This introductory text covers all the key concepts, relationships, and ideas behind spaceflight and is the perfect companion for students pursuing courses on or related to astronautics.

The book contains a large amount of facts described in a way understandable without specialist knowledge. The text is accompanied by many photographs, charts and diagrams, mostly in color.

This is an introductory text in astronautics designed for managers and young engineers new to the space field.

This text is based on extensive teaching experience and work with students at the Technical University, Munich, and includes selected chapter-end examples and problems.