The Space Environment and Its Effects on Space Systems, Second Edition explores the physics of the space environment and engineering aspects of the effects of the space environment on space systems. It is appropriate for undergraduate or beginning graduate engineering students and for those experts in related fields who wish to expand their knowledge.Revised and expanded, this edition features new chapters on risk management, formation and evolution of the universe, and time and reference systems. It also features expanded chapters on space radiation.Topics DiscussedUnique issues relevant to the development of space systems and the consequences of our inability to directly access spacecraft to assess performance deficienciesTechniques employed to enhance mission success by explicitly addressing risk throughout development and operationsFormation and evolution of the universe as a background to establish overall characteristics of interplanetary and interstellar environmentsFormation of the solar system and the characteristics of its constituents relevant to exploratory space missionsCharacteristics of the sun, recognized as being the primary source of driving energy for the solar systemTime and reference systems critical to characterizing and correlating observations with theories and their predictionsGravitational forces and fields that dominate the motions of the constituents of the universe, including the Earth and spacecraftMagnetic and electric fields of the Earth that govern motions of particles and interact with spacecraftMagnetosphere and ionopause environments of celestial bodiesCharged particle radiation environmentInteractions of photon and particle radiation with materials and humansNeutral atmospheres of the planets, with emphasis on the Earth';s environmentPlasma and its effects, with an emphasis on the Earth's ionospherePotential for spacecraft contamination during development, test, launch, and operationsMeteoroid and debris environments, with emphasis on those of the EarthThermal environment and thermal control of spacecraft