Spacecraft Dynamics and Control (ePub)

Provides the basics of spacecraft orbital dynamics plus
attitude dynamics and control, using vectrix notation

Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: An Introduction
presents the fundamentals of classical control in the context of
spacecraft attitude control. This approach is particularly
beneficial for the training of students in both of the subjects of
classical control as well as its application to spacecraft attitude
control. By using a physical system (a spacecraft) that the reader
can visualize (rather than arbitrary transfer functions), it is
easier to grasp the motivation for why topics in control theory are
important, as well as the theory behind them. The entire
treatment of both orbital and attitude dynamics makes use of
vectrix notation, which is a tool that allows the user to write
down any vector equation of motion without consideration of a
reference frame. This is particularly suited to the treatment of
multiple reference frames. Vectrix notation also makes a very clear
distinction between a physical vector and its coordinate
representation in a reference frame. This is very important in
spacecraft dynamics and control problems, where often multiple
coordinate representations are used (in different reference frames)
for the same physical vector.

* Provides an accessible, practical aid for teaching and
self-study with a layout enabling a fundamental understanding of
the subject

* Fills a gap in the existing literature by providing an
analytical toolbox offering the reader a lasting, rigorous
methodology for approaching vector mechanics, a key element vital
to new graduates and practicing engineers alike

* Delivers an outstanding resource for aerospace engineering
students, and all those involved in the technical aspects of design
and engineering in the space sector

* Contains numerous illustrations to accompany the written text.
Problems are included to apply and extend the material in each
chapter

Essential reading for graduate level aerospace engineering
students, aerospace professionals, researchers and engineers.