Statistical Thinking for Non-Statisticians in Drug Regulation

Abstract

One of the major fascinations of Space Technology is the interdependence of the systems involved in spacecraft design. A significant modification to the power consumption of one unit can lead to changes in radiator size, collecting area of the array, structural design and mass increments, which then affect attitude control and so on. Since the scope of such a variety of systems and fields is wide and beyond the grasp of single individuals, it is helpful to have at hand a volume such as this containing definitions, explanations and links to further investigation. Although the author has in general steered clear of any temptation to create an encyclopaedia, there is the inclusion of descriptions of some relevant historical or significant missions which help to recall the configurations used and the diversity of earlier designs. A typical example is the Giotto mission to Halley’s comet, the entry for which contains reference to the Whipple shield concept for hypersonic impact defence—a thread which leads through to the selective protection design strategy for the International Space Station. It is difficult to review a dictionary since there is no real theme or plot to comment upon; one can only select subjects of particular personal experience and examine them for accuracy. I was able to draw upon my own background to assess a number of programme entries and found them to be of high quality and accuracy. There is an interesting mix of scientific background and technology where the subjects become complementary. I was particularly struck by the impressive, but succinct, explanation of the libration or LaGrange points of gravitational balance. This was used as a solar orbit location for the SOHO research spacecraft, which needed to observe the sun for long periods uninterrupted by eclipsing the Earth. In reading the entry I was surprised to be led further to discover that the Trojan asteroids occupy the libration points for Jupiter, orbiting the sun in tandem ahead and trailing the giant planet. In fact, although the title implies technology there are a considerable number of entries concerning space science, including magnetospheric physics, astronomy, solar physics, planetary exploration and earth observation. All of these are dealt with in easily understood terms and for the most part are related to actual missions, giving an insight into objectives and results. Other terms caught the attention; adaptations of physical principles lead to synthetic aperture radar—a means of scanning a subject with a single pass but building up a much larger picture. Another is very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) using widely separated locations to view the same stellar object. This has the effect of simulating the use of a very large telescope (in radio astronomy this can be the diameter of the Earth!). Coverage with more general topics includes a balanced coverage of US and other launcher programmes. This extends to rocket engine types and principles including the revolutionary aerospike engine, which dispenses with the conventional bell nozzle for improved efficiency in transatmospheric ascent. This is a comprehensive, well-structured book which, unusually for a dictionary, contains an index at the end where the entries from the main text are grouped in classification lists such as Propulsion Technology, Communications, Materials, Manned and Unmanned Missions and Orbits. In this work Mark Williamson has used his widespread experience to create a volume containing some 2300 entries, many of which have valuable cross-references that lead the reader into a deeper understanding or to lines of further enquiry. He has demonstrated a commendable grasp of the subtle differences between NASA and UK English and has used his wide experience to good effect. However, as with every treatise upon a fast-moving scene, this volume presents an accurate but current assessment. With the International Space Station developing and evolving a language and acronym style of its own we may expect that this volume will see future updates before it rapidly becomes out of date. It is perhaps a matter of personal preference coupled to ageing optical performance but I did find that the page layout was not easy on the eye. An extra space between topic headings and the support text may have helped since, although the headings were in bold type, they seemed to run straight on into the supporting text. At a cost of £27.95 this will make a compulsive acquisition for all levels of professionals and students alike.