A comprehensive yet concise text on Space Flight Mechanics addressing all possible aspects 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). The primary focus will be orbital mechanics with emphasis on two-body motion, orbit determination, and orbital maneuvers with applications in Earth-centered missions and interplanetary missions.
Additional topics not always covered include entry flight mechanics, low-thrust transfers, rocket propulsion fundamentals and attitude dynamics and are covered concisely providing the reader with insight into these diverse areas. All concepts will be illustrated with “real-world” examples drawn from the space industry. Another key component to this book that differentiates it from the competition is the development of a “computational toolbox” composed of MATLAB M-files for performing space mission analysis.
