MCS Segments

MCS Segments are the building blocks of an Astrogator space mission. There are two general types of segments - those that generate ephemeris and those that affect the execution of the MCS. These segments can be used interactively, so that ephemeris generated by one segment can cause another segment to change the way in which the MCS continues to run.

Segments That Generate Ephemeris

   Initial State - this segment can be used to define the initial conditions of your MCS, or of a subsequence within the MCS.

   Launch - this segment can be used to model a simple spacecraft launch from Earth or another central body.

   Follow - this segment can be used to set the spacecraft to follow another vehicle (Satellite, Launch Vehicle, Missile, Aircraft, Ship, or Ground Vehicle) at a specified offset, and to separate from that vehicle upon meeting specified conditions.

   Maneuver - this segment can be used to model a spacecraft maneuver.

   Propagate - this segment can be used to model the movement of the spacecraft along its current trajectory until meeting specified stopping conditions.

   Hold - this segment can be used to model landing or rendezvous operations by setting the spacecraft to maintain a fixed position in reference to another object or body, until meeting specified conditions.

   Update - this segment can be used to modify some of the satellite properties to reflect changes that occur during the mission.

Segments That Affect the Execution of the MCS

   Sequence - this segment is a structural element that can be used to organize segments and define the nature of the results that are passed on to the next segment or sequence in the MCS.

   Backward Sequence - this segment is a structural element that can be used to organize segments and define the nature of the results that are passed on to the next segment or sequence in the MCS.

   Target Sequence - this segment is a structural element that can be used to define maneuvers and propagations in terms of the goals they are intended to achieve.

   Return - this segment can be used to control the execution of the Mission Control Sequence by returning control to its parent segment.

   Stop - this segment can be used to control the execution of the Mission Control Sequence by halting execution of the MCS.

Examples

The Examples folder contains examples of sequence segments that you can insert into any MCS and configure to your needs.