Fundamentals of Space Systems was developed to satisfy two objectives: the first is to provide a text suitable
for use in an advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate course in both space systems engineering and space system
design. The second is to be a primer and reference book for space professionals wishing to broaden their capabilities
to develop, manage the development, or operate space systems. The authors of the individual chapters are practicing
engineers that have had extensive experience in developing sophisticated experimental and operational spacecraft
systems in addition to having experience teaching the subject material. The text presents the fundamentals of all
the subsystems of a spacecraft missions and includes illustrative examples drawn from actual experience to enhance
the learning experience. It included a chapter on each of the relevant major disciplines and subsystems including
space systems engineering, space environment, astrodynamics, propulsion and flight mechanics, attitude determination
and control, power systems, thermal control, configuration management and structures, communications, command and
telemetry, data processing, embedded flight software, survuvability and reliability, integration and test, mission
operations, and the initial conceptual design of a typical small spacecraft mission.