Principles of Space Instrument Design [Paperback]

Provides an informative account of the design of instruments used in rockets and spacecraft.Designing an experiment to be performed in space involves highly complex techniques. There are considerable constraints, such as finding materials that are 'spaceworthy', limits on power, cost and manpower. This book provides a clear and comprehensive account of the techniques involved. Beginning with a chapter introducing the basic principles of designing for the space environment, following chapters discuss core elements of des ign including the problems that are frequently encountered in the testing and verification of spacecraft subsystems. Important topics are described including stress analysis, mechanisms and project management. A final chapter looks towards future developments of space instrument design. Worked examples are found throughout the text.Designing an experiment to be performed in space involves highly complex techniques. There are considerable constraints, such as finding materials that are 'spaceworthy', limits on power, cost and manpower. This book provides a clear and comprehensive account of the techniques involved. Beginning with a chapter introducing the basic principles of designing for the space environment, following chapters discuss core elements of des ign including the problems that are frequently encountered in the testing and verification of spacecraft subsystems. Important topics are described including stress analysis, mechanisms and project management. A final chapter looks towards future developments of space instrument design. Worked examples are found throughout the text.This informative account of the design of instruments used in rockets and spacecraft begins by introducing the basic principles of designing for the space environment. Following chapters discuss mechanical, structural, thermal and electronic design, including the problems that are frequently encountered in the testing and verification of spacecraft subsystems. The authol-