This book is the most unique, definitive handbook of space technology to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of space technology and an understanding of the end-to-end space mission. In addition to the very latest developments in every area of this very broad subject, the authors describe in lines of progressive thoughts all aspects related to space technology, enabling the reader to gain a holistic and interdisciplinary overview or, through the use of self-contained chapters, a more detailed understanding of a specific field. Following a brief historical perspective, the applications of space technology are reviewed prior to an overview of the fundamentals of space exploration, including mission architectures, the space environment and astrodynamics. The processes and methodologies behind the design, development, delivery, operation and use of space systems technology are thereafter described on a system by system basis. In addition to reviewing conventional technologies, such as biological life-support systems and entry, required for autonomous Earth orbiting spacecraft, descent and landing systems are reviewed, while also recognising the importance of software as a space technology