This book discusses the basic principles, performance, and technologies unique to the propulsion systems that power space vehicles. It is intended as a stimulating and accessible way in to the subject, aiming for a clear understanding of basic principles, providing a description of propulsion key physical mechanisms, and emphasizing the current state of technologies for the different applications such as launch vehicles, and space probes. The seven chapters comprise the wide scope of space rocket propulsion, filtered to highlight the main ideas without sacrificing the most important results.

Professor Dr. Dora Musielak is a rocket propulsion scientist engaged in research related to plasma rockets and antimatter propulsion.  She has published several books, including Scramjet Propulsion: A Practical Introduction (2022). Wiley Aeronautic and Aerospace Engineering book series.