Rising from Earth: Exploring the Mysteries of Space Flight

Author: Wayne Lee
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-01
Features: The 2nd edition of Rise from Earth presents the dynamic sense of time and space in space travel, as well as the history and exploration of space flight technology, through stunning color photographs, exquisite diagrams, detailed charts, and clear, accessible explanations. The author avoids using a single mathematical formula or a complex scientific term, yet provides a clear explanation of the functions and roles of satellites, the propulsion power and mass of rockets, and the logistical support for the Space Shuttle launch. From the world's first artificial Earth satellite to the Galileo automated space probe, from the Hubble Space Telescope to the International Space Station, Rise from Earth not only takes us into the mysterious, distant, and vast expanse of space but also brings us closer to the aerospace scientists who have dedicated themselves to sending artificial objects and humans into space. The 2nd edition of Rise from Earth is divided into 7 chapters: it introduces and explains the different types and functions of orbits and rockets; provides a detailed discussion of orbital mechanics without using mathematical symbols; explores methods for performing space maneuvers, including how to rendezvous with or capture malfunctioning spacecraft and satellites; recounts the Cold War moon race, from the hard work of Robert Goddard and Wernher von Braun to the early Soviet space programs and the remarkable success of artificial Earth satellites; explains the reasons for the Space Shuttle's space missions, its flight principles, and the various missions astronauts have participated in; explores each planet and comet in the solar system, detailing the steps NASA must take to travel to these distant worlds; and looks ahead to the promising prospects of human travel to the International Space Station, Mars, and beyond. The content has been thoroughly updated for reusable launch vehicles and the International Space Station, and the entire chapter on Mars exploration has been revised. The 2nd edition of Rise from Earth showcases humanity's determination and achievements in transcending its frontiers. The author's training, teaching experience, and work have equipped him with the top-tier qualifications to author this extraordinary popular science work. This book can serve as an excellent textbook or supplementary reading material for university or high school aerospace courses. —John Owen, University of Arizona
The two features of the marginal notes are highly appealing: (1) Historical records — documenting major events and milestones in the history of space exploration and the development of space science; (2) Rules of thumb — carefully selected overviews and arguments that help readers understand the entire field of space technology. This book is an essential collection for middle and high school libraries and a great for students interested in space flight. —Ernst Riegelsperger, Arlington University
By showcasing the complex technology of rockets, orbits, satellite systems, and space maneuvers, the author paints a magnificent picture of interstellar travel. Most reference books on space flight focus on astronomical phenomena, the history of space exploration, and the figures involved, with few discussing the actual mechanics involved in space exploration by astronauts and scientists. Rise from Earth pioneers this field. —Julian Brandon, Michigan State University
This book is a popular science work by Wayne Lee, a Chinese-American scientist at NASA, serving as an introductory read on aerospace technology and history. It primarily analyzes the working principles of launch vehicles, orbits, and satellites, explains the basics of orbital mechanics and the maneuvering methods for spacecraft to perform space rendezvous, and vividly describes the operation of the Space Shuttle, unmanned interplanetary exploration, future Mars exploration, and the ongoing construction of the International Space Station. Additionally, the book covers the historical competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the space realm during the Cold War, reveals little-known details of several major U.S. space flight accidents, and provides scientific analyses and answers to a series of questions, such as "Why does Venus always be shrouded in thick clouds?" "What substance makes up Saturn's beautiful rings?" "What were the canals on Mars that once drew so much attention?" and "Is there really life on Mars?"