Presenting the established principles underpinning space robotics (conservation of momentum and energy, stability) with a thorough and modern approach, chapters build from general physical foundations through an extensive treatment of kinematics of multi-body systems, and then to conservation principles in dynamics. The latter part of the book focuses on real-life applications related to space systems. Drawing upon years of practical experience and using numerous solved examples, illustrative applications and MATLAB, the author includes: an explanation of basic space mechanics and the dynamics of space vehicles; a rigorous treatment of conservation and variational principles in dynamics and in control theory that can be applied to a range of space vehicles and robotic systems; and a systematic presentation of the application of dynamics and control theory to real spacecraft systems.

Discusses the use of manipulators on satellites and the dynamics of satellites carrying robotic manipulators and of planetary rovers.

About the Author
Ranjan Vepa is currently a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. He is the author of five books on biomimetic robotics, dynamics of smart structures, dynamic modelling, simulation and control of energy generation, flight dynamics simulation and control of aircraft and on nonlinear control of robots and UAVs. His research interests include applications in space robotics, electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles. He teaches advanced courses on robotics, aeroelasticity, advanced flight control and simulation and on spacecraft design, manoeuvring and orbital mechanics.

Reviews
'It is quite impressive to explain such complex and highly integrated subjects in such an understandable way. The book provides us a unified method for the dynamic motion modelling of different kinds of Space vehicles with various motion characteristics.' Zheng Jie Wang, Beijing Institute of Technology
'This book is useful particularly as a single source of information for the broad spectrum of technologies related to space robotics and would be a good overview of the most established concepts and methodologies for graduate students and researchers entering the field. It would be a suitable text for a dedicated taught module in space robotics, or as a guide for graduate study in robotics, dynamics and control related to space engineering ... Overall, this book is a worthwhile read for capable space roboticists looking to build or extend their knowledge of the field.' Mark A. Post, The Aeronautical Journal



Book Information
ISBN 9781108422840
Author Ranjan Vepa
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 890g
Dimensions(mm) 253mm * 178mm * 21mm