New AIAA book explores space architecture

Reston, Va. - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has announced the publication of a new book, "Out of This World: The New Field of Space Architecture." Written by A. Scott Howe and Brent Sherwood, the new work is a part of AIAA's Library of Flight series.

The book explores how humans live in space now, and how their living conditions could change in the near and distant future. Rich in illustrations and graphics throughout, it features cover artwork by noted science fiction artist Syd Mead, who has designed artwork for films such as Star Trek and Blade Runner.

Howe and Sherwood cover the breadth of space architectural concepts, from the basic theory of space architecture and the complex demands of living in space to the construction of "space cities" on distant planets. They explain the special constraints of building in the hostile space environment, highlight the key issues of orbital and planet-surface architecture, and survey the most advanced space architecture projects that are currently in use or being constructed. They conclude by setting forth their visions of far-reaching design concepts to help inspire a bright future for the field of space architecture.

A. Scott Howe, a licensed architect, is a and senior systems engineer in the exploration systems concepts group, mission systems concept section, at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. He has a Ph.D. in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering from Hong Kong University, as well as a Ph.D. in architecture from the University of Michigan. Brent Sherwood, a space architect in the Los Angeles area, manages strategic planning and project formulation at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He has a master of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, and a master of architecture degree from Yale.

Source: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics