Introduction to Rocket Science and Engineering

TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a review of the history of the development of the modern era of the rocket and its use in space missions, as well as a survey of the current state of the art.

Abstract: What Are Rockets? The History of Rockets Rockets of the Modern Era Rocket Anatomy and Nomenclature Why Are Rockets Needed? Missions and Payloads Trajectories Orbits Orbit Changes and Maneuvers Ballistic Missile Trajectories How Do Rockets Work? Thrust Specific Impulse Weight Flow Rate Tsiolkovsky's Rocket Equation Staging Rocket Dynamics, Guidance, and Control How Do Rocket Engines Work? The Basic Rocket Engine Thermodynamic Expansion and the Rocket Nozzle Exit Velocity Rocket Engine Area Ratio and Lengths Rocket Engine Design Example Are All Rockets the Same? Solid Rocket Engines Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines Hybrid Rocket Engines Electric Rocket Engines Nuclear Rocket Engines Solar Rocket Engines Photon-Based Engines How Do We Test Rockets? The Systems Engineering Process and Rocket Development Measuring Thrust Pressure Vessel Tests Shake 'n Bake Tests Drop and Landing Tests Environment Tests Destructive Tests Modeling and Simulation Roll-Out Test Flight Tests Are We Thinking Like Rocket Scientists and Engineers? Weather Cocking Fuel Sloshing Propellant Vorticity Tornadoes and Overpasses Flying Foam Debris Monocoque The Space Mission Analysis and Design Process Back to the Moon Suggested Reading for Rocket Scientists and Engineers Index A Chapter Summary and Exercises appear at the end of each chapter.