The aim of this book is to demonstrate to a wider audience, as well as to a more skilled audience, the many fascinating aspects of modern celestial mechanics. It sets out to do this without the use of mathematics. After giving the reader the technical tools needed for a basic understanding of the underlying physical phenomena (using only elementary mathematics), facts and figures are provided on historical events, modern discoveries and future applications. Contents are divided into major topics where the three "souls" of modern celestial mechanics (dynamical systems, Solar System and stellar systems, spaceflight dynamics) play a major role.

The term "Space Manifold Dynamics" (SMD) was proposed during the workshop "Novel Spaceways for Scientific and Exploration Missions" for describing new types of spacecraft trajectories that could revolutionize how space missions are designed. Obtained by applying the dynamical system approach to mission design, these trajectories represent a fascinating alternative to elliptic motion and provide a deeper understanding of the classical three and N-body problems in celestial mechanics. This book gives a state-of-the-art overview of this new field of study together with applications of an interdisciplinary nature involving planetary science, astrophysics and the manned exploration of the solar system.