This concise yet comprehensive book on space flight dynamics addresses all phases of a space mission: getting to space (launch trajectories), satellite motion in space (orbital motion, orbit transfers, attitude dynamics), and returning from space (entry flight mechanics). It focuses on orbital mechanics with emphasis on two-body motion, orbit determination, and orbital maneuvers with applications in Earth-centered missions and interplanetary missions.

Table of Contents

• Series Preface
• Preface
• About the Companion Website
• Historical Overview
• Introduction
• Early Modern Period
• Early Twentieth Century
• Space Age
• Two-Body Orbital Mechanics
• Introduction
• Two-Body Problem
• Constants of Motion
• Conic Sections
• Elliptical Orbit
• Parabolic Trajectory
• Hyperbolic Trajectory
• Summary
• Problems
• Orbit Determination
• Introduction
• Coordinate Systems
• Classical Orbital Elements
• Transforming Cartesian Coordinates to Orbital Elements
• Transforming Orbital Elements to Cartesian Coordinates
• Ground Tracks
• Orbit Determination from One Ground-Based Observation
• Orbit Determination from Three Position Vectors
• Survey of Orbit-Determination Methods
• Summary
• Problems
• Time of Flight
• Introduction
• Kepler's Equation
• Parabolic and Hyperbolic Time of Flight
• Kepler's Problem
• Orbit Propagation Using Lagrangian Coefficients
• Lambert's Problem
• Summary
• Problems
• Non-Keplerian Motion
• Introduction
• Special Perturbation Methods
• General Perturbation Methods
• Gauss’ Variation of Parameters
• Perturbation Accelerations for Earth Satellites
• Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem
• Summary
• Problems
• Rocket Performance
• Introduction
• Rocket Propulsion Fundamentals
• The Rocket Equation
• Launch Trajectories
• Staging
• Launch Vehicle Performance
• Impulsive Maneuvers
• Summary
• Problems
• Impulsive Orbital Maneuvers
• Introduction
• Orbit Shaping
• Hohmann Transfer
• General Coplanar Transfer
• Inclination-Change Maneuver
• Three-Dimensional Orbit Transfer
• Summary
• Problems
• Relative Motion and Orbital Rendezvous
• Introduction
• Linear Clohessy–Wiltshire Equations
• Homogeneous Solution of the Clohessy–Wiltshire Equations
• Orbital Rendezvous Using the Clohessy–Wiltshire Equations
• Summary
• Problems
• Low-Thrust Transfers
• Introduction
• Electric Propulsion Fundamentals
• Coplanar Circle-to-Circle Transfer
• Coplanar Transfer with Earth-Shadow Effects
• Inclination-Change Maneuver
• Transfer Between Inclined Circular Orbits
• Combined Chemical-Electric Propulsion Transfer
• Low-Thrust Transfer Issues
• Summary
• Problems
• Interplanetary Trajectories
• Introduction
• Patched-Conic Method
• Phase Angle at Departure
• Planetary Arrival
• Heliocentric Transfers Using an Accurate Ephemeris
• Gravity Assists
• Summary
• Problems
• Atmospheric Entry
• Introduction
• Entry Flight Mechanics
• Ballistic Entry
• Gliding Entry
• Skip Entry
• Entry Heating
• Space Shuttle Entry
• Summary
• Problems
• Attitude Dynamics
• Introduction
• Rigid Body Dynamics
• Torque-Free Motion
• Stability and Flexible Bodies
• Spin Stabilization
• Disturbance Torques
• Gravity-Gradient Stabilization
• Summary
• Problems
• Attitude Control
• Introduction
• Feedback Control Systems
• Mechanisms for Attitude Control
• Attitude Maneuvers Using Reaction Wheels
• Attitude Maneuvers Using Reaction Jets
• Nutation Control Using Reaction Jets
• Summary
• Problems
• Physical Constants
• Review of Vectors
• Introduction
• Vectors
• Vector Operations
• Review of Particle Kinematics
• Introduction
• Cartesian Coordinates
• Polar Coordinates
• Normal-Tangential Coordinates