Propulsion and Power: Propulsion Techniques - Action and Reaction

This text, drawn from the pages of
Aerospace America
and its predecessors, rescues the insights, concerns and dreams of dozens of space propulsion experts for the next generation of aerospace scientists and engineers. Written by well-known figures in space propulsion, this book provides accessible source material for design courses in astronautical engineering.
Propulsion Techniques
surveys the technologies or rocketry in the traditional categories of liquid, solid, hybrid, nuclear and electric propulsion. Historical trends and cycles are displayed in each category as articles describe concepts and progress from the early visions of Goddard, Oberth, and Tsiolkovsky to proposed (and re-proposed) ideas for advance space thrusters. In addition to descriptions of rocket engines of various types, including photon and laser propulsion, associated technologies for propellants and space-electrical power systems are discussed.