Paper Gradient Aerospace Crowdfunding

Books have the ability of immortality. They are the most durable fruits of human activity.
Books are the best comrades of old age, at the same time they are the best leaders of youth.
Books introduce us to a better society, introduce us to the greatest minds of all time.
Very often, a book that makes a deep impression on the young mind makes up an era in human life.
Smiles S.

I want to talk about the book, a training manual for any age and mentality, "Introduction to aviation, rocket and space technology," which helps your group of space sector enthusiasts from our community . Yes, the very community that “lights the stars” is launched by the Mayak satellite , gives lectures on cosmonautics to everyone from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok and does many more, as it seems to us, useful things for educating young people, popularizing space research, promotion and development of private and commercial space.
Our project, as you understand, is not commercial, but represents an exclusively social initiative.

Actually, the fundraising campaign itselffor the circulation, and this is the only stage where commerce manifested itself, it is already considered completed and the project has taken place, the bar is 100% long passed, but the team decided to raise the bar for the remaining days for the campaign and assume increased obligations, as they say, to increase the circulation , which we plan to donate to libraries and educational institutions. And in the beginning I will tell in detail about the book itself, and in the end I will share some of the accumulated experience of social crowdfunding.

Sometimes there are people who are not just indifferent to high technologies that allow airplanes not to fall, but spaceships to plow the expanses of the Universe, but who sincerely live their work and also sincerely give the results of their work to people, helping them take another small step forward the ladder of the universe and seeing in this the true mission of the scientist.
One of them is Viktor Ivanovich Sidorenko, a veteran of space exploration. In the recent past, he was a mechanical engineer for aircraft and liquid-propellant engines, a leading engineer and designer for particularly complex developments.
Viktor Ivanovich outlined his many years of experience in scientific and creative work on the pages of the book “Introduction to Aviation, Rocket and Space Technology”. It was published once by the author with a tiny circulation of 40 copies, which was instantly distributed to colleagues, friends and educational institutions. And at the moment, Viktor Ivanovich has only one copy left, according to which he conducts classes and gives lectures for young people.

The book was special. According to the style and content, comfort and usefulness of reading, I position it between the books “Venus is an Indomitable Planet” by P. Shubin and “A Handbook of Elementary Mathematics”M.Ya. Vygodsky. It (the book) is read a little less exciting than "Venus ..." because it does not contain obvious artistic deviations from the exact sciences, but in terms of simplicity of presentation and pleasant reading it is very reminiscent of Vygodsky, which is extremely important for a good textbook.

Those who are over fifty will probably remember this wonderful reference book in mathematics, according to which it was possible to successfully prepare for entrance exams to the university. And if anyone has the opportunity, I highly recommend finding it in your home library on some second-hand book debris. It is possible that with the correct presentation of the material, if not for yourself, then for children or grandchildren, this copy will become a good reference book for several years.
“No, son, it's not on ePub, it's on paper ... but it's worth it!”


"Venus is an invincible planet" readers of Habré also surely remember well. This book, also published with the help of crowdfunding, is characterized by a large number of previously unpublished information with which the “Secret” bar was specifically filmed for this publication. And now the author is preparing the second book from the promised series, about the exploration of the moon ( news No. 44 ).


For those who are not familiar with either the first or the second book, I will give a few reviews from listeners of Viktor Ivanovich, of different age groups, just to feel what they are talking about.

Here is what the 5th year student of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Sergey Kogan, thinks about the book of physics and technology:

This book describes the physical principles of operation of aviation, rocket and space technology, shows the device, purpose and characteristics of the best examples of these types of equipment, gives a history of the development of each of these industries. In each of the four chapters ("Aviation", "Rocket Technology", "Spacecraft" and "Aerospace Systems"), the author goes from simple to complex, starting with the basics and ending with the masterpieces of Russian technology and still unrealized projects . At the same time, the author does not forget to briefly mention the main designers of various developments, their personal and professional qualities, the scientific and engineering schools created by them, thus drawing the reader's attention to the role that each individual person can play in the development of science and technology.
This book has one more advantage: in it information content, clarity of presentation and fascinating presentation of material are harmoniously combined. The author tells complex things so simply and clearly that they become completely accessible to the student to understand. After reading it, he will be able to make a first impression of the aerodynamics of the aircraft, jet propulsion, the dynamics of space flight, as well as get acquainted with what heights of engineering thought can be achieved with deeper knowledge in these areas and the desire to do something with his own mind and with his own hands .
It should be noted that the book contains a large number of illustrations: diagrams, drawings, drawings and photographs, which not only greatly simplifies understanding and enlivens the narrative, but also gradually forms a system of images that is extremely important for a specialist (after all, “EDUCATION” is the formation of an image system ), in the framework of which he will carry out his professional activities. At the end of the book is a detailed list of conventions, terms, concepts and definitions.
Having fallen into the hands of a person interested, the book will not only provide a large amount of structured factual information, but, just as importantly, will saturate it with food for thought, infect with the spirit of search and a thirst for creativity. Regardless of the choice of a future profession, such a powerful impulse will positively affect the personal qualities of the reader. And if he is inspired by the grandeur of our aerospace industry (which is not at all difficult to do, taking into account the style of the book and real achievements), then from the school bench he will begin to grasp with enthusiasm the basics of this kind of activity, science is not easy, but interesting, science that strikes the imagination and in extremely worthy to devote life to her.
Thus, first technical universities, and then industry, will receive people not only well-trained, but, more importantly, people who can work and want to create. This, in essence, is part of that global program to fill the acute shortage of talented scientific and technical personnel, the need for implementation of which a few months ago (actually at the same time when the project was launched to publish the book by V.I.Sidorenko) was said by the adviser to the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Fiztekh graduate, Andrei Ilnitsky, first in his article “The Russian Battle of Sadov” , and then on the air of the “Principle of Action” program on the “Vesti FM” radio station.
Personally, I will be happy to give some copies of the book to my younger comrades in the rocket-modeling circle of my hometown.

And reviews of the book and from the youngest student of lectures by Viktor Ivanovich - Surovtseva Victoria, a student of grade 8:

At a lecture by Viktor Ivanovich Sidorenko, I learned a lot of interesting things. For example, how to create zero gravity in low Earth orbit. You know? Not? I know! It turns out that the spacecraft needs to develop the first space speed - 8 km / s. Then the force of removal from the Earth and the force of gravity will be balanced, and weightlessness will turn out. And to fly further, it is necessary to develop a second cosmic speed - 11 km / s.
I also learned that there are planes that fly without a motor - gliders. They have very long wings. Gliders catch wings of ascending air and take off.
It seems to me that if fate is favorable, and fortune smiles at me, then I will once again ask Viktor Ivanovich for advice when I become a rocket technician.

An amazing reaction ...

I can’t say that the book has a pronounced artistry in order to excite the heart and consciousness. But the effect of the lectures that are held on it is amazing. Probably, and certainly this is the merit of the lecturer himself.
But even more my attention is attracted by the fact that for a short period of time now the second book (after "Venus ...") is published using crowdfunding, i.e. conscious prepayment by consumers of a particular product, and the main task of which is education in the field of exact sciences, and more specifically - aerospace.

In general, we live in an amazing time.

Several decades ago, such work was carried out by order of the state, in order to increase the general level of education and enlightenment of the population. The works were published for both “physicists” and “lyricists,” but I personally especially appreciate two films for “physicists”: “The Mathematician and the Devil” (1972) and “What is THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY?” (1964). Although, as you see, the “lyrical” part is present in abundance in both films, obviously, for the formation of a harmoniously developed personality)




The cycle of classes on the book of Viktor Ivanovich was warmly received at the Cosmonaut Training Center. Yu.A. Gagarin. The letter of thanks of the Center states:

“The book can play an important role in preparing a squad of talented, motivated young professionals in the aviation, rocket, space and aerospace industries, without which the development of the country is impossible.”

The book was written not just by an expert in aerospace engineering, but by a person who has half a century of experience in this field. Viktor Ivanovich took part in the creation of such masterpieces of domestic aerospace technology as a rocket accelerator for the MIG-19C fighter-interceptor, a Proton heavy carrier rocket, Almaz rocket and space transport supply vehicle, and the Buran reusable orbiter (yes , the very one whose layout flaunts at ENEA).
In general, participating in this project we once again set ourselves and solve the problem of motivating young people to study the exact sciences (well, we are “physicists”;), to form specialized scientific personnel and try to help a person find and realize his calling.
We decided to print a good and, it seems to us, the right book. And there, you look, as in a parable, drop by drop - there will be a puddle, and from a puddle - a river, from a river - seas and oceans. So this book, we believe, will serve as an excellent impetus to science and engineering for people of any age!

Now a few words about the process of crowdfunding for a very specific book - a training manual. To his amazement, it turned out to be even more complicated than collecting money for our space Lighthouse, which has one of its main purposes - simply to “shine with the brightest star” and excite minds and hearts!

From idea and plans to goal and result. Normal flight
Charges for printing 1000 books were successful. Therefore, we raised the bar from 1000 to 2000 copies.

We plan to donate books to more than 40 educational institutions throughout Russia. You can send us your wishes, where else should the books be sent. Please, along with the name of the organization, and describe why there.

Where did we start, where did we get knowledge, how did things go
? To help us understand how the crowdfunding works in book publishing, the story on the Simple Science Habré helped us. Everything was exactly the same with us - we fell asleep and woke up with VK and FB, having endless correspondence with hundreds of “stakeholders” (interested parties). I had to face the distrust wave, to explain that we do not advertise knives \ matryoshka \ souvenirs \ ... and perhaps the most difficult: not earn on this project no-Th-th . We are just volunteering and doing our civic duty.
Having prepared a textual description, design, rewards, having passed the moderation of crowdfunding the site, we are faced with the fact that Viktor Ivanovich, after two months of long conversations, turns out to understand nothing about what crowdfunding is, that people who donate money receive rewards, etc. P. This was the biggest crisis in the project. Therefore, we advise at the very beginning of the project not only to verbally say what and how you are going to do, but also to fix this in writing for each participant. At crucial moments, wasting time finding and eliminating misunderstandings and forgotten responsibilities is simply fatal.

This crisis shifted our schedule two weeks ago. But this is not the main thing, the main thing is that the thorns are over, and we still appeared on the crowdfunding site.

Countdown, or a little about the mathematics of the project.
Not everyone with whom we originally agreed on info support (a month before the start of fees), answered new letters and carried out the promised actions. Something fell off at the last moment, something was also unexpectedly found and succeeded. Like fishing.
After a week of active dissemination of information on the book, we reached 47% of the declared amount. It was a friday. Honestly, it was difficult to achieve these 47%. “On Friday night, people relax, making posts inefficient,” all administrators told us. It was the opposite. It bite like on weekdays!
Each application for the book was met with stormy “Uraaa” and joy! “People believe us! Someone needs this, we are not alone on an abandoned island, shouting into the void. " This is an invaluable motivator \ kick (as anyone).
On the 13th day, the desired mark was reached - 100%. 100, Karl !!! Joy and emoticons in the dialogue of the project knew no bounds!

And what's next, after the happy end?
... we thought for five minutes and decided that 21 days is enough time to set goal number 2: print 2000 copies. books.

We share some insights for those who want to repeat something similar
We admit that we did not register control points, responsibility matrices, deadlines for the completion of the task, and the like, things important for project management. Although at some points it would help to save the nerves. Almost 90% of the team’s communication was in the general chat of VK. We never thought that VK could be an effective channel for attracting an audience, but it worked for us. We had the most individual approach to all whom we personally addressed. The team never (!) Did not gather all together. We all lacked a Google table with the state of negotiations with info partners and the Vkontakte dialog for current issues. The only whip of motivation is the initiator’s hand periodically punished inactive people and removed them from the dialog box (this really worked and made them work).
As Denis (the author of the project) later admitted, he wanted to try (and tried) a new management approach - Holacracy (Holacracy is a social technology or organization management system in which the powers and responsibility for decision-making are distributed throughout the holarchy (self-organizing team)). For this to work in social projects, there must be periodic collective discussions of what needs to be done and the distribution of tasks. And most importantly: it is necessary that everyone becomes true enthusiasts and fans of the work that you do together.

Our optimistic plan
By May 9, we will try to print 1,500-2,000 hardback books and send them to all crowdfunding participants!
Meanwhile, our veteran of the aerospace industry, still passionate about technology, the idea of ​​transferring knowledge between generations, is giving open lectures for children and adults in Moscow and the region. Even Baikonur holds lectures on aerospace engineering based on the materials of his book!

And finally, a few links to the materials of the book itself:

• a small introductory piece of a pre-made book ;
• a short lesson in the book of V.I. Sidorenko.

And an example of one of the wonderful illustrations)