An interactive, web-based, near-Earth orbit visualization tool

An interactive, web-based, near-Earth orbit visualization tool

Kardol, Sven (TU Delft Aerospace Engineering)

Doornbos, E.N. (mentor)
Visser, P.N.A.M. (graduation committee)
Menicucci, A. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Aerospace Engineering | Astrodynamics & Space Missions

2018-10-02

Even though several orbit visualization tools exist, the ability to compare multiple satellite orbits or manipulate time are not readily available with the current tools. Furthermore, most other visualization tools require additional effort or installations to work properly. To address these issues with other tools an interactive, web-based, near-Earth orbit visualization tool was developed. This was done to answer the question: What are the uses of another interactive, web-based, near-Earth orbit visualization tool? After the development of the tool was completed, several use cases were examined. These use cases included visualizing constellations and space debris, reproducing the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 collision, visualizing special orbits for educational purposes, and the reproduction of an aurora event which involved SWARM and EPOP satellites. The tool provides its users with a wide range of functionality, while keeping it easy to use. The tool can be accessed on orbits.tudelft.nl and the source code can be found on https://gitlab.com/SvenKardol/OrbitVisualization-Tool.

Orbit visualization tool

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9be69727-0493-4595-92d8-c7598d8fb876

Student theses

master thesis

© 2018 Sven Kardol