Energy Conversion for Space Power

space power systems were discussed at the Space Power Systems Conference held in Santa Monica, California, September 27-30, 1960. Because of the extensive coverage of the field, it was decided to publish two volumes, rather than one, based on papers presented at the meeting. These two volumes comprise numbers 3 and 4 in the ARS Series on Progress in Astronautics and Rocketry. Volume 3 is particularly concerned with the scientific and engineering principles involved in the conversion of various types of energy into electrical energy, while Volume 4 is devoted to systems for the production of electric power which are based on these principles. The two volumes are independent but, taken together, constitute an extensive analysis of the broad field of space power systems.