Astrodynamics

Orbital analysis combines factors from various spacecraft subsystems. Standard orbital elements such as orbit dimensions, perigee and apogee altitudes, eccentricity, and inclination are assessed. The attitude of the spacecraft with respect to a defined coordinate system must be determined over time in conjunction with the GN&C team. With any orbital insertion from a launch vehicle, there is a degree of uncertainty that must be studied to understand long term effects of the orbit. NASA strictly monitors objects in Low Earth Orbit, and ABEX must submit an Orbital Debris Assessment Report (ODAR) to NASA regarding debris released during launch, nominal operations, planned or potential satellite break up, possible collisions with debris in orbit, and plans for spacecraft disposal/decommissioning. The ABEX Astrodynamics team provides all these studies and reports, and analytical simulations are the primary validation mechanism. The Astrogator and Orbital Determination Tool Kit are two modules of the Systems Tool Kit used in the orbital analyses, and the NASA Debris Analysis Software (DAS) is used to create the ODAR materials.

Technical Performance Measures

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Analysis Tools

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Architecture & Design

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