A self-contained, integrated introduction to the performance aspects of flight -- how to get into space, how
to get around in space, and how to return to Earth or land on another planet (as opposed to specialized areas of
life support, guidance and control, or communications).
Prepares students to determine:
the approximate velocity budget for a geocentric or interplanetary mission
the approximate weight (mass) and number of stages required to accomplish the mission
the general problems associated with the terminal phase of the mission
Emphasizes fundamental concepts and analytic expressions (rather than "cookbook" relationships).
Contains numerous examples that demonstrate principles and give a feel for typical parameter values.
Provides chapter exercises -- all solvable with a hand calculator.