Celestial Mechanics and Astrodynamics ― Theory and Practice

This volume is designed as an introductory text and reference book for graduate students, researchers and practitioners in the fields of astronomy, astrodynamics, satellite systems, space sciences, and astrophysics. The purpose of the book is to emphasize the similarities between celestial mechanics and astrodynamics, and to present recent advances in these two fields so that the reader can understand the inter-relations and mutual influences. The juxtaposition of celestial mechanics and astrodynamics is a unique approach that is expected to be a refreshing attempt to discuss both the mechanics of space flight and the dynamics of celestial objects.

“Celestial Mechanics and Astrodynamics: Theory and Practice” also presents the main challenges and future prospects for the two fields, in an elaborate, comprehensive and rigorous manner. The book presents homogenous and fluent discussion of the key problems, rendering a portrayal of recent advances in the field together with some basic concepts and essential infrastructure in orbital mechanics. The text contains introductory material followed by a gradual development of ideas interweaved to yield a coherent presentation of advanced topics.

Dr. Pini Gurfil is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Prof. Gurfil has been conducting research in astrodynamics, distributed space systems, trajectory optimization, vision-aided navigation and tracking, and multi-agent systems.
Dr. Seidelmann is Research Professor at the University of Virginia, President of the Celestial Mechanics Institute and past chairman of the IAU/IAG Working Group on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements. His recent work has focused on space astrometry missions, reference systems, space surveillance.