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Orbital mechanics for engineering students
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2005
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Numerical AnalysisOrbit DeterminationEngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanicsSpace Mission DesignOrbital ManeuversSpace EducationSpace MechanicsSpacecraft Attitude ControlCelestial MechanicOrbital DynamicsKinematicsSpacecraft EngineeringOrbital MechanicsSpace Engineering
Orbital mechanics is a cornerstone subject for aerospace engineering students, and this first edition lays the foundational concepts needed to advance to more complex topics. The book aims to teach students through analytical procedures and computer‑implemented algorithms, emphasizing a teach‑by‑example approach. It covers the two‑body problem, Kepler equations, 3‑D orbits, orbital elements, maneuvers, rendezvous, interplanetary missions, spacecraft and rocket dynamics, and provides numerous worked examples, illustrations, exercises, and MATLAB programs. The text is suitable for one‑ or two‑semester space mechanics courses and introduces new sections on numerical integration, coordinate systems, relative motion, quaternions, along with updated examples, MATLAB scripts, instructor materials, and online assessment tools.
Orbital mechanics is a cornerstone subject for aerospace engineering students. Maintaining the focus of the first edition, the author provides the foundation needed to understand the subject and proceed to advanced topics. Starting with the solution of the two-body problem and formulas for the different kinds of orbits, the text moves on to Kepler's equations, orbits in three dimensions, orbital elements from observations, orbital maneuvers, orbital rendezvous and interplanetary missions. This is followed by an introduction to spacecraft dynamics and a final chapter on basic rocket dynamics. The author's teach-by-example approach emphasizes the analytical procedures and computer-implemented algorithms required by today's students. There are a large number of worked examples, illustrations, end of chapter exercises (with answers) as well as many MATLAB[registered] programs for use in homework and projects. The text can be used for one and two semester courses in space mechanics. Features: a new section on numerical integration methods applicable to space mechanics problems; a more centralized and improved discussion of coordinate systems and Euler angle sequences; an expanded development of relative motion in orbit; a new section on quaternions; new worked-out examples, illustrations and homework problems; new algorithms, MATLAB[registered] scripts and simulations; instructor's manual and lecture slides available online; and included online testing and assessment component helps students assess their knowledge of the topics.