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Title: Fundamentals of Astrodynamics by et al., Roger Bate ISBN: 0-486-60061-0 Publisher: Dover Pubns Pub. Date: 01 June, 1971 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (16 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Some topics omitted, but still a good book
Comment: This book is a fairly complete overview of planetary mechanics, at least from the standpoint of the Newtonian formulation of the problem, for the authors do not use Lagrangian or Hamiltonian methods. The use of Hamiltonian formulation, via phase space constructions, sheds considerable light on the two-body and the N-body problems, but the reader interested in Hamiltonian mechanics will have to look elsewhere. Also, the authors do not discuss the presence of chaotic dynamics in orbital mechanics, nor are integrability issues discussed. In addition, the current debate over modifications of Newtonian mechanics is not included in the book, due to its time of publication.
But if one wants a practical introduction to Newtonian orbital mechanics that also addresses numerical issues, this would be a good book to begin with. I would recommend the use of a symbolic programming language, such as Mathematica or Maple, to assist in the visualization of the orbits and in the routine computations if one were to use this book as an aid to teaching orbital mechanics. Another good feature of the book is the interjection of historical background and anecdotes at various places in the book. For example, one learns that it was Edmund Halley who was primarily responsible for bringing Newton's discoveries to the world. Newton's work remained idle for twenty years until Halley encouraged Newton to publish his explanation of planetary motion.
The mechanics as outlined in this book is timeless and will continue to be learned by future generations of students as they take up the reigns of human exploration beyond the Moon to the entire solar system.
Rating: 4
Summary: An excellent introductory text to the subject
Comment: This work was written by three instructors at the USAF Academy for use as a textbook. It provides an excellent introduction to astrodynamics. A knowledge of calculus and linear algebra is required, but the derivations are quite reasonable. The diagrams are also very good, enabling the reader to visualize complex spatial orientations.
The book's only weakness is its age. Several real-world examples are out-of-date, and the numerical analysis techniques do not reflect the current state-of-the-art.
Nevertheless, this is the best book to start learning astrodynamics, and gives a solid foundation from which to study more advanced texts.
Rating: 4
Summary: Aspiring Aerospace Engineers Read This Book
Comment: Do the math. Study the problems. Derive the equations. You will go to the stars. De Motu resurrected. Isaac Newton watch out!
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Title: Introduction to Space Dynamics by William Tyrrell Thomson ISBN: 0486651134 Publisher: Dover Pubns Pub. Date: 01 June, 1986 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd edition (Space Technology Library) by James R. Wertz ISBN: 1881883108 Publisher: Microcosm, Inc Pub. Date: October, 1999 List Price(USD): $54.75 |
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Title: An Introduction to Celestial Mechanics by Forest Ray Moulton ISBN: 0486646874 Publisher: Dover Pubns Pub. Date: 01 June, 1984 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 2nd. ed. (The Space Technology Library) by David A Vallado ISBN: 1881883124 Publisher: Microcosm, Inc Pub. Date: 21 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $54.75 |
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Title: Theory of Satellite Geodesy : Applications of Satellites to Geodesy by William M. Kaula ISBN: 0486414655 Publisher: Dover Pubns Pub. Date: 27 November, 2000 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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