The Spacefarer's Handbook: Science and Life Beyond Earth

Description

Serves as a practical guide to spaceflight Full of anecdotes and tips for those planning their own space adventure Brings loads of new knowledge on what spacefarers encounter in weightlessness Features the latest scientific findings on humans in space and space technology Written for the general space enthusiast, but will also give science fiction readers & writers a better foundation in space flight Now is the time to fly to space! New technological developments, commercialisation of spaceflight and advances in space medicine have made human space travel more attainable than ever before. This entertaining but nevertheless authoritative book gives a practical introduction to space travel from a number of viewpoints: How spacecraft are built, how to steer and navigate them, instructions for a comfortable everyday life in space and a guide to remain healthy and strong in weightlessness. The Spacefarer's Handbook is full of advice, tips and anecdotes to prepare the reader for their own trip to space. At the same time, it does not lose the scientific perspective on spaceflight. The authors, a physicist and a space medicine specialist, explain the underlying concepts rigorously and include recent research findings. From the operating principles of rocket engines, via bone loss in weightlessness to the methane lakes of Titan, this book contains everything aspiring spacefarers need to know! It also serves as a very good resource, beyond general space enthusiasts, for science fiction readers & writers who are looking for a better foundation in space flight. "Highly recommended for everyone who wants to fly to space and all passengers of our mothership Earth!" Hans Schlegel, ESA Astronaut Preface Acknowledgements Contents About the Authors 1 How to Become a Spacefarer 1.1 Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained 1.2 Open Challenges and the Story So Far 1.3 Space Tourism 1.4 Astronaut Selection 1.5 Checklist Before the Flight Reference 2 Building Spacecraft 2.1 Spacecraft Classes 2.2 A Spacecraft's Hull Radiation, Heat and Meteoroids Atmospheric Reentry Heat Shields Landing Typical Shapes and Constructions 2.3 Engines, Thrusters and Rockets Big Rocket Engines for Launch Ignition Roll Control Small Engines for Space Usage Ion Propulsion and Plasma Jets Nuclear Propulsion Solar Sails, Elevators, Warp Drives and the Future Attitude and Position Determination 2.4 Power Supply and Temperature Regulation How to Produce Energy Temperature Control and Radiators 2.5 Life Support Systems Breathing Air Water The Bathroom Redundant Systems 2.6 Communication, Computers and Data Management Radio Connections Data Transfers Computers and Storage Media 2.7 Further Equipment and Considerations Sitting, Standing and Eating: Furniture in Space Waste Removal and Space Debris 2.8 The Launch Site References 3 How to Fly a Spacecraft 3.1 Preparation, Countdown and Launch Countdown Dramatic Effects Around Liftoff Liftoff Stage Separation 3.2 Steering in Space Joysticks, Control Handles and Thrusters When to Use the Main Propulsion System 3.3 Orbital Navigation The Orbit Orbital Hohmann Transfer Tilting the Orbital Plane Rendezvous and Docking 3.4 Flying to the Moon 3.5 Travelling Towards Other Planets The Swing-by Manoeuvre Lagrangian Points The MEGA Manoeuvre Overall Mission Planning References 4 Daily Life in Space 4.1 Orientation Without Up and Down Order and Mess Thermoregulation and Airflow The Microbiome on Board 4.2 Day and Night Circadian Rhythms Sleep in Weightlessness 4.3 Eating and Drinking Sense of Taste Upside Down Packing and Preparing Dishes 4.4 Clothing 4.5 Spacewalks Details of Spacesuits for EVAs How to Perform a Spacewalk 4.6 Research 4.7 Emergencies on Board 4.8 Social Life in Isolation How to Deal with Each Other Psychological Stability Leisure Time 4.9 Robots References 5 Space Medicine 5.1 History of Space Medicine 5.2 Heart and Circulation Fluid Shift, Bird Legs and Puffy Face-Bird Legs Syndrome Why People Need to be Carried After Landing Reduced Endurance and Shrinking Hearts Central Venous Pressure Arterial Blood Pressure G-measles Irregular Heartbeats 5.3 The Musculoskeletal System Bone Muscle Space Adaptation Back Pain and Growing in Space Interview with Story Musgrave 5.4 Physical Exercise in Spaceflight 5.5 Air and Pressure 5.6 Further Medical Phenomena Space Motion Sickness The Eye Infections and the Immune System Poisonous Substances Injuries Medical Incidents in Space 5.7 Radiation Sources of Radiation Effects of Radiation on the Human Body Acute Radiation Sickness Concepts for Radiation Protection in Spaceflight 5.8 Medical Treatment on Board Crew with Medical Education Medical Care on the ISS Surgery in Spaceflight Medications Substance Abuse in Spaceflight Telemedicine 5.9 Medical Research in Spaceflight Bedrest Studies Parabolic Flights Human Centrifugation Isolation Studies References 6 Exploration and Colonisation 6.1 Travel Destinations 6.2 Exploration 6.3 Volcanism, Glaciers and Permafrost 6.4 Human Colonies 6.5 Plants and Terraforming 6.6 Resources and Mining 6.7 Space Law 6.8 Astrobiology and Extraterrestrial Life References Conclusion Index