Programming and Space Mechanics: Creation of a tool to calculate the cost of a maneuver in PYTHON
During 2022/2023, I embarked on a personal project in the realm of Programming and Space Mechanics. This endeavor involved the development of a Python-based tool to calculate the cost of maneuvers in space operations.
Project Steps:
Analytical Resolution of Kepler's Equations: I delved into the intricate realm of astrodynamics, drawing insights from David A. Vallado and James Wertz's authoritative work, "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics and Applications." This phase involved rigorous analytical resolution of Kepler's equations, forming the foundation for subsequent calculations.
Creation of a Propagator: Leveraging numerical integration techniques, I crafted a propagator, a critical component for modeling space trajectories accurately.
Utilization of Display Libraries: To enhance visualization and data presentation, I incorporated display libraries such as Astropy and Matplotlib, ensuring clarity in the representation of space maneuvers.
Computation of Delta V and Fuel Requirements: My tool was designed to meticulously compute delta V (velocity change) and the corresponding fuel requirements, essential for maneuver planning and execution.
Characteristic Maneuver Values: The tool was tailored to provide characteristic values for various maneuver types, including Hohman transfers, elliptical transfers, transfers to a tangent injection orbit, and changes of inclination.
Skills Acquired and Applied:
Throughout this project, I honed and applied skills in astrodynamics, numerical integration, Python programming, data visualization, and algorithm development. These skills have not only deepened my understanding of space mechanics but also sharpened my proficiency in software engineering for complex scientific applications.
