How to Use
- 3D Navigation: Click and drag to rotate the view, scroll to zoom in/out
- Simulation Control: Use the Pause/Play button to control animation, or drag the Orbital Position slider to jump to any point in Earth's orbit
- Scale Adjustment: Adjust Sun and Earth scales for better visibility (actual scale ratios are preserved)
- Satellite Parameters: Modify altitude and inclination to simulate different orbits
- Reset: Click Reset View to return to default camera position. Shift+Click to also reset simulation time
Key Features
- Solar Beta Angle: Real-time calculation of the angle between satellite orbital plane and Sun vector
- Satellite Illumination: Visual indication when satellite is in Earth's shadow (blue) or sunlight (yellow)
- Accurate Orbital Mechanics: Based on Kepler's laws with proper orbital periods
- Earth's Axial Tilt: 23.5° tilt properly modeled for seasonal variations
- ISS Default: Pre-configured with International Space Station parameters (420 km altitude, 51.6° inclination)
Physical Parameters
| Parameter |
Value |
Description |
| Sun Radius |
696,000 km |
Photosphere radius |
| Earth Radius |
6,371 km |
Mean radius |
| 1 AU |
149,597,871 km |
Mean Earth-Sun distance |
| Earth's Axial Tilt |
23.5° |
Obliquity of the ecliptic |
| ISS Altitude |
~420 km |
Average orbital altitude |
| ISS Inclination |
51.6° |
Orbital inclination to equator |
| ISS Period |
~90 minutes |
Orbital period |
Understanding Solar Beta Angle
The solar beta angle (β) is crucial for spacecraft thermal control and power generation. It represents the angle between the orbital plane and the Sun vector:
- β = 0°: Sun is in the orbital plane - maximum eclipse duration per orbit
- β = ±90°: Sun is perpendicular to orbital plane - continuous sunlight (no eclipse)
- ISS Range: Varies between approximately ±75° throughout the year due to orbital precession and Earth's axial tilt
- Critical Operations: High beta angles (|β| > 60°) require special thermal management procedures