Practical Astrodynamics

This modern textbook guides the reader through the theory and practice of the motion and attitude control of space vehicles. It first presents the fundamental principles of spaceflight mechanics and then addresses more complex concepts and applications of perturbation theory, orbit determination and refinement, space propulsion, orbital maneuvers, interplanetary trajectories, gyroscope dynamics, attitude control, and rocket performance. Many algorithms used in the modern practice of trajectory computation are also provided. The numerical treatment of the equations of motion, the related methods, and the tables needed to use them receive particular emphasis. A large collection of bibliographical references (including books, articles, and items from the “gray literature”) is provided at the end of each chapter, and attention is drawn to many internet resources available to the reader. The book will be of particular value to undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace engineering.