Satellites are used increasingly in telecommunications, scientific research, surveillance, and meteorology, and these satellites rely heavily on the effectiveness of complex onboard control systems. This 1997 book explains the basic theory of spacecraft dynamics and control and the practical aspects of controlling a satellite. The emphasis throughout is on analyzing and solving real-world engineering problems. For example, the author discusses orbital and rotational dynamics of spacecraft under a variety of environmental conditions, along with the realistic constraints imposed by available hardware. Among the topics covered are orbital dynamics, attitude dynamics, gravity gradient stabilization, single and dual spin stabilization, attitude maneuvers, attitude stabilization, and structural dynamics and liquid sloshing.

Comprehensive, classic introduction to space-flight engineering for advanced undergraduate and graduate students provides basic tools for quantitative analysis of the motions of satellites and other vehicles in space.

This volume includes original papers presented at the 4th Symposium on Satellite Dynamics held at the XII Annual Plenary Meeting of COSPAR. At a time where it might be thought that very few problems were left un solved in celestial mechanics, we discover that new and more challenging questions must be answered. The pre cision of observations reaches the centimeter level and physical phenomena which had been disregarded come into play. We need a better treatment of atmospheric drag, radiation forces, and a better knowledge of the earth's gravitational field. Time has to be precisely defined as well as reference systems, including improved values for precision and nutation. The question of resonances introduced by nonzonal harmonics was to be carefully in vestigated. Numerical integration techniques must be optimized and means of controlling their errors improved. Analytical techniques must be made appropriate for com puter processing. Presently existing methods of solu tions of differential equations of interest to celestial mechanics are getting cumbersome as all these new facts come to light. It is clear that entirely new and more effective methods are necessary. These methods must, among other requirements, take into account the essential nonlinear character of the equations. Finally, the mo tion about the center of mass of a satellite is becoming an essential need for the thorough understanding and de scription of the orbital motion.

Comprehensive coverage includes environmental torques, energy dissipation, motion equations for four archetypical systems, orientation parameters, illustrations of key concepts with on-orbit flight data, and typical engineering hardware. 1986 edition.

This book discusses the design of new space missions and their use for a better understanding of the dynamical behaviour of solar system bodies, which is an active field of astrodynamics. Space missions gather data and observations that enable new breakthroughs in our understanding of the origin, evolution and future of our solar system and Earth’s place within it. Covering topics such as satellite and space mission dynamics, celestial mechanics, spacecraft navigation, space exploration applications, artificial satellites, space debris, minor bodies, and tidal evolution, the book presents a collection of contributions given by internationally respected scientists at the summer school “Satellite Dynamics and Space Missions: Theory and Applications of Celestial Mechanics”, held in 2017 at San Martino al Cimino, Viterbo (Italy). This school aimed to teach the latest theories, tools and methods developed for satellite dynamics and space, and as such the book is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in the field of celestial mechanics and aerospace engineering.

This book is an up-to-date compendium on spacecraft attitude and orbit control (AOC) that offers a systematic and complete treatment of the subject with the aim of imparting the theoretical and practical knowledge that is required by designers, engineers, and researchers. After an introduction on the kinematics of the flexible and agile space vehicles, the modern architecture and functions of an AOC system are described and the main AOC modes reviewed with possible design solutions and examples. The dynamics of the flexible body in space are then considered using an original Lagrangian approach suitable for the control applications of large space flexible structures. Subsequent chapters address optimal control theory, attitude control methods, and orbit control applications, including the optimal orbital transfer with finite and infinite thrust. The theory is integrated with a description of current propulsion systems, with the focus especially on the new electric propulsion systems and state of the art sensors and actuators.

Topics include orbital and attitude maneuvers, orbit establishment and orbit transfer, plane rotation, interplanetary transfer and hyperbolic passage, lunar transfer, reorientation with constant momentum, attitude determination, more. Answers to selected exercises. 1976 edition.