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1991-05-24
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Program STSORBIT Space Shuttle Orbit Simulation Page 1
Program STSORBIT
Space Shuttle and Satellite Orbit Simulation
Version 9122
May 24, 1991
by David H. Ransom, Jr.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
BBS: (213) 541-7299
BRIEF PROGRAM INSTRUCTIONS
--------------------------
This file is intended to help the experienced user get started with
program STSORBIT. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the full
program documentation!
STSORBIT is a program to track the NASA Space Shuttle and other
satellites. Orbital data may be entered manually for space shuttle missions
and NASA/NORAD 2-line elements may be used for all satellites as well as
for the space shuttle when available.
The following steps should get the program "up and running" with as
little fuss and bother as practical.
1. For hard disk users: Copy all files to a subdirectory called STSORBIT.
For floppy disk users: Copy all files to a separate floppy disk.
2. For hard disk users: Log into the STSORBIT subdirectory using the
following commands (which assume drive C:):
C:
CD \STSORBIT
For floppy disk users: Log into the floppy disk (drive A: assumed):
A:
3. If you have used a previous version of STSORBIT, delete the file
STSORBIT.INI. This will eliminate any problems if the format of the
.INI file has changed and will reset all features to their default
conditions.
4. Enter the following command to start the program:
Program STSORBIT Space Shuttle Orbit Simulation Page 2
STSORBIT (for all CGA/EGA/VGA color systems)
STSORBIT /M (for all monochrome systems)
5. The program should start and load its map data. Then a screen will
appear which requests that you set the UTC Offset for your time zone.
Follow the on-screen instructions and enter the UTC Offset and the
Daylight Flag.
6. The STSORBIT Main Menu will now appear. Press F1 for a demonstration
of the program. Press ENTER to stop the demonstration and return to
the Main Menu.
7. The distribution package includes a set of NASA 2-line elements with a
name like NASA848.TXT. This contains orbital information on over 100
different satellites. Press F2 to load orbital information. The screen
will display a list of files having the extension .TXT. The
NASAnnn.TXT file should be one of them. Enter the file name at the
prompt and press ENTER.
8. The program will ask what satellite you wish to view with a default
response of "HST" (meaning the Hubble Space Telescope). Press ENTER to
accept the default or enter another satellite name (such as "MIR" or
"TDRS"). If the name of the data file begins with the letters "STS",
the default satellite name will be "STS".
9. The program will search the data file for the requested satellite and
display its orbital data if found. If this is the satellite you wish,
press ENTER when asked.
10. STSORBIT will now display a map of the world and the ground track of
the satellite. The satellite itself will be a white symbol along the
ground track. EGA and VGA systems will display in color; CGA and HGC
systems will display in monochrome. Press Function Key F1 for on-line
help while the ground track is displayed.
11. Press ENTER at any time to return to the Main Menu.
12. To display a space shuttle mission, press F4 to enter orbital
information in STSORBIT's simple orbital model. Enter the launch time
and date in local time (or use UTC by adding "U" at the end of the
time entry). If you know the orbital altitude and inclination, enter
that information; otherwise, press ENTER to accept the default data.
More accurate NASA 2-line elements are usually available within 24
hours of a space shuttle launch.
13. STSORBIT has many features which are fully described in the program
documentation. Please read that documentation!
14. The latest version of STSORBIT and current NASA 2-line elements are
always available on my bulletin board system: RPV ASTRONOMY BBS at
(213) 541-7299, 2400/1200 baud, 8-N-1. The system has a power
controller; if it hasn't answered after the THIRD RING, hang up and
call back in two minutes. This is a free access BBS with 100MB of
Program STSORBIT Space Shuttle Orbit Simulation Page 3
files and is often busy, so please be patient.
USING MISSION ELAPSED TIME WITH 2-LINE ELEMENTS
-----------------------------------------------
The standard NASA/NORAD 2-line orbital element format does not include
the launch time or launch date. However, this information is obviously
required if Mission Elapsed Time (MET) is to be displayed. That information
must therefore be obtained independently and manually entered into the
program. The following steps are required:
1. Start program STSORBIT (see above).
2. Now load the desired 2-line elements using Function Key F2 on the Main
Menu.
3. Press Function Key F5 to adjust the orbital information. Since you are
using 2-line elements, the only questions asked will be Launch Time
and Launch Date. Enter the appropriate information. Note that if you
enter UTC or GMT Launch Time (by adding the letter "U" or "G" at the
end of the time, upper or lower case), STSORBIT assumes that the date
you enter will also be the UTC Launch Date.
4. The information will be displayed for approval. Press ENTER to accept
the data, or press SPACE BAR to repeat the process.
5. Once the data have been accepted, press Function Key F6 to display
Mission Elapsed Time. Press F6 again to return to Time Elapsed Since
Epoch. While the ground track is displayed, the letter "T" may be
pressed to switch between the two elapsed time calculations. If a
launch time and date have not been entered, these commands will have
no effect.
The launch time and launch date will be saved in file STSORBIT.INI and
need only be entered once. Note, however, that this information must be
changed or cleared if you change satellites (since it is saved
independently of the 2-line elements file!).
The simulated time, taking into account any fast time that may have
been in effect up to that point, is shown at the lower left of the screen.
For reference, the launch or epoch time and the actual local time (as
determined by the computer's internal DOS clock) are also displayed. The
MET (Mission Elapsed Time) or T+Epoch display at the lower right of the
screen shows the current elapsed time in the mission and will include an
additional message, "(x10)" or "(x60)", when fast time is in effect.
The combination of the FAST and PAUSE modes will let you "look
ahead" and then freeze the display at a time of interest -- such as when
the satellite enters your circle of visibility. You can then use the "+"
and "-" keys to move the satellite position back and forward in time (using
Function Key F6 to select the time step interval, 1, 10 or 60 seconds) to
determine the times and positions throughout a pass.
One other suggestion: When you use the PAUSE mode (with or without the
Program STSORBIT Space Shuttle Orbit Simulation Page 4
"+" and "-" keys), a good practice is to press ENTER twice after you exit
the PAUSE mode to return to the Main Menu and then restart the ground track
display. This resets the position and times to the current time.
While I do not require registration of STSORBIT, I've put a great deal
of time and effort into the program. Registering your copy and sending
along the very modest contribution will encourage me to continue upgrading
and improving the program.
David H. Ransom, Jr.
7130 Avenida Altisima
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274