Recent Advances in Astrodynamics

Abstract

Samuel Herrick is Professor of Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles. There he instituted courses and research in celestial mechanics and observation theory tha t are now a part of the astrodynamics program of the University. This program can claim the first university course in astronautics. Dr. Herrick's "Astrodynamics and Rocket Navigation" was instituted in 1946, and now the first Ph.D. in the field is his co-author, Dr. Baker. Prof. Herrick has held two Guggenheim Fellowships for his space navigation studies, and is currently consultant for such corporations as Aeronutronic Systems, Rand, Martin-Denver, Librascope, General Precision Equipment, General Electric, Systems Corporation of America and Republic Aviation. He is chairman of the Executive and Space Navigation Committees of the Inst i tute of Navigation, and is an honorary member of tha t society and its British counterpart. His B. A. is from Williams College and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Robert M. L. Baker Jr., presently a Staff Member, Aeronutronic Systems, Inc. and an instructor of courses in Astrodynamics at the University of California, Los Angeles, obtained a B.A. and M.A. in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Engineering (and Astronomy). His specialties are in the fields of celestial mechanics and rarefield gas-dynamics. Dr. Baker is currently engaged in studies concerning spacevehicle Orbits, meteoritics, low density drag and sputtering with particular emphasis on high-speed re-entry from interplanetary orbits.