pyRTX v1.0
==========

.. image:: _static/pyrtx_banner.png
   :width: 100%
   :align: center
   :alt: pyRTX Banner


**pyRTX** is a Python library for non-gravitational forces modelling for deep space probes using ray tracing.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2
   :caption: Contents:

   installation
   quickstart
   tutorials/index
   api/index
   examples

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! 

Indices and tables
==================

* :ref:`genindex`
* :ref:`modindex`
* :ref:`search`