Spacecraft Systems Engineering

by Peter Fortescue, Graham Swinerd, John Stark

Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 047075012X

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Book Description

This fourth edition of the bestselling Spacecraft Systems Engineering title provides the reader with comprehensive coverage of the design of spacecraft and the implementation of space missions, across a wide spectrum of space applications and space science. The text has been thoroughly revised and updated, with each chapter authored by a recognized expert in the field. Three chapters – Ground Segment, Product Assurance and Spacecraft System Engineering – have been rewritten, and the topic of Assembly, Integration and Verification has been introduced as a new chapter, filling a gap in previous editions.

This edition addresses ‘front-end system-level issues’ such as environment, mission analysis and system engineering, but also progresses to a detailed examination of subsystem elements which represents the core of spacecraft design. This includes mechanical, electrical and thermal aspects, as well as propulsion and control. This quantitative treatment is supplemented by an emphasis on the interactions between elements, which deeply influences the process of spacecraft design.

Adopted on courses worldwide, Spacecraft Systems Engineering is already widely respected by students, researchers and practising engineers in the space engineering sector. It provides a valuable resource for practitioners in a wide spectrum of disciplines, including system and subsystem engineers, spacecraft equipment designers, spacecraft operators, space scientists and those involved in related sectors such as space insurance.

In summary, this is an outstanding resource for aerospace engineering students, and all those involved in the technical aspects of design and engineering in the space sector.

Book Reviews

“Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners.” - (Choice, 1 August 2012)

"I highly recommend the fantastic and landmark book Spacecraft Systems Engineering, Fourth Edition edited by Peter Fortescue, Graham Swinerd, and John Stark, to any graduate and undergraduate students, engineering and science faculty members, professional engineers, space scientists, business leaders, and government policy makers who are serious about the design, manufacturing, and implementation of complete spacecraft systems. This book provides not only the basics of fully integrated spacecraft systems, but the advanced knowledge required to implement a complete spectrum of space mission applications as well." - (Blog Business World, 19 February 2012)

Customer Reviews

The Spacecraft Systems Engineering, 4th edition, is one of the better books I have read so far on this subject. The strong points are clarity, subject matter coverage, and updated information. All the areas of spacecraft systems engineering are covered at an intermediate level of theory and mathematical formulation. One area that is slightly lacking, and can use more detail is the human space flight vehicle e.g., the NASA Orion spacecraft (renamed as MPCV), otherwise a very good and practical book for a spacecraft systems engineer.