Bøger af Doug Cook

In The Colossus Expansion, the fourth book of the Second World Series, deep space travel evolves as humans venture deeper into the solar system. Our existence in space is facilitated by the CASSI AI system. CASSI's consciousness and morality becomes legendary as human expansion into deep space is thwarted by ATek, a Russian asteroid mining conglomerate.We need bigger, faster ships with artificial gravity for long voyages, something that the Colossus II settlement ships, launching November 20, 2054, can provide. The Colossus II is a huge interplanetary ship, ever so much more spacious and accommodating than the Colossus I, equipped with two hab rings rotating around the ship's central axis giving a Mars equivalent ship gravity. The Colossus II Interplanetary ship is propelled by Super Heavy booster rocket engines and ion thrusters.Human settlement of the solar system reaches Jupiter's moon Callisto and Saturn's moon Titan while robotic probes penetrate the ice of Europa and Enceladus to explore oceans more vast than those of Earth. Discoveries there redefine the boundaries of what we imagine as life.The Colossus Expansion saga culminates in 2079 on the Perseus Mission. Not only will this mission be the last hope of averting the Shiva disaster for Earth and Mars, the Colossus III ship Perseus secretly launches continuing outward on the most important exploration mission in human history.

It is 2023. Finally, the Altair is ready for launch; man is destined to walk on Mars. Commander Coby Brewster, Dr. Abby Denton, Pilot Vik Ivanov, and Dr. Ellie Accardi have been specially selected to enter deep space and study the asteroid Bennu and the comet 125P in preparation for mankind's first voyage to the red planet. The crew face thirteen long months in space, and Brewster wants things done by the book.But in the face of the unknown, even the best-laid plans count for little. When an electrical discharge almost kills Vik on Bennu, a leaking sample core tube threatens to infect the crew, and the telltale signs of sabotage appear, fear begins to fester. Each astronaut-an expert in his or her field-starts to wonder whether they'll ever make it back to Earth. Their only hope is to trust in, rely on, and love one another. The Aquila Mission is both a thrilling story of man's first journey beyond the Earth-Moon system and a carefully researched proposal for such a mission in the real world. Rigorously scientific and emotionally stirring all at once, The Aquila Mission is sure to appeal to fans of hard science and adventure alike. ---------------------------------------------------Comments from readers: Rick Zucker, VP Explore Mars ...well written...story line is very entertaining... I had more and more trouble putting it down. I kept wanting to read more...When are you going to negotiate the movie rights? I'm serious. I feel it's that good. Is there a sequel in the works? Matt Russell, President Colorado Springs Astronomical Society ...really liked it! ...attention to detail and specs were mind blowing...I felt like I was actually there on-board with the crew...Can't wait to read the next one. Charles Kiskiras, Excelis/ITT/NASA Great Book! ...the last chapter was amazing. Jack Fox, Director NASA Swamp Works (ret), CTO Humanity Innovation Labs I just finished your book all in one sitting. I really enjoyed it. You did a super job technically on the likely hardware, programmatics, training, operations, space science, and of course, the NASA jargon. You also did a super job on the storyline with plausible conflicts, love interests, back stories, and mission problems...I expect to see this as a movie someday! I look forward to your next book. --------------------------------------------------The proposed Aquila Mission crew will endure greater risks and set a bold new series of mission firsts beyond the Earth-Moon system.Our robotic exploration of the solar system has exponentially increased our knowledge of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. A robotic mission gathers data but can only partially fulfill humankind's nature to explore in person. A human's senses and ability to reason with the unexpected cannot be replaced by a robotic mission operating remotely with long two-way communications delay with Earth. A crewed deep space mission will truly feed the human spirit and our nature to explore the unknown.

Discover the original purpose and training of taekwondoThe principles and techniques illustrated in this book, having been handed down over the decades, if not centuries, emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy.Taekwondo, literally translated, can be defined as "foot, hand way" or "the way of smashing with hands and feet." Such descriptive nomenclature understandably implies a curriculum rich in self-defense. Too often, however, this is simply not the case. Given the current popularity of sport competition in the martial arts, many techniques of defensive value have been stripped away or forfeited altogether in favor of those certain to score in the ring. While the thirst for Olympic gold has clearly played a significant role in propelling taekwondo into the forefront, it should be remembered that this native Korean martial art contains over 3200 distinct self defense techniques.This book describes in detail, the history and evolution of Taekwondo from its ancient roots to modern day applications. Also included are exercises in "Ki" or internal energy development, meditation practice, and practical self-defense strategies. This work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component.

Taekwondo is a journey. Its ultimate destination is the achievement of physical and spiritual enrichment through the disciplined practice. This book addresses the physical and intellectual elements of Taekwondo, and emphasizes ethical principles, integrity, perseverance and the indomitable spirit.

Although millions of people around the world practice this fascinating art, very few know the real story behind it.