pyRTX v1.0
pyRTX is a Python library for non-gravitational forces modelling for deep space probes using ray tracing.
Contents:
Introduction
Welcome to the pyRTX documentation.
This library is thought to help scientists and engineers working in orbit determination, navigation, GNC, and similar applications, by providing a framework for precise computation of non-gravitational forces.
Main features currently supported by pyRTX:
Spacecraft modeling
Support for basic and complex, static and moveable spacecraft shapes. The spacecraft shape can be directly imported from the main 3D file formats. Flexible definition of the thermo-optical properties of every spacecraft surface.
Solar radiation pressure
Precise computation of the solar radiation pressure force and acceleration on the spacecraft. Automatic computation of self-shadowing, secondary reflections and diffusive effects. Eclipse times computation using user-defined planet shapes and solar limb darkening.
Planetary radiation pressure
Albedo and thermal infrared pressure computations based on user-defined planetary properties. Easy implementation of planetary characteristics maps (e.g., albedo and temperature or emissivity). Possibility of using planetary shapes based on digital terrain models for maximum accuracy.
Atmospheric drag
Precise computation of effective area. User defined density models. Plug-in structure allowing to use complex density models (e.g., VenusGRAM, MCD, etc.).
Lookup tables generation and handling
Handful classes for computing, storing and reading lookup tables for improved computational performance.
Credits
If you find this software useful you are more than welcome to use it in your research. If you do so, please acknowledge pyRTX!