Design of Rockets and Space Launch Vehicles

The 2nd Edition of Design of Rockets and Space Launch Vehicles is an aerospace engineering textbook published by AIAA in 2022. Written to support formal coursework and industry practice, this 1,070-page work provides a systematic treatment of launch vehicle design and performance across space launch architectures.

The thematic progression begins with rocket propulsion systems, staging optimization, and mass ratios needed for orbital insertion. It extends into numerical trajectory simulation and flight guidance concepts. The text further addresses testing protocols, reliability evaluation, and failure analysis, while incorporating financial analysis and cost estimation to connect physical design choices with operational economics.

The material is structured for aerospace engineering students in advanced design courses, while providing useful analytical reference for practicing engineers, technical managers, mission designers, and researchers working on space transport systems.