Rocket Dynamics and Space Flight

The book is concerned with the physics of rockets in their various roles namely space flight to the Moon and other celestial bodies for satellite launches and for missiles. It covers both conventional rocket technology as well as futuristic propulsion systems such as photon rockets solar sails and ion rockets. Related issues such as relativistic space flight and the problem of a rocket's re-entry into a planetary atmosphere are given due consideration. The book is accessible to undergraduate and graduate students of the physics and engineering streams. Various solved and unsolved problems are given to aid the reader along. Contents :- Preface 1. Brief historical Introduction 2. Basics of Rocket dynamics 3. Lunar and Near Space Flight 4. Interplanetary Flight 5. Relativistic Space Flights 6. Interstellar Flight 7. Re-entry into a Planetary Atmosphere 8. Missiles 9. Artificial Satellites 10. Rocketry and Spaceflight: a historical Asian perspective Bibliography.