Presenting the established principles underpinning space robotics (conservation of momentum and energy, stability) with a thorough and modern approach, chapters build from general physical foundations through an extensive treatment of kinematics of multi-body systems, and then to conservation principles in dynamics. The latter part of the book focuses on real-life applications related to space systems. Drawing upon years of practical experience and using numerous solved examples, illustrative applications and MATLAB, the author includes: an explanation of basic space mechanics and the dynamics of space vehicles; a rigorous treatment of conservation and variational principles in dynamics and in control theory that can be applied to a range of space vehicles and robotic systems; and a systematic presentation of the application of dynamics and control theory to real spacecraft systems.

'It is quite impressive to explain such complex and highly integrated subjects in such an understandable way. The book provides us a unified method for the dynamic motion modelling of different kinds of Space vehicles with various motion characteristics.'

Zheng Jie Wang - Beijing Institute of Technology

‘This book is useful particularly as a single source of information for the broad spectrum of technologies related to space robotics and would be a good overview of the most established concepts and methodologies for graduate students and researchers entering the field. It would be a suitable text for a dedicated taught module in space robotics, or as a guide for graduate study in robotics, dynamics and control related to space engineering … Overall, this book is a worthwhile read for capable space roboticists looking to build or extend their knowledge of the field.’

Mark A. Post Source: The Aeronautical Journal