The development of propulsion technology for U.S. space-launch vehicles, 1926-1991 / J.D. Hunley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hunley, J. D., 1941-

Series:

Centennial of flight series ; no. 17.

Centennial of flight series ; no. 17

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Space vehicles--Propulsion systems--History.

Space vehicles.

Rocket engines--Research--United States--History.

Rocket engines.

Launch vehicles (Astronautics)--United States--History.

Launch vehicles (Astronautics).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (398 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

College Station : Texas A&M University Press, c2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this definitive study, J. D. Hunley traces the program's development from Goddard's early rockets (and the German V-2 missile) through the Titan IVA and the Space Shuttle, with a focus on space-launch vehicles. Since these rockets often evolved from early missiles, he pays considerable attention to missile technology, not as an end in itself, but as a contributor to launch-vehicle technology. Focusing especially on the engineering culture of the program, Hunley communicates this very human side of technological development by means of anecdotes, character sketches, and case studies of problems faced by rocket engineers. He shows how such a highly adaptive approach enabled the evolution of a hugely complicated technology that was impressive--but decidedly not rocket science. Unique in its single-volume coverage of the evolution of launch-vehicle technology from 1926 to 1991, this meticulously researched work will inform scholars and engineers interested in the history of technology and innovation, as well as those specializing in the history of space flight.

Contents:

Intro

CONTENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 German and U. S. Missiles and Rockets, 1926-66

CHAPTER 2 U. S. Space-Launch Vehicles, 1958-91

CHAPTER 3 Propulsion with Alcohol and Kerosene Fuels, 1932-72

CHAPTER 4 Propulsion with Storable Fuels and Oxidizers, 1942-91

CHAPTER 5 Propulsion with Liquid Hydrogen and Oxygen, 1954-91

CHAPTER 6 Solid Propulsion: JATOs to Minuteman III, 1939-70

CHAPTER 7 Titan and Shuttle Boosters, Other Solid Propulsion, 1958-91

CHAPTER 8 Conclusions and Epilogue

NOTES

A NOTE ON SOURCES

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-60344-453-X

OCLC:

698590834