4 books on Spaceplane [PDF]

August 14, 2024

Books on spaceplanes are invaluable resources for startups venturing into the exciting and challenging domain of aerospace innovation. These publications cover a diverse range of topics, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, and mission planning specific to spaceplane development. For Spaceplane startups, these books offer essential insights into the engineering principles, operational considerations, and technological advancements required to design and operate spaceplanes. They often explore case studies, historical perspectives, and lessons learned from past spaceplane projects, providing startups with practical knowledge and guidance.

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. Spaceplanes
2021 by Sue L. Hamilton



"Spaceplanes" delves into the captivating history and innovation behind endeavors to create aircraft that seamlessly blend the characteristics of planes and spaceships. Readers explore the evolution from NASA's iconic space shuttles to ambitious projects like Britain's Skylon and Virgin Galactic's Unity. The narrative unfolds the historical milestones that have paved the way for the prospect of ordinary travelers venturing into realms previously reserved for highly trained astronauts. Aligned with Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards, "Spaceplanes" offers an engaging exploration of these boundary-pushing developments. A&D Xtreme, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO, brings this informative title to readers.
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3. Spaceplane HERMES: Europe's Dream of Independent Manned Spaceflight
2016 by Luc van den Abeelen



This is the initial comprehensive exploration of the European Hermes program, narrating the captivating tale of Europe's endeavor to establish an autonomous manned spaceflight capability, intended to complement the space activities of the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia. Originating in 1975, when France expanded its satellite plans to encompass a small 10-ton spaceplane to be launched atop a future heavy-lifting Ariane rocket, Hermes was envisioned as Europe's own human spaceflight capability for crew transport between Earth and space stations. Despite the European Space Agency's support, the project faced cancellation in 1993 after detailed studies. Had Hermes been operational, it could have been the preferred "space taxi" for ferrying crews to and from the International Space Station. This book offers a comprehensive account of the complete story and the reasons behind the demise of this ambitious program. It also details which components of Hermes endured and remain active in the second decade of the 21st century. Serving as both a compelling read for space enthusiasts and a thorough documentation of a significant chapter in the history of manned spaceflight, this book sheds light on the opportunities and challenges faced by the European space program.
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4. Spaceplanes: From Airport to Spaceport
2009 by Matthew A. Bentley



"Spaceplanes: From Airport to Spaceport" envisions a future where space vehicles seamlessly depart from international airports, refuel in space, and routinely traverse between Earth and the Moon. Rooted in the engineering foundation laid by David Ashford in "Spaceflight Revolution," this book builds upon and refines the argument, offering a cohesive, clear, and optimistic perspective directed at potential space passengers. It illuminates why the emerging Space Tourist market has the potential to be a pivotal force in the mid-term advancement of space transportation. With the prospect of boarding a spaceplane for an Earth orbit journey or even visiting a space station in the near future, the book outlines the technical intricacies that could facilitate these experiences within the coming decades. Notably, recent milestones such as the successful flight of SpaceShipOne and the impending launch of Virgin Galactic's sub-orbital rides underscore the feasibility of this transformative process.
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