Resource 2: Basics of Space Flight

This is an e-book I found a long time ago. From the author's description:

This Web page can trace its roots to the author's project to write a computer program simulating the launch of a rocket to orbit.  As I performed my research it became apparent that most information on the subject tended toward one of two extremes:  it was either too simplistic to be very helpful, or it was advanced texts written for engineers. 

After spending months digging through books and Internet sites I finally found the information needed to complete my project.  Not wanting others to go through the same frustrating search, I decided to organize all the information into a single resource.  Thus, in 1996 this Web page was created.

Suggested Study Outline

I would recommend reading carefully through these topics in the Orbital Mechanics section of the website:

1. Conic Sections

2. Orbital Elements

3. Types of Orbits

4. Newton's Laws of Motion and Universal Gravitation

5. Uniform Circular Motion

6. Motions of Planets and Satellites

7. Launch of a Space Vehicle

8. Position in an Elliptical Orbit

9. Orbit Perturbations

10. Orbit Maneuvers

    1. 1. • Orbit Altitude Changes

          • Orbit Plane Changes

          • Orbit Rendezvous

          • Delta-V Budget

11. The Hyperbolic Orbit

Remarks

• If a web search doesn't come up with this website, please feel free to message me as I have saved a copy of it

• This chapter in my outline covers the basics of the scenario of a spacecraft orbiting a large body like planet Earth. There is a second chapter in the book called Interplanetary Flight, but I would recommend coming back to this later.