A revealing account of the second largest moon in our solar system.

This is a concise, broad overview of the engineering, science and history of planetary landers and atmospheric entry probes designed to explore the atmospheres and surfaces of other planets. This will form an important reference for professionals, researchers and graduate students in planetary science, aerospace engineering and space mission development.

More frisbees are sold each year than baseballs, basketballs and footballs combined. Yet these familiar flying objects have subtle and clever aerodynamic and gyrodynamic properties which are only recently being documented by wind tunnel and other studies. In common with other rotating bodies discussed in this readily accessible book, they are typically not treated in textbooks of aeronautics and the literature is scattered in a variety of places. This book develops the theme of disc-wings and spinning aerospace vehicles in parallel. Since many of the examples are recreational, anyone who enjoys these activities will likely find it profitable and enjoyable. In addition to spinning objects of various shapes, several exotic manned aircraft with disc planforms have been proposed and a prototypes built – these include a Nazi ‘secret weapon’ and the De Havilland Avrocar, also discussed in the book. Boomerangs represent another category of spinning aerodynamic body whose behavior can only be understood by coupling aerodynamics with gyrodynamics. The narrative, supported by equations and graphs, explains how the shape and throw of a boomerang relates to its trajectory. The natural world presents still other examples, namely the samaras or ‘seed-wings’ of many tree species, which autorotate during their descent, like a helicopter whose engine has failed. The flight performance of these spinning wings directly affects the dispersal and thus the evolutionary competitiveness of the trees concerned. Samara-type configurations are also considered for instrumentation and other payload dispersal applications. In short, the book discusses a range of familiar, connected, but largely undeveloped, topics in an accessible, but complete, manner. From the reviews of the first edition: "In his fascinating book Spinning Flight, Ralph Lorenz provides a rich feast of ... examples of spinning bodies ... . The book is well organized ... . Thediscussion in the book ... should be accessible to readers with some elementary understanding of aerodynamic principles. For the expert, the book is full of open problems ... . Its scope is extensive ... . In this respect, there may be something for everyone within its attractively designed cover ... ." (H. K. Moffatt, Nature, Vol. 444, December, 2006) "If you liked physics at school, then this book is for you. It concerns itself with flying objects that spin through the air, and even tells you how to impress your friends with the biomechanics of Frisbees. ... there is plenty of information at all levels, and the book has a wealth of detail that only an aerospace engineer like Lorenz could have come up with." (Len Fisher, BBC Focus, February, 2007)

Popular astronomy & space.

The very first book on space systems failures written from an engineering perspective. Focuses on the causes of the failures and discusses how the engineering knowledge base has been enhanced by the lessons learned. Discusses non-fatal anomalies which do not affect the ultimate success of a mission, but which are failures nevertheless. Describes engineering aspects of the spacecraft, making this a valuable complementary reference work to conventional engineering texts.

An accessible and engaging account of the history of climate science and exploration on Earth and other planetary bodies.

The very first book on space systems failures written from an engineering perspective. Focuses on the causes of the failures and discusses how the engineering knowledge base has been enhanced by the lessons learned. Discusses non-fatal anomalies which do not affect the ultimate success of a mission, but which are failures nevertheless. Describes engineering aspects of the spacecraft, making this a valuable complementary reference work to conventional engineering texts.

The present volume studies the application of concepts from non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a variety of research topics. Emphasis is on the Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle and applications to Geosphere-Biosphere couplings. Written by leading researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, the book presents a first coherent account of an emerging field at the interface of thermodynamics, geophysics and life sciences.

Discover the Heartwarming Journey of Perseverance and Friendship on Ice Imagine a place where the crisp sound of skates on ice, the thrilling rush of scoring the first goal, and the warmth of newfound friendships blend into an unforgettable experience. First Shift Dreams: Skating into Friendships invites you on a heartening journey that begins with a single dream and a pair of skates. This captivating book unveils the magical world of hockey through the eyes of novices taking their first steps onto the ice, navigating the challenges and celebrating the triumphs that come with the territory. Through the power of the first shift, witness the enchanting moment when hesitation turns into determination, leading to the birth of unbreakable bonds both on and off the ice. Each chapter unfolds the essence of persistence, teamwork, and positivity, guiding you through the highs and lows of learning a new sport. From the exhilarating feeling of the first fall and the first goal to the profound connections formed through shared goals and dreams, this book encapsulates the essence of starting anew and the sheer joy found in the camaraderie of a team. Delve into captivating stories that illustrate not just the excitement of the game but also the life lessons learned along the way. Ice Breakers sets the stage for the journey ahead, leading readers through the initial hesitations and exhilarating breakthroughs. The narrative progresses to showcase how overcoming obstacles on the ice can teach valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork in Challenges on the Ice and the transformative power of positivity in The Power of Positivity. This book isn't just about hockey; it's a tribute to the spirit of youth and the endless possibilities that come with embracing passion, friendship, and a positive outlook. By interweaving the essential values learned through the sport, First Shift Dreams: Skating into Friendships offers an inspiring glimpse into the impactful journey of young athletes as they skate towards their dreams, learn the importance of friendship, and ultimately, inspire others to pursue their passions with an open heart and unyielding determination. Whether you're a young aspiring athlete, a parent looking for an inspiring read for your child, or anyone who cherishes stories of personal growth and friendship, this book promises a ride full of inspiration, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Embark on this exhilarating journey on ice and let the magic of the first shift transform your dreams into reality.

The descent of the Huygens probe to the frozen surface of Saturn's moon, Titan, in 2005, marks a pinnacle achievement in space exploration - the most distant planetary landing ever made or presently foreseen. The Huygens probe's seven-year voyage through space (past Venus, Earth and Jupiter) attached to the Cassini orbiter, its arrival at Saturn and three-week dormant coast to Saturn's moon, Titan, culminated in Huygens' hypersonic entry into Titan's atmosphere, 2.5-hour parachute descent, and continued operation for 72 minutes on the surface transmitting date back to Earth via the Cassini orbiter. Saturn has 62 confirmed orbiting moons, but Titan (which is larger than the planet Mercury) was chosen as a has two major components of Earth's atmosphere - nitrogen and oxygen - but the oxygen is was thought to be frozen as water ice within the body of the moon. If Titan received more sunlight, its atmosphere might well resemble that of a primitive Earth. The hope is that study of the data gathered about Titan will help us to understand how the Earth evolved, and possibly what led to the evolution of life.