It's (Just) Rocket Science. Exploring Physics Through Spaceflight Missions

You don't need an advanced degree to grasp the intriguing physics of space exploration. "It's (Just) Rocket Science" delivers on its promise by demonstrating that space travel doesn't require one to be an engineer or physicist. Science writer Trisha Muro takes readers on a journey through the foundational physics that enable rockets, satellites, and space telescopes to achieve their goals, presenting these scientific principles in a meaningful and approachable manner. Muro breaks down the essential concepts and calculations that make space exploration possible. The book covers fundamental topics such as motion, forces, waves, and energy, offering clear, understandable explanations of physics in action. Each chapter focuses on real-life space missions, like the Voyager's journey into deep space, the James Webb Space Telescope's remote position beyond the Moon, and the DART mission's effort to alter an asteroid's path, linking these feats to the physics that underlie them and to the reader's everyday experience. Through vivid narratives of human inventiveness and cosmic aspirations, Muro makes abstract physics principles relatable and essential. The book covers intriguing topics such as orbits, gravity, momentum, light, and relativity, providing insights into the unexpected science behind well-known headlines. You'll learn how a mission like Psyche uses gravitational slingshot maneuvers to reach its destination, why the Webb telescope operates a million miles from Earth, and how rovers like Perseverance safely land on Mars. Whether you're a seasoned astronomy enthusiast or new to the subject, "It's (Just) Rocket Science" encourages you to delve into the science of space exploration and understand its connection to our daily lives.