Principles of Space Instrument Design (Cambridge Aerospace Series, Series Number 9)

This informative account of the design of instruments used in rockets and spacecraft begins by introducing the basic principles of designing for the space environment. Following chapters discuss mechanical, structural, thermal and electronic design, including the problems that are frequently encountered in the testing and verification of spacecraft subsystems. The authors carefully describe important aspects of design, including stress analysis, multilayer insulation, two-dimensional sensor systems, mechanisms, the structure of space optics, and project management and control. A final chapter looks toward future developments of space instrument design and addresses issues arising from financial constraints. The book contains lists of symbols, acronyms and units and a comprehensive reference list. Worked examples, found throughout the text, make it valuable to final year undergraduate and beginning graduate students of physics, space science, space-craft engineering and astronautics. An informative account of the design of instruments used in rockets and spacecraft. After introducing the basic principles, the book describes mechanical, structural, thermal and electronic design, stress analysis and multilayer insulation. Following chapters discuss two-dimensional sensor systems, mechanisms, the structure of space optics, project management and financial constraints. The dawn of the space age in 1957 was as historic in world terms as the discovery of the Americas, the voyage of the Beagle or the first flight by the Wright brothers. A.m. Cruise ... [et Al.]. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.