Bate, Mueller, and White - Fundamentals of Astrodynamics ... - UL FGG

PREFACE
The study of astrodynamics is becoming a common prerequisite for
any engineer or scientist who expects to be involved in the aerospace
sciences and their many applications. While manned travel in
Earth-Moon space is becoming more common, we are also
concentrating on sophisticated applications of Earth and interplanetary
satellites in the fields of communications, navigation, and basic
research.
Even the use of satellites simply as transport vehicles or platforihs for
experiments requires a fundamental understanding of astrodynamics.
We also recognize that for some time to come the ballistic missile,
whose mechanics of flight has its foundation in astrodynamics, will be
a front-line weapon in the arsenals of many countries.
Beginning with the first graduating class of 1959 the United States
Air Force Academy has been in the forefront of astrodynamics
education. Much has been learned from this experience concerning both
the structure of the courses and what theoretical approaches are best
for teaching the subject. Consequently, this text is particularly
structured for teaching, rather than as an exhaustive treatment of
astrodynamics.
The astrodynamic theory is presented with brief historical
digressions. Although many classical methods are discussed, the central
emphasis is on the use of the universal variable formulation. The
theoretical development is rigorous but yet readable and usable. Several
unpublished original derivations are included in the text. Example
problems are used frequently to show the student how the theory can
be applied. Exercises at the end of each chapter include derivations and
quantitative and qualitative problems. Their difficulty ranges from
straightforward to difficult. Difficult problems are marked with an
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