From the reviews:
"Fortunately Graham Swinerd, reader in astronautics at the University of Southampton, has penned... a maths-free guidebook... if only all popular science books were as clearly presented!" (Four out of five stars, Sean Blair, Sky at Night Magazine, May 2009)
"There is a great deal of useful information that you do not find readily elsewhere and given the rather dry nature of the subject, the book is written in a lucid and engaging style that makes enjoyable reading..." (Robin Flegg, Astronomy Now, May 2009)
"Aimed at non-technical readers, the book requires ‘no prior knowledge’. … The core of the book includes discussion of the various spacecraft subsystems, such as power, propulsion and communications, and a commentary on design. … The book makes reference to ‘Star Trek’, warp drive and the space elevator, but only by way of populist garnish." (Mark Williamson, IET Knowledge Network, May, 2009)
"This work is a basic introduction to spacecraft (mainly satellite) engineering … . The material in this volume should be accessible to any undergraduate who has taken introductory courses in math and physics. … This work is so fundamental and relevant to the modern world that it will be important for all libraries serving undergraduates. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, lower- and upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and two-year technical program students." (A. M. Strauss, Choice, Vol. 46 (8), April, 2009)
"The book concentrates on fundamental topics such as types of orbits, forces influencing orbits … and the multitude of systems and subsystems associated with spacecraft design. … This is certainly an interesting and highly readable volume which offers one of the best introductions to spacecraft engineering … . In conclusion, the author expresses the hope ‘that this book will play a … part in inspiring young people to get involved in space science and engineering’ — a hope that I heartily endorse." (Peter Bond, The Observatory, Vol. 129 (1212), October, 2009)
“The challenge of making rocketry and spaceflight understandable to the layman is … addressed by Professor Swinerd in this new and attractively produced book. … Written in a friendly style and extensively illustrated with images and graphics the book is well structured and indexed. … For the non specialist, as well as the non technical, this is a novel and interesting starting point for an armchair journey into space.” (Pat Norris, The Aeronautical Journal, July, 2009)
