Space Invaders: How Robotic Spacecraft Explore the Solar System - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

For the last twelve years, Michel van Pelt has worked as a cost engineer, systems engineer and as Concurrent Design Facility team leader for the technical center of the European Space Agency (ESA) in The Netherlands. He has been involved in many ESA space projects during many different phases, which has given him a unique insight in the definition, conceptual design, development, launch and operation of spacecraft. Specifically, his work in ESA's Concurrent Design Facility for conceptual design studies has given him a deep understanding of the various scientific, technical, financial and political issues and constraints that drive the development of spacecraft, as well as a broad knowledge of innovative ideas for future launchers and space missions. He has written many articles on space and is editor and writer for two Dutch spaceflight magazines. In addition, he regularly gives presentations on space-related topics for student associations, etc. His Copernicus - Praxis book "Space Tourism, Adventures in Earth Orbit and Beyond" was published in 2005, followed by "Space Invaders, How Robotic Spacecraft Explore the Solar System" in 2006, "Space Tethers and Space Elevators" in 2009, and "Rocketing into the Future" in 2012, all published through Springer/Praxis.

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Manned space programs attract the most media attention, and it is not hard to understand why-the danger, the heroism, the sheer adventure we as earthbound observers can imagine when humans are involved. But robotic missions deserve a respectful and detailed history and analysis of their own, and this book provides it.

Focusing on future modern spacecraft, Michel van Pelt explains the exciting life of unmanned space explorers, making the technology, design, development, operation and results of modern space probe missions understandable by lay readers.

Instead of describing one specific spacecraft or mission, Michel van Pelt offers a "behind the scenes" look at the life of a space probe: from its first conceptual design to the analysis of the scientific data returned by the spacecraft.

While most popular books on space concentrate on manned spaceflight, this book shows that unmanned space exploration is just as exciting. It demonstrates to the reader just what it takes to send a robotic spacecraft to another planet and what fascinating insight and knowledge we have gained from these probes.

**Offers an insight into the life of a space probe from concept through design to return and analysis of scientific data.

**Explains what it takes to send a robotic space probe to another planet.

**Demonstrates that unmanned space exploration can be as exciting as manned exploration.

**Provides the reader with a view of how the fascinating images and knowledge are obtained from these probes.

**Focuses on modern spacecraft and the future, rather than the history of past projects