Trying to find a science fiction novel.

[Lorizael]

I seem to recall there being a thread about finding books you can't remember the pertinents details of, but if it existed at some point, I can't find it now. Anyhow...

I've been studying orbital mechanics of late and have noticed that I've never read a SF book that took into account planetary angular momentum and the Sun's gravity when discussing interplanetary travel. Since those two factors seem to be the most important considerations in determining how we go about sending spacecraft out into the Solar System (once you're off the Earth), it seems kind of a shame that no SF addresses this.

So my friend mentioned a book he read several years ago that he can't remember of the author or title of. The premise, however, is that an AI that controls the moon (no, I'm not looking for The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress) is tasked with rescuing some frozen astronauts somewhere in the outer parts of the Solar System, and it's plan for getting there involves precisely firing self-assembling components toward the destination by way of a linear accelerator.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Anybody know the book?

Alternatively, has anyone read any good hard science fiction that deals with orbital mechanics?

[Kuciwalker]

Not familiar with the book.

If you're into the whole Space Opera BUT WITH REAL SCIENCE genre, I'd recommend Bova, KSR, or Vernor Vinge [A Deepness in the Sky particularly]. Neither of them focus overly on the details of orbital mechanics IIRC, but at least nod to them.

[BlackCat]

If you can accept interstellar jump capacity, then you should try The mote in god's eye and The gripping hand by Larry Niven/Jerry Pournelle.

[Kuciwalker]

Nah, that's just normal space opera, as full of magitech as everything else. It's just more serious than most.

[Lorizael]

I should generalize here. I'm not necessarily looking for books that feature orbital mechanics, but grounded hard science fiction that takes place in the solar system (but past Earth) and doesn't forget the laws of physics.

[BlackCat]

Sure, it's space opera, but deals with orbital mechanics reasonably serious.

Edit: well, ok, then don't read them Though, they are pretty good entertainment.

[Winston]

Rendezvous with Rama deals heartily with orbital mechanics and associated maneuvers in the inner Solar System, primarily within the orbit of Venus.

[Kuciwalker]

I should generalize here. I'm not necessarily looking for books that feature orbital mechanics, but grounded hard science fiction that takes place in the solar system (but past Earth) and doesn't forget the laws of physics.

You want Bova. You just described almost all of his books.

Vinge is the same, except with STL interstellar travel.

[Kuciwalker]

Sure, it's space opera, but deals with orbital mechanics reasonably serious.

Edit: well, ok, then don't read them Though, they are pretty good entertainment.

I did read them, otherwise how would I know? And I did enjoy them, but they don't match OP.

[Kuciwalker]

And if environmentalists don't bug you, read Kim Stanley Robinson's Red/Green/Blue Mars.

[Krill]

Bovas' a crap author though. He writes for 8 year olds.

[Jon Miller]

That is the general problem with Hard Sci Fi authors.

And others like KSR I just didn't like their books (I should try him again though).

JM

[Proteus_MST]

The whole Battletech game system usually models space travel very good.
Even their model of FTL Travel is rather plausible for a future society (Large Jump Ships that spend vast amounts of energy to create Mini-Wormholes and use them to instantly travel to another location [up to 30 lys away])
The many novels that are based on the BT system don´t mention the model of space travel too much, however, as most important battles take place between Battlemechs on the surface of planets and Jump-/Dropships are used mainly for transport purposes (at least until the clans arrive) and thjerefore most 80% of the stories takes placve on the surface of a planet or moon

[Kuciwalker]

Even their model of FTL Travel is rather plausible for a future society

[OzzyKP]

One series I read years ago, as a kid, was Bio of a Space Tyrant by Piers Anthony. I don't remember a whole lot from it, but it was set just in the solar system and from what I recall it doesn't have FTL Travel, or maybe they get it by the end of the series, I forget.

As far as whether the science is plausible or not... I really don't remember.