This book presents selected topics on nanotechnological applications in the strategic sector of space. It showcases some current activities and multidisciplinary approaches that have given an unprecedented control of matter at the nanoscale and will enable it to withstand the unique space environment. It focuses on the outstanding topic of dual-use nanotechnologies, illustrating the mutual benefits of key enabling materials that can be used successfully both on earth and in space. It highlights the importance of space as a strategic sector in the global economy, with ever-increasing related businesses worldwide. In this light, it dedicates a chapter to the analysis of current and future markets for space-related nanotechnological products and applications.

Uniquely comprehensive and up to date, this book covers terrestrial as well as extraterrestrial drilling and excavation, combining the technology of drilling with the state of the art in robotics. The authors come from industry and top ranking public and corporate research institutions and provide here real-life examples, problems, solutions and case studies, backed by color photographs throughout. The result is a must-have for oil companies and all scientists involved in planetary research with robotic probes. With a foreword by Harrison "Jack" Schmitt -- the first geologist to drill on the moon.

The successful launch of viable MEMs product hinges on MEMS reliability, the reliability and qualification for MEMs based products is not widely understood. Companies that have a deep understanding of MEMs reliability view the information as a competitive advantage and are reluctant to share it. MEMs Reliability, focuses on the reliability and manufacturability of MEMS at a fundamental level by addressing process development and characterization, material property characterization, failure mechanisms and physics of failure (POF), design strategies for improving yield, design for reliability (DFR), packaging and testing.

This first book to cover exclusively and in detail the principles, tools and methods for determining the reliability of microelectromechanical materials, components and devices covers both component materials as well as entire MEMS devices. Divided into two major parts, following a general introductory chapter to reliability issues, the first part looks at the mechanical properties of the materials used in MEMS, explaining in detail the necessary measuring technologies -- nanoindenters, bulge methods, bending tests, tensile tests, and others. Part Two treats the actual devices, organized by important device categories such as pressure sensors, inertial sensors, RF MEMS, and optical MEMS.

Low Temperature Electronics: Physics, Devices, Circuits, and Applications summarizes the recent advances in cryoelectronics starting from the fundamentals in physics and semiconductor devices to electronic systems, hybrid superconductor-semiconductor technologies, photonic devices, cryocoolers and thermal management. Furthermore, this book provides an exploration of the currently available theory, research, and technologies related to cryoelectronics, including treatment of the solid state physical properties of the materials used in these systems. Current applications are found in infrared systems, satellite communications and medical equipment. There are opportunities to expand in newer fields such as wireless and mobile communications, computers, and measurement and scientific equipment. Low temperature operations can offer certain advantages such as higher operational speeds, lower power dissipation, shorter signal transmission times, higher semiconductor and metal thermal conductivities, and improved digital and analog circuit performance.The computer, telecommunication, and cellular phone market is pushing the semiconductor industry towards the development of very aggressive device and integrated circuit fabrication technologies. This is taking these technologies towards the physical miniaturization limit, where quantum effects and fabrication costs are becoming a technological and economical barrier for further development. In view of these limitations, operation of semiconductor devices and circuits at low temperature (cryogenic temperature) is studied in this book.* It is a book intended for a wide audience: students, scientists, technology development engineers, private companies, universities, etc.* It contains information which is for the first time available as an all-in-one source; Interdisciplinary material is arranged and made compatible in this book* It is a must as reference source

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue Optical MEMS that was published in Micromachines

Following on from the hugely successful previous editions, the third edition of Spacecraft Systems Engineering incorporates the most recent technological advances in spacecraft and satellite engineering. With emphasis on recent developments in space activities, this new edition has been completely revised. Every chapter has been updated and rewritten by an expert engineer in the field, with emphasis on the bus rather than the payload. Encompassing the fundamentals of spacecraft engineering, the book begins with front-end system-level issues, such as environment, mission analysis and system engineering, and progresses to a detailed examination of subsystem elements which represent the core of spacecraft design - mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, control etc. This quantitative treatment is supplemented by an appreciation of the interactions between the elements, which deeply influence the process of spacecraft systems design. In particular the revised text includes * A new chapter on small satellites engineering and applications which has been contributed by two internationally-recognised experts, with insights into small satellite systems engineering. * Additions to the mission analysis chapter, treating issues of aero-manouevring, constellation design and small body missions. In summary, this is an outstanding textbook for aerospace engineering and design students, and offers essential reading for spacecraft engineers, designers and research scientists. The comprehensive approach provides an invaluable resource to spacecraft manufacturers and agencies across the world.