Space Transport and Engineering Methods:

An Introduction to Space Systems Engineering



Table of Contents

Part 0: Introduction


Part 1: Science and Engineering Fundamentals

  1. Basic Sciences - Physics: Units, Motion, Forces || page 2: Energy, Mechanics, Thermodynamics || page 3: Astronomy, Planetary Science, Chemistry
  2. Orbital Mechanics - Orbits, Velocity Map, Powered Flight, Mass Ratio, Staging
  3. Propulsive Forces - Reaction from Expelled Material, External Interaction
  4. Energy Sources - Mechanical, Chemical, Thermal, Electrical, Beam, Nuclear, Matter Conversion
  5. Systems Engineering - In General, Life Cycle, Requirements || page 2: Functional Analysis, Allocation, Modeling, Optimization and Trade Studies, Synthesis, Work Breakdown Structure, Elements by Type
  6. Engineering Tools - Data, Computer Hardware, Computer Software
  7. Engineering Specialties - Aerospace, Other Specialties
  8. Organization and Economics - Organization, Funding, Financial Analysis
  9. Existing Programs - Government || page 2: Government (cont.), Commercial, Not-for-Profit
  10. Future Projects - Transport, Exploration, Mining, Industrial Capacity, Manufactured Items, Energy, Engineered Environments, Communication, Entertainment


Part 2: Space Transport Methods

  1. Structural Methods - Static, Dynamic
  2. Guns and Accelerators - Mechanical, Artillery || page 2: Light Gas, Electric
  3. Combustion Engines - Air Breathing, Internally Fueled (Rockets)
  4. Thermal Engines - Electro-thermal, Photo-thermal, Nuclear-thermal
  5. Bulk Matter Engines - Rotary, Coilgun, Railgun
  6. Ion and Plasma Engines - Ion, Arcjet, Plasma
  7. High Energy Particle Engines - Particle Rockets, External Particle Interaction
  8. Photon Engines - Photon Sails, Photon Rockets, Photon Gun
  9. External Interaction Methods - Magnetic, Gravity, Aerodynamic, Mechanical
  10. Theoretical Methods - not currently supported by established physics
  11. Comparisons Among Methods - Performance, Status, Cost


Part 3: Space Engineering Methods

  1. Design Factors - Technology, Availability, Physical, Integration, Human, Environment
  2. Subsystem Design
  3. Resources - Exploration Methods || page 2 - Resource Inventory
  4. Resource Extraction - Mining: Solid, Atmospheres, Liquids, Gas Giants, Particulates, Stars || Energy: Solar, Fission, Fusion, Orbital
  5. Processing and Production - Production Control, Handling and Storage, Materials Processing, Parts Production
  6. Assembly and Construction - Assembly, Construction, Outfitting
  7. Verification and Test
  8. Operation and Maintenance - Operations Concepts, Tasks, Maintenance Concepts, Tasks
  9. Recycling Methods - Waste Recycling, Closed Loop Life Support


Part 4: Complex Programs

  1. Program Overview - Goals, Summary, Structure
  2. Phase 0 - Research & Development - Planning, Process, Sub-Phases
  3. Phases 1 & 2A - Starter Locations, Network, Distributed Locations
  4. Phase 2B - Industrial Locations: Production, Habitation, & Transport
  5. Orbital Assembly - Past Work, Design Approach, Module Types
  6. Hypervelocity Launcher - Scaling, Launcher Design, Projectile Design
  7. Low G Transport - Choosing among Alternatives, Existing and In-Development Launchers, Alternative Launchers
  8. Electric Propulsion - Electric vs Chemical, Thruster Types, Comparison Between Types
  9. Orbital Mining - Rationale, Mining Steps || page 2 - Ore Types, Example Missions, Design
  10. Processing Factory - Outputs, Process Research and Development, Factory Design
  11. Space Elevator (Skyhook) - Concept, Applications, Design Parameters, Design Components, Design Issues
  12. Lunar Development - Concept, Starter Kit, Expansion Kit, Bulk Delivery
  13. Interplanetary Transfer - System Concept, High Orbit Skyhook, Inclination Station, Transfer Habitats
  14. Mars Development - Near Term: Phobos and Deimos, Mars Skyhooks, Mars Surface Systems || Long Term Development: Magnetosphere, Greenhouses, Full Atmosphere
  15. Later Projects - Main Belt Asteroids, Outer Moons and Minor Planets, Kuiper Belt, Gas Giants, Oort Cloud and Beyond


Part 5: Design Studies

  1. Conceptual Design for Human Expansion - Goals and Benefits || page 2: Conceptual Design Approach || page 3: Requirements Analysis || page 4: Evaluation Criteria || page 5: Functional Analysis
  2. Environment Ranges
  3. Seed Factories - Conceptual designs for self-expanding automated factories (in separate wikibook).
  4. Open Source Space Program


References and Sources

  1. Appendix 1: Fictional Methods
  2. Appendix 2: Reference Data


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