Astronautical engineering is the branch of aerospace engineering that focuses on designing and developing the science of space exploration. However, its value does not start with rockets and satellites-it begins with concepts, words, and numbers. It starts with books. by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 23, 2025
Every contemporary astronautic genius has something in common: they all fueled their ideas with these pages. Now, you can follow their steps.
Astronautical engineering is the branch of aerospace engineering that focuses on designing and developing the science of space exploration. However, its value does not start with rockets and satellites-it begins with concepts, words, and numbers. It starts with books.
Exploring astronautics without a solid foundation can be challenging, as it requires some knowledge in other related fields. If you're eager to start, consider brushing up on your space knowledge with some astronomy textbooks, or check out a few aerospace introduction guides before venturing. It's not mandatory, but it can be a huge help.
But if you're ready to explore the space part of aerospace, the following books are the quintessential first steps to take in your path to the cosmos. From spacecraft engineering textbooks to fascinating non-fiction recollections, these will enrich your understanding of what it takes to learn about what lies beyond our planet.
1. It's ONLY Rocket Science: An Introduction in Plain English
by Lucy RogersOut of all entries in this list, It's Only Rocket Science stands out as the most newcomer-friendly guide to the theoretical concepts of space flight.
Designed with the amateur enthusiast in mind, Rogers utilized her experience as an engineer and writer to convey most aspects of space flight descriptively. That means you can explore the conceptual aspects of spacecraft design and navigation without resorting to the complex mathematics surrounding the topic.
Easy to follow yet exceptionally accurate, consider it a welcoming committee to the world of astronautics.
2. Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics
by Jerry Jon SellersIf the previous book helps you dip your toes into the field and arms you with general knowledge, Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics can be your first full-fledged step into the world of astronautics.
While it includes sections that explain basic terms, concepts, definitions, and equations, it also expands far beyond that. Understanding Space covers the history of space missions, explains the space environment, spacecraft design, the sociopolitical aspects of the field, and general information about space operations.
All-encompassing and detailed, it's a fantastic read for newcomers eager to learn but unsure of how to deepen their knowledge.
3. Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD
by James R. Wertz, David F. Everett, and Jeffery J. PuschellSpace Mission Engineering is a revised, updated, and expanded version of Space Mission Analysis and Design-a book widely regarded as the most authoritative reference for astronautics.
A perennial reference to both students and professionals, its extensive list of notes, numerical tables, and annotated bibliographies makes it a reliable go-to for every conceptual pillar within the discipline. It also features an online version with regular updates, allowing users to stay current with the rapidly advancing developments in astronautics.
4. Spacecraft Systems Engineering
by Peter Fortescue, Graham Swinerd and John StarkCurrently in its fourth edition, Spacecraft Systems Engineering stands out as one of the most straightforward introductory books to spacecraft engineering, according to students, experts, and newcomers alike.
Although it does not account for the latest developments and advancements in technology, its pages contain everything you need to know about the fundamentals of spacecraft and satellite engineering. Comprehensive yet easy to understand, it explains in sharp detail the components of a spacecraft, as well as the interactions between each of the subsystem's elements on countless levels.
5. Ignition! An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants
by John Drury ClarkMake no mistake-Ignition! is no astronautics textbook. You will not find detailed explanations here, and yet it remains one of the most essential books in the discipline.
Ignition! covers an important historical aspect of man's journey to space: Is there a propellant that can be trusted with the task? The events take you on a path from the late 19th century up to 1980, with the author-a propellant chemist himself-explaining the science behind. Humorous and engaging, the accounts highlight the good, the bad, and the ugly of discovering the perfect fuel to defy gravity.
6. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics (Dover Books on Aeronautical Engineering)
by Roger R. Bate, Donald D. Mueller, and Jerry E. WhiteOne of the most fundamental aspects of astronautics is understanding movement in space and how gravity affects the trajectories of objects across the cosmos. Of all books, Fundamentals of Astrodynamics is the gold standard for explaining the basics of this field.
Well-known for being developed in the U.S. Air Force Academy, the book explains in detail the Kepler and Gauss problems. It also explains, in rigorous detail, the use of the universal variable formulation, while also expanding upon classic methods, orbit determination, and multiple common perturbations.
7. Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race
by Margot Lee ShetterlyHidden Figures is a non-fiction book detailing the lives of three mathematicians working at NASA during the space race.
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson worked as "human computers" performing calculations for engineers. But despite their priceless contributions, they faced twofold discrimination as Black women-at least, until their brilliant minds helped them overcome the barriers.
Although not a textbook, Hidden Figures is a must-read for future aerospace engineers seeking to become familiar with the field's history.
Astronautics Books Are Just the First Step
"Rocket science" has long been used as a synonym for something challenging, so it's normal to feel intimidated by astronautical engineering. However, it's a perfectly feasible goal-as long as you take the proper first steps.If you're eager to start your path towards the cosmos, the entries featured in this list are a fantastic starting point. But there is no need to spend a fortune on each-buy college books profitably with BookScouter.com by comparing prices and selecting the most affordable option for whichever textbooks caught your eye.
But don't stop after that. Read more, check out the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, engage in amateur rocketry, listen to the experts, and expand far beyond traditional means of learning.
As it turns out, knowledge and passion are the key to reaching the stars. The right book is just the first step.
Related Links
Astronomy Textbooks
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com