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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