and software, to·         entry, descent and landing, ground segment, robotics, and data systems, to·         technology management, legal and regulatory issues, and project management.This handbook is an equally invaluable asset to those on a career path towards the space industry as it is to those already within the industry. Read more ISBN10 9783642411007 ISBN13 978-3642411007 Edition 2014th Language English Publisher Springer Dimensions 8.5 x 1.75 x 11 inches Item Weight 4.15 pounds Print length 746 pages Part of series Springer Praxis Books Publication date March 11, 2014