Mathematical Approximations for the Technology of Navigation, Control and Guidance of Space Vehicles

Abstract

Summary The paper discusses some of the mathematics involved in the technology of navigation, control and guidance of space vehicles. A review is given of the fundamentals of the geometrical situations involved in causing moving vehicles to follow specified trajectories and of the basic theory of devices which provide the practical attainment of these trajectories. In particular, the theory of gyroscopic instruments is discussed from the standpoint of approximations that are useful for the purposes of engineering design.