Astronauts for hire : the emergence of a commercial astronaut corps / Erik Seedhouse.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Seedhouse, Erik.

Series:

Springer-Praxis books in space exploration.

Springer-Praxis books in space exploration

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronautics.

Outer space--Exploration.

Outer space.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (263 p.)

Edition:

1st ed. 2012.

Place of Publication:

New York : Springer, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The spaceflight industry is being revolutionized. It is no longer the sole preserve of professional astronauts working on government-funded manned spaceflight programs. As private companies are being encouraged to build and operate launch vehicles, and even spacecraft that can be hired on a contract basis, a new breed of astronauts is coming into being. Astronauts for Hire describes how this commercial astronaut corps will be selected and trained. It provides a unique insight into the kinds of missions and tasks that the astronauts will be involved in, from suborbital science missions to commercial trips to low Earth orbit. The book also describes the new fleet of commercial spaceships being developed - reusable rocket-propelled vehicles that will offer quick, routine, and affordable access to the edge of space. The author also explores the possibility of private enterprise establishing interplanetary spaceports, lunar bases, and outposts on the surface of Mars.

Contents:

section 1. The new generation of commercial astronauts

section 2. The industry

section 3. The missions.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786613705075

9781280794681

1280794682

9781461405207

1461405203

OCLC:

798208555