Coordinate Type (Orbital Elements)
STK supports several different coordinate types. Each coordinate type is a unique representation of the position and velocity of a vehicle. Available coordinate types depend on what STK capabilities you are licensed for and the propagator selected. The parameters that you must define and the data that you must provide depend on the coordinate type that you choose.
Coordinate Type | Description |
---|---|
Classical / Keplerian | Use the traditional Keplerian orbital elements to specify the shape and size of an orbit. |
Cartesian | Enter the initial X, Y and Z position and velocity components of the satellite. |
Equinoctial | Use the center of the central body as the origin and the plane of the vehicle's orbit as the reference plane. |
Delaunay Variables | Use a set of canonical action-angle variables that is commonly used in general perturbation theories. |
Mixed Spherical | Use a variation of the spherical elements that combines central body fixed position parameters with inertial velocity parameters. |
Spherical | Define the path of an orbit using polar rather than rectangular coordinates. |
Geodetic | Available when using a Fixed coordinate system. |
Target Vector Incoming Asymptote | Used for hyperbolic arrival trajectories. |
Target Vector Outgoing Asymptote | Used for hyperbolic departure trajectories. |
B Plane | Used to target a specific position for hyperbolic arrival trajectories |
Reports and graphs are available for the above coordinate types, as well as for Kozai-Izsak and Brouwer-Lyddane Mean Elements.