The material presented in the text represents a 25-year evolution in course material developed by Dr. Battin, formerly of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Former students who benefited from this material include three of the astronauts who walked on the moon.
The text format offers flexibility for the user. Chapters are largely independent of each other and may be read or taught in any order, offering the opportunity to organize an undergraduate or graduate course that meets the needs of students having various levels of background and preparation. Further, the book covers more subject matter than is covered in a single course of instruction, thereby motivating students to stray from the beaten path of the classroom.