Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 2nd. ed. (The Space Technology Library) [Paperback]

David A Vallado (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 2001

The second edition features several exciting changes to this exceptional book. 30 pages longer than the original, there are ground illumination calculations, Moon rise and set data, a listing of relevant Internet sites. Moreover there are improved and expanded discussions of coordinate systems, orbit determination and differential correction, along with FREE Software available in Fortran, Pascal and C!

Summary

The increased power of microcomputers has changed the study of perturbations perhaps more than any other subfield of astrodynamics, but students and practitioners still need a compendium of well-documented algorithms to use that power. Vallado's book is just such a compendium, integrating two-body dynamics with perturbation methods and real-world applications while consolidating recent literature about coordinates and fundamental concepts. It attempts to use new programming capabilities to exploit the keys for the future-- standardizing, documenting, modularity, efficiency, and maintainability.

Ample algorithms, numbered and handily summarized at the beginning of the book, and extensive derivations have been included to save time often spent recreating something that has already been proven. The author cites many references and alternative methods to expand understanding of the topics discussed

Product Details

• Paperback: 958 pages
• Publisher: Microcosm, Inc (May 21, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 1881883124
• ISBN-13: 978-1881883128
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #722,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New and Improved 2nd Edition, February 26, 2003

By 

W. Ford "Storm Rider" (Sykesville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 2nd. ed. (The Space Technology Library) (Paperback)

I liked the original edition of this book very much, and I like the second edition even better. It is a unique format in that Vallado presents algorithms of all the major routines such as Lambert's Problem (several methods), Kepler's Problem (again, several methods), time conversion, date conversion, orbital element to ECI, and many, many other transformations. Although I no longer work in the field actively, I bought the second edition and would highly recommend it to anyone as an introduction and/or a reference to astrodynamics.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aerospace Engineering Student, February 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 2nd. ed. (The Space Technology Library) (Paperback)

As a student taking a graduate-level course in astrodynamics, this book has been a fantastic resource. It has (for the most part), the same material as Prussing & Conway, but it really develops the topics much more. The algorithms Dave Vallado outlines in his book have helped me tremendously in my research. I have found this book to be the most comprehensive astrodynamics book I have ever come across - a definate must have for anyone studying astrodynamics!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most widely cited texts in the field - for a reason, May 9, 2006

By 

G. Chastain "Engineer In Air and Missile Defense" (Huntsville, Al United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 2nd. ed. (The Space Technology Library) (Paperback)

This is one of the most thorough, well-written, accessible texts on astrodynamics that I've seen. The coverage of spherical harmonics (zonal, sectorial and tesseral) in Chapter 8 is very well done and welcomed. Beginners (or those who need a refresher) will also appreciate the very accessible coverage of Kalman filtering in Chapter 10.

The text provides 70 algorithms in addition to the wealth of mathematical derivations throughout the text.

The publisher's web site does not provide the updated table of contents for the 2nd Edition (as of 9 May 2006). I have provided this below. I wish that I had the time to provide the section headings within each chapter. However, if you are familiar with the subject area, you will be able to see from the chapter titles that this text is quite thorough.

Loaded with well-executed illustrations and clear, descriptive text, I doubt that anything in this text will leave you with questions or confusion. You can't go wrong with purchasing this text.

Table of Contents for 2nd Edition

1. Equations of Motion
2. Kepler's Equation and Kepler's Problem
3. Coordinate and Time Systems
4. Observations
5. Celestial Phenomena
6. Orbital Maneuvering
7. Initial Orbit Determination
8. Special Perturbation Techniques
9. General Perturbation Techniques
10. Orbit Determination and Estimation
11. Mission Analysis

Appendix A. Dictionary of Symbols
Appendix B. Modeling the Atmosphere
Appendix C. Mathematical Fundamentals
Appendix D. Constants and Expansions