Relativistic Flight Mechanics and Space Travel

The main substance of the book begins with a background review of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity as it pertains to relativistic flight mechanics and space travel. Next, the book moves into relativistic rocket mechanics and related subject matter. Finally, the primary subjects regarding space travel are covered in some depth-a crescendo for the book. This is followed by a geometric treatment of relativistic effects by using Minkowski diagrams and K-calculus. The book concludes with brief discussions of other prospective, even exotic, transport systems for relativistic space travel. An appendix is provided to cover tables of useful data and unit conversions together with mathematical identities and other information used in this book. Annotated references are provided for further reading. A detailed glossary and index are given at the beginning and end of the book, respectively. To provide a better understanding of the subject matter presented in the book, simple problems with answers are provided at the end of each of the four substantive chapters.