Linda Dawson, former NASA flight control engineer and senior lecturer emeritus, is now sharing her knowledge as an author.
2nd Edition (2021)
The Politics and Perils of Space Exploration: Who Will Compete, Who Will Dominate?
This book examines the U.S. space program’s triumphs and failures in order to assess what constitutes a successful space policy. Using NASA and the space industry’s complex history as a guide, it draws global lessons about space missions and the trends we can expect from different nations in the next decade and beyond.
Space exploration has become increasingly dependent on cooperation between countries as well as the involvement of private enterprise. This book thus addresses issues such as: Given their tenuous history, can rival countries work together? Can private enterprise fill NASA’s shoes and provide the same expertise and safety standards?
Written by a former NASA Aerodynamics Officer at Houston Mission Control working on the Space Shuttle program, the second edition of this book provides updated information on U.S. space policy, including the new strategy to return to the Moon prior to traveling to Mars. Additionally, it takes a look at the formation of the Space Force as a military unit, as well as the latest developments in private industry. Overall, it is a thought-provoking resource for both space industry professionals and space enthusiasts.
Published by Springer. Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
1st Edition Reviews
- Review of Politics and Perils by Joachim J. Kehr; Editor, SpaceOps News; for the Journal of Space Operations & Communicator
- Review of Politics and Perils by Loretta Hall, National Space Society
1st Edition (2018)
War in Space: The Science and Technology Behind our next Conflict Theater
How would a war in space be conducted? Now that spaceflight and satellites have become more commonplace, the region of outer space contains vital technology used for communication and surveillance and the functioning of business and government. What will happen if these capabilities are disrupted or even destroyed? What would happen if a full-scale blackout of satellite communications occurred? What can and has happened if a satellite is destroyed, creating thousands of fragments orbiting Earth as space debris? The vision is alarming. A historical perspective provides context for this discussion. Scenarios that could lead to crippling results in the aftermath of deliberate aggressive actions are described. Certain technologies can be used to gain power and control over countries assets as well as initiate war in the theater of outer space. The technology and science instrumental in disarming a country’s vital capabilities is investigated as well as a political discussion of what countries have these abilities and who has already demonstrated aggressive actions in space. Finally, the book also addresses the research and use of space technology to protect Earth from enemies interested in destroying a country’s vital systems.
Published by Springer. Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.