Eleanor Hawking 
Space Tech Horizons [EPUB ebook] 

‘Space Tech Horizons’ presents a comprehensive exploration of modern spacecraft design and space exploration, focusing on the revolutionary convergence of private industry involvement, advanced materials science, and artificial intelligence. This timely examination reveals how emerging technologies are transforming humanity’s approach to conquering the final frontier, moving beyond traditional government-dominated space programs to a diverse ecosystem of commercial and scientific ventures.

The book masterfully weaves together three critical developments reshaping space exploration: advanced propulsion systems like ion drives and solar sails, modular space habitats designed for extended missions, and autonomous systems for resource utilization on other planets. Through clear technical explanations and detailed diagrams, readers gain insights into cutting-edge innovations while building upon foundational concepts in orbital mechanics and materials science. The analysis of recent spacecraft missions and prototype testing provides concrete evidence of these technological advances in action.

Progressing from historical context through to near-future developments, the text offers a unique perspective by demonstrating how various technologies work in concert rather than in isolation. This interdisciplinary approach, combining aerospace engineering with materials science, robotics, and planetary geology, makes the book particularly valuable for professionals and students in these fields. The content maintains technical rigor while remaining accessible, using clear explanations and visual aids to illuminate complex concepts, particularly in discussing controversial topics like nuclear power in space and the balance between human and robotic missions.