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

   Follow - use this segment 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.

   Hold - use this segment 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.

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

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

   Maneuver - use this segment to model a spacecraft maneuver.

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

   Update - use this segment to change satellite properties to reflect changes that occur during the mission.

Segments That Affect the Execution of the MCS

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

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

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

   STOP - use this segment to control the execution of the Mission Control Sequence by halting execution of the MCS.

   Target Sequence - use this segment as a structural element to define maneuvers and propagations in terms of the goals they are intended to achieve.

Examples

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