Satellite Maneuver Evaluation Tool

Abstract

When first introduced to orbital mechanics, students often experience difficulty in visualizing a satellite's actual path through space. The Satellite Maneuver Evaluation Tool (SMET) seeks to alleviate that problem. SMET is a three-dimensional color graphics simulation of satellites in flight. It allows a student to interactively modify a satellite's orbital parameters and see the effects as the satellites' positions are updated continuously with respect to time. The user can change parameters by defining a maneuver or by directly entering a change through keyboard or dial inputs. SMET offers the user the capability to demonstrate difficult concepts, as well as a method to simulate actual satellite maneuvers. Instructors can videotape SMET sessions for classroom demonstrations. Instantaneous images can also be saved for redisplay or for printout. This thesis provides a background on the mathematical formulas modeled by SMET. It also includes a detailed user's guide for SMET.