Orbits

vsTASKER provides orbits definition and propagators to expand the simulation environment to space objects.

The feature is commonly used for communication between satellites or with ground site.

It is does not address specific missions like launching satellite or changing its attitude.

 

 

In this category, Database lists all available orbits and all instanciated ones.

 

 

Click on Database icon to create orbits.

 

vsTASKER supports two kind of orbits:

 

TLE orbits, represented by the Two Line Elements description from NASA or NORAD. These formatted line accurately specify all 6 Kepler parameters and information for the propagator (SGP4) to spin the satellite on the orbit over time. Typically, TLE orbits are real one, constantly updated by ground tracker devices.

Example of a TLE:

 

Keplerian orbits, that allow the user to define and change the orbital elements in order to create a specific orbit for study (or to approach a known one). Keplerian orbits can be used to modify the satellite course over time, by changing one of the 6 parameters. The propagator (Two-Body or J2) works well with such orbits.

 

 

 

 

Add Orbit: create a Keplerian orbit.

 

Add TLE Orbit: create a TLE orbit

 

Edit: edit a current orbit from the drop down list

 

Refresh Orbits: rebuild all orbits based on the new Julian date

 

Show Orbits: display all orbits (and not only the selected one) on the map and globe

 

Hide Orbits: show all orbits (except the selected one) on the map and globe

 

Edit Database: popup the database property window.

 

Import: list all exported orbits in /Data/Shared (if any)

 

Rearrange: reorganize all the orbits icons on the diagram display

 

Select All: select all orbit icons