As humanity looks to the stars for its future, space technology and its uses become ever more fascinating, relevant, and complex. The updated Dictionary of Space Technology illustrates recent advances and makes accessible (in some cases for the very first time) nearly every word, concept, and event relating to this branch of science. It guides laypersons and professionals alike through humankind's activities in space, the beginnings of our extraterrestrial society, and the increasingly important role of space sciences in everyday life. From "absolute zero" to "zero-g," The Dictionary of Space Technology defines more than 1,500 terms, including: • Science basics: Fundamentals such as "acceleration," "gravity," and "velocity" are clearly explained, allowing readers new to the field to build their knowledge of the space age from the foundations up and providing more advanced readers with essential reference material. • Historic events: Profiles of milestones, such as the Apollo missions, the first flight of the Space Shuttle, and the exploration of Mars by the robot mini-rover Sojourner trace the evolution of space technology. Entries on future missions to space and the planned international space station chart what lies ahead. • Defense and the armed forces: Much of this material, such as information on ballistic missiles and satellite defenses, is available here for the first time due to recent government declassification. • Planetary sciences: Explore the contributions of space technology to sciences such as geology, ecology, and meteorology, all of which have become more important as we look more closely at our world and the worlds around us. Enhanced by 140 photographs and drawings, this volume holds the past, present, and future of space, space flight, and space technology. The up-to-date coverage of The Dictionary of Space Technology is the key to understanding everything from basic physics to complex technical matters to the wonders of the cosmos. Excerpted from The Dictionary of Space Technology by Joseph A. Angelo All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
