Introduction to Rocket Science and Space Exploration

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Understanding the Universe

Verse from Ancient India
Great Indian Ancient Scientists
Emerging new Scientific Thoughts on Universe

Chapter 3: Brief History of Rockets

Early Understanding
Indian War Rocket
Birth of Modern Rocketry
Tsiolkovsky, Rocket Equation
Robert H Goddard-Liquid Propellant Rocket
Hermann Oberth- Interplanetary Space
Vernher von Braun and V2 missile
Sergei Korolev, Sputnik-1 in orbit, ICBM,
Man on Moon
Space Shuttle
Launch Vehicles of the world

Chapter 4: Rocket Principles

What is a rocket? Basic rocket science
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Forces on Rocket
The Rocket Equation- Thrust, Acceleration, Specific Impulse, Incremental Velocity
Multi-staging

Chapter 5: Rocket Systems Development

Rocket Subsystems and Components
Propulsion
Structure
Stability and control
Navigation and Guidance

Chapter 6: Rocket Design Methodology, Test & Evaluation, World Launch Sites

Launch Vehicle Design Methodology
Design Adequacy, Tests & Reviews
ISRO Mars mission, Trajectory design
Human to Mars, SLS design
Launch Sites of Space Faring Countries

Chapter 7: Satellite, Orbits and Missions                                        
Importance of Satellites
Satellite Orbits, Orbital Velocity
Hohmann Transfer
Escape Velocity for planetary mission
First launch by countries
Mission Planning
Satellite Applications
Small Satellites
Private Space Operators- Missions to Moon and Mars
Human Space Missions, Space Stations-ISS, Chinese TIANGONG, India-Gaganyaan
China-Russia Lunar Research Station

Chapter 8: Advances in Space Technologies

Can we travel faster than light?
Electric Propulsion
Hall Effect Thrusters
Magneto Plasma Rocket Propulsion- VASIMR-39 days to Mars
Nuclear Propulsion Rockets
Solar Electric Propulsion
Solar Thermal Propulsion
Laser Propulsion – 3 days to Mars
Solar and Laser Powered Interstellar Sail
Hypersonic Transportation
Hyperplane and Low-cost Access to Space
Solar Power Satellite
AI and Robotics Spacecraft
Lunar Industry, He-3 as energy source, Launch pad on Moon

Chapter 9: Environment: Protection of Earth, and Geo-spatial Technologies

Challenges for Space Community
Threats from Outer Space
Protection of Earth from Risky Asteroids, Collision Avoidance Strategies
Clearing Space Debris
In-orbit Servicing
Space Security
Space Weather
Man Contributed Threats on Land and atmosphere
Geospatial Technologies for Sustainable Development
                                        
Chapter 10: Exoplanets, Earth 2.0

Nearest Stars to Sun
Exoplanets in Livable Zones
Probable Earth 2.0

Biography

A. Sivathanu Pillai graduated in Engineering in 1969, and then worked in ISRO and DRDO during the last five decades, under aerospace leaders Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He was also visiting professor in IISc and IITs. His active participation in the development of Satellite Launch vehicles and Guided missiles made him to specialise in Multi – disciplinary technology projects, Rocket Technology, Aerospace Systems, Institution Build up and Advanced system engineering and Program management. Dr. Pillai’s skills in networking multiple institutions for the development of critical missile technologies overcoming denial regimes (Missile Technology Control Regime) enabled realization of strategic missiles. Dr. Pillai was the Architect and Founder CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, which is a unique Joint Venture, first of its kind between India and Russia to design, develop, produce, and market the most advanced supersonic cruise missile, BRAHMOS, which has been inducted in the Indian Armed Forces, as a major strike weapon.

Fifteen academic institutions in India and abroad have recognised Prof. Pillai’s scientific contributions and awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa). He is a recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and Fellowships, most importantly Padma Bhushan (2013) and Padma Shri (2002) by Government of India, Order of Friendship (2013) by the Government of Russian Federation. Prof. Pillai has written ten books including, The success mantra of BRAHMOS, 40 years with Abdul Kalam – Untold Stories, Revolution in Leadership, Nano Science and Nano Technology for Engineering and co-authored with Dr. Abdul Kalam for the books (a) Envisioning an Empowered Nation and (b) ‘Thoughts for Change – we can do it’ (Defining 10 futuristic technologies).