Roger R. Bate (1923–2009)

This book saved me more than once, when I needed specific math for orbital mechanics, and any number of other things. I often have to remind myself that this was meant as a textbook. It's one of the best out there (or at least it was, when I was using it) for a clear understanding of how things work way out there.

It has a permanent place on my bookshelf.

I also see that there will be a new edition out on April 16th. I'm so very torn by this. I'm retired, and yet... I really want it.

Essential if you need to learn the mathematical basis for space navigation. This was (still is?) a text for the Air Force Academy. If you ever want to write a science fiction game navigational computer, enjoy!

I always wanted to be an astronaut, so I figured I'd start educating myself. Who knows, one day space might open up and become accessible to the private sector; maybe I can find a gig as a flight dynamics officer. Anways, old but good. This book contains an excellent introduction to the physics, physical environment, and if I recall right, touches on some programming topics for the space environment.

The good: It's cheap. The bad: It doesn't use SI units. Grrr.