Modern Astrodynamics: Second Edition - Paperback

by William E. Wiesel (Author)

Beginning with Hamiltonian dynamics, Modern Astrodynamics blends the modern methods of dynamical systems theory with the perturbation theory methods of the last century. With an emphasis on earth satellite motion, the derivation of the geopotential expansion is covered, and the motion of an object under the influence of the Earth's equatorial oblateness is derived to the first order. The structure of the phase space of Hamiltonian systems is explored both with modern numerical techniques (the surface of section) periodic orbit theory, and nonlinear resonance methods. The text concludes with applications of these modern methods to the problem of the relative motion of satellites in orbit about the earth, and the application of KAM tori to earth satellite motion. The text is suitable for a semester course at the introductory graduate level.Topics covered include: (1) Modern Numerical Methods, (2) Transformation Theory, (3) Variation of Elements, (4) Perturbing Forces, (5) General Perturbations, (6) Nonlinear Resonance, (7) Relative Satellite Motion, and (8) KAM Tori.

Author Biography

Dr. William E. Wiesel is a professor of astronautical engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, a position he has held since 1988. He as been on the faculty of that institution since 1977. Dr. Wiesel received his B.S. degree in astronomy from the University of Massachusetts in 1970, and his Ph.D. in stronomy from Harvard University in 1974. His early experience included tracking satellites with what is now Space Command in the U.S. Air Force, and software development for satellite tracking. He has published numerous technical papers in solar system astronomy, optimal orbit transfer, control of periodic systems, and dynamical systems theory. His current interests center about applying dynamical systems theory to orbital mechanics.