Satellite Basics for Everyone: An Illustrated Guide to Satellites for Non-Technical and Technical People

Really good and simple.

introductory and helpfull

A decent enough introduction to a complicated scientific topic. Somewhat basic but worth a read for the novice. US focused.. but there is no shame in that.

Concise and informative.

As a graduate Engineer from MIT, I appreciate the effort Dr. Welti put into this book. It should help to, “stimulate a wide interest in engineering and science sorely needed to overcome our educational deficiencies and to compete in the global economy.” After reading his book, I went on Amazon and found many reviews. One that bothered me stated “Stay Away from this book” because “The author messes up the section on propulsion...The other chapters are ok...” The author commented back, “I missed the mark in trying to only use English units throughout the book in the Propellant Requirements Chapter, which caused confusion in how calculations were made. This confusion is corrected in the current revision...Original results remain the same.” He gave details in a second comment. I’m glad I ordered and received a copy of the revised version. There was no confusion. I agree with all the positive reviews, especially with “Something for everyone.” Also, this book is unique in presenting a real-life example of integrated-learning of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) that is picking up “steam” in our schools.

I paid for this book but I didn't receive and it's already late

I really enjoyed the book.As an adult just beginning a career in the satellite industry, I relied on the book to introduce me to the terminology, the technology, the history, etc - and it did all that very well.The first half of the book is the best at achieving these goals, in my opinion, as the second half of the book focuses more narrowly on communications satellites. A lot of the meat of the book ends up being about communications satellites specifically, rather than those with meteorological, earth observation, research, or navigation missions.Finally, my opinion is that the book is an exceptional snapshot of the CURRENT state of the satellites (rather than the future/outlook). It's perhaps a bit too focus on the present state of the satellite world and therefore I think the book is a little conservative. If the purpose of the book is to get people excited (!) about this stuff, readers will no doubt want to know what the author sees as the FUTURE of satellite technology and the satellite world - What happens next? Where is the technology going? What are the coolest things happening in the satellite technology world... let's get aspirational!

Super book for my field can’t wait to begin my college and will use this book because I have a class.

The little math that is used is not explained enough for the novice mathematician. The graphs and charts are sometimes confusing and could have had more explanation. Also, the Kindle version made some charts become split between "pages" and made it difficult to follow. Although this book is full of interesting information about satellite technology in general, it is not for everyone.