Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
A Practical Engineering Approach

This 1997 book explains basic theory of spacecraft dynamics and control and the practical aspects of controlling a satellite.

Marcel J. Sidi (Author)

9780521787802, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 July 2000

432 pages, 272 b/w illus. 28 tables
25.5 x 17.9 x 2.6 cm, 0.77 kg

"One especially useful feature of the book is the extensive use of specific examples illustrating the various topics...I am confident that anyone working in the field of spacecraft dynamics will find plenty of useful material in this book. The book will also be useful as a textbook for a one- or two-semester course at the senior or first-year graduate student level." Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

Satellites are used increasingly in telecommunications, scientific research, surveillance, and meteorology, and these satellites rely heavily on the effectiveness of complex onboard control systems. This 1997 book explains the basic theory of spacecraft dynamics and control and the practical aspects of controlling a satellite. The emphasis throughout is on analyzing and solving real-world engineering problems. For example, the author discusses orbital and rotational dynamics of spacecraft under a variety of environmental conditions, along with the realistic constraints imposed by available hardware. Among the topics covered are orbital dynamics, attitude dynamics, gravity gradient stabilization, single and dual spin stabilization, attitude maneuvers, attitude stabilization, and structural dynamics and liquid sloshing.

1. Introduction
2. Orbital dynamics
3. Orbital maneuvers
4. Attitude dynamics and kinematics
5. Gravity gradient stabilization
6. Single and dual spin stabilization
7. Attitude maneuvers in space
8. Momentum-biased attitude stabilization
9. Reaction jet attitude
10. Structural dynamics and liquid sloshing
Appendix A. Attitude transformation in space
Appendix B. Attitude determination hardware
Appendix C. Orbit and attitude control hardware.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Electronics engineering [TJF], Mechanical engineering [TGB]