"In this well-written textbook, one of the world's leading authorities provides an expert introduction to the principles of orbital mechanics, with applications to the dynamics of space probes, artificial satellites, and members of the solar system. In Professor Szebehely's own words, his aim is "to infatuate students with the beauty of celestial mechanics, to emphasize the basic and simple principles, and to offer as challenges the fascinating, unsolved problems in this field." "--Back cover.