Astrodynamics Book
Phillip Clark (psclark@dircon.co.uk)
Tue, 3 Feb 1998 18:30:56 +0000 (GMT)
A few weeks ago there was a posting about the new book "Fundamentals
of Astrodynamics and Applications". Based upon the comments I
decided to order a copy of the book, and it came through at the end of
last week.
What an excellent book ! Many more topics covered and in more detail
that the Bates et al "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics". But there are
omissions compared with the Bates book: for example trans-lunar
trajectories and a discussion of trans-planetary trajectories. It
would have been nice to have had more detail on these topics than the
Bates book provides. However, for Earth-orbiting objects, I cannot
think of a better volume than the new one by David Vallado.
On the other hand, do not throw away the Bates book: that is a better
introduction from basics. Use Bates as an introduction and then
graduate to the Vallado book.
Finally, an advert. I got my copy of the Vallado book from Quantum
Books in Cambridge, MA: tel (+1) 617-494-5042. When I placed the
order I was told that there had been a slight rush on the title
(prompted by the earlier postings ?) and they were out of stock. The
charge was $30-95 plus (for me) $27 express courier delivery.
BTW, the ISBN is 0-07-066834-5.
Phillip Clark
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Phillip S Clark 25 Redfern Avenue
Molniya Space Consultancy Whitton
Compiler/Publisher, Worldwide Satellite Launches Middx TW4 5NA
U.K.
Specialist in "space archeology" - the older and more obscure the more
interesting it is !
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