Main Content

Orbit Propagator Numerical (high precision)

Propagate orbit of one or more spacecraft using Kepler universal variable formulation

Since R2020b

expand all in page
  • Orbit Propagator Numerical (high precision) block

Libraries:
Aerospace Blockset / Spacecraft / Spacecraft Dynamics

Alternative Configurations of Orbit Propagator Numerical (high precision) Block:
Orbit Propagator Kepler (unperturbed)

Description

The Orbit Propagator blocks propagate the orbit of one or more spacecraft by a propagation method. The Orbit Propagator Numerical (high precision) and Orbit Propagator Kepler (unperturbed) blocks are alternative configurations of the same block.

  • Orbit Propagator Kepler (unperturbed) — Kepler universal variable formulation (quicker)

  • Orbit Propagator Kepler Numerical (high precision) — More accurate

The size of the provided initial conditions determines the number of spacecraft being modeled. If you supply more than one value for a parameter in the Orbit tab, the block outputs a constellation of satellites. Any parameter with a single provided value is expanded and applied to all the satellites in the constellation. For example, if you provide a single value for all the parameters on the block except True anomaly, which contains six values, the block creates a constellation of six satellites, varying true anomaly only.

The block applies the same expansion behavior to input port A_icrf (applied acceleration). This port accepts either a single value expanded to all spacecraft being modeled, or individual values to apply to each spacecraft.

For more information on the propagation methods the Orbit Propagator blocks use, see Orbit Propagation Methods.

You can define initial orbital states in the Orbit tab as:

  • A set of orbital elements

  • Position and velocity state vectors in International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) or fixed-frame coordinate systems.

The block uses quaternions, which are defined using the scalar-first convention.

For more information on the coordinate systems the Orbit Propagator blocks use, see Coordinate Systems.

Atmospheric Drag

To help model the drag on spacecraft for high precision orbit propagation, the Orbit Propagator Numerical (high precision) block supports drag. Atmospheric drag affects spacecraft flying at low Earth orbit (LEO); it is less relevant further away from Earth. For the atmospheric drag equation, see Atmospheric Drag.

Third Body Gravity Effects

To include the effects of point-mass Third Body gravity, select which third bodies to include. These calculations require an Ephemeris model and data. For the third body contribution equation, see Third Body Gravity.

Solar Radiation Pressure

To include the effects of solar radiation pressure (SRP) on the spacecraft, provide an eclipse fraction or specify a shadow model to compute the fraction. Consider taking solar radiation pressure into account when atmosphere drag is negligible and pointing accuracy requirements are strict. For the solar radiation pressure equation, see Solar Radiation Pressure.

Examples

Constellation Modeling with the Orbit Propagator Block

Constellation Modeling with the Orbit Propagator Block

Propagate the orbits of a constellation of satellites and compute and visualize access intervals between the individual satellites and several ground stations.

Mission Analysis with the Orbit Propagator Block

Mission Analysis with the Orbit Propagator Block

Compute and visualize line-of-sight access intervals between satellites and a ground station.

Lunar Mission Analysis with the Orbit Propagator Block

Lunar Mission Analysis with the Orbit Propagator Block

Compute and visualize access intervals between the Apollo Command and Service module and a rover on the lunar surface. The module's orbit is modeled using Reference Trajectory #2 from the NASA report Variations of the Lunar Orbital Parameters of the Apollo CSM-Module [2]. This is a lunar orbit studied by NASA for the Apollo program. The example uses:

High Precision Orbit Propagation of the International Space Station

High Precision Orbit Propagation of the International Space Station

Propagate the order of the International Space Station (ISS) using high precision numerical orbit propagation.

Ports

Input

expand all

Acceleration applied to the spacecraft with respect to the port coordinate system (ICRF or fixed-frame), specified as a 3-element vector or m-by-3 array, at the current time step.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Input external accelerations check box.

Data Types: double

Moon libration angles for transformation between the ICRF and Moon-centric fixed-frame using the Moon-centric Principal Axis (PA) system, specified as a 3-element vector. To get these values, use the Moon Libration block.

Note

The fixed-frame used by this block when Central body is set to Moon is the Mean Earth/pole axis (ME) system. For more information, see Algorithms.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set Central body to Moon.

  • Select the Input Moon libration angles check box.

Data Types: double

Central body spin axis instantaneous right ascension, declination, and rotation angle, specified as a 3-element vector. This port is available only for custom central bodies.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set Central body to Custom.

  • Set Central body spin axis source to Port.

Data Types: double

Spacecraft mass used by atmospheric drag calculation, specified as scalar or vector of size numSat. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Mass source parameter to Dialog.

Data Types: double

Atmospheric density to calculate acceleration due to atmospheric drag.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

81-day average Ottawa F10.7 cm solar flux, centered on the current day specified in Start date/time. These F107 Average values correspond to the 10.7 cm radio flux at the actual distance of the Earth from the Sun. This site provides both classes of values:

https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/space-weather/solar-data/solar-features/solar-radio/noontime-flux/penticton/

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

Data Types: double

Daily Ottawa F10.7 cm solar flux, centered on the current day specified in Start date/time. The f107Daily values do not correspond to the radio flux at 1 AU. This site provides both classes of values:

https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/space-weather/solar-data/solar-features/solar-radio/noontime-flux/penticton/

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

Data Types: double

Daily magnetic index information (aph), specified as an N-by-7 array. The magnetic index information consists of:

Daily magnetic index (AP)
3 hour AP for current time
3 hour AP for 3 hours before current time
3 hour AP for 6 hours before current time
3 hour AP for 9 hours before current time
Average of eight 3 hour AP indices from 12 to 33 hours before current time
Average of eight 3 hour AP indices from 36 to 57 hours before current time

The effects of daily magnetic index are not large or established below 80,000 m. For more information, see Limitations on NRLMSISE-00 Atmosphere Model.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

Data Types: double

Variation flags, specified as an array of 23, to enable or disable particular variations for the outputs. You can specify one of the following values for a field. The default value for each field is 1.

  • 0.0

    Removes the value effect on the output.

  • 1.0

    Applies the main and the cross-term effects of that value on the output.

  • 2.0

    Applies only the cross-term effect of that value on the output.

FieldDescription
Flags(1)

F10.7 effect on mean

Flags(2)

Independent of time

Flags(3)

Symmetrical annual

Flags(4)

Symmetrical semiannual

Flags(5)

Asymmetrical annual

Flags(6)

Asymmetrical semiannual

Flags(7)

Diurnal

Flags(8)

Semidiurnal

Flags(9)

Daily AP. If you set this field to -1, the block uses the entire matrix of magnetic index information (APH) instead of APH(:,1)

Flags(10)

All UT, longitudinal effects

Flags(11)

Longitudinal

Flags(12)

UT and mixed UT, longitudinal

Flags(13)

Mixed AP, UT, longitudinal

Flags(14)

Terdiurnal

Flags(15)

Departures from diffusive equilibrium

Flags(16)

All exospheric temperature variations

Flags(17)

All variations from 120,000 meter temperature (TLB)

Flags(18)

All lower thermosphere (TN1) temperature variations

Flags(19)

All 120,000 meter gradient (S) variations

Flags(20)

All upper stratosphere (TN2) temperature variations

Flags(21)

All variations from 120,000 meter values (ZLB)

Flags(22)

All lower mesosphere temperature (TN3) variations

Flags(23)

Turbopause scale height variations

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set the Flags source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

Atmospheric drag coefficient, specified as a scalar or vector of size numSat.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Drag coefficient source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

Atmospheric drag area, specified as a scalar or vector of size numSat.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Drag area source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

Position of one or more custom bodies with respect to the current central body, in the ICRF coordinate frame. numCustom3rdBodies is the number of custom bodies. For more information, see Custom gravitational parameter (m^3/s^2).

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Include third body point-mass gravity check box.

  • Select the Custom check box.

Data Types: double

Fraction of solar disk visible from the spacecraft position. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) check box.

  • Set Eclipse fraction source to Port.

Data Types: double

Reflectivity coefficient, specified as a scalar or numSat of values in the range 1≤RC≤2. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) check box.

  • Set the Reflectivity coefficient source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

Cross section area of the spacecraft seen by the Sun, specified as a scalar or numSat. The block uses this value to calculate the acceleration due to solar radiation pressure.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) check box.

  • Set SRP area source parameter to Port.

Data Types: double

Output

expand all

Position of the spacecraft with respect to (ICRF or fixed-frame), returned as a 3-element vector or numSat-by-3 array, where m is number of spacecraft, at the current time step. The size of the initial conditions provided in the Orbit tab control the port dimension. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Data Types: double

Velocity of the spacecraft with respect to ICRF or fixed-frame, returned as a 3-element vector or numSat-by-3 array, at the current time step. numSat-by-3 array. The size of the initial conditions provided in the Orbit tab control the port dimension.

Data Types: double

Transformation between the ICRF coordinate system and fixed-frame, returned as a 4-element vector (scalar first), at the current time step.

Dependencies

To enable this port:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Output quaternion (ICRF to Fixed-frame) check box.

Data Types: double

Time at current time step, returned as a:

  • scalar — If you specify the Start data/time parameter as a Julian date.

  • 6-element vector — If you specify the Start data/time parameter as a Gregorian date with six elements (year, month, day, hours, minutes, seconds).

This value is equal to the Start date/time parameter value + the elapsed simulation time.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, select the Output current date/time (UTC Julian date) check box.

Data Types: double

Parameters

expand all

Main

Orbit propagation method, specified as:

  • Kepler (unperturbed) — Uses a universal variable formulation of the Kepler problem to determine the spacecraft position and velocity at each time step. This method is faster than Numerical (high precision).

  • Numerical (high precision) — Determine the spacecraft position and velocity at each time step using numerical integration. This option models central body gravity based on the settings in the Central body tab. This method is more accurate than Kepler (unperturbed), but slower.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: propagator
Type: character vector
Values: 'Kepler (unperturbed)' | 'Numerical (high precision)'
Default: 'Kepler (unperturbed)'

To enable additional external accelerations to be included in the integration of the spacecraft equations of motion, select this check box. Otherwise, clear this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this check box, set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: accelIn
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Input additional accelerations, specified as ICRF or Fixed-frame. These accelerations are included in integration of the spacecraft equations of motion.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision)

  • Select the Input external accelerations check box

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: accelFrame
Type: character vector
Values: 'ICRF' | 'Fixed-frame'
Default: 'ICRF'

Coordinate frame for output ports, specified as ICRF or Fixed-frame. These port labels are affected:

  • Output port X

  • Output port V

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: outportFrame
Type: character vector
Values: 'ICRF' | 'Fixed-frame'
Default: 'ICRF'

Initial start date and time of simulation, specified as a Julian or Gregorian date. The block defines initial conditions using this value.

Tip

To calculate the Julian date, use the juliandate function.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: startDate
Type: character vector
Values: 'juliandate(2020, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0)' | valid scalar Julian date | valid Gregorian date including year, month, day, hours, minutes, seconds as 6-element vector
Default: 'juliandate(2020, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0)'

To output the current date or time, select this check box. Otherwise, clear this check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: dateOut
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Mass source, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: massSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

Spacecraft mass used by atmospheric drag calculation, specified as scalar or vector of size numSat. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Mass source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: mass
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | vector of size numSat
Default: '4.0'

Out-of-range block behavior, specified as follows:

ActionDescription
None No action.
Warning

Warning in the Diagnostic Viewer, model simulation continues.

Error (default)

Error in the Diagnostic Viewer, model simulation stops.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: action
Type: character vector
Values: 'None' | 'Warning' | 'Error'
Default: 'Warning'

Orbit

Define the initial states of the space craft.

Input method for initial states of orbit, specified as Orbital elements, ICRF state vector, or Fixed-frame state vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter stateFormatNum
Type: character vector
Values: 'Orbital elements' | 'ICRF state vector' | 'Fixed-frame state vector'
Default: 'Orbital elements'

Orbit classification, specified as:

  • Keplerian — Model elliptical orbits using six standard Keplerian orbital elements.

  • Elliptical equatorial — Define an equatorial orbit, where inclination is 0 or 180 degrees and the right ascension of the ascending node is undefined.

  • Circular — Define a circular orbit, where eccentricity is 0 and the argument of periapsis is undefined.

  • Circular equatorial — Define a circular orbit, where eccentricity is 0 or 10 degrees. Argument of periapsis and the right ascension of the ascending node are undefined.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Initial state format to Orbital elements.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: orbitType
Type: character vector
Values: 'Keplerian' | 'Elliptical equatorial' | 'Circular inclined' | 'Circular equatorial'
Default: 'Keplerian'

Half of ellipsis major axis, specified as a 1D array whose size is the number of spacecraft.

  • For parabolic orbits, this block interprets this parameter as the periapsis radius (distance from periapsis to the focus point of orbit).

  • For hyperbolic orbits, this block interprets this parameter as the distance from periapsis to the hyperbola center.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Initial state format to Orbital elements.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: semiMajorAxis
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | 1D array of size m, number of spacecraft
Default: '6786000'

Deviation of the orbit from a perfect circle, specified as a scalar or 1D array of size that is number of spacecraft.

If Orbit type is set to Keplerian, value can be:

  • 0 for circular orbit

  • Between 0 and 1 for elliptical orbit

  • 1 for parabolic orbit

  • Greater than 1 for hyperbolic orbit

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit type to Keplerian or Elliptical equatorial.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: eccentricity
Type: character vector
Values: 0.01 | scalar | value between 0 and 1, or greater than 1 for Keplerian orbit type | 1D array of size numSat
Default: '0.01'

Vertical tilt of the ellipse with respect to the reference plane measured at the ascending node, specified as a scalar or 1D array of size numSat, in specified units. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements

  • Orbit type to Keplerian or Circular inclined

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: inclination
Type: character vector
Values: 50 | scalar | 1D array of size numSat | degrees between 0 and 180 | radians between 0 and pi
Default: '50'

Right ascension of ascending node (RAAN), specified as a scalar value between 0 and 360 or 1D array of size numSat, in specified units. numSat is the number of spacecraft. RAAN is the angular distance along the reference plane from the ICRF x-axis to the location of the ascending node (the point at which the spacecraft crosses the reference plane from south to north).

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit type to Keplerian or Circular inclined.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: raan
Type: character vector
Values: 95 | scalar value between 0 and 360 | 1D array of size m number of spacecraft
Default: '95'

Angle from the spacecraft ascending node to periapsis (closest point of orbit to the central body), specified as a 1D array of size m that is number of spacecraft, in specified units.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements

  • Orbit type to Keplerian

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: argPeriapsis
Type: character vector
Values: '95' | scalar value between 0 and 360 | 1D array of size numSat
Default: '93'

Angle between periapsis (closest point of orbit to the central body) and the initial position of spacecraft along its orbit at Start date/time, specified as a scalar or 1D array of size numSat, in specified units. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit type to Keplerian or Elliptical inclined.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: trueAnomaly
Type: character vector
Values: '203' | scalar | degrees between 0 and 360 | radians between 0 and 2*pi | 1D array of size numSat
Default: '203'

Angle between the ascending node and the initial position of spacecraft along its orbit at Start date/time, specified as a scalar or 3-element vector or 1D array of size number of spacecraft, in specified units.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit Type to Circular inclined.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: argLat
Type: character vector
Values: '200' | scalar | degrees between 0 and 360 | radians between 0 and 2*pi | 1D array of size numSat
Default: '200'

Angle between the ICRF x-axis and the eccentricity vector, specified as a scalar or 3-element vector or 1D array of size number of spacecraft, in specified units.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit type to Elliptical equatorial.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: lonPeriapsis
Type: character vector
Values: 100 | scalar | degrees between 0 and 360 | radians between 0 and 2*pi | 1D array of size m, number of spacecraft
Default: '100'

Angle between the ICRF x-axis and the initial position of spacecraft along its orbit at Start date/time, specified as a scalar or 1D array of size numSat, in specified units. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Initial state format to Orbital elements.

  • Orbit type to Circular equatorial.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: trueLon
Type: character vector
Values: '150' | scalar | degrees between 0 and 360 | radians between 0 and 2*pi | 1D array of size numSat
Default: '150'

Cartesian position vector of spacecraft in ICRF coordinate system at Start date/time, specified as a 3-element vector for single spacecraft or numSat-by-3 array for multiple spacecraft. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Initial state format to ICRF state vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: inertialPosition
Type: character vector
Values: [3649700.0 3308200.0 -4676600.0] | 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft
Default: '[3649700.0 3308200.0 -4676600.0]'

Cartesian velocity vector of spacecraft in ICRF coordinate system at Start date/time, specified as a 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Initial state format to ICRF state vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: inertialVelocity
Type: character vector
Values: [-2750.8 6666.4 2573.4] | 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft
Default: '[-2750.8 6666.4 2573.4]'

Cartesian position vector of spacecraft in fixed-frame coordinate system at Start date/time, specified as a 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • set Initial state format to Fixed-frame state vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fixedPosition
Type: character vector
Values: '[-4142689.0 -2676864.7 -4669861.6]' | 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft
Default: '[-2750.8 6666.4 2573.4]'

Cartesian velocity vector of spacecraft in fixed-frame coordinate system at Start date/time, specified as a 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Initial state format to Fixed-frame state vector.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fixedVelocity
Type: character vector
Values: '[1452.7 -6720.7 2568.1]' | 3-element vector for single spacecraft or 2-D array of size m-by-3 array of multiple spacecraft
Default: '[1452.7 -6720.7 2568.1]'

Central Body

Configure the central body environment around which the spacecraft orbits.

Celestial body, specified as Earth, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Sun, or Custom, around which the spacecraft defined in the Orbit tab orbits.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: centralBody
Type: character vector
Values: 'Earth' | 'Moon' |'Mercury' | 'Venus' | 'Mars' | 'Jupiter' | 'Saturn' | 'Uranus' | 'Neptune' | 'Sun' | 'Custom' |
Default: 'Earth'

Control the gravity model for the central body, specified as Spherical harmonics, Point-mass, or Oblate ellipsoid (J2).

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision). Available options are based on Central body settings:

Earth, Moon, Mars, or CustomMercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune
NoneNone
Spherical harmonicsOblate ellipsoid (J2)
Point-massPoint-mass
Oblate ellipsoid (J2)—

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: gravityModel when centralBody set to 'Earth', 'Moon', 'Mars', or 'Custom' | gravityModelnoSH when centralBody set to Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune
Type: character vector
Values: 'Spherical harmonics' | 'None' | 'Point-mass' | 'Oblate ellipsoid (J2)' when centralBody set to 'Earth', 'Moon', 'Mars', or 'Custom'; 'Point-mass' | 'Oblate ellipsoid (J2)' when centralBody set to Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune
Default: 'Spherical harmonics' when centralBody set to 'Earth', 'Moon', 'Mars', or 'Custom'; 'Oblate ellipsoid (J2)' when centralBody set to Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune

Spherical harmonic gravitational potential model, specified according to the specified Central body.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision). Available options are based on Central body settings:

Central bodySpherical Harmonic Model Option
EarthEGM2008, EGM96, or EIGEN-GL04C
MoonLP-100K or LP-165P
MarsGMM2B

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: 'earthSH' when centralBody set to 'Earth' | 'moonSH' when centralBody set to 'Moon' | 'marsSH' when centralBody set to 'Mars'
Type: character vector
Values: 'EGM2008' | 'EGM96' | 'EIGEN-GL04C' when centralBody set to 'earthSH'; 'LP-100K' | 'LP-165P' when centralBody set to 'moonSH'; 'GMM2B' when centralBody set to 'marsSH'
Default: 'Spherical harmonics'

Harmonic coefficient MAT file that contains definitions for a custom planetary model, specified as a character vector or string.

This file must contain:

VariableDescription
Re

Scalar of planet equatorial radius in meters (m).

GM

Scalar of planetary gravitational parameter in meters cubed per second squared (m3/s2).

degree

Scalar of maximum degree.

C

(degree+1)-by-(degree+1) matrix containing normalized spherical harmonic coefficients matrix, C.

S

(degree+1)-by-(degree+1) matrix containing normalized spherical harmonic coefficients matrix, S.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Gravitational potential model to Spherical harmonics.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: shFile
Type: character vector
Values: 'aerogmm2b.mat' | harmonic coefficient MAT file
Default: 'aerogmm2b.mat'

Degree of harmonic model, specified as a double scalar:

Planet ModelRecommended DegreeMaximum Degree

EGM2008

120

2159

EGM96

70

360

LP100K

60

100

LP165P

60

165

GMM2B

60

80

EIGENGL04C

70

360

Custom

—

Maximum degree is extracted from the spherical harmonic coefficient file.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Earth, Moon, Mars, or Custom.

  • Gravitational potential model to Spherical harmonics.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: shDegree
Type: character vector
Values: '80' | scalar
Default: '80'

Select this check box to use Earth orientation parameters for the transformation between the ICRF and fixed-frame coordinate systems. Otherwise, clear this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Earth.

Additionally, it must satisfy one of these criteria:

  • Gravitational potential model is set to either Spherical harmonics or Oblate ellipsoid (J2).

  • External acceleration coordinate frame is set to Fixed-frame.

  • State vector output coordinate frame is set to Fixed-frame.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useEOPs
Type: character vector
Values: 'on' | 'off'
Default: 'on'

Custom list of Earth orientation data, specified in a MAT file.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Select the Use Earth orientation parameters (EOPs) to check box.

  • Set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set Central body to Earth.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: eopFile
Type: character vector
Values: 'aeroiersdata.mat' | MAT file
Default: 'aeroiersdata.mat'

To specify libration angles (φ θ ψ) for Moon orientation, select this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Moon.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useMoonLib
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To add output transformation quaternion port for the quaternion transformation from the ICRF to the Fixed-frame coordinate system, select this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this check box, set Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: outputTransform
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Central body spin axis, specified as Port or Dialog. The block uses the spin axis to calculate the transformation from the ICRF to the fixed-frame coordinate system for the custom central body.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbPoleSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Port' | 'Dialog'
Default: 'Port'

Right ascension of central body spin axis at J2000 (2451545.0 JD, 2000 Jan 1 12:00:00 TT), specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbRA
Type: character vector
Values: '317.68143' | double scalar
Default: '317.68143'

Right ascension rate of the central body spin axis, specified as a double scalar, in specified angle units/century.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbRARate
Type: character vector
Values: '-0.1061' | double scalar
Default: '-0.1061'

Declination of the central body spin axis at J2000 (2451545.0 JD, 2000 Jan 1 12:00:00 TT), specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbDec
Type: character vector
Values: '52.88650' | double scalar
Default: '52.88650'

Declination rate of the central body spin axis, specified as a double scalar, in specified angle units/century.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbDecRate
Type: character vector
Values: '-0.0609' | double scalar
Default: '-0.0609'

Rotation angle of the central body x axis with respect to the ICRF x-axis at J2000 (2451545.0 JD, 2000 Jan 1 12:00:00 TT), specified as a double scalar, in specified angle units.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbRotAngle
Type: character vector
Values: '176.630' | double scalar
Default: '176.630'

Rotation rate of the central body x axis with respect to the ICRF x-axis (2451545.0 JD, 2000 Jan 1 12:00:00 UTC), specified as a double scalar, specified angle units/day.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Central body spin axis source to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: cbRotRate
Type: character vector
Values: '350.89198226' | double scalar
Default: '350.89198226'

Equatorial radius for a custom central body, specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Gravitational potential model to None, Point-mass, or Oblate ellipsoid (J2).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: customR
Type: character vector
Values: '3396200' | double scalar
Default: '3396200'

Flattening ratio for custom central body, specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Gravitational potential model to Point-mass, Oblate ellipsoid (J2), or Spherical harmonics.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: customF
Type: character vector
Values: '0.00589' | double scalar
Default: '0.00589'

Gravitational parameter for a custom central body, specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Gravitational potential model to None, Point-mass, or Oblate ellipsoid (J2).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: customMu
Type: character vector
Values: '4.305e13' | double scalar
Default: '4.305e13'

Most significant or largest spherical harmonic term, which accounts for oblateness of a celestial body, specified as a double scalar.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set:

  • Propagation method to Numerical (high precision).

  • Central body to Custom.

  • Gravitational potential model to Oblate ellipsoid (J2).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: customJ2
Type: character vector
Values: '1.0826269e-03' | double scalar
Default: '1.0826269e-03'

Drag

Configure the atmospheric drag environment.

To include atmospheric drag, select this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useDrag
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Source of atmospheric density value, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: atmosSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

Atmospheric model for atmospheric drag calculation, specified as NRLMSISE-00.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: atmosModel
Type: character vector
Values: 'NRLMSISE-00'
Default: 'NRLMSISE-00'

Source for historical and predicted flux and geomagnetic indices used by atmospheric density calculation, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fluxSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

MAT file of space weather data. This file is the output from the aeroReadSpaceWeatherData function.

Aerospace Blockset™ includes a default space weather data file, aeroSpaceWeatherData.mat. To use the most recent data available, use aeroReadSpaceWeatherData to generate a new MAT file, and specify the file name for this parameter. For more information, see aeroReadSpaceWeatherData.

If the file is not on the MATLAB® path, specify the full pathname. The MAT file must contain these variables from the space weather data file:

  • YEAR

  • MONTH

  • DAY

  • AP1

  • AP2

  • AP3

  • AP4

  • AP5

  • AP6

  • AP7

  • AP8

  • AP_AVG

  • F107_OBS

  • F107_DATA_TYPE

  • F107_OBS_CENTER81

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set Atmospheric model to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: SpaceWeatherDataFile
Type: character vector
Values: 'aeroSpaceWeatherData.mat' | MAT file name
Default: 'aeroSpaceWeatherData.mat'

Extrapolation method for f107Average and f107Daily for times outside the range of the MAT file data, specified as one of these values.

MethodDescription
None - clip

Set f107Average and f107Daily to the nearest data point available in the MAT file.

Constant

Set f107Average and f107Daily to a constant value specified by the Magnetic index extrapolation method parameter value.

Least squares fit

Approximate f107Average and f107Daily using a least-squares fit of the space weather data from October 1, 1957, to December 1, 2040. This method uses a trigonometric function of the form:

a + b*cos(c*t + d*sin(e*t)),

where:

  • a is 128.2351780622538

  • b is 54.3285872213434

  • c is 0.0015460708364

  • d is 0.2429462096495

  • e is 0.0015563188188

  • t is jdCurrent - jdReftime

  • jdCurrent is the current Julian date

  • jdRef is 2436112.5

Note

For f107Average values,if part of the 81-day period falls inside the MAT file range of space weather data, the Solar Flux and Geomagnetic Index block uses the actual daily values from the overlapping portion. To calculate the average for the nonoverlapping portion, the block uses the clipped, constant, or least squares daily value.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set Atmospheric model to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: F107ExtrapMethod
Type: character vector
Values: 'None - clip' | 'Constant' | 'Least squares fit'
Default: 'None - clip'

Extrapolation value to assign to f107Average and to calculate f107Daily, specified as a scalar.

Tunable: Yes

Dependencies

This value is assigned when:

  • F10.7 extrapolation method is set to Constant.

  • Time specified by the Year, DOY, and UT (sec) ports is outside the range of the data in the MAT file.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: F107ExtrapValue
Type: character vector
Values: '150.0' | scalar
Default: '150.0'

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set Atmospheric model to NRLMSISE-00.

  • Set F10.7 extrapolation method to Constant.

Extrapolation method for magnetic index information values for times outside the range of the MAT file data, specified as one of these values.

MethodDescription
None - clip

Set elements of magnetic index information to the nearest data point available in the MAT file.

Constant

Set elements of magnetic index information to a constant value specified by the Magnetic index extrapolation method parameter.

The elements of magnetic index for times outside this range are based on clipped values of the horizontal magnetic field strength at these time limits.

IGRF

Calculate the elements of magnetic index information using the International Geomagnetic Reference Field. Because this model is defined for times between January 1, 1900, 12:00 AM UTC and January 1, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC, the predictions for times outside this range are clipped to values at these time limits.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set Atmospheric model to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: MagneticIndexExtrapMethod
Type: character vector
Values: 'None - clip' | 'Constant' | 'IGRF'
Default: 'None - clip'

Extrapolation value used to calculate magnetic index elements, specified as a scalar.

Tunable: Yes

Dependencies

This parameter is enabled when Magnetic index extrapolation method is set to Constant.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set Atmospheric model to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: MagneticIndexExtrapValue
Type: character vector
Values: '4.0' | scalar
Default: '4.0'

Variation flag source, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set the Atmospheric model parameter to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fluxFlagsSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

Variation flags, specified as an array of 23 (ones(1,23)). You can specify one of the following values for a field. The default value for each field is 1.

  • 0.0 — Removes the effect on the output.

  • 1.0 — Applies the main and the cross-term effects of that value on the output.

  • 2.0 — Applies only the cross-term effect of that value on the output.

The array has these fields.

FieldDescription
Flags(1)

F10.7 effect on mean

Flags(2)

Independent of time

Flags(3)

Symmetrical annual

Flags(4)

Symmetrical semiannual

Flags(5)

Asymmetrical annual

Flags(6)

Asymmetrical semiannual

Flags(7)

Diurnal

Flags(8)

Semidiurnal

Flags(9)

Daily AP. If you set this field to -1, the block uses the entire matrix of magnetic index information (APH) instead of APH(:,1).

Flags(10)

All UT, longitudinal effects

Flags(11)

Longitudinal

Flags(12)

UT and mixed UT, longitudinal

Flags(13)

Mixed AP, UT, longitudinal

Flags(14)

Terdiurnal

Flags(15)

Departures from diffusive equilibrium

Flags(16)

All exospheric temperature variations

Flags(17)

All variations from 120,000 meter temperature (TLB)

Flags(18)

All lower thermosphere (TN1) temperature variations

Flags(19)

All 120,000 meter gradient (S) variations

Flags(20)

All upper stratosphere (TN2) temperature variations

Flags(21)

All variations from 120,000 meter values (ZLB)

Flags(22)

All lower mesosphere temperature (TN3) variations

Flags(23)

Turbopause scale height variations

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Flags source to Dialog.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set the Atmospheric model parameter to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fluxFlags
Type: character vector
Values: 'ones(1,23)'
Default: 'ones(1,23)'

To include anomalous oxygen in density calculations, select this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Atmospheric density source parameter to Dialog.

  • Set the Atmospheric model parameter to NRLMSISE-00.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useOxygen
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Source of drag coefficient, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: dragCoeffSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Source'
Default: 'Dialog'

Spacecraft coefficient of drag used by atmospheric drag calculation, specified as a scalar or as a vector of size numSat.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Drag coefficient source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: dragCoeff
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | vector of size numSat
Default: '2.179'

Source of drag area, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: dragAreaSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Source'
Default: 'Dialog'

Area to compute acceleration due to atmospheric drag, specified as a scalar or as a vector of size numSat. This area of the spacecraft is perpendicular to the spacecraft relative velocity.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to Earth.

  • Select the Include atmospheric drag check box.

  • Set the Drag area source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: dragArea
Type: character vector
Values: scalar | vector of size numSat
Default: '1.0'

Third Body

Configure third body point mass for gravitational acceleration.

Select one of these ephemerides models defined by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The block uses ephemeris data to calculate relative celestial positions required for third body point mass gravity and solar radiation pressure.

Ephemeris Model Description

DE405

Released in 1998. This ephemeris takes into account the Julian date range 2305424.50 (December 9, 1599) to 2525008.50 (February 20, 2201).

This block implements these ephemerides with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame version 1.0, adopted in 1998.

DE421

Released in 2008. This ephemeris takes into account the Julian date range 2414992.5 (December 4, 1899) to 2469808.5 (January 2, 2050).

This block implements these ephemerides with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame version 1.0, adopted in 1998.

DE423

Released in 2010. This ephemeris takes into account the Julian date range 2378480.5 (December 16, 1799) to 2524624.5 (February 1, 2200).

This block implements these ephemerides with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame version 2.0, adopted in 2010.

DE430

Released in 2013. This ephemeris takes into account the Julian date range 2287184.5 (December 21, 1549) to 2688976.5 (January 25, 2650).

This block implements these ephemerides with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame version 2.0, adopted in 2010.

DE432t

Released in April 2014. This ephemeris takes into account the Julian date range 2287184.5, (December 21, 1549 ) to 2688976.5, (January 25, 2650).

This block implements these ephemerides with respect to the International Celestial Reference Frame version 2.0, adopted in 2010.

Note

This block requires that you download ephemeris data using the Add-On Explorer. To start the Add-On Explorer, in the MATLAB Command Window, type aeroDataPackage. in the MATLAB desktop toolstrip, click Add-Ons .

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: ephemerisModel
Type: character vector
Values: DE405 | DE421 | DE423 | DE430
Default: 'DE405'

Control how much data is loaded into memory during simulation and how much data is included in generated code for the block:

  • Select this check box to limit the loading of ephemeris data to a specified date range.

  • Clear this check box to include data for the complete date range defined in the Ephemeris model table.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useDateRange
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Start date of ephemerides date range, specified as a Julian date.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Limit ephemerides date range parameter.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: startDate
Type: character vector
Values: 'juliandate(2020, 1, 1)' | Julian date
Default: 'juliandate(2020, 1, 1)'

End date of ephemerides date range, specified as a Julian date.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, select the Limit ephemerides date range check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Limit ephemerides date range parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: endDate
Type: character vector
Values: 'juliandate(2050, 1, 1)' | Julian format date
Default: 'juliandate(2050, 1, 1)'

To include acceleration due to third body gravity in orbit propagation calculation, select this check box. Otherwise, clear this check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useThirdBodyGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Sun (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Sun.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeSunGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'on'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Mercury (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Mercury.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeMercuryGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Venus (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Venus.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeVenusGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Earth (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Earth.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeVenusGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Moon (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeMoonGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on' |
Default: 'on'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Mars (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Mars.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeMarsGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on' |
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Jupiter (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Jupiter.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeJupiterGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Saturn (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Saturn.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeSaturnGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Uranus (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Uranus.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeUranusGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Neptune (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Neptune.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeNeptuneGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to the Pluto (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Central Body parameter to any value other than Pluto.

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includePlutoGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

To include gravitational acceleration due to a custom planet (point mass), select this check box. Otherwise, clear it.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeCustomGravity
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Custom gravitational acceleration for custom third body, specified as a scalar or as a vector of length numCustom3rdBodies. numCustom3rdBodies is the number of rows provided to the R_cb input port. Provide more than one value to include multiple custom bodies.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include third body point-mass gravity parameter to on.

  • Set the Custom parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: customThirdBodyMu
Type: character vector
Values: '42.828314258067e12' | scalar | vector of length numCustom3rdBodies
Default: '42.828314258067e12'

SRP

To include acceleration due to solar radiation pressure in orbit propagation calculation, select this check box. Otherwise, clear the check box.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useSRP
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'off'

Source of the eclipse fraction (fraction of solar disk visible from the spacecraft location), specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: useSRP
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

Shadow model for eclipse calculations, specified as one of these values.

  • Cylindrical — Fraction can be 0.0 (Umbra) or 1.0 (Sunlight).

  • Dual cone — Fraction can be 0.0 (Umbra), between 0.0 and 1.0 (Penumbra or Antumbra), or 1.0 (Sunlight).

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: shadowModel
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dual cone' | 'Cylindrical'
Default: 'Dual cone'

Option to include Earth as a secondary occulting body in eclipse calculations when central body is Moon.

Dependencies

Set the Central body parameter to Moon.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeEarth
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'on'

Option to include Moon as a secondary occulting body in eclipse calculations when central body is Earth.

Dependencies

Set the Central body parameter to Earth.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: includeMoon
Type: character vector
Values: 'off' | 'on'
Default: 'on'

Source for the spacecraft coefficient of reflectivity, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this check box:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Select the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) check box.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: reflectivityCoeffSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'on'

Spacecraft coefficient of reflectivity used by solar radiation pressure calculation, specified as a scalar, 2D array of size numSat. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Tunable: Yes

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameter to on.

  • Set the Reflectivity coefficient source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: reflectivityCoeff
Type: character vector
Values: '1.8' | scalar | 2D array of size numSat | between [1,2]
Default: '1.8'

Source for the spacecraft solar radiation pressure (SRP) area, specified as Dialog or Port.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: srpAreaSrc
Type: character vector
Values: 'Dialog' | 'Port'
Default: 'Dialog'

Cross section area of the spacecraft seen by the Sun, specified as a scalar or as a 2D array of size numSat. numSat is the number of spacecraft.

Tunable: Yes

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameter to on.

  • Set the SRP area source parameter to Dialog.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: srpArea
Type: character vector
Values: '1.0' | scalar | 2D array of size numSat
Default: '1.0'

Solar flux pressure, specified as a scalar.

Tunable: Yes

Dependencies

To enable this parameter:

  • Set the Propagation method parameter to Numerical (high precision).

  • Set the Include solar radiation pressure (SRP) parameter to on.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: fluxPressure
Type: character vector
Values: 4.5344321e-6 | scalar
Default: '4.5344321e-6'

Units

Parameter and port units, specified as:

UnitsDistance Velocity AccelerationMassAreaDensity
Metric (m/s)metersmeters/secmeters/sec2Kilogramsm2kg/m3, some density outputs 1/m3
Metric (km/s)kilometerskilometers/seckilometers/sec2Kilogramsm2kg/m3, some density outputs 1/m3
Metric (km/h)kilometerskilometers/hourkilometers/hour2Kilogramsm2kg/m3, some density outputs 1/m3
English (ft/s)feetfeet/secfeet/sec2Slugsfeet2lbm/ft3, some density outputs 1/ft3
English (kts)nautical mileknotsknots/secSlugsfeet2lbm/ft3, some density outputs 1/ft3

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: units
Type: character vector
Values: 'Metric (m/s)' | 'Metric (km/s)' | 'Metric (km/h)' | 'English (ft/s)' | 'English (kts)'
Default: 'Metric (m/s)'

Parameter and port units for angles, specified as Degrees or Radians.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: angleUnits
Type: character vector
Values: 'Degrees' | 'Radians'
Default: 'Degrees'

Time format for Start date/time (UTC Julian date) and output port tutc, specified as Julian date or Gregorian.

Programmatic Use

Block Parameter: timeFormat
Type: character vector
Values: 'Julian date' | 'Gregorian'
Default: 'Julian date'

Alternative Configurations

expand all

The Orbit Propagator Kepler (unperturbed) block propagates the orbit of one or more spacecraft by using the Kepler universal variable formulation. To enable this block, set Propagation method to Kepler (unperturbed).

Libraries:
Aerospace Blockset / Spacecraft / Spacecraft Dynamics

Algorithms

expand all

References

[1] Vallado, David. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications, 4th ed. Hawthorne, CA: Microcosm Press, 2013.

[2] Gottlieb, R. G., "Fast Gravity, Gravity Partials, Normalized Gravity, Gravity Gradient Torque and Magnetic Field: Derivation, Code and Data," Technical Report NASA Contractor Report 188243, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, February 1993.

[3] Konopliv, A. S., S. W. Asmar, E. Carranza, W. L. Sjogen, D. N. Yuan., "Recent Gravity Models as a Result of the Lunar Prospector Mission, Icarus", Vol. 150, no. 1, pp 1–18, 2001.

[4] Lemoine, F. G., D. E. Smith, D.D. Rowlands, M.T. Zuber, G. A. Neumann, and D. S. Chinn, "An improved solution of the gravity field of Mars (GMM-2B) from Mars Global Surveyor", Journal Of Geophysical Research, Vol. 106, No. E10, pp 23359-23376, October 25, 2001.

[5] Seidelmann, P.K., Archinal, B.A., A’hearn, M.F. et al. "Report of the IAU/IAG Working Group on cartographic coordinates and rotational elements: 2006." Celestial Mech Dyn Astr 98, 155–180 (2007).

[6] Montenbruck, Oliver, and Gill Eberhard. Satellite Orbits: Models, Methods, and Applications. Springer, 2000.

Extended Capabilities

C/C++ Code Generation
Generate C and C++ code using Simulink® Coder™.

Version History

Introduced in R2020b

expand all

See Also

Blocks

Functions

Topics