SATELLITE ORBIT DETERMINATION AND ANALYSIS (S.O.D.A) – A VISUAL TOOL OF SATELLITE ORBIT FOR

This paper discusses the establishment and relevant accomplishments of a simple facility used for students learning aids based on the Keplarian Orbit parameters. Three major areas in Orbital Mechanics are discussed in this paper, Orbit of a satellite, Field of View (FOV) of a satellite and Constellation of Satellites. In order to have the visual simulation of satellite orbit, 6 classical orbital elements have to be identified, i.e., Semi-major axis, Eccentricity, Inclination angle, Longitude of ascending node, argument of perigee, and true anomaly. Coverage area of a satellite is called Field of View. FOV can be calculated if the distance of the satellite from the center of the Earth is known. Orbit Constellation using Walker’s Method is simulated and display through the visual simulation for enhancing the concept of constellation design. Through the establishment of the simple facility as presented here, it is strongly felt that the required space technologies are gained with the minimum amount of budget investment. It is also felt that this is a good way for developing and getting involved in space activities in, Malaysia, especially for universities where the student training in space technology plays the main role in professional education