Description | Example | Return Message | Group

Define (Planet)

Define the basic properties of a planet

Syntax

Define <PlanetObjectPath> {Method} <Parameters>

Description

The Define command allows you to define a planet and its ephemerides, by indicating the {Method} by which the planet will be defined and supplying the <Parameters> necessary to do so. Valid {Methods} and their associated <Parameters> are outlined below.

{Method} <Parameters>
CentralBody {CBName} [{EphemerisSource}] [Rename]
File "<FilePath.pe>"

Specify a planet ephemeris file, with a .pe extension.

{CBName} can be the name of any registered central body. Valid values for the optional {EphemerisSource} parameter are outlined in the following Table:

{EphemerisSource} Description
Default Use STK's internal definition of the celestial body to generate ephemeris. By default, STK's internal definition uses the DE file if available.
JPL DE430 database: ephemeris for each planet in the solar system plus Pluto, the Sun, and the Earth's Moon. Ephemerides, supplied by JPL, cover a time span from 1960 to 2060.
SPICE Use SPICE ephemeris file (*.bsp) has been loaded for this planet. All SPICE ephemeris files in the <STK install folder>\STKData\Spice and the <STK user area>\Config\Spice directories are loaded automatically when STK starts.
Analytic Use an analytic propagator. Available when orbital elements are known for the celestial body about its parent.

Use the optional Rename parameter if you want the Planet's name to be the same as that of the body it represents (e.g. you want to call Mars "Mars").

Note: The JPL option provides the location of the barycenter of a planetary system, whereas the SPICE toolkit option provides the location of the planet's center.

Example

Define */Planet/Planet1 CentralBody Jupiter

ReturnMessage

If activated, Connect returns an acknowledgement message.

Group Membership

This command belongs to the following group(s):

Stars & Planets

Version

9.0

STK Programming Interface 11.0.1