The Logic of Microspace: Technology and Management of Minimum-Cost Space Missions
Changing the focus of the multibillion dollar global aerospace business toward smaller, lower-cost spacecraft is not happening solely due to technical, managerial, financial or market motivations. The Logic of Microspace, Rick Fleeter’s second book on the small, low-cost space programs which are the fastest-growing segment of aerospace activity, gives the reader a keen understanding of the full spectrum of factors driving this profound change. The Logic of Microspace then goes beyond engineering technologies and management techniques to envision the tantalizing prospects microspace has in store for the industry, its present markets and those of the future. The Logic of Microspace is three books in one. The technologies underlying small space were the subject of Rick’s widely acclaimed first book, Micro Space Craft, which sold out its first printing by word of mouth. This highly understandable, entertaining book, called the only comedic page-turner ever written about aer… More >>
The Logic of Microspace: Technology and Management of Minimum-Cost Space Missions
Tagged with: Logic • Management • Microspace • MinimumCost • Missions • Space • Technology
After 45 years of dominance by governments and hugh corporations, perhaps the little guy is starting to make inroads into the spacce satellite market. At least that’s what Rick Fleeter thinks. In “The Logic of Microspace” Fleeter talks about the revolution in small, low-cost space satellites taking place at the beginning of the 21sy century. He notes that these tiny satellites, and the microspace technology they engender, is transforming the space world in ways not seen since the advent of communications a satellites.
At a basic level this book offers understandable, humorous, fast-paced, and sometimes insightful but always provocative comments on the technical, economic, and philosophical aspects of microsatellites. Toward the end of “The Logic of Microspace” Fleeter presents a manifesto for the “microspace revolution,” describing alluring opportunities for benefiting humanity and the space industry via low-cost satellites and space missions.
This is a very unusual book!! How often can you read a technologically informative book with a wry grin on your face? (and perhaps an occasional hoot of laughter, right out loud…) In addition to the insider’s story on small satellite engineering, the reader gets treated to Rick Fleeter’s philosophy of life, engineering, and the universe, always shared with a liberal dose of humor.
The book is largely written for engineers outside the satellite world, and is readable for just about anyone with a reasonable understanding of electronics, but covers all aspects of satellite design at all levels from the ground up. Although much of the information is pretty basic, it is always presented with insights that bring it to a higher level.
This is an excellent book for anyone with a curiousity about satellites and/or the businesses and technologies (aerospace, rad-hard components, telecommunications, etc.) connected with them. It also provides a hugely enjoyable peek into the engineering process – and the engineers – that produce those satellites.