Will The Martian Space Vehicle Return To Earth?

Will the Martian Space Vehicle
Return to Earth?
In a space exploration mission, you are preparing for a return from Mars. You are
designated designer of the route from Martian launch to Martian orbit to Earth targeting
and capture. In this exercise, you will design that mission and use it to look at::
Model a Martian launch.

Use STK/Astrogator to target various stages of space flight.
Use SOCRATES to identify satellites that are at risk of collision.
Usethe Vector Geometry Tool (VGT) to construct various components from which you
can create customized planes and angles.
Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?
Problem Statement
In preparation for the manned missions to Mars, the United States is planning
a Martian mission that will fly to Mars, land, and then return the sample to the
international space station in Earth orbit. After a successful landing on the
surface of Mars, the space vehicle is now ready to return. Before doing so, you
must model the Martian launch, orbit and return to Earth, ending in a phasing
orbit relative to the station.
BREAK IT DOWN
The mission plan is to wait to launch when the Mars velocity vector is
roughly aligned with the launch orbit plane to ensure the spacecraft is
targeted in the right direction.
The Mars mission will launch from the surface of Mars at the location of
the original Martian landing--Martian latitude 67 degrees, longitude 80
degrees and altitude 0 degrees around 21 Jun 2020 at 12:00:00 UTC.
The burnout will be at the fixed velocity of 3.299 km/sec.
In order to assist the targeting of the outgoing asymptotes, the launch
should take place roughly when Mars heliocentric velocity vector lies in
the plane of the initial satellite orbit.
Using the Jaqar Swing-by Calculator (http://www.jaqar.com/swingby.html),
you estimated values that will help you model the proper angles and energy.
A mid-course maneuver will correct the trajectory so it passes Earth at the
correct distance.
Aerobraking is used to capture into an earth orbit.
A phasing orbit relative to the station is targeted.
SOLUTION
Build a STK Scenario that uses STK/Astroator to plan a mission that will
launch a spacecraft from the surface of Mars and bring it back to Earth.
Model the World!

To speed things up and allow you to focus on the portion of this exercise that
teaches you to design orbit maneuvers and spacecraft trajectories in STK/
Astrogator, a partially developed scenario has been provided for you. Lets open
that now.
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WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?
1. Launch STK ( ).
2. Click the Open a Scenario button when the Welcome to STK window
appears.
3. Browse to C:\Training\STK\SpaceExploration.
4. Select MarsReturn.vdf.
5. Click Open.
6. Save the new scenario in your student area (C:\My Documents\STK 9).
In doing so, create a unique folder and rename the new folder and the
scenario file (*.sc) MarsReturn.
When you open the scenario, you will find the following objects:
TABLE 1.
OBJECT
DESCRIPTION
Earth
Models various planets for geometries and targeting.
Mars
Sun
SpaceStation
Satellite representing a nominal space station orbit.
The scenario also has the following three views already set up:
TABLE 2.
OBJECT
DESCRIPTION
3D Graphics - Mars
View of the Martian surface.
3D Graphics - Sun
View of the solar surface.
3D Graphics - Earth
Traditional Earth view.
Model a Spacecraft
The first thing we need to do is model the spacecraft that will be making the
trip back from Mars.
1. Open the Insert STK Object Tool ( ) if it is not already.
2. Use the Insert Default ( ) method to insert an satellite ( ) object named
SampleReturn.
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OBJECT GRAPHICS
Before you start configuring your spacecraft, lets make some adjustments to
its display in the visualization windows.
Open SampleReturns ( ) properties ( ).
Select the 3D Graphics - Pass page.
Change the Lead Type for the Orbit Track to All.
Click Apply.
Select the 3D Graphics - Model page.
Move the slider for Marker, Label; Marker; and Point all the way to the right.
You will now see these things at a far distance.
7. Click Apply.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
SELECT A PROPAGATOR
1. Select the Basic - Orbit page.
2. Change the Propagator selected to an Astrogator propagator.
3. Click Apply.
What Is Astrogator?
STK/Astrogator is an interactive orbit maneuver and space mission planning
tool for use by spacecraft operations and mission analysis staff that offers
wide flexibility through the use of customized thrust models, finite and
impulsive maneuvers, and the ability to solve for solutions with a differential
corrector targeter. You can use Astrogator for a variety of space mission
analyses, such as:
Formation flying, rendezvous planning, constellation design, space-based
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intercept.
Interplanetary, lunar, and libration point trajectories.
GEO, LEO, HEO, Sun-Sync orbit maintenance requirements.
Automated planning of event-driven maneuvers.
Monte Carlo and other script driven analyses.
Incorporating fully customizeable force, engine, and atmospheric models.
High, low, and variable-thrust trajectories.
MISSION CONTROL SEQUENCE

One of the first things that you will notice on the Astrogator propagator is the
Mission Control Sequence (MCS). The MCS is the core of your space mission
scenario. The MCS functions as a graphical programming language, utilizing
mission segments that dictate how Astrogator will build the trajectory of the
spacecraft.
FIGURE 1.
Mission Control Sequence
By adding, removing, rearranging, and editing MCS Segments, you can define a
mission of any desired level of complexity. The MCS is represented
schematically by a tree structure appearing in the left pane of the Orbit page of
the satellite's basic properties.
MCS CONTROLS
The Astrogator propagator includes a full set of controls that can be used for
inserting, deleting, copying, and editing segments.
FIGURE 2.
Mission Control Sequence (MCS) controls
Model the Martian Launch

Our first goal is to launch from Mars by leaving the surface and then coasting
in a Martian orbit before maneuvering and reaching an escape orbit. Well
model each piece--launch and propagate, then maneuver and propagate. That
being the case, we dont need the default initial state segment.
1. Select the default Initial State segment ( ) in the MCS tree.
2. Click the ( ) button.
3. When the delete warning appears, click OK.
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4. Select the Propagate segment ( ).

5. Click the ( ) button.
6. When the delete warning appears, click OK.
ADD A LAUNCH SEGMENT

The first steps for leaving Mars is to target the launch from the surface and
get the spacecraft heading in the right direction. The mission plan is to wait to
launch when the Mars velocity vector is roughly aligned with the launch orbit
plane to ensure the spacecraft travels towards Earth.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Right-click the Return segment ( ) in the MCS tree.

Select Insert Segment ( ).
When the segment selection dialog appears, select Launch ( ).
Click OK.
Press F2.
Rename the new segment MarsLaunch.
LAUNCH PARAMETERS
According to what you know, the Mars mission will launch from the surface
of Mars (zero altitude) at Martian coordinates 67 degrees latitude by 80
degrees longitude around June 21, 2020 at 12:00:00. You need to set up the
launch so that it leaves Mars at the correct time from the correct location.
Lets do that now
1. Select MarsLaunch ( ) in the MCS tree. When you select a segment in the
MCS tree, its properties display in the panel to the right.
2. Set the following Launch parameters:
TABLE 3. MarsLaunch
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Launch parameters
OPTION
VALUE
Central Body
Mars
Launch
Geodetic
Epoch
21 Jun 2020 12:00:00 UTCG
Latitude
67 deg
Longitude
80 deg
Altitude
0 km
BURNOUT VELOCITY
The default values for the Astrogator launch segment yield a circular orbit at
300 km altitude for Earth. In order to enter a 300 km circular orbit around
Mars, the burnout velocity should be changed to 3.299 km/sec. Let's let
Astrogator know that too.
1. Click the Burnout Velocity button.
2. Set the following Burnout parameters:
TABLE 4. MarsLaunch
Burnout parameters
OPTION
VALUE
Burnout Options
Use Fixed Velocity
Fixed Velocity
3.299 km/sec
3. Leave all other default values, and click OK.

FIGURE 3.
MarsLaunch properties
Model the Coast to the Martian Orbit

The first segment in the target sequence models the launch from the surface
of Mars. You want the spacecraft to coast to the maneuver location. At the
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maneuver location the engine will fire and put the spacecraft on a path back to
Earth. You need to add a propagate segment that models the spacecraft
coasting in Martian orbit. This will take the spacecraft from the burnout state
to the proper maneuver time. In order to do this, we need to create a custom
propagator to use in modeling the propagate segment. Lets do that now.
The Component Browser

The Astrogator Component Browser is a powerful tool that enables you to redefine
components of your space mission analysis and create new ones. The
components are organized into groups listed in a tree structure.
1. Select the Component Browser ( ) option from SampleReturns menu.
The Componet Browser can also be found from the Utilities menu in
the STK Workspace.
2. Select the Astrogator Components in the Show menu.

3. Take a look at the components in the Component Browser.
The components are organized into groups listed in a tree structure in the left
pane of the component browser. Individual components in a given group or
subgroup are displayed in the right pane when you click the corresponding
folder or subfolder in the left pane.
CUSTOMIZE COMPONENTS
In order to correctly propagate a satellite around Mars, youll need to create a
customized propagator. We can do that using the Component Browser.When you
select Propagators in the tree, all available components will display in the table
on the right.
4. Expand the Propagators in the Component Tree.
5. Select Previous Versions.
6. Select Earth Full RKF.
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FIGURE 4.
Propagator components
Components with Orange and Yellow icons cannot be edited. You must
duplicate the yellow component before you can customize it.
Components with green icons are customized by a user and can be
edited or removed.
7. Click the Duplicate button.

8. Name the new propagator Mars Full RKF.
9. Click OK.
EDIT THE PROPAGATOR

In order to correctly propagate a satellite around Mars, we need to create a
Mars-specific propagator that uses a Mars gravity field, the Sun as a third
body perturbation, and solar radiation pressure as another perturbation. Lets
do that now.
1. Scroll down the components list to locate the new propagator (Mars Full
RKF) in the components list. It should be green.
2. Double-click Mars Full RKF ( ) in the components list.
3. When the Propagator definition window opens, ensure that the Propagator
Function tab is selected.
4. Change the Central Body to Mars. When you change the central body, the
Gravitational Force is automatically updated with respect to the selected
body.
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5. Select Moon in the list of propagator functions. A Mars propagator does

not need to consider the Moon.
6. Click the Remove button.
FIGURE 5.
Mars propagator definition
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK to close the Components Browser.
Propagate Segment Properties

Now, you can use the new propagator in the propagate segment to model the
spacecrafts coast into the Martian orbit.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

When the segment selection dialog appears, select Propagate ( ).
Click OK.
Open the Propagate Segments properties ( ).
Enter the following:
TABLE 5. Mars
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coast segment properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
MarsCoast
Color
Select a color that isnt being used by any segment.
7. Click OK.
8. Select MarsCoast ( ) in the MCS tree.
Here well take an initial guess at the Trip value, which, in this instance,
represents the length of time that the spacecraft will have to propagate to
reach the next segment. Later, well target that value and let Astrogator adjust it
for us.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Click the button to change the Propagator.

Expand the Previous Versions directory.
Set the Propagator to Mars Full RKF.
Click OK.
Set the Trip to one (1) hr.
Add a Maneuver Segment

Thus far, you have modeled the launch from the surface and the coast into the
Martian orbit. The next step is to add the maneuver that will help you reach
the escape orbit.
1. Use the same process to add a Maneuver segment ( ) after the MarsCoast
Propagate segment ( ).
2. Change the name of the Maneuver segment ( ) to EscapeMnvr.
There is no need to change the color of the maneuver. You will not be able to
see it in the visualization windows.
THRUST VECTOR
The term thrust vector is used to describe the direction of acceleration applied
to the satellite. This direction is opposite to the exhaust of an engine. For
example, for a single chemical rocket engine mounted to a satellite, the thrust
vector is opposite to the direction of the flames.
If multiple engines are being used together in a thruster set, the thrust vector
is along the direction of the overall effective acceleration. This is determined
by calculating the acceleration vector of each individual thruster, with both
the direction and magnitude. The thrust vector is then calculated along the
direction of the vector to be the sum of all the acting acceleration vectors.
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ATTITUDE PARAMETERS
You know you need to leave Martian gravity. Burning in the velocity direction
with respect to Mars is the most efficient way to attempt to leave Martian
gravity using an impulsive maneuver with one burn. Well add a Delta-V
maneuver that is along the direction of the spacecraft velocity with respect to
Mars, which is the X direction of the VNC (Mars) frame.
Here, again, well take an initial guess at the X velocity value needed to get us
out of Martian gravity. Later, well target this value and let Astrogator adjust it
for us.
1. Select EscapeMnvr ( ) in the MCS tree.
2. Ensure that the Attitude tab is selected.
3. Set the following:
TABLE 6. Escape
maneuver attitude definition
OPTION
VALUE
Altitude Control
Thrust Vector
Thrust Axes
VNC (Mars)
X(Velocity)
3 km/sec
Add a Second Propagate Segment

Now, you need to add a second propagate segment that will take the
spacecraft roughly to the Mars sphere of influence (SOI) boundary which is
where the midcourse maneuver should occur.
1. Use the same process to add a second Propagate segment ( ) after the
Maneuver ( ).
2. Double-click the new Propagate segment ( ).
3. Enter the following:
TABLE 7. Leave
OPTION
VALUE
Name
LeaveMarsSOI
Color
4. Click OK.
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Mars SOI segment properties
DEFINE THE PROPERTIES OF THE SECOND PROPAGATOR

Well use our customized Mars propagator, and a fifteen (15) day trip, as that
is a good estimate of the time that it will take to travel from launch to the
Mars SOI boundary. Later, well target this value, and let Astrogator adjust it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Select LeaveMarsSOI ( ) in the MCS tree.

Change the Propagator to Mars Full RKF.
Click the Insert... button.
Select the R Magnitude item ( ).
Click OK to add the new Stopping Condition to the table.
Set the following:
TABLE 8. Leave
Mars SOI stopping conditions
OPTION
VALUE
Trip
580,000 km
Coord System
Mars J2000
7. Select the Duration stopping condition in the table.

Change Your Perspective

You can take a look at your mission so far. Lets do that.
1. Click Run ( ).
2. Bring the 3D Graphics - Mars window to the front.
3. Mouse around until you can clearly see the various segments that make up
the portion of the orbit where the spacecraft is leaving Mars.
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FIGURE 6.
3D View: Martian launch sequence
The color of each segment in the orbit coincides with the color of the
segment in the MCS tree.
Create a Target Sequence

Our first goal is to launch from Mars by leaving the surface and then coasting
in a Martian orbit before maneuvering and reaching an escape orbit. Youve
already modeled each segment--launch and propagate, then maneuver and
propagate. Lets put them inside a target sequence that will target specific
goals, and let Astrogator solve for the control values to achieve those goals.
In order to assist the targeting of the outgoing asymptotes, the launch should
take place roughly when Mars heliocentric velocity vector lies in the plane of
the initial satellite orbit. We'll use Vector Geometry Tool to create three
different geometric elements that will help us model this relationship.
Vector Geometry Tool

The Vector Geometry Tool (VGT) enables you to define elements used in
constructing coordinate systems, vectors, axes, and points, as well as angles
and planes. These structures and elements are then added to the standard
structure and elements available to display in the 3D Graphics and 3D Attitude
Graphics, and to use as Astrogator calculation objects.
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CREATE THE ORBIT NORMAL VECTOR

First, well create the spacecrafts orbit normal vector from the satellite.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Select SampleReturn ( ) in the STK Object Browser.

Open on the Vector Geometry Tool ( ).
Ensure that SampleReturn ( ) is selected in the tree.
Click the Create New Vector... ( ) button.
Set the following definition values:
TABLE 9. Mars
orbit normal vector definition
OPTION
VALUE
Name
Orbit Normal (Mars)
Description
Spacecraft orbit normal vector.
Type
Orbit Normal
Central Body
Mars
6. Leave all other default values.

7. Click OK to add the new vector.
CREATE THE ORBITAL PLANE

The second element that we need to create is the spacecrafts orbit plane with
respect to Mars. The orbital plane is defined as the plane perpendicular to
normal to the satellites orbital angular momentum; therefore, you will use the
Normal type for the plane that you create. We need to
1. Ensure that SampleReturn ( ) is selected in the tree.
2. Click the Create New Plane... ( ) button.
3. Set the following parameters:
TABLE 10. Mars
orbit plane definition
OPTION
VALUE
Name
Orbit Plane (Mars)
Description
Satellite orbit plane about Mars.
Type
Normal
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Define the Normal Vector

1. Click the Select... button under Normal Vector.
2. Expand the tree as follows:
... SampleReturn
... Orbit Normal (Mars)
3. Select the Orbit Normal (Mars) vector that you just created.
4. Click OK.
Define the Reference Vector

1. Click the Select... button under Reference Vector.
... Mars
... J2000
... X
3. Select the Mars J2000 X vector.
4. Click OK.
Define the Reference Point

1. Click the Select... button under Reference Point.
... Mars
... Center
3. Select the Mars Center point.
You can select Mars Center from either instance of Mars in the
elements tree.
4. Click OK.
5. Click OK to add the new plane.
CREATE THE ANGLE BETWEEN

Finally, create the angle between the velocity vector and the orbital plane.
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1. Click the Create New Angle... ( ) button.

2. Set the following definition criteria:
TABLE 11. Mars
orbit plane angle definition
OPTION
VALUE
Name
Orbit Plane Angle (Mars)
Description
Angle between the Mars velocity vector and the spacecrafts

orbital plane.
Type
To Plane
The To Plane type is defined as the angle from a vector (reference vector) to a
plane (reference plane).
Select the Reference Vector

1. Click the Select... button under Reference Vector.
... Mars
... Velocity
3. Select the Mars Velocity vector.
4. Click OK.
Select the Reference Plane

1. Click the Select... button under Reference Plane.
... SampleReturn
... Orbit Plane (Mars)
3. Select the Mars Orbit Plane.
4. Click OK.
5. When you return to the Angle properties, enable the Signed Positive Toward
Plane Normal option.
6. Click OK.
7. Close the Vector Geometry Tool ( ).
You have created the necessary targeting geometries for your mission. Now,
we can apply them to the segments in the target sequence.
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Target Sequence Profiles

The default Target Sequence profile is Differential Corrector which is what well be
using here. The Differential Corrector search profile targets specific values
defined as independent variables. The target sequence will change the value of
independent variables as needed to achieve the goal defined by the dependent
variables, utilizing a differential correction algorithm. You can find more in
depth information about the differential correction algorithm in the Astrogator
help system.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

When the segment selection dialog appears, select Target Sequence ( ).
Click OK.
When you return to Astrogator, the new target sequence will be listed in the
MCS tree.
6. Click on the name of the Target Sequence ( ) to make it editable.
7. Change the name to MartianLaunch.
ADD THE SEGMENTS TO THE TARGET SEQUENCE

1. Expand ( ) the MartianLaunch target sequence ( ).
2. When you expand MartianLaunch ( ) you will see a Return segment ( ).
3. Drag the MarsLaunch segment ( ) and drop it inside the target
sequence ( ) before the Return segment ( ).
4. Use the same process to add the remaining segments to the target
sequence.
5. Ensure that they are arranged in the following order:
... MarsLaunch
... MarsCoast
... EscapeMnvr
... LeaveMarsSOI
Linking Independent Variables

Any element of a nested MCS segment or linked component that is available
for selection as an independent variable will be identified by a target icon ( )
appearing beside it. To select a given element as an independent variable,
simply click the associated target icon. Your selection will be confirmed by the
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appearance of a check mark over the icon ( ). Linking independent variables

allows the selected value to be changed by a search profile to achieve targeting
goals.
LAUNCH VARIABLES
Well set the independent variables for the launch segments so that we can use
them in the search profile. Allowing Astrogator to adjust these values for us
will help ensure that the spacecraft is headed in the correct direction.
1. Select MarsLaunch ( ) in the MCS tree to display its properties.
2. Click the target icon ( ) beside the Launch Epoch to mark it as an
independent variable.
Results
Beneath the MCS tree is a Results... button, which allows you to specify
calculation objects to be reported and targeted for each segment. Clicking this
button will open the User-Selected Results window, in which you can select
calculation objects to include in the summary report for the currently selected
segment, and to target when defining a search profile for the target sequence.
TARGET THE LAUNCH

You want to target the launch so the spacecrafts orbital plane is aligned with
Mars velocity vector. You will add that angle now.
1. Select MarsLaunch ( ).
2. Click the Results... button below the MCS tree.
3. Expand the component tree as follows:
... Vector
... Angle
4. Double-click the Angle component ( ). When you double-click a
component in the tree, Astrogator will display information about that
component on the right hand side of the panel.
5. Change the name to Orbit Plane Angle (Mars).
6. Double-click the Angle value under Component Details.
7. When the reference selection dialog appears, expand the tree as follows:
... SampleReturn
... Orbit Plane Angle (Mars)
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8. Select Orbit Plane Angle (Mars) ( ).

9. Click OK.
10. Click OK to dismiss the Results window for MarsLaunch ( ).
FIGURE 7.
User selected results window
Search Profiles
Search profiles define goals and modify variables to achieve them. There are
two types of search profiles you can use in a target sequence--differential
correctors and plugins. The differential corrector profile targets specific
values - defined as independent variables. The target sequence will change the
value of independent variables as needed to achieve the goal defined by the
dependent variables, utilizing a differential correction algorithm.
Dependent variables are defined in terms of Astrogator's extensive repertoire
of calculation objects. The selections that appear here were selected in the
User-Selected Results window for that segment accessed via the Results... button.
Calculation objects are selected for dependent variable definition in the UserSelected Results window, but the manner in which they will be used is specified
here in the setup of the differential corrector.
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ORBIT PLANE MATCHING DIFFERENTIAL CORRECTOR

The first differential corrector profile will change the launch epoch to align
the orbit plane with Mars velocity vector. This differential corrector profile
will use estimated values. This type of rough guess will at least head us in the
right direction.
1. Select the MartianLaunch ( ) target sequence.
2. Double-click the Name value for the Differential Corrector in the Profiles table
to make it editable.
3. Rename it Orbit Plane Matching.
4. Click the Properties... button.
5. Ensure that the Variables tab is selected.
TABLE 12. Orbit
plane matching properties
OPTION
VALUE
Launch Epoch
On
Perturbation
5 min
Max Step
1 hr
Orbit Plane Angle (Mars)
On
7. Ensure that the Desired Value for the Orbit Plane Angle (Mars) constraint is
set to zero (0) degrees.
8. Click OK.
Run the Active Profile

You can configure a Target Sequence to execute in many different ways
depending on the solution you are trying to achieve.
1. When you return to Astrogator, change the Action for the target sequence
to Run active profiles.
2. Click Run ( ). When the run finishes, a targeting status grid will appear.
Should converge in
about 6 iterations
If the differential corrector doesnt converge in one run, click the green
arrow to run it again
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FIGURE 8.
Orbit plane matching adjusted values
Did the profile converge?

If so, what is the new launch date and time?
3. When you finish, close the targeted status grid.

FIGURE 9.
3D View: Martian launch orbit plane matching
Are all six (6) iterations visually represented?
INITIAL & FINAL DATE AND TIME

The Initial and Final fields beneath the segment parameters area are apparent
for every segment in the MCS and serve the same purpose for each; the Initial
field displays the scenario time and date at the beginning of the currently
selected segment, while the Final field displays the scenario time and date at
the end of that segment. If a segment has not yet been run, these fields will be
marked Not Set for that segment - since these values are not determined until
the segment is run.
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The targeter will alter the launch epoch in order to force the angle to zero.
The initial and new values will display below the Profiles panel.
What is the difference in the initial and final values?
LET ASTROGATOR CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Once Astrogator updates the Initial and Final values for each segment, you can
select any segment in the MCS tree and update the view in the visualization
window such that the SampleReturn spacecraft will be at that position in time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select any segment in the MCS tree.

Click on the unit selector ( ) beside the Initial time.
Select Set Animation Time.
Bring the 3D Graphics - Mars window to the front.
FIGURE 10.
3D View: Sample return at mars coast
In the picture above, we selected the EscapeMnvr segment and updated the
animation to the Initial time, so Astrogator positioned the spacecraft at the
beginning of the maneuver. Although the maneuver doesnt have a visible
portion of the orbit, you can see where the spacecraft will be when it occurs.
If we had done the same thing using the Final time, Astrogator would have
positioned me at the end of the segment.
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Asymptote Targeting Profile

Lets create a second differential corrector. Using this profile, well target the
outgoing asymptote properties and the energy of the transfer orbit to see if
we can obtain more accurate results.
PROPAGATE VARIABLES
First, well define the independent variables for the propagate segment. When
we created the propagate segment, we guessed at the approximate coast time
before performing the escape maneuver. Well mark that as an independent
variable and let Astrogator adjust the amount of time that the spacecraft should
coast.
1. Bring Astrogator to the front.
2. Select MarsCoast ( ) in the MCS tree.
3. Click the beside Trip to mark it as an independent variable ( ).
MANEUVER VARIABLES
Earlier you took an initial guess at the X velocity value needed to get out of
Martian gravity in the maneuver segment (EscapeMnvr). Now, we can mark
that as an independent variable so that Astrogator can adjust it if necessary.
1. Select EscapeMnvr ( ) in the MCS tree to display its properties.
2. Click the target icon ( ) beside the X(Velocity) value to mark it as an
independent variable ( ).
Maneuver Targeting Components

The second Differential Corrector profile targets the outgoing asymptote
properties and the energy of the transfer orbit to chane the launch epoch,
coast duration and burn magnitude to match the outgoing asymptote and
energy. First, the proper components need to be added so that they can be
selected in the new Differential Corrector profile.
1. Select EscapeMnvr ( ) in the MCS tree.
2. Click the Results... button.
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ADD C3 ENERGY
1. When the User-Selected Results dialog appears, expand the tree as follows:
... Target Vector
... C3 Energy
2. Double-click the C3 Energy component ( ).
3. Select C3 Energy in the topmost table.
4. Double-click the Value for Central Body in the Components Details area.
5. When the component selection dialog appears, select Mars ( ).
6. Click OK.
ADD OUTGOING ASYMPTOTE PARAMETERS

The outing asymptote parameters will also need to be available to Astrogator
for targeting purposes.
1. Double-click the Outgoing Asymptote Dec component ( ) under Target
Vector ( ).
2. Select Outgoing Asymptote Dec in the topmost table.
3. Double-click the Value for Coord System in the Components Details area.
... Mars
... J2000
5. Select J2000 ( ).
6. Click OK.
7. Double-click the Outgoing Asymptote RA component ( ).
8. Repeat steps 2-6 to change the coordinate system for Outgoing Asymptote
RA.
9. Click OK.
10. Click OK to dismiss the User-Selected Results dialog.
Asymptote Targeting Profile

Well target the outgoing asymptote properties and the energy of the transfer
orbit using the values from the Jaqar Swing-by Calculator.
1. Select the MartianLaunch ( ) target sequence.
2. Click the New... button in the profiles table.
Page 25
3. Select Differential Corrector ( ).

4. Click OK to add the new profile to the target sequence.
5. Rename the profile Asymptote Targeting.
CONTROL PARAMETERS
The Control Parameters are independent variables that you marked for inclusion
while setting up the target sequence. Well set the values for the control
parameters and equality constraints using values obtained using and external
Lambert problem solver.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select the Targeting profile.

Click the Properties... button.
Ensure that the Variables tab is selected.
Enable the following:
TABLE 13. Asymptote
targeting control parameters
CONTROL PARAMETER
STATE PERTURBATION
MAX STEP
Launch Epoch
On
15 min
1 hr
Stopping Condition Duration Trip
On
60 sec
500 sec
Impulsive Mnvr Cartesian X
On
0.0001 (Default)
0.1 (Default)
EQUALITY CONSTRAINTS
Equality constraints in the search profile outline dependant variables to be
considered in your analysis. Here well set the desired value based on the
results from the Jaqar Swing-by Calculator, and again, well let Astrogator adjust
those values as necessary.
1. Select the C3 Energy Equality Constraint.
TABLE 14. Asymptote
EQUALITY CONSTRAINT
STATE
DESIRED VALUE
C3 Energy
On
14.3572 km^2/sec^2
Outgoing Asymptote Dec
On
3.30596 deg
Outgoing Asymptote RA
On
-131.622 deg
3. Click OK.
PAGE 26
targeting equality constraints
RUN THE ACTIVE PROFILE

Now, you can run the selected profile and see what Astrogator comes up with.
Then well apply those changes. Doing this will apply the values of search
profiles' controls and the changes specified by the segment configuration
profiles to the segments within the target sequence.
1. Ensure that the Action is set to Run active profiles.
2. Click Run ( ).
If so, did you achieve the desired values?
3. Once converged, click the Apply Changes button.

4. Change the Action to Run nominal sequence.
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

2. Mouse around until you get a good look at the various iterations of
SampleReturns orbit.
FIGURE 11.
3D View: Martian launch sequence
3. When you finish, close the status grid.

4. Save ( ) the scenario ( ).
Page 27
Are We Headed In the Right Direction?

Lets quickly test the Lambert solver, by propagating out one year in
heliocentric space and seeing if were going in the right direction using the
values that the Jaqar Swing-By Calculator gave us.
1. Add a Propagate segment ( ) after the MartianLaunch target sequence ( ).
2. Select Propagate ( ) in the MCS tree.
3. Change the color of the segment so that you can clearly identify it in the
visualization windows.
4. Change the Propagator to Heliocentric ( ).
5. Click the Advanced... button.
6. Change the Maximum Propagation Time to one (1) yr (year).
7. Click OK.
8. Change the Trip value under Stopping Conditions to one (1) yr (year).
9. Click Run ( ).
CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

1. Bring the 3D Graphics - Sun window to the front.
2. Mouse around until you can clearly see where the spacecraft would be
headed.
FIGURE 12.
3D View:
Is the spacecraft headed in the right direction?

Would you arrive at Earth?
PAGE 28
The satellite is now headed roughly back toward Earth, but not quite. A
midcourse maneuver will assure the desired Earth arrival in the orbit.
3. When you finish, delete ( ) the newly added Propagate segment ( ).
Earth Arrival
Now, lets create the midcourse maneuver that will assure an Earth arrival.
The first target sequence launched you from the surface of Mars and took you
to the Mars SOI boundary. The one we create here will target a maneuver that
sets the spacecraft into a path which results in the desired orbit around Earth.
1. Add a new Target Sequence ( ) below the MartianLaunch ( ) sequence.
2. Change the name to EarthArrival.
MODEL THE MID-COURSE MANEUVER

The first target sequence left you at Mars SOI on a path towards Earth, but as
we just demonstrated that path isnt quite accurate enough. We can add a
midcourse maneuver here that will get us at the correct perigee altitude for
aerobraking and put us in the same orbital plane as the ISS, which is where we
want to be. A midcourse maneuver will assure an arrival in the desired orbit
geometry around the Earth.
1. Add a Maneuver segment ( ) to the EarthArrival ( ) sequence.
2. Double-click the new Maneuver segment ( ).
3. Change the name of the Maneuver segment ( ) to MidCrsMnvr.
There is no need to adjust the color. The maneuver segment will not be
distinguishable in the visualization windows.
4. Select MidCrsMnvr ( ) in the MCS tree.
TABLE 15. Mid
course maneuver stopping conditions
OPTION
VALUE
Altitude Control
Thrust Vector
Thrust Axes
VNC (Sun)
X (Velocity)
Independent variable ( )
Page 29
TABLE 15. Mid
course maneuver stopping conditions
OPTION
VALUE
Y (Normal)
Z (Co-normal)
Well use the velocity relative to the sun to define the thrust axes because
were now in heliocentric space. Astrogator will adjust all three components of
the maneuver to achieve the correct perigee altitude and orbital plane.
PROPAGATE TO EARTH SOI

Now, well add the first of two propagate segments after the maneuver. The
first propagate segment takes the satellite close to Earths SOI.
1. Add a Propagate segment ( ) after the maneuver.
TABLE 16. To
Earth SOI segment properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
ToEarthSOI
Color
Any color not currently being used.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Change the Propagator to Heliocentric.

Click the Advanced... button.
Change the Maximum Propagation Time to one (1) yr.
Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
PAGE 30

Select the R Magnitude item ( ).
Change the Trip value for R Magnitude to two million (2e+006) km.
Select the Duration stopping condition in the table.
Click the Remove button.
PROPAGATE TO EARTH PERIAPSIS

Now, add the second propagate segment. The second propagate goes to
Earth periapsis. This periapsis will be targeted to 150 km altitude and in the
same plane as the space station.
1. Add a second Propagate segment ( ) after ToEarthSOI ( ).
TABLE 17. To
perigee segment properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
ToPerigee
Color
4. Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Select the Periapsis item ( ).
TARGET THE B-PLANE

Now we have an arrival trajectory, which is close, but we want to return to
Earth. The best way to do that is to target the B-plane. The B-plane is a planar
coordinate system that allows targeting during a gravity assist or for planetary
orbit insertion. It can be thought of as a target attached to the assisting body.
If you have a trajectory that is close to the encounter planet, the B-plane gives
you targets that behave very linearly, which is important with the differential
corrector targeting scheme in Astrogator. However, had we targeted the B-plane
before we had proper initial conditions (i.e. we were pointing in some random
direction this would not have worked since we may never have crossed the
plane. We first had to target to get close to Earth, and only then were we close
enough to Earth with our trajectory to use B-plane targeting.
Page 31
FIGURE 13.
The B-plane is defined as the plane that contains the focus of an idealized twobody trajectory (assumed to be a hyperbola) that is perpendicular to the
incoming asymptote of that hyperbola. The incoming and outgoing
asymptotes, and, the focus are contained in the trajectory plane, which is
perpendicular to the B-plane. The intersection of the B-plane and the trajectory
plane defines a line in space. The B-vector is defined to lie alone this line,
starting on the focus and ending at the spot where the incoming asymptote
pierces the B-plane. The vectors and lie in the B-plane and are used as axes.
USER SELECTED RESULTS

1. Select the ToPerigee propagate segment ( ).
... MultiBody
... BDotR
... BDotT
4. Double-click the BDotR component ( ) to add it to the list.
5. Select BDotR in the topmost table.
6. Double-click the Value for Reference Vector in the Components Details area.
... Earth
... Orbit Normal
PAGE 32
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Select Orbit Normal ( ).

Click OK.
Double-click the Value for Target Body in the Components Details area.
Select Earth ( ).
Click OK.
Double-click the BDotT component ( ) to add it to the list.
Repeat steps 4-11 for BDotT.
Click OK.
Earth Arrival Differential Correctors

Using an initial rough estimate of the geometry of the orbit were trying to
enter, well target the B-Plane.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Select EarthArrival ( ) in the MCS tree.

Select the Differential Corrector.
Rename it BPlane.
Enable the maneuvers as active controls:
TABLE 18. B-plane
targeting control parameters
CONTROL PARAMETERS
STATE
Impulsive Mnvr.Cartesian X
On
Impulsive Mnvr.Cartesian Y
On
Impulsive Mnvr.Cartesian Z
On
6. Enable the equality constraints as active controls:

TABLE 19. B-plane
targeting equality constraints
STATE
DESIRED VALUE
BDotR
On
10,000 km
BDotT
On
20,000 km
7. Click OK.
Page 33

Now, you can run the selected BPlane profile and let Astrogator adjust the BDot
values. Then well apply those changes. Doing this will apply the values of
search profiles' controls and the changes specified by the segment
configuration profiles to the segments within the target sequence.
2. Click Run ( ).

4. Bring the 3D Graphics - Sun window to the front.
FIGURE 14.
3D View: B-plane targeting
Did targeting the B-Plane get you closer to Earth?
Lets see how close.

1. Bring Astrogator to the front.
2. Click on the unit selector ( ) beside the Final time.
PAGE 34
3. Select Set Animation Time.

4. Bring the 3D Graphics - Earth window to the front.
FIGURE 15.
3D View (Earth): B-plane targeting
Target Keplerian Elements

We can use another differential corrector to achieve the desired perigee
altitude for aerobraking and to match the plane of the space stations orbit.
ALTITUDE OF PERIAPSIS
1. Select the ToPerigee propagate segment ( ).
... Keplerian Elems
... Altitude of Periapsis
4. Double-click the Altitude of Periapsis component ( ) to add it to the list.
RELATIVE INCLINATION
... Formation
Page 35
... RelativeValue
2. Double-click the RelativeValue component ( ) to add it to the list.
3. Select RelativeValue in the topmost table.
TABLE 20. Relative
inclination values
OPTION
VALUE
CalcObject
Keplerian Elems/Inclination
ComponentName
RelativeInclinatin
Reference Selection
UserSpecifiedReference
Reference
Satellite/SpaceStation
RELATIVE RAAN
... Formation
... RelativeValue
2. Double-click the RelativeValue component ( ) to add it to the list.
3. Select RelativeValue in the topmost table.
TABLE 21. Relative
RAAN values
OPTION
VALUE
CalcObject
Keplerian Elems/RAAN
ComponentName
RelativeRAAN
Reference Selection
UserSpecifiedRefreence
Reference
Satellite/SpaceStation
5. Click OK.
KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS DIFFERENTIAL CORRECTOR

Lets create a second differential corrector to target Keplerian elements.
1. Select EarthArrival ( ) in the MCS tree.
2. Click the New... button above the profiles table.
3. Select Differential Corrector ( ).
PAGE 36
4.
5.
6.
7.
Click OK to add the new profile to the target sequence.

Rename the profile KeplerianElems.
Click Properties...
Enable the maneuvers as active controls:
TABLE 22. Keplerian
element targeting control parameters
CONTROL PARAMETERS
STATE
PERTURBATION
On
0.00001 km/sec
Impulsive Mnvr.Cartesian Y
On
0.00001 km/sec
Impulsive Mnvr.Cartesian Z
On
0.00001 km/sec

TABLE 23. Keplerian
element targeting equality constraints
STATE
DESIRED VALUE
Altitude of Periapsis
On
150 km
Relative Inclination
On
0.0
Relative RAAN
On
0.0
Well set the desired relative values to zero since were targeting the space
station.
9. Click OK.

Now, you can run the selected KeplerianElems profile.
2. Click Run ( ).

Page 37

FIGURE 16.
3D View: Keplerian element targeting

Earth Capture
The satellite is now arriving at Earth in the proper orbit.
1. Add a new Target Sequence ( ) below the EarthArrival ( ) sequence.
2. Change the name to EarthCapture.
MANEUVER
Lets add a maneuver that will put the spacecraft in the initial capture orbit.
1. Add a Maneuver segment ( ) to the EarthCapture ( ) sequence.
2. Rename the segment CaptureMnvr.
3. Change the name of the Maneuver segment ( ) to CaptureMnvr.
PAGE 38
4. Select CaptureMnvr ( ) in the MCS tree.

TABLE 24.
OPTION
VALUE
Altitude Control
Antivelocity Vector
2 km/sec
Delta V Magnitude
Mark as independent variable ( )
RESULTS
... Keplerian Elems
... Eccentricity
3. Double-click the Eccentricity component ( ) to add it to the list.
4. Click OK.
PROPAGATE
1. Add a Propagate segment ( ) after the maneuver.
2. Select the new Propagate segment ( ).
TABLE 25. To
apoasis segment properties
OPTION
Name
VALUE
ToApoapsis
Color
4. Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
Now, well add a stopping condition to
1. Click the Insert... button.
2. Select the Apoapsis item ( ).
3. Click OK to add the new Stopping Condition to the table.
Page 39
4. Select the Duration stopping condition in the table.

Earth Capture Differential Corrector

The space station is in a circular orbit. The eccentricity of that orbit is zero.
Although we want to match that value well target a larger value and see if we
can get to an elliptical orbit. Then we can simulate aerobraking.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Select EarthCapture ( ) in the MCS tree.

Rename it Target Capture.
Enable ImpulsiveMnvr.SphericalMagnitude.
Enable the Eccentricity equality constraint.
Set the Desired Value for Eccentricity to 0.6.
Set the Tolerance value to 1e-5.
Click OK.
RUN!
2. Click Run ( ).


PAGE 40
FIGURE 17.
3D View: Target capture
Aerobraking
The satellite is captured in an elliptical orbit. Now, we need to work our way
down to a circular orbit like the one that the space station is in.
1. Add a Propagate segment ( ) after the EarthCapture target sequence ( ).
TABLE 26. Aerobraking
segment properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
Aerobraking
Color
4. Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
1. Select Aerobraking ( ) in the MCS tree.
2. Click the Insert... button.
3. Select the Periapsis item ( ).
Page 41
4.
5.
6.
7.

Repeat steps 3-5 to add a second Periapsis Stopping Condition.
Automatic Sequences
Automatic Sequences are MCS elements that are structurally similar to Sequence
segments, but are not MCS segments, properly. Rather, Automatic Sequences can
be assigned to Propagate and Maneuver (Finite) segments, and function as
subroutines by executing in response to specified stopping conditions of
those segments.
THE AUTOMATIC SEQUENCE BROWSER

The Automatic Sequence Browser contains a list of all Automatic Sequences defined
for the Astrogator satellite. You define or edit Automatic Sequences, in the
Automatic Sequence Browser window.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click the Automatic Sequence Browser button ( ) on the MCS Controls.

Click the New Button.
Rename it SmallBurn.
Click OK.
EDIT THE AUTOMATIC SEQUENCE

To simulate aerobraking the apoapsis altitude is decreased by firing a thruster
at every periapsis in the antivelocity direction.
1. Click the Edit button.
2. Add a Maneuver segment ( ) to the Automatic Sequence.
TABLE 27. Small
burn sequence values
OPTION
VALUE
Attitude Control
Antivelocity Vector
Delta V Magnitude
0.25 km/sec
4. Click OK.
5. Click OK to dismiss the Automatic Sequence Browser.
PAGE 42
The Automatic Sequence for this propagate segment will run for seven
periapsides and the propagate segment will stop on the eight periapsis.
EDIT STOPPING CONDITIONS

Now we can use the automatic sequence in the stopping condition to simulate
the aerobraking.
1. Select the first Periapsis entry in the Stopping Condition table.
TABLE 28.
OPTION
VALUE
Sequence
SmallBurn
Max Trip Times
3. Select the second Periapsis entry in the Stopping Condition table.

4. Chane the repeat count to 8.
RUN!
1. Select EarthCapture ( ) in the MCS tree.
3. Click Run ( ).

Page 43
FIGURE 18.
3D View: Aerobraking

Circular Phasing Orbit

Well add another target sequence will result in a phasing orbit. Two Hohmann
transfers will be utilized to circularize the orbit at an altitude of 800 km.
1. Add a new Target Sequence ( ) below the EarthCapture ( ) sequence.
2. Change the name to CircularPhasingOrbit.
Add a Propagate Segment

First, well add a propagate segment that will get us to apogee.
1. Use the same process to add a Propagate segment ( ).
PAGE 44
TABLE 29.
OPTION
VALUE
Name
ToApogee
Color
4. Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Select the Apoasis stopping condition ( ).
Add a Maneuver Segment

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use the same process to add a Maneuver segment ( ) after ToApogee ( ).

Rename the new Maneuver segment ( ) BurnOne.
Select BurnOne ( ) in the MCS tree.
Ensure that the Attitude tab is selected.
Set the following:
TABLE 30.
OPTION
VALUE
Altitude Control
Thrust Vector
X(Velocity)
0 km/sec
6. Click the ( ) beside X(Velocity) to mark it as an independent variable ( ).
CREATE A NEW CALCULATION OBJECT

The second maneuver should be a half-revolution after the first maneuver.
The first maneuver was at apogee, but the maneuver may have pushed the
orbit higher so the current location is now perigee. Therefore, we cant use a
perigee stopping condition to find the location of the second maneuver.
Page 45
Instead, well use a mean anomaly difference of 180 degrees. But first, we have
to define a calculation object that gives us the difference in mean anomaly.
1. Select the Astrogator Browser option from the View menu in the STK
Workspace to open the component browser.
... CalculationObjects
... Math
3. Select Math.
4. Select Difference ( ) components table.
5. Click the Duplicate button.
6. Rename it MeanAnomalyDifference.
7. Click OK.
8. When the new component (Mean Anomaly Difference) appears in the table,
double-click it.
9. Double-click the CalcObject value.
... Keplerian Elems
... MeanAnomaly
11. Select MeanAnomaly ( ).
12. Click OK.
13. Click OK to dismiss the component editing window.
14. Click OK to dismiss the Astrogator Browser.
Add a Second Propagate Segment

Since the maneuver (BurnOne) could have flipped apogee and perigee, we
dont know to which apsis were propagating, but we do know that we want to
propagate to the next apsis.
1. Use the same process to add a Propagate segment ( ) after BurnOne ( ).
TABLE 31. Half
PAGE 46
around properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
HalfAround
Color
4. Click OK.
STOPPING CONDITIONS
Well add the same stopping condition to the second propagate segment that
we used for the first to ensure that we stop at the next apsis.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Select the UserSelect stopping condition ( ).
Set the User Calc Object to Mean Anomaly Difference.
Click OK.
Set the Trip value to zero (0) deg.
Add a Second Maneuver Segment

1. Use the same process to add a Maneuver segment ( ) after
HalfAround ( ).
2. Rename the new Maneuver segment ( ) BurnTwo.
3. Select BurnTwo ( ) in the MCS tree.
4. Ensure that the Attitude tab is selected.
TABLE 32.
OPTION
VALUE
Altitude Control
Thrust Vector
X(Velocity)
6. Click the ( ) beside X(Velocity) to mark it as an independent variable ( ).
RESULTS
... Geodetic
Page 47
3.
4.
5.
6.
... Altitude
Double-click the Altitude component ( ) to add it to the list.
Expand the component tree as follows:
... Keplerian Elems
... Eccentricity
Double-click the Eccentricity component ( ) to add it to the list.
Click OK.
Phasing Orbit Differential Correctors

Well now use the target sequence to enter an 800 km altitude circular phasing
orbit above the space stations orbit. Well see the desired values for this run to
reflect that.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Select CircularPhasingOrbit ( ) in the MCS tree.

Rename it TargetPhasing.
Enable the two maneuvers as active controls:
TABLE 33. Target
phasing control parameters
CONTROL PARAMETERS
STATE
On
On

TABLE 34. Target
phasing equality constraints
STATE
DESIRED VALUE
Altitude
On
800 km
Eccentricity
On
7. Set the Tolerance for Eccentricity value to 1e-5.

8. Click OK.
RUN!
1. Select CircularPhasingOrbit ( ) in the MCS tree.
PAGE 48

3. Click Run ( ).


FIGURE 19.
3D View: Circular phasing orbit
Final Orbit
Now that the targeter has put us in the final phasing orbit, we need to
propagate to see the orbit. Well propagate for five days in the final orbit.
1. Add a Propagate segment ( ) after the CircularPhasingOrbit target
sequence ( ).
Page 49

TABLE 35. Half
around properties
OPTION
VALUE
Name
Final Orbit
Color
4. Set the Trip value under the Stopping Conditions to 5 days.
RUN!
1. Select CircularPhasingOrbit ( ) in the MCS tree.
3. Click Run ( ).

1.
2.
3.
4.
PAGE 50
Select the Final Propagate ( ) segement in the MCS tree.

Click on the unit selector ( ) beside the Final time.
Select Set Animation Time.
Bring the 3D Graphics - Earth window to the front.
FIGURE 20.
3D View: Final prop to station
Data Reporting
The Maneuver Summary report style is available only to Astrogator satellites. This
report shows a summary of the maneuver segments in the MCS that have
been run.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select SampleReturn( ) in the Object Browser.

Open the Report & Graph Manager ( ).
Select the Maneuver Summary Report style ( ).
Click Generate...
MCS ephemeris segments

just give a listing of the
segments run. It will show
the autosequences and MCS
segments and is good for
getting an idea of how the run
progressed.
How much Delta-V does this mission require?

What is the estimated fuel usage based on the engine models selected for
the maneuvers?
The MCS Ephemeris Segments report style shows which Astrogator segment
produced each interval of ephemeris.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bring the Report & Graph Manager ( ) to the front.

Select the MCS Ephemeris Segments Report style ( ).
Click Generate...
Take a moment to discuss the report contents with your instructor.
Page 51
When You Finish

1.
2.
3.
4.
Close all open status grids.

Close any open reports.
Close the Report & Graph Manager ( ).
Click OK to dismiss SampleReturns ( ) properties ( ) and save your
changes.
PAGE 52

Will The Martian Space Vehicle Return To Earth?

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Will the Martian Space Vehicle

Model a Martian launch.

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

Model the World!

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

Models various planets for geometries and targeting.

Satellite representing a nominal space station orbit.

View of the Martian surface.

View of the solar surface.

Traditional Earth view.

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

MISSION CONTROL SEQUENCE

Mission Control Sequence

Mission Control Sequence (MCS) controls

Model the Martian Launch

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

4. Select the Propagate segment ( ).

ADD A LAUNCH SEGMENT

Right-click the Return segment ( ) in the MCS tree.

21 Jun 2020 12:00:00 UTCG

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

Use Fixed Velocity

3. Leave all other default values, and click OK.

Model the Coast to the Martian Orbit

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

The Component Browser

2. Select the Astrogator Components in the Show menu.

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

7. Click the Duplicate button.

EDIT THE PROPAGATOR

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

5. Select Moon in the list of propagator functions. A Mars propagator does

Mars propagator definition

Propagate Segment Properties

Right-click the Return segment ( ) in the MCS tree.

coast segment properties

Select a color that isnt being used by any segment.

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

Click the button to change the Propagator.

Add a Maneuver Segment

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

maneuver attitude definition

Add a Second Propagate Segment

Select a color that isnt being used by any segment.

Mars SOI segment properties

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

DEFINE THE PROPERTIES OF THE SECOND PROPAGATOR

Select LeaveMarsSOI ( ) in the MCS tree.

Mars SOI stopping conditions

7. Select the Duration stopping condition in the table.

Change Your Perspective

Will the Martian Space Vehicle Return to Earth?

3D View: Martian launch sequence

Create a Target Sequence

Vector Geometry Tool

WILL THE MARTIAN SPACE VEHICLE RETURN TO EARTH?

CREATE THE ORBIT NORMAL VECTOR

Select SampleReturn ( ) in the STK Object Browser.

orbit normal vector definition

Orbit Normal (Mars)

Spacecraft orbit normal vector.

6. Leave all other default values.