Re: Astrodynamics Books
Jim Varney (jamesv@softcom.net)
Wed, 29 Apr 1998 21:38:33 -0700
Brian Mancuso <brianm@itg.net> wrote:
> I recently became interested in satellites and astrodynamics
> after learning about GPS. Could anybody recommend a good
> introductory book on orbital mechanics?
I recommend Bate, Mueller and White's "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics."
It's a bit dated but for a basic text it's very good. Best of all it's a
Dover paperback and it's cheap (under $10). If you don't like the book
then you haven't lost much. ISBN 0-486-60061-0.
To understand the book it helps to brush up on vector math.
> I've heard of something called the SPG4 algorithm. My impression
> is that SPG4 is more accurate then other methods. Is this true?
SGP4 is the most accurate commonly available algorithm.
> Do introductory texts discuss this algorithm, or would I have to
> go to other sources for that? Is that algorithm difficult to
> implement if you don't have a doctorate in astrodynamics?
Texts don't discuss SGP4 as far as I know, but then I'm not an expert.
Since the SGP4 source code is publicly available at celestrak.com you don't
need a PhD. The code in the Spacetrack document can be confusing because
you have to understand how the various Fortran 'drivers' interact with the
SGP4 engine. Have fun with your project!
______________________________________________
Jim Varney
Member, Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society
www.calweb.com/~svas/index.html