An Introduction to Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Dynamics

by Daniel White

This text utilizes a first-principles approach to developing the foundations of orbital mechanics. Emphasis is placed especially on practical utility and engineering applications for spacecraft systems engineering. Principles of orbital motion and the classical orbital elements are developed. Two body dynamics, restricted three-body dynamics and the n-body problem are presented. Basic spacecraft orbital maneuvers are presented, with emphasis on maximizing the utility of orbital maneuver calculations for spacecraft engineering, including for delta-V budgeting, calculation of maneuver times, and other system-level metrics necessary for spacecraft systems engineering. Elements of trajectory design and analysis are examined, including the governing physics underlying launch vehicle ascent-to-orbit trajectories. Finally, rotational kinematics are presented, and common representations of rotational state information are discussed, including Euler angles and quaternions.

Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2018