This essential book describes the mathematical formulations and subsequent computer simulations required to accurately project the trajectory of spacecraft and rockets in space, using the formalism of optimal control for minimum-time transfer in general elliptic orbit. The material will aid research students in aerospace engineering, as well as practitioners in the field of spaceflight dynamics, in developing simulation software to carry out trade studies useful in vehicle and mission design. It will teach readers to develop flight software for operational applications in autonomous mode, so to actually transfer space vehicles from one orbit to another. The practical, real-life applications discussed will give readers a clear understanding of the mathematics of orbit transfer, allow them to develop their own operational software to fly missions, and to use the contents as a research tool to carry out even more complex analyses.

'This book represents a lifetime of valuable contributions to optimal low-thrust orbit transfer.'

John E. Prussing - University of Illinois

‘This is a book for specialists in orbital dynamics, authored by one of the leading current practitioners in the field. Its subtitle, ‘Optimal Low-thrust Orbit Transfer’ reflects one of the principal technical drivers behind the book, namely that an increasing number of satellites in Earth orbit are now using more fuel-efficient ion thrusters which have far lower thrust-levels than their chemically-propelled predecessors. As a consequence, there is an increasing need to optimise the longer trajectories - both in terms of time and distance travelled - that result from the use of this technology.’

Stuart Eves Source: The Aeronautical Journal