Space propulsion systems have a great influence on our ability to travel
to other planets or how cheap a satellite can provide TV programs. This
book provides an up-to-date overview of all kinds of propulsion systems
ranging from classical rocket technology, nuclear propulsion to electric
propulsion systems, and further to micro-, propellantless and even
breakthrough propulsion, which is a new program under development at
NASA. The author shows the limitations of the present concepts and how
they could look like in the future. Starting from historical
developments, the reader is taken on a journey showing the amazing
technology that has been put on hold for decades to be rediscovered in
the near future for questions like how we can even reach other stars
within a human lifetime. The author is actively involved in advanced
propulsion research and contributes with his own experience to many of
the presented topics. The book is written for anyone who is interested
in how space travel can be revolutionized.