ASTRONOMICAL & ORBITAL CALCULATIONS

The orbital calculations are based on the SGP4 -model For the astronomical parts I used Astronomical Formulae for Calculators (Jean Meeus) as a reference source. The Astro software integrates these parts-orbit propagation and astronomical corrections, making it possible to schedule observation weeks ahead.

If you manage to get the two vectors (position of object and spacecraft) correct at a specific time. You have a trivial vector subtraction. To provide ODIN with the required pointing (RA:DEC)

The hardest object to observe is nearby comets and in particular the moon. The most challenging is a specific point on the moon

The Astro software produces polynomials for the tracking, reducing the number of data needed to be uploaded to the satellite.

For the moon we have to use “real time” as a time base. This schedule also relies on a newly update orbit element and should be done just a few days before the actual observation. See the SGP4 model for further information.

Interface for the moon scheduling