This book consolidates decades of knowledge on space flight navigation theory which has thus
far been spread across various research articles. By gathering this research into a single text
it will be more accessible to students curious about the study of space flight navigation.
Books on optimal control theory and orbital mechanics have not adequately explored the field of
space flight navigation theory until this point.The opening chapters introduce essential
concepts within optimal control theory such as the optimization of static systems special
boundary conditions and dynamic equality constraints. An analytical approach is focused on
throughout as opposed to computational. The result is a book that emphasizes simplicity and
practicability which makes it accessible and engaging. This holds true in later chapters that
involve orbital mechanics two-body maneuvers bounded inputs and flight in non-spherical
gravity fields.The intended audience is primarily upper-undergraduate students graduate
students and researchers of aerospace mechanical and or electrical engineering. It will be
especially valuable to those with interests in spacecraft dynamics and control. Readers should
be familiar with basic dynamics and modern control theory. Additionally a knowledge of linear
algebra variational methods and ordinary differential equations is recommended.
