Orbital Mechanics

A lively study of orbital mechanics by the writer responsible for the computer simulations and systems analysis for the Saturn V moon rocket, Project Skylab and many others. Provides thorough coverage of all background theories, including unusual concepts and paradoxes that will enhance appreciation of this field. Includes discussion of rocket propulsion and optimization of techniques for maximizing payload and minimizing fuel consumption, plus complete coverage of the interaction of space vehicles and space bodies.Ein lebendiger Abriß der Theorie der Umlaufbahnen, geschrieben von einem Spezialisten, der für Computersimulationen und Systemanalysen der Saturn-V-Rakete, des Projektes Skylab und vieler anderer Projekte zuständig war. Die Diskussion umfaßt auch unkonventionelle Ansätze und Paradoxa. Schwerpunkte liegen unter anderem auf Raketenantrieben, Optimierung des Verhältnisses zwischen Nutzlast und Treibstoffverbrauch und der Wechselwirkung zwischen Raumfahrzeugen und Raumobjekten. (11/97) An Introduction to Orbital Mechanics.

Satellite Orbits.

The Orbital Environment.

Powered Flight Maneuvers.

Boosting a Satellite Into Orbit.

Today's Family of Global Boosters.

Enhancing the Performance of Booster Rockets.

Choosing the Proper Orbit for a Satellite.

Choosing the Proper Constellation Architecture.

Space-Age Technologies for the Twenty-First Century.

Bibliography.

About the Author.

Index. TOM LOGSDON, a retired senior member of the technical staff at Rockwell International, teaches three-day courses on orbital mechanics and the Navstar GPS to enthusiastic professionals all over the world. A prolific author and editor, he has written more than 25 books on space technology, computer science, robotics, and knowledge-based problem-solving techniques. A lively and engaging exploration of orbital mechanics and its role in aerospace design and development Inspired by its author's internationally renowned short course by the same name, Orbital Mechanics is a practical introduction to a field of study of crucial importance to today's aerospace initiatives. Drawing upon nearly four decades of experience as an aerospace engineer and student of orbital mechanics, Tom Logsdon provides aerospace professionals and students with many important and useful insights into the ways in which orbiting bodies interact and the behavior of satellites and rockets traveling through space. From the investigations of Renaissance astronomers to contemporary trajectory control systems, Logsdon covers all the bases, including:
* Background theories, from Kepler's empirical laws to modern explanations of orbital perturbations on artificial satellites.
* Rocket propulsion systems and optimization techniques for maximizing payload and minimizing fuel consumption
* Frozen orbits, ballistic capture techniques, libration point orbits, and practical constellation design
Orbital Mechanics is a valuable resource for aerospace professionals and serves as an excellent upper-level text for aerospace engineering students.