Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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!

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

This book is really excellent book among all books about astrodynamics, they give us the details about how to solve problems step by step. i like Algorithm part.