Bolonkin A. Non-Rocket Space Launch and Flight

1^st Edition. — Elsevier Ltd., 2006. XVI, 468 p. — ISBN13: 978-0-08044-731-5, ISBN10: 0-080-44731-7.Key Features
Explores all the new non-rocket space launch methods, and compares them with each other and traditional rockets.
Investigates the unifying principles of the different systems and shows how to select the best design suited to the mission.
Author brings together technical and theoretical expertise from both industry and academiaDescriptionIn recent years scientists have investigated a series of new methods for non-rocket space launch, which promise to revolutionize space launches and flight. Particularly in the current political climate new, cheaper, and more ‘fuel efficient’ methods are being investigated. Such new methods include the gas tube method, cable accelerators, tether launch systems, space elevators, solar and magnetic sails, circle launcher space keepers and more.The author brings a vast amount of experience to the topic, having worked as a engineer, designer, project director and researcher at key institutes including NASA and the US Air Force.
Readership
University researchers and graduates in the aero/propulsion field; Technical professionals at institutes such as NASA, CNES, ESA, Army research facilities, Space consultation companies. People with a general interest in future space activities such as government policy makers in Science/Engineering fields, Journalists and Astronomers.AbstractSpace elevator, transport system for space elevator, and tether systemBrief history
Short description
Transport system for the space elevator
Free trip to space (Project 1)
Delivery system for free round trip to Mars (Project 2)
Free trip to Moon (Project 3)
Discussion
Conclusions
Tether systemCable space acceleratorDescription of suggested launcher
Theory of the cable launcher
Projects
General discussionCircle launcher and space keeperDescription of circle launcher
Theory of circle launcher
Case studies
Discussion, summary, and conclusionsOptimal inflatable space towersDescription of innovation and problem
Theory of inflatable towers (all equations are given in metric system)
ProjectsKinetic space towersDescription of suggested launcher
Theory of the kinetic tower and launcher
Projects
DiscussionGas tube hypersonic launcherDescriptionMethods of estimation and results of computation
Production cost of delivery
Advantages of the proposed space launcher
DiscussionEarth–Moon cable transport systemBrief history
Brief description, theory, and computation of innovations
Theory of optimal cable from earth to moon
Technical parameters of projectsEarth–Mars cable transport systemBrief description
Theory of Earth–Mars equal stress cable
ProjectKinetic anti-gravitatorBrief description of the installation
Theory of the kinetic anti-gravitator
Advantages of offered method
Applications
DiscussionCentrifugal space launchersDescription of innovative launcher
Theory of the sling launcher
Projects
General discussionAsteroids as propulsion system of space shipsConnection method
Project
DiscussionMulti-reflex propulsion systems for space and air vehicles and energy transfer for long distanceDescription of innovation
Theory (estimation) of multi-reflex launching and beam transfer
DiscussionElectrostatic solar wind propulsionBrief description of the propulsion system
Basic theories of the solar wind installation and main estimations and computations
DiscussionElectrostatic utilization of asteroids for space flightDescription of utilization
Theory and computation (in metric system)
Project
DiscussionElectrostatic levitation on the earth and artificial gravity for space ships and asteroidsBrief description of innovation
Theory of an electrostatic lift force and results of computations (in metric system)
Projects
DiscussionGuided solar sail and energy generatorDescription of method and innovations
Description of innovation and their advantages
Further developmentRadioisotope space sail and electro-generatorDescription of method and innovations
General information about the isotope sail
Description of new method, installation, and innovation
Improvements to the radioisotope sail
Possibility of electric power
Equation for computation of conventional IsoSailElectrostatic solar sailBrief description of the innovations
Theory of estimation and computationUtilization of spaceRecombination space jet propulsion engine
Utilization of high-altitude mirror for lighting in local Earth areas
Electronic sail in outer space without a space suit?
Electrostatic space radiatorAttachments: Non-conventional and non-rocket flight on EarthAir cable transport and bridgesShort description of installation
Advantages
Formulas for estimation and computation (in metric system)
Cable problems
Data which can be used for computation
ProjectsHigh-speed catapult aviationBrief description of the innovation
Theory of KV and a general estimation of flight data (in metric system)
Advantages
Project
Discussion of problemsLight multi-reflex engineDescription of innovation
Theory of the multi-reflex engine
DiscussionOptimal trajectories of air and space vehiclesGeneral equations
Flight with a small change of vehicle mass and flight path angle
Statement of the problem
Optimal wing area
Estimation of flight range
Optimal engine control for constant flight pass angle
Solution
Simultaneous optimization of the path angle and fuel consumption
Application to aircraft, rocket missiles, and cannon projectiles
General discussion and conclusionHigh-efficiency transfer of mechanical energyDescription of innovation
Theory of air energy transfer (in metric system)
Discussion
Advantages of proposed method
DefectOptimal aircraft thrust anglesGeneral methodology
OTA for takeoff and landing
Optimal angle of thrust vector in horizontal flight (cruise regime)
Climb and descent regimes
Turning of airplane
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix System of mechanical and electrical units and other useful values
System of mechanical and electrical units
Fundamental physical constants
Astronomical data
Density of gases at normal pressure and temperature 0°C in kg/m³
Parameters of earth atmosphere (relative density and temperature)
General references