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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------