Orbital Mechanics: Theory and ApplicationsA lively study of orbital mechanics by the writer responsible for the computer simulations and systems analysis for the Saturn V moon rocket, Project Skylab and many others. Provides thorough coverage of all background theories, including unusual concepts and paradoxes that will enhance appreciation of this field. Includes discussion of rocket propulsion and optimization of techniques for maximizing payload and minimizing fuel consumption, plus complete coverage of the interaction of space vehicles and space bodies. |
Contents
An Introduction to Orbital Mechanics | 1 |
Satellite Orbits | 29 |
The Orbital Environment | 63 |
Powered Flight Maneuvers | 81 |
Boosting a Satellite into Orbit | 107 |
Todays Family of Global Boosters | 127 |
The European Ariane | 136 |
Novel Concepts for the Future | 142 |
Choosing the Proper Orbit for a Satellite | 169 |
Choosing the Proper Constellation | 203 |
What is the Largest Constellation Ever Launched | 209 |
ComputerModeling Techniques | 215 |
SpaceAge Technologies for | 231 |
Project Skyhook | 242 |
The Skyhook Complex | 248 |
About the Author | 263 |
Common terms and phrases
aerospace angle apogee approximately asteroid astronauts atmosphere booster center of Earth circular orbit coasting communication satellites constellation cost curve Delta eccentric anomaly elliptical orbit engineers equatorial bulge escape velocity executed feet per second force ft/sec fuel bias geosynchronous altitude geosynchronous satellite global coverage graph ground trace Hohmann transfer hurl Isaac Newton Jupiter Kepler's libration points low-altitude orbit maneuver sequence meteoroids mission mixture ratio Molniya orbits Molniya satellites Moon multistage rocket nautical miles number of satellites orbit plane ORBITAL ALTITUDE orbital inclination orbital mechanics orbiting satellites oxidizer payload percent perigee perturbations plane-change pounds propellants radius rocket burns Russian satel satellite's orbit Saturn semi-major axis simulation skyhook sliding board solar solid-fuel rockets Soviet space shuttle spacecraft specific impulse stage strap-on Sun-synchronous orbits surface of Earth swing-by maneuver tanks tether thrust tion trajectory Transit satellites true anomaly typical vector velocity increment