Can Star Systems Be Explored? (2008)(en)(191s)

Lawrence B. Crowell9789812706171, 9812706178

This book is an exposition of classical mechanics and relativity that addresses the question of whether it is possible to send probes to extrasolar systems. It examines largely well-understood physics to consider the possibility of exploring the nearby interstellar environment in a similar fashion to how the solar system has been explored. As such, this book is both a semipopularization of basic physics and an informal study of a likely future technological development. An auxilliary text on basic physics for students and laypersons as well as an illustration of the problems with interstellar exploration, this book is a must-read.

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Table of contents :
Contents……Page 10
Preface……Page 8
1. Exploration of Star Systems……Page 12
2. Newtonian Mechanics……Page 16
3. The Physics of Rocketry and Spaceflight……Page 28
4. Power Systems for Spaceflight……Page 42
5. Elements of Astrodynamics……Page 54
6. Special Relativity……Page 60
7. The Relativistic Rocket……Page 78
8. The Photon Sail……Page 90
9. Scientific and Technical Requirements……Page 102
10. Electromagnetically Accelerated Nano-bots……Page 112
11. Exotic Propulsion Methods……Page 118
12. The Interstellar Neighborhood……Page 130
13. Will Humans go to the Stars?……Page 140
14. Solar System Stability and the Likelihood of Earth-like Planets……Page 152
15. Life on Earth and in the Universe……Page 174
16. Appendix……Page 194
Bibliography……Page 196
Index……Page 200