STK Training

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 and Tutorials" filter in the search bar - to find specific tutorials (e.g. Communications).

Acquiring Licenses

While looking through the different trainings, you may notice the training requires a license. If you do not have a particular license, extend the Help menu while in STK and select License Viewer. Your available license will be listed in the viewer and you will know if you have the right licenses to complete the tutorial.

If you still are having trouble acquiring a license or have further questions, contact customer support at www.agi.com/support.

Level 1 - Beginner

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

Once you have completed these tutorials, you will be ready to take the free Level 1 STK Certification test! Visit www.agi.com/training-and-certification#cert/.

Tutorial	Capabilities
Lesson One: Build Scenarios (Design Reference Missions (DRM))     Learn how to create a scenario in STK.	STK Pro
Lesson Two: Objects and Properties     Learn how to add and modify STK objects to a scenario.	STK Pro
Lesson Three: Access Report and Graphs     Learn how to compute access between objects and generate reports on scenario data.	STK Pro
Lesson Four: Movies and Visual Data Files     Learn how to make a movie in STK.	STK Pro
Lesson Five: Introduction to Connect     Learn how to send Connect Commands in STK.	STK Pro

Level 2 - Advanced

The Level 2 - Advanced Training is a series of tutorials designed to take a user through STK's advanced capabilities.

Once you have completed these tutorials, you will be ready to take the level 2 STK Master Certification test! Visit www.agi.com/training-and-certification#cert/ (free for U.S. and Canada). Upon registration for the level 2 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 capabilities needed to complete the certification. This license is for use with STK 12.2 or older. If you are using STK 12.3 to complete the STK Certification test, please contact AGI Support at support@agi.com or 1-800-924-7244 for an updated license file.

Optional Third-Party Programs

Several of the tutorials use MATLAB, Python, and/or Excel. While not required to complete the tutorials, these programs are very useful to have when using STK. If you do not have these programs, you can open example files in a text editor to view the syntax.

Tutorial	Capabilities
Introduction to the Pro Capabilities     Learn how to add terrain and imagery to the scenario.	STK Pro
Customize Analysis with Analysis Workbench     Learn how to use STK's Analysis Workbench capability to build custom geometric, temporal, and logical operations through STK.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Compute Coverage Over Regions     Learn how to analyze global and regional coverage provided by various assets.	STK Pro, Coverage
Introduction to AzEl Mask Tool and Volumetrics     Learn how to use the AzEl Mask Tool and build a volumetric object.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Coverage
Perform Trade Studies with Analyzer     Learn how to use STK's Analyzer capability to automate STK trade studies and parametric analyses.	STK Pro, Analyzer
Introduction to Communications     Learn how to define and analyze detailed communication systems.	STK Pro, Communications
Introduction to Radar     Learn how to build radar system models to simulate and analyze system performance.	STK Pro, Radar, Coverage
Integrating STK with MATLAB     Learn how to control STK through an external application like MATLAB.	STK Pro, Integration
Integrating STK with Python     Learn how to control STK through an external application like Python.	STK Pro, Integration
Integrating STK with Excel     Learn how to control STK through an external application like Excel.	STK Pro, Integration
Model Aircraft Missions with Aviator     Learn how to model a sequence of curves parameterized by well known performance characteristics of aircraft.	STK Pro, Aviator
Introduction to Advanced CAT Tool     Learn how to use STK's Conjunction Analysis capability to avoid a satellite collision.	STK Pro, CAT
Design Trajectories with Astrogator     Learn how to use STK's Astrogator capability to place a satellite in orbit.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Air to Missile Observations with EOIR     Learn how to use STK's EOIR capability by modeling an air-to-air observation mission.	STK Pro, EOIR

Level 3 - Focused tutorials

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

If you are level 2 Master Certified, you will be ready to take the level 3 STK Grand Master Certification test! Visit www.agi.com/training-and-certification#cert/ (free for U.S. and Canada). The level 3 STK Grand Master Certification contains seven individual tracks that cover STK's specialized capabilities, focusing on different application areas. Upon registration for a level 3 Grand Master Certification track, you will receive an email confirmation with an attachment for a 14 day demo license. This license provides you access to all the capabilities needed to complete the track. Once you pass at least four tracks, you will become an STK Grand Master.

Feature-specific tutorials

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

Tutorial	Capabilities
Digital Mission Engineering (DME)
Constellation Design and Coverage     Use STK's Analyzer and Coverage capabilities to understand how you can maximize the level of coverage with a global network of satellites.	STK Pro, SatPro, Analyzer, Optimizer, Coverage
Hypersonics and EOIR     Use externally created CFD results to populate the performance model of an aircraft.	STK Pro, Aviator, Aviator Pro, EOIR
Comm Analysis and Antenna Patterns, Events, and Time Components     Use STK's Analyzer and Coverage capabilities to design a satellite constellation.	STK Pro, SatPro, Comm, Analysis Workbench, Aviator, Aviator Pro, EOIR
STK Pro
Taking Pictures in STK     Learn how to take pictures using STK.	STK Pro
Making Movies and Working with STK Models     A quick overview on how to create video output inside STK using STK models.	STK Pro
Using Globe Manager in STK    Add and manage terrain, imagery, KML, and ArcGIS files using Globe Manager	STK Pro
Using External Terrain Data     Learn how to use STK Image and Terrain Converters to generate STK visualization files.	STK Pro
Using Chains and Constellations     Introduction on how to use Chains and Constellations in STK.	STK Pro
Using the STK AzEl Mask Tool     Create a body mask (BMSK) file using the AzEl Mask tool.	STK Pro
Working with Multitrack Objects     Introduction to Multitrack objects (MTO).	STK Pro
Analysis Workbench
Using the Calculation Tool     Introduction to the Calculation tool and the various Calculation objects.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Using the Time Tool     Introduction to the Time tool and the various Time components.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Working with Vectors in the Vector Geometry Tool     Introduction to the types of vectors used in STK for visualization.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Determine a Global Positioning System Satellite Eclipse Period     Use Vector Geometry and Calculation tools to determine when a GPS satellite enters an eclipse period.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Importing External Data Files Into STK     How to use STK to import external data files.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench
Communications/Radar (Comm)
Communications Part 1: Introduction to STK Communications     Learn how to use reports and graphs to receive information about your communication objects.	STK Pro, Communications
Communications Part 2: Introduction to RF Environment, System Noise Temperature and Terrain     .	STK Pro, Communications
Communications Part 3: Introduction to Analyzing Digital and Analog Transponders     You will use STK's Communications capability 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.	STK Pro, Communications
Communications Part 4: Introduction to the Terrain Integrated Rough Earth Model (TIREM)     Learn how to use TIREM for STK's Communications capability.	STK Pro, TIREM, Communications
Communications Part 5: Introduction to Modeling Propagation Loss in an Urban Environment     Analyze communications between a patrol vehicle and a command post in a city environment using Urban Propagation.	STK Pro, Communications, Coverage, UProp
Ansys HFSS and STK for Communications and Radar Analysis     Learn how to create custom antenna and radar cross section (RCS) files to obtain a realistic simulation.	STK Pro, Communications, Radar
Introduction to Communications Graphics     This walkthrough introduces you to some of the 2D and 3D graphics capabilities available in STK's Communications capability.	STK Pro, Communications
Using Communication Constraints to Design Communication Links     Impose communication constraints on a Comm system to see the effects those constraints have on performance.	STK Pro, Communications
Introduction to Radio Frequency Interference Analysis     Introduces the CommSystem object and the setup and use in the analysis of RF interference phenomena	STK Pro, Communications
Using CommSystem Object Link Definitions     You will use STK's Communications capability to model a CommSystem object and analyze multiple link criteria. You will use link budget results to select the best communications link.	STK Pro, Communications, SatPro
Evaluate Laser Communication Links     You will use the Beer-Bouguer-Lamber Law and the MODTRAN Table Laser Atmospheric Absorption Loss Models to design laser communication links.	STK Pro, Communications
Introduction to Multifunction Radar     Model and use multiple beams to scan search zones and track targets using STK's Multifunction radar.	STK Pro, Radar
Introduction to Syntehic Aperture Radar     You will analyze the SAR signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the target area.	STK Pro, Radar, Coverage
Using the Scalable Network Modeling Interface to Analyze Communications Network Performance     You will use the Scalable Network Modeling Interface to analyze network performance throughout the mission.	STK Pro, Communications
Introduction to STK Radar     You will model an airport surveillance system and then measure the effects of clutter and interference on your system.	STK Pro, Communications
Integration
Using Python Plugin Points     Python plugin points allow you to specify a python file to be used as a plugin. You will use two installed example scripts to explore this feature.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Integration
Volumetric
Using the Spatial Analysis Tool with the Volumetric Object     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.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Coverage
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.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Coverage
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 the Using MATLAB to Convert .CSV to .hdf5 lesson to learn how to easily convert large data files to .hdf5 type as well as properly format object properties within the .hdf5 file.	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Coverage
Aviator
Aviator     Define aircraft properties and missions using both STK 3D Object Editing capability and the Aviator interface.	STK Pro, Aviator
Formation Flyer and Aircraft Refueling with Aviator     simulate, visualize, and analyze an aircraft airborne refueling mission using Aviator.	STK Pro, Aviator
Astrogator
Hohmann Transfer     Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Hohmann Transfer Using Targeter     Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Fast Transfer Using Targeter     Transfer a satellite from a low Earth parking orbit to an outer circular orbit.	STK 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.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Moon Mission Using B-Plane Targeting     Model a mission to the Moon, including a Trans-Lunar Injection sequence that targets on the lunar b-plane.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Mars Probe     Use a Target Sequence to insert a spacecraft into an orbit about Mars.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Astrogator LEO Rendezvous and Proximity Operations     Model a mission of a satellite approaching another satellite.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) Setup     Use Astrogator's pre-built RPO sequences to model an RPO mission in GEO.	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
Set an Initial Guess with the Scripting Tool     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.	STK 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.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Introduction to Autosequences     Learn how to raise the apogee and perigee of a satellite using automatic sequences.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Spiral to GEO Using an Optimal Finite Maneuver     Learn to use Astrogator's low thrust capability by moving a satellite from a spiral orbit to a GEO orbit.	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
Maintaining GEO Slot     Learn how to design and perform station keeping using Autosequences to maintain a GEO slot.	STK Pro, Astrogator
Mission to Sun-Earth L1     Learn how to model a mission to Sun-Earth L1 point.	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
Circular Restricted Three-body Problem (CR3BP) Configuration     Learn how to build custom coordinate systems and central bodies to solve the Earth Moon Circular Restricted 3-body Problem (CR3BP).	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
Lambert Profile LEO to GEO     Explore the solution space of transfers from LEO to GEO.	STK Pro, Astrogator
State Transition Matrix (STM) Primer     Calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors using STK and examine an application of the Lambert Search Profile.	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
Finite Maneuvers with Astrogator     Learn how to properly configure the Finite Maneuver segment in order to take into account specific constraints.	STK Pro, Astrogator, Analysis Workbench
SatPro
Basic Satellite Design in STK Using SatPro     Create a group of satellites that provide 24 hour coverage over a location on the ground.	STK Pro, SatPro
Large Constellation Coverage and Conjunction Consideration     Learn how to build large satellite constellations and use them for Coverage and conjunction analysis.	STK Pro, SatPro, Coverage, CAT, Communications
Coverage
Using Coverage     Learn to use two objects provided by STK's Coverage capability - the coverage definition object and the figure of merit - to define and evaluate the coverage of a region of interest, given available coverage assets	STK Pro, Coverage
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.	STK Pro, Coverage
Space Environment Effects Tool (SEET)
Determine Magnetic Conjugacy with SEET     Determine the local magnetic vector location along the orbit and the times when the spacecraft location is magnetically conjugate to a ground station.	STK Pro, SEET
Particle Impacts with SEET     Determine the degree of exposure to potentially damaging debris and meteoroid impacts over the course of a mission lifetime.	STK Pro, SEET
Radiation Environment with SEET     Determine the radiation environmental effects on a satellite using STK's SEET.	STK Pro, SEET, Coverage
Radiation Environment GCR and SEP     Determine the radiation environmental effects on a satellite using STK's SEET.	STK Pro, SEET
Ionizing Radiation from the South Atlantic Anomaly (SSA) Using SEET     Determine the amount of exposure to high levels of ionizing proton radiation over the course of a mission lifetime.	STK Pro, SEET
Mean Satellite Temperature Using SEET     Determine the mean satellite temperature of a space vehicle using STK's SEET.	STK Pro, SEET
Analyzer
Performing Trade Studies Using Analyzer     Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your scenario.	STK Pro, Analyzer
Performing Radar Analysis Using Analyzer     Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your radar scenario.	STK Pro, Analyzer, Radar
Performing Design of Experiments Using Analyzer     Learn how to use the Design of Experiments tool available with STK's Analyzer capability to vary two or more parameters in your scenario and observe the impact on an output.	STK Pro, Analyzer, Coverage, Optimizer
Performing Communications Analysis Using Analyzer     Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to optimize your communications scenario.	STK Pro, Analyzer, Communications, Coverage
Performing Communications Interference Trade Studies Using Analyzer     Learn how to parametrically explore the STK design space to analyze your communications interference scenario.	STK Pro, Analyzer, Communications, Coverage
Performing Trade Studies Using Analyzer and Aviator     Learn how to use STK's Analyzer capability with STK's Astrogator capability.	STK Pro, Analyzer, Astrogator
Performing Aircraft Mission Planning Using Analyzer	STK Pro, Analyzer, Aviator
Analyzer and the Multifunction Radar Object     You will use STK's Analyzer capability to examine how various input variables affect a multifunction radar's tracking of an aircraft.	STK Pro, Radar, Analyzer
Satellite Constellation Design with Analyzer     Determine if a future satellite constellation can cover the land masses and if adjusting the requirements might lead to better results. Skills Covered: STK Pro, Coverage, Analyzer, Constellations	STK Pro, Coverage, 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	STK Pro, Coverage, Analyzer
EOIR
Ground-based SSA with EOIR     Learn how to set up an EOIR sensor in STK to track an object in space and determine the attitude profile of the target based on its light signature.	STK Pro, EOIR, SatPro
LEO to GEO Space Surveillance with EOIR     Learn to model an EOIR sensor in STK on a LEO satellite to evaluate the total duration of GEO surveillance.	STK Pro, EOIR
Cloud Modeling with EOIR     Learn to model a geosynchronous weather satellite and what weather patterns it can see from orbit.	STK Pro, EOIR
Wildfire Imaging with EOIR	STK Pro, EOIR
Sensor Calibration and Ground Imaging with EOIR     Learn to create a realistic model of a ground imaging sensor from reference images.	STK Pro, EOIR
Scheduler
Getting Started with Scheduler     Learn how to solve the scheduling problem using the available deconfliction and optimization algorithms.	Scheduler
SOLIS
Design an Attitude Profile for a Satellite Mission     Learn how to use STK's SOLIS capability 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.	STK Pro, SOLIS
Enterprise Data Services (SEDS)
Using the SDF to Store, Collaborate, and Share Your Work     Learn how to use STK with your organization's private, on-premises SDF.	STK Pro

Problem-specific Tutorials

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

Tutorial	Capabilities
Basic Satellite Scenario Design in STK    Learn to use STK with this basic satellite imaging scenario. Skills Covered: STK Fundamentals, basic orbit propagation, Access	STK Pro
Introduction to STK     Model a real-world satellite's orbit and the ability to view it overhead. Skills Covered: Sat DB, Constraints, Access	STK 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	STK Pro
Drive STK with Connect Commands and Excel     Model a Predator mission that photographs locations near Mt. St. Helens using STK Connect to help automate the process. Skills Covered: Connect	STK Pro
Modeling Near-real-time Relays in STK     Model a complete satellite imaging system and its relay capability through the use of Chain objects to image a location that is visually enhanced with a KML model. Skills Covered: KML files in STK, Chains, and Constellations	STK Pro
Satellite Collection Object: How to Use External Files     Analyze multiple satellites with the Satellite Collection object and use metadata and subsets to further your analysis.	STK Pro
Satellite Collection Object: Using SP3 Files     Analyze a group of satellites as a single object using SP3 files.	STK Pro
Getting Started with Coverage     Use STK's Coverage capability 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	STK Pro, Coverage
Modeling GPS Position Accuracy Using Coverage     Use STK's Coverage capability 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	STK Pro, Coverage
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	STK Pro, Coverage
Create a Multihop 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: Communications	STK Pro, Communications
STK Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Filters     Prioritize satellite communication using filtering in STK. Skills Covered: Communications Filtering	STK Pro, Communications
Electromagnetic Spectrum Analysis    Build a scenario that simulates a portion for a proposed constellation of LEO satellites and determine if any of those satellites interupt data transferred between a GEO satellite and a ship. Skills Covered: STK Pro, Spectrum Analyzer, Constellations, Comm	STK Pro, SatPro, Communications
Carrier to Noise Ratio in the LEO, MEO, and GEO Zones    Use the Comm System object to determine communications with the LEO satellites and the Volumetrics object to visualize potential radio frequency (RF) in the LEO, MEO and GEO volume of space. Skills Covered: STK Pro, Volumetrics, Constellations, Comm, Chains, Analysis Workbench	STK Pro, Analysis Workbench, Aviator, Communications, Coverage, SatPro, Volumetrics
GPS Reception and Interference     Use STK's Communications capability to determine the effect of jamming on communications. Skills Covered: STK Fundamentals, basic orbit propagation, Access	STK Pro, Communications
Radar Tracking and Jamming     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	STK Pro, Aviator, TIREM, Radar
Aviator VTOL and Terrain Following     Model a helicopter test flight in mountainous terrain. Skills Covered: Terrain & Imagery, VTOL modeling using Aviator, Terrain Following using Aviator	STK Pro, Aviator
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	STK Pro, SatPro
Introduction to Satellite Maneuver Planning with 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	STK 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	STK Pro
Will My RF Receiver Experience Interference During a Range Test Flight?     In order to keep your satellites safe, you need to analyze any possible conjunctions with other satellites.Skills Covered: Comm	STK Pro, Communications, Radar
Quadcopter Design and Performance Analysis Over Terrain     Design a quadcopter using STK's Aviator Pro capability that models and analyzes a communication tower. Skills Covered: Cov, Aviator Pro, Constraints, Access	STK Pro, Aviator Pro, Communications, TIREM
Analyzing Potential Satellite Conjunctions     Use the Conjunction Analysis Tool to analyze a potential satellite conjunction. Skills Covered: Conjunction Analysis	STK Pro, CAT
Assessing the Threat of a Collision Using the Advanced CAT Tool     Two satellites are in close proximity of each other. You want to determine the distance between the objects at the time of closest approach based on a fixed threat volume and object location and the probability of a collision. Skills Covered: AdvCAT	STK Pro, CAT
Evaluate HF Communication Links     You want to determine high frequency (HR) communication link budgets. You will use STK's Communications capability and the VOACAP Radio Requency Environmental Model to take sky wave propagation, sunlight / darkness at the transmission and reception sites, season, sunspots, and solar activity into consideration. Skills Covered: Pro, Comm, Cov	STK Pro, Communications, Coverage