The updated and expanded third edition of this book focuses on the multi-disciplinary coupling
between flight-vehicle hardware alternatives and enabling propulsion systems. It discusses how
to match near-term and far-term aerospace vehicles to missions and provides a comprehensive
overview of the subject directly contributing to the next-generation space infrastructure
from space tourism to space exploration. This holistic treatment defines a mission portfolio
addressing near-term to long-term space transportation needs covering sub-orbital orbital and
escape flight profiles. In this context a vehicle configuration classification is introduced
covering alternatives starting from the dawn of space access. A best-practice parametric sizing
approach is introduced to correctly design the flight vehicle for the mission. This technique
balances required mission with the available vehicle solution space and is an essential
capability sought after by technology forecasters and strategic planners alike.
