Table of Contents

Introduction.-Propulsion Fundamentals: History; Propulsion Fundamentals; Trajectory and Orbits; Classification of Propulsion Systems.- Chemical Propulsion Systems: Thermodynamic Characterization; Chemical Propulsion Overview; Nozzle Design –Atmospheric Flight; Advanced Propellants; Alternative Designs; Reusable Launch Vehicles.- Launch Assist Technologies: Reduction of Required Du; Advanced Drag Reduction; Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Propulsion; MHD Energy Bypass Application.- Nuclear Propulsion Systems: Overview; Fission Propulsion; Radioisotope Nuclear Rocket; Fusion Propulsion; Antimatter Propulsion.- Electric Propulsion Systems: Electrothermal; Electrostatic; Electromagnetic; Induced Spacecraft Interactions.- Micropropulsion: Chemical Propulsion; Electric Propulsion.- Propellantless Propulsion: Tethers; Propellantless Electric/Nuclear Propulsion; Photon Rocket; Beamed Energy Earth-to-Orbit Propulsion; Solar Sails; Magnetic Sails.- Breakthrough Propulsion: Current Fundamental Limitations in Propulsion; Quantum Physics, Relativity Theory, Electromagnetism and Space Propulsion; Experiments Leading to Possible Breakthroughs; When Will We Revolutionize Space Travel?.- Further Reading.- Subject Index

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"... Der Autor bietet auf gedrängtem Raum eine ausgezeichnete wie spannende Übersicht über Geschichte, Gegenwart und potentielle Zukunft von Raketenmotoren – mit allen Risiken und Nebenwirkungen. Lesenswert, vor allem der visionären Ausblicke bezüglich künftiger Antriebe und deren Quellen wegen." Neue Ruhr Zeitung 3/2003