194 pgs, 1993, Oxford University Press
ISBN 978-0195078343

Space mission design depends on orbital mechanics to conserve propellant. This classroom-tested text derives the subject of orbital mechanics, as well as important subtopics such as Lambert's time-of-flight equation, Kepler's laws of planetary motion, and the Gauss and Laplace methods of orbit determination, from the first principles of Newton's laws of motion and the law of gravitation. Special attention is paid to gravity-assist maneuvers and orbit transfers (such as Hohmann transfer and minimum-fuel transfers using more than two impulses), topics particularly relevant to modern mission planning.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The n-Body Problem
2. Position in Orbit as a Function of Time
3. The Orbit in Space
4. Lambert's Problem
5. Rocket Dynamics
6. Impulsive Orbit Transfer
7. Interplanetary Mission Analysis
8. Linear Orbit Theory
9. Perturbation
10. Orbit Determination
    
    Appendix 1: Astronomical Constants
    Appendix 2: Physical Characteristics of the Planets
    Appendix 3: Elements of the Planetary Orbits