5 books on Crewed Spacecraft [PDF]

July 08, 2024

Books on crewed spacecraft are invaluable assets for startups venturing into the challenging domain of human spaceflight. These publications cover a wide array of critical topics, ranging from spacecraft design and life support systems to crew training, health considerations, and mission planning. By delving into these resources, Crewed Spacecraft startups can gain a profound understanding of the intricate engineering and operational requirements involved in developing spacecraft capable of carrying humans into space. These books often include insights into the historical milestones of crewed space missions, offering valuable lessons and best practices for startups to build upon.

1. Spaceplane: The Return of the Reusable Spacecraft
2022 by Fouad Sabry



Discover the fascinating world of spaceplanes in "Spaceplane: The Return of the Reusable Spacecraft." Defined as vehicles capable of flying and gliding like airplanes within Earth's atmosphere while maneuvering like spacecraft in outer space, spaceplanes seamlessly integrate aspects of both aviation and spacecraft design. The book delves into the distinctions between sub-orbital and orbital spaceplanes, with the former resembling fixed-wing aircraft and the latter aligning more closely with conventional spacecraft. While rockets power the flights of every spaceplane, the book explores the use of gliders for their landings. With a focus on topics ranging from spaceplane technology to human spaceflight programs, the content provides valuable insights, validations, and answers to common questions. Real-world examples illustrate the diverse applications of spaceplanes across various fields, making the book a comprehensive resource for professionals, students, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spaceplane technologies. The inclusion of 17 appendices further enriches the content by briefly explaining 266 emerging technologies in each relevant industry, offering a 360-degree perspective on spaceplane technologies.
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2. Life Support Systems for Humans in Space
2020 by Erik Seedhouse



Explore the essential components of life support systems crucial to crewed spacecraft and habitation systems in "Life Support Systems for Humans in Space." Tailored for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, this textbook begins with an overview of space physiology before delving into the various features that constitute different life support systems. It offers succinct explanations of monitoring atmospheric pressure, maintaining oxygen levels, managing waste, recycling water, and addressing fire detection and suppression. Chronicling the evolution of these systems over decades, each chapter includes learning objectives, summary sections, and review questions. The book also examines analogs for spaceflight life support systems, such as nuclear submarines and Earth's natural life support system. Providing a comprehensive yet accessible foundation, this primer is an invaluable resource for students seeking to grasp the complexities of spacecraft life support systems.
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3. Manned Spacecraft Technologies
2020 by Hong Yang



Providing crucial insights into China's advancements in human spacecraft technologies, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of their evolution from both theoretical and engineering viewpoints. Delving into the design aspects of manned spaceships, cargo spacecraft, space laboratories, space stations, and manned lunar and Mars detection spacecraft, the text also scrutinizes pivotal technologies such as those for manned rendezvous, docking, and reentry. Tailored for researchers, graduate students, and professionals in aerospace engineering, control, electronics, electrical engineering, and related fields, this resource serves as an invaluable guide to understanding the intricate landscape of China's achievements in manned spacecraft technologies.
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4. SpaceX's Dragon: America's Next Generation Spacecraft
2015 by Erik Seedhouse



Dragon V2, an avant-garde spacecraft, serves as a pivotal element for NASA's astronaut transport to the orbital outpost and aligns with SpaceX's primary goal of achieving reusability. An evolutionary successor to the original Dragon, Dragon V2 boasts the capability of retrieval, refurbishment, and relaunch, introducing a paradigm shift in an industry where single-use discarding of equipment worth hundreds of millions is customary. Unveiled by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in May 2014, Dragon V2 is slated to ferry NASA astronauts to the International Space Station from 2016 onwards. "SpaceX’s Dragon – America’s Next Generation Spacecraft" chronicles the remarkable engineering achievements propelling this spacecraft to the forefront of the launch industry, portraying it as a precursor for human transportation to Mars. The book details the design and development of Dragon, outlines mission highlights from the initial six Commercial Resupply Missions, and elucidates Musk's ambitious vision of eventual Mars colonization.
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5. Space Rescue: Ensuring the Safety of Manned Spacecraft
2009 by Shayler David



In "Space Rescue: Ensuring the Safety of Manned Spacecraft," David J. Shayler provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of crew survival and escape methodologies, tracing their inception from the earliest designs of manned spacecraft to contemporary discussions regarding safety systems for the International Space Station (ISS). The book extends its gaze towards the future, contemplating the challenges and safety measures associated with missions destined for Mars. Shayler meticulously assesses the array of proposed crew rescue systems while also analyzing adopted methods such as ejection seats, escape towers, and abort profiles during the ascent from Earth to space. The narrative encompasses safety requirements and contingency procedures across various mission profiles, ensuring a thorough exploration of measures to safely return the crew to Earth. Additionally, the author delves into wilderness training programs and abort simulations, shedding light on the preparations undertaken to equip crews with the skills needed to navigate unplanned and emergency contingencies during their missions.
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