TY - BOOK ID - 7912641 TI - Space invaders : how robotic spacecraft explore the solar system PY - 2006 SN - 1282823728 9786612823725 0387688803 9780387688800 0387332324 9780387332321 1489990127 PB - New York : Springer, DB - UniCat KW - Space robotics. KW - Space probes. KW - Outer space KW - Exploration KW - History. KW - Deep space probes KW - Probes, Space KW - Astronautics KW - Robot applications KW - Popular Science. KW - Popular Science in Astronomy. KW - Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences. KW - Science (General). KW - Outer space -- Exploration -- History. KW - Space robotics KW - Popular works. KW - Observations, Astronomical. KW - Astronomy KW - Space sciences. KW - Astronomy. KW - Astronomy, Observations and Techniques. KW - Observations. KW - Space vehicles KW - Robotics KW - Astrophysics. KW - Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Exploration and Astronautics). KW - Astronomical physics KW - Cosmic physics KW - Physics KW - Astronomy—Observations. KW - Astronomical observations KW - Observations, Astronomical KW - Science and space KW - Space research KW - Cosmology KW - Science UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:7912641 AB - Manned space programs attract the most media attention, and it is not hard to understand why-the danger, the heroism, the sheer adventure we as earthbound observers can imagine when humans are involved. But robotic missions deserve a respectful and detailed history and analysis of their own, and this book provides it. Focusing on future modern spacecraft, Michel van Pelt explains the exciting life of unmanned space explorers, making the technology, design, development, operation and results of modern space probe missions understandable by lay readers. Instead of describing one specific spacecraft or mission, Michel van Pelt offers a "behind the scenes" look at the life of a space probe: from its first conceptual design to the analysis of the scientific data returned by the spacecraft. While most popular books on space concentrate on manned spaceflight, this book shows that unmanned space exploration is just as exciting. It demonstrates to the reader just what it takes to send a robotic spacecraft to another planet and what fascinating insight and knowledge we have gained from these probes. **Offers an insight into the life of a space probe from concept through design to return and analysis of scientific data. **Explains what it takes to send a robotic space probe to another planet. **Demonstrates that unmanned space exploration can be as exciting as manned exploration. **Provides the reader with a view of how the fascinating images and knowledge are obtained from these probes. **Focuses on modern spacecraft and the future, rather than the history of past projects. ER -