Questions tagged [astrodynamics]
The study of satellite orbits and space flight dynamics.
130 questions
1vote
0answers
104views
Different astrodynamics propagation errors depending on starting point; why?
I am modelling an interplanetary transfer between earth and mars, and comparing the position difference between the lambert arc (no perturbations) and numerical integration arc (perturbations included)...
1vote
1answer
151views
Way to enter aerospace industry for ex-programmer [closed]
Hello everyone! I was a programmer (gamedev, Unity3D/C# stack). But all my life I was interested in space flights and space exploration. I multiple times tried to apply myself to space, but never been ...
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0answers
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Differences between ballistic models on Drama/MIDAS
I am a student who is evaluating the impact of micro meteoroids on satellite external tubes using MIDAS tool on DRAMA by ESA. I want to verify how the probability of no penetration changes by adding ...
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12votes
2answers
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Why can't Voyager 1 finally "settle down" to a stable attitude, without needing "40 short puffs per day"?
CNN's September 16, 2024 47-year-old Voyager 1 spacecraft just fired up thrusters it hasn’t used in decades gives a short review of changes from one set of thrusters to another for each of the ...
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3votes
0answers
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Testing astrodynamics software [closed]
As I’ve been developing my own solutions (and implementing existing ones) to problems in astrodynamics to solve textbook questions and to build applications, I’m becoming increasingly interested in ...
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3votes
1answer
261views
What are some best practices for coding a satellite orbit propagator and ground track plotter?
I've seen interesting projects like this and I've been doing a decent amount of orbit propagation (numerically integrating state vectors, accounting for perturbations, etc.) in python and animating ...
- 119
8votes
1answer
1kviews
Why is there no difference between a transfer orbit delta-V and a capture orbit delta-V for Earth?
I'm particularly interested in understanding this beautiful solar system delta-v map and concepts on its Wikipedia page. In contrast to other planets there is no Earth Transfer only an Earth Capture/...
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4votes
1answer
488views
How feasible is dragging a 1 km asteroid into Mars orbit? (For All Mankind Spoiler Alert)
In the final episode of Season 4, Dev Ayesha, Ed Baldwin and other protagonists hijack the space ship Ranger to drag the wayward Asteroid 2003LC "Goldilocks" into Mars orbit. In terms of the ...
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1vote
0answers
75views
How to apply primer vector theory to trajectory optimization under perturbed two-body problem?
I am currently reading the book Primer Vector Theory and Applications by John E. Prussing (https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511778025) to learn primer vector theory. However, all the derivation and ...
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1vote
2answers
191views
Integration of Varying Forces, Impulses in Simulators
I am a software dude working on a personal project for building a spacecraft simulation software. And I've been looking into numerical integration methods, and I am just confused on how to tackle the ...
5votes
2answers
870views
How to build an orbit propagator?
I am trying to build my own satellite orbit prapagator in MATLAB with RK4 integrator and force models added to the propagator to give the perturbed orbit in ECI frame. I am a bit confused and just ...
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2votes
1answer
146views
For using the acceleration due to drag formula, which coordinate frame should the satellite's position and velocity vectors be in?
I am working on simulating the space environment for a VLEO satellite. I am working on the atmosphere model where I am using density values from NRLMSISE00 model and plugging them into the drag ...
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7votes
1answer
170views
How is the equation for non-spherical gravitational accelerations derived?
I am referencing Vallado (4th edition) to understand the acceleration contributions on a spacecraft due to non-spherical gravitational effects. Generally, I understand this derivation, except for how ...
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2votes
1answer
226views
connecting two satellites [closed]
How strong would my bond have to be if I wanted to closely connect (30cm - 1m link) two satellites on the same orbit in LEO? (I can move the satellites however I want to have them close to each other) ...
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7votes
3answers
1kviews
What can one do as an individual to help support the development of skyhooks?
In my recent research on the potential of a SkyHook, I've found a startling gap: it seems like no one is actively pursuing this technology. Many, including myself, believe that this could be the ...
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