STK Training

Beginner

Series of getting started lessons.

  • Customizable step-by-step instructions
  • Online video guidance
  • 10-15 minutes to complete each lesson
  • STK Free license

Advanced

Series of lessons for STK add-on modules.

  • Customizable step-by-step instructions
  • Online video guidance
  • 30-45 minutes to complete each lesson
  • Paid licensing required

Focused

Lessons on specific topics.

  • Feature-specific - learn STK features and workflows
  • Problem-specific - solve real-world problems
  • Programming - customize, automate, and extend STK

Whether you are new to STK or you are already an expert, STK comes with a variety of self-paced tutorials to advance your skills. Scroll through the tables below or search - using the "Training" filter in the search bar - to find specific tutorials (e.g. Coverage).

To locate the licenses referenced in the tables below, extend the Help menu in STK and select License Viewer. The licenses that you have available will be listed in the viewer and you will know if you have the right licenses to complete the tutorial.

Level 1 - Beginner

The Level 1 - Beginner training is a series of tutorials designed to get the user started using STK.

Tutorial Description License Required
Create a Scenario Learn how to create a scenario in STK STK (Free)
Insert STK Objects Learn how to add STK objects to a scenario. STK (Free)
Modify STK Objects Learn how to modify STK objects in a scenario. STK (Free)
Compute Access Learn how to compute access between objects. STK (Free)
Create Reports & Graphs Learn how to generate reports and graphs in STK. STK (Free)
Send Connect Commands Learn how to send Connect Commands in STK. STK (Free)
Make a Movie Learn how to make a movie in STK. STK (Free)

Once you have completed these tutorials, you will be ready to take the free level 1 STK Certification test! Visit www.agi.com/training/

Level 2 - Advanced

The Level 2 - Advanced Training is a series of tutorials designed to take a user through the STK add-on modules.

Once you have completed these tutorials, you will be ready to take the level 2 STK Master Certification test! Visit www.agi.com/training/ (free for U.S. and Canada). Upon registration for the L2 Master Certification, you will receive an email confirmation with an attachment for a 14 day demo license. This license provides you access to all the modules needed to complete the certification.

Tutorial License Required
Add Fidelity with STK Pro    Learn how to add terrain and imagery to the scenario. STK Pro
Customize Analysis with Analysis Workbench    Learn how to use Analysis Workbench to build custom geometric, temporal, and logical operations through STK. Pro, AWB
Create an AzEl Mask from Images    Learn how to display the sensor obscuration from a mask file. Pro
Compute Coverage Over Regions    Learn how to analyze global and regional coverage provided by various assets. Pro, Cov
Build a Volumetric Object    Learn how to build a volumetric object. Pro, AWB
Perform Trade Studies with Analyzer    Learn how to use Analyzer to automate STK trade studies and parametric analyses. Pro, Analyzer
Evaluate Communication Links    Learn how to define and analyze detailed communication systems. Pro, Comm
Analyze Radar Systems    Learn how to build radar system models to simulate and analyze system performance. Pro, Radar
Integrating STK with Matlab    Learn how to control STK through an external application like Matlab. Integration
Integrating STK with Python    Learn how to control STK through an external application like Python. Integration
Integrating STK with Excel    Learn how to control STK through an external application like Excel. Integration
Model Aircraft Missions with Aviator    Learn how to model a sequence of curves parameterized by well known performance characteristics of aircraft. Pro, Aviator (AMM)
Design Trajectories with Astrogator    Learn how to use Astrogator to place a satellite in orbit. Pro, Astrogator

Level 3 - Focused tutorials

  • Feature-specific: designed to take the user through some of the more robust features of STK.
  • Problem-specific: designed to solve a specific problem that could use a variety of STK modules and features.
  • Programming: wide variety of tutorials to automate, customize, and extend STK.

Feature-specific tutorials

The Feature-specific tutorials are designed to take the user through some of the more robust features of STK.

Tutorial License Required
STK (Free)
Authoring a VDF    Learn how to author and optimize a VDF STK (Free)
Taking Pictures in STK    Learn how to take pictures using STK. STK (Free)
Movie Making Tutorial: Behind the Scenes    A quick overview on how to create video output inside STK. STK (Free)
Pro
Using Globe Manager in STK   Add and manage terrain, imagery, KML, and ArcGIS files using Globe Manager Pro
Using External Terrain Data    Learn how to use STK Image and Terrain Converters to generate STK visualization files. Pro
Using Chains and Constellations    Introduction on how to use Chains and Constellations in STK. Pro
Using the STK AzEl Mask Tool    Create a body mask (BMSK) file using the AzEl Mask tool. Pro
Working with MTO Objects    Introduction to Multi-track objects (MTO). Pro
Analysis Workbench
Using the Calculation Tool    Introduction to the Calculation tool and the various Calculation objects. Pro, AWB
Using the Time Tool    Introduction to the Time tool and the various Time components. Pro, AWB
Working with Vectors in the Vector Geometry Tool    Introduction to the types of vectors used in STK for visualization. Pro, AWB
Communications/Radar
Introduction to Transmitters, Receivers, and Antennas    Learn how to use reports and graphs to receive information about your communication objects. Pro, Comm
Introduction to Communications Graphics    This walkthrough introduces you to some of the 2D and 3D graphics capabilities available in STK Communications. Pro, Comm
Using the Terrain Integrated Rough Earth Model (TIREM) Module    Learn how to use the TIREM module for STK Communications and Radar modules. Pro, TIREM, Comm
Modeling Propagation Loss in an Urban Environment    Analyze communications between a patrol vehicle and a command post in a city environment using Urban Propagation. Pro, Comm, Cov, UProp
Using Communication Constraints to Design Communication Links    Impose Communication constraints on a Comm system to see the effects those constraints have on performance. Pro, Comm
Introduction to the CommSystem Object    Introduces the CommSystem object and the setup and use in the analysis of RF interference phenomena Pro, Comm
Modeling Transponders with STK Communications    You will use STK Communications to model a one‐hop, transcontinental communications link from Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB) to Eglin Air Force Base via a transponder mounted on a geostationary (GEO) satellite. Pro, Comm
Using the Qualnet Interface to Analyze Network Performance    Introduction to the Qualnet Interface for STK Communications, which provides off=the-shelf interoperability with Qualnet, an industry-recognized network modeling and simulation tool. Pro, Comm, and Qualnet
Volumetric
Volumetric tutorial    Introduces the Volumetric object and various spatial components from Analysis Workbench that model the volume of space covered by a spinning sensor subject to various geometric constraints. Pro, AWB, Cov
Using MATLAB to Convert .CSV to .hdf5    Given a .csv file containing latitude, longitude, altitude, and corresponding temperature data, you will use this data in an STK-compatible format and file type. For this exercise, you will use one of our MATLAB tools to convert this .csv data to .hdf5. Pro, AWB, Cov
Using External Volumetric Data in STK    For this tutorial, you will use an .h5 file from the STK install; however, it is recommended that you follow the steps in Using MATLAB to Convert .CSV to .hdf5 to learn how to easily convert large data files to the .hdf5 file type as well as properly format object properties within the .hdf5 file. Pro, AWB, Cov
Aviator
Aviator    Define aircraft properties and missions using both STK 3D Object Editing capability and the Aviator interface. Pro, Aviator (AMM)
Astrogator
Hohmann Transfer    Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit. Pro, Astrogator
Hohmann Transfer using the Targeter    Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit. Pro, Astrogator
Fast Transfer Using Targeter    Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit. Pro, Astrogator
Inclination Change Using Targeter    If you need to change your satellite's inclination when you move it to the outer orbit, is it better to do the plane change after the Hohmann transfer or in combination with it? Try both options using Targeter. Pro, Astrogator
Lunar Mission with B-Plane Targeting    Model a mission to the Moon, including a Trans-Lunar Injection sequence that targets on the lunar b-plane. Pro, Astrogator
Mars Probe    Use a Target Sequence to insert a spacecraft into an orbit about Mars. Pro, Astrogator
Astrogator LEO Rendezvous and Proximity Operations    Model a mission of a satellite approaching another satellite. Pro, Astrogator
Astrogator Scripting Exercise    The Astrogator Scripting Tool allows you to perform your own computations without the need for external tools. This tutorial will build on the "Hohmann Transfer Using the Targeter" exercise and will apply initial guesses for the magnitudes of the two maneuvers. Pro, Astrogator
Trajectory Design with SNOPT Optimizer    Learn how to optimize a burn by minimizing the change in velocity required to minimize the amount of fuel required. Pro, Astrogator
Coverage
Using Coverage    Learn to use two objects provided by the Coverage module - the coverage definition object and the figure of merit - to define and evaluate the coverage of a region of interest, given available coverage assets Pro, Cov
Attitude Coverage    Learn how Attitude Coverage can be applied to a common analytical and planning task: to determine the best direction in which to point an Earth-based sensing device over a period of time to have access to the maximum number of satellites in a constellation. Pro, Cov
SEET
Determine Magnetic Conjugacy with STK SEET    Determine the local magnetic vector location along the orbit and the times when the spacecraft location is magnetically conjugate to a ground station Pro, SEET
Particle Impacts with STK SEET    Determine the degree of exposure to potentially damaging debris and meteoroid impacts over the course of a mission lifetime. Pro, SEET
Radiation Environment with STK SEET    Determine the radiation environmental effects on a satellite using STK SEET. Pro, SEET, Cov
Radiation Environment GCR & SEP    Determine the radiation environmental effects on a satellite using STK SEET. Pro, SEET, Cov
Ionizing Radiation from the South Atlantic Anomaly using STK SEET    Determine the amount of exposure to high levels of ionizing proton radiation over the course of a mission lifetime. Pro, SEET, Cov
Mean Satellite Temperature using STK SEET    Determine the mean satellite temperature of a space vehicle using STK SEET. Pro, SEET
STK Analyzer
Performing Trade Studies Using Analyzer    Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your scenario. Pro, Analyzer
Performing Radar Analysis Using Analyzer    Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your Radar scenario. Pro, Analyzer, Radar
Performing Design of Experiments Using Analyzer    Learn how to use Analyzer’s Design of Experiments tool to vary two or more parameters in your scenario and observe the impact on an output. Pro, Analyzer, Coverage
Performing Communications Interference Trade Studies Using Analyzer    Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to analyze your Communications Interference scenario. Pro, Analyzer, Communications
Performing Communications Analysis Using Analyzer    Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your Communications Scenario. Pro, Analyzer, Communications
Performing Astrogator Trade Studies Using Analyzer    Learn how to use Analyzer with Astrogator. Pro, Analyzer, Astrogator
STK EOIR
Getting Started with EOIR    Learn how to set up an EO/IR sensor to track an object in space and determine the attitude profile of the target based on its light signature. Pro, EOIR
STK Scheduler
Getting Started with Scheduler    Learn how to solve the scheduling problem using the available deconfliction and optimization algorithms. Scheduler
STK SOLIS
Design an Attitude Profile for a Satellite Mission    Learn how to use STK SOLIS to design the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) including power, payload, and communication systems modeling for a satellite mission taking pictures of a mock natural disaster that occurred off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Pro, SOLIS

Problem-specific Tutorials

The Problem-specific tutorials are designed to solve a specific problem that could use a variety of STK modules and features to solve a problem.

Tutorial License Required
Basic Satellite Scenario Design in STK   Learn to use STK with this basic satellite imaging scenario. Skills Covered: STK Fundamentals, basic orbit progagation, Access STK (Free)
Where is the International Space Station?    Model a real-world satellite's orbit and the ability to view it overhead. Skills Covered: Sat DB, Constraints, Access Pro
Sensor Design in STK    Model the ability for a satellite and ground facility system to track an aircraft through the extensive use of sensors and access calculations. Skills Covered: Sensors, Orbit Propagation, Aircraft: Great Arc, Access Pro
Using STK Connect to Plan a Predator Mission    Model a Predator mission that photographs locations near Mt. St. Helens using STK Connect to help automate the process. Skills Covered: Connect Pro
Modeling near-real-time relays in STK    Model a complete satellite imaging system and its relay capability through the use of STK Chains to image a location that is visually enhanced with a KML model. Skills Covered: KML files in STK, Chains, and Constellations Pro
Getting started with STK Coverage    Use STK Coverage to model the area viewed by three satellites over the course of a day. Analyze the ability for the satellites to simultaneously cover an area and determine the amount of time locations are covered in a 24 hour period. Skills Covered: Coverage Pro, Cov
Modeling GPS Position Accuracy using STK Coverage    Use STK Coverage to model the area covered by an aircraft as it flies across the US. Additionally, model the ability of the aircraft to get accurate GPS measurements, along its route, during its flight. Skills Covered: Coverage, Single Object Coverage Pro, Cov
Position Accuracy in Mountainous Terrain    Determine the positional uncertainty of GPS measurements, pinpointing a ground location during simulated air strikes, in a mountainous area. Skills Covered: Terrain & Imagery, Access, GPS Satellites, Coverage Pro Cov
Satellite Constellation Design with STK Analyzer    Determine if a future satellite constellation can cover the ocean waters and if adjusting the requirements might lead to better results. Skills Covered: Coverage, Analyzer Pro, Cov, SatPro, Analyzer
Coverage Trade Study in Mountainous Terrain    Determine if two or four hiking observation posts can provide the same visual coverage of a hiking trail. Skills Covered: Coverage, Analyzer, Ground Operations, Terrain & Imagery Pro, Cov, Analyzer
Create a Multi-hop Communication Link    Model a ship's ability to communicate to another ship using a Ka-band signal and satellite S-band relay as it passes through the Panama Canal. Skills Covered: STK Communications Pro and Comm
STK Communications Filtering    Prioritize satellite communication using filtering in STK. Skills Covered: STK Communications Filtering Pro, Comm
GPS Jamming using Communications    Use STK Communications to determine the effect of jamming on communications. Skills Covered: STK Fundamentals, basic orbit propagation, Access Pro, Comm, Cov, TIREM
Tracking an Aircraft using Aviator and Radar    Model a UAV test to determine if a radar system can track the UAV, and, if an experimental tethered aerostat can jam the surveillance radar. Skills Covered: Terrain & Imagery, Aircraft modeling using Aviator, Radar modeling Pro, Aviator (AMM), TIREM, Radar
VTOL and Terrain Following using Aviator    Model a helicopter test flight in mountainous terrain. Skills Covered: Terrain & Imagery, VTOL modeling using Aviator, Terrain Following using Aviator Pro, Aviator (AMM)
Measuring Power Generation of Solar Panels on a Satellite    Perform long-term analysis of the potential power generation on-board of an aging satellite. Skills Covered: Solar Panel Tool Pro, Sat Pro
Introduction to Satellite Maneuver Planning with STK Astrogator    Identify an appropriate launch window for a satellite, and then, determine what would be required to circularize the orbit of the satellite once it separates from the launch vehicle. Skills Covered: Astrogator Pro, Astrogator
Will Terrain Obstruct My Ability to Detect a Low Flying Airborne Platform?    Build an STK scenario that will help you determine the placement of Blue Force mobile tracking radars that can search for and track a Red Force cruise missile headed towards base camp. Skills Covered:Pro, Comm Pro, Comm
Will My RF Receiver Experience Interference During a Range Test Flight?    Use STK to model a scenario that will determine if the XM satellites will interfere with the ship receiver’s ability to receive telemetry data from the test missile.Skills Covered: Comm Pro, Comm
STK 11 New Features Tutorial    Design a test plan at the Sea Range at Point Mugu, CA. This plan is used to test the performance of several systems on a next generation, multi-role, unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) Skills Covered: Aviator, Volumetric, Comm, Radar, Coverage Pro, AWB, Cov, Comm, Radar, Aviator (AMM)