KSP Orbital Calculator [V0.10.1] - Now with selectable Celestrial Bodies

[guitarist123]

Yea, the Calculator seems a bit off, i just made one in C++ if any1 wishs to give it a shot. Take in mind its very, very simple and was not ment to look good, but the numbers are right.

(if it dosn\'t run you need to update your microsoft .net framework)

http://www.gamefront.com/files/20991724/Mun+Orbit+Calculator+v0.1.exe

[tofof]

UPDATE V0.10:

Added support for more celestrial bodies in the orbit calculations (KEarth, Mun*, Sun*)

* Data on these Celestrial Bodies needs to be confirmed

It doesn\'t look like the calculator is using the correct mass for the Mun. Looking at the source, I believe you\'re using 8.267125E+20 for Munar mass and 1.379 for surface gravity. (And 200km for the radius, which is correct.) Experiments have pretty conclusively concluded Munar mass to be 9.760e20 kg, corresponding to a 1.628 m/s^2 surface gravity.

See my post here which contains the consensus data from the experimental measurements from several (3-4) kerbonauts.

[Panichio]

When I download it, I don\'t know how to open the program? Which file do I click on? Nothing seems to work.

[Warringer]

It\'s a zip file you first need to unpack. Then you either double click on the \'KSPCalculator.bet\' or the \'KSPCalculator.jar\'. Through you should have Java installed.

[MC3craze]

To be honest, at this point there is almost no point in using this.

[Warringer]

True enough, considering the Map view.

But there are still the transfer orbits.

[NovaSilisko]

True enough, considering the Map view.

But there are still the transfer orbits.

Yes. That\'s the primary purpose here. Especially if you have a very tight fuel budget!

[MC3craze]

Yes. That\'s the primary purpose here. Especially if you have a very tight fuel budget!

I actually think I should try doing these with SE, I love a challenge.

[Warringer]

I think I\'m going to completely redo the calculator and put transfer orbits high on my list.

[WX_Echo]

I think I\'m going to completely redo the calculator and put transfer orbits high on my list.

I don\'t want to step on Warringer\'s toes, but I just published version 1.0 of my orbital calculator (KSP Orbit Mechanic) with full transfer orbit capabilities. It provides a robust minimum-fuel transfer analysis complete for Hohmann and Bi-elliptic transfer schemes. More specifically, it will compare the two transfer methods and analyze which option provides the minimum-fuel solution, and the time-penalty associated with the bi-elliptic scheme, for the transfer variables provided (i.e. initial altitude, target altitude, terminal radius ratio, and midcourse radius ratio).

It also solves for the intercept condition and will provide the user with the relative lead/lag angle required to intercept an orbital target (like a satellite or the Mun).

Hohmann Transfer Analysis:

Also included:

- Circular and elliptical orbit determination

- Astronomical object reference library with real celestial bodies added for meaningful comparisons

- Reference graphics for the intercept condition, Hohmann transfers, and bi-elliptic transfers.

I will add a patched conic analysis tab in future iterations. Although significant in any study of Orbital Mechanics, the patched conic approach will not become truly useful in KSP until additional astronomical objects (like a Venus or Mars equivalent) are added. Also, I do not currently have plans to add support for rocket assembly tools (e.g. KSP part references, optimal staging, etc.). Rather, I would prefer to shape KSP Orbit Mechanic into a dedicated orbital analysis tool.

Download KSP Orbit Mechanic 1.1

Original Thread

[Warringer]

Okay, you win, WX. Your calculator is superior to mine...

[WX_Echo]

Thanks for the kind words, Warringer. At the risk of sounding patronizing, I believe your calculator still has something to offer. I have no plans to add staging or rocket design components to KSP Orbit Mechanic, and your tool already has that capability.

My goal with the project was to build a dedicated orbit analysis and determination tool. It was conceived in part by using your calculator, and wanting to expand upon a great idea. All of the code and graphics are original, and I used my Orbital Mechanics textbook from graduate school to re-derive all of the necessary theoretical equations (e.g. bi-elliptic transfers).

About a month ago I sent you a PM with an offer to collaborate on this project and, to some extent, that offer is still on the table. I\'m working on version 1.1 of KSP Orbit Mechanic now; it will feature a significantly improved GUI, plane change maneuvers (orbit cranking/inclined orbits), and more robust support features.

Please let me know if you\'re interested.

[Guest ThatCrazyPilot]

File.file... thanks

[Warringer]

About a month ago I sent you a PM with an offer to collaborate on this project and, to some extent, that offer is still on the table. I\'m working on version 1.1 of KSP Orbit Mechanic now; it will feature a significantly improved GUI, plane change maneuvers (orbit cranking/inclined orbits), and more robust support features.

Please let me know if you\'re interested.

I\'ll think about it.

[Huojin]

Alrighty, figured out how to open it, but... how would I go about using it to calculate a path to reach the Mun?

[WX_Echo]

The Mun\'s altitude above Kerbin is 11400 km. If you start from a circular parking orbit around Kerbin of 150 km, this works out to be a terminal radius ratio of 16.

Basically, you just need to execute a Hohmann transfer from your starting circular orbit that will intercept the Mun\'s circular orbit at 11400 km.

Here\'s all the data you should need (with Mun parameters already inserted). Good luck!

Hohmann Transfer Analysis:

Hohmann Transfer Diagram:

Intercept Condition:

[Tanner]

Curious... I\'ve noticed that this thread hasn\'t had a post since December... has this been abandon or have you taken WX\'s offer of collaboration?

[Warringer]

At the moment, I don\'t see what I could include what WX did not already add to his calculator.

I did take the offer, to program a 3D orbit display, but there was not much in the way of response.

[hobbified]

At the moment, I don\'t see what I could include what WX did not already add to his calculator.

I did take the offer, to program a 3D orbit display, but there was not much in the way of response.

0.10.2, now with correct spelling of 'celestial'?

[Warringer]

0.10.2, now with correct spelling of 'celestial'?

Nope. No corrected spelling.

[Panichio]

Wait, why won't this open for me? It used to work a long time ago, but now it opens an empty console.

[ROFLCopter64bit]

Wait, why won't this open for me? It used to work a long time ago, but now it opens an empty console.

I'm moving this into a more recent application as this is YEARS old, and it should work because it will be a .NET application

[Lord_Jeb]

This could be a really useful tool

[drtedastro]

Why is this thread even still open???

[Gh0st_DovahJeb]

Just downloaded this to play with it, as I sadly have no time to load KSP before my gym time... kinda makes me want to skip the gym and do some orbinating... love it. Good job and keep it up!