Relative Motion

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FreeFlyer supports relative motion propagation to model the relative motion of a secondary spacecraft with respect to a primary spacecraft. The HCW propagator type uses the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire (HCW) equations of motion to model the relative spacecraft motion. The motion is not calculated with reference to a central body, but instead in reference to the primary moving object as if it were in a circular Keplerian orbit. Beyond that, FreeFlyer's Relative Motion Orbit Wizards and RelativeMotionUtilities object are helpful in configuring the initial orbit for a Spacecraft using relative motion or performing proximity operations.

 

There are a variety of Sample Mission Plans (included with your FreeFlyer installation) that demonstrate various applications of these topics. Continue to the Demos and Spacecraft Propagation Samples page to view descriptions and images of these examples.

 

Demos

•Natural Motion Circumnavigation

 

Spacecraft Propagation Samples

•HCW Coordinate Sets Propagation

•Proximity Operations with Ahead Track

•Relative Motion Orbit Wizards

 

Maneuvering and Targeting Samples

•GEO Rendezvous

 

 

Table of Contents

See the pages listed below for more information on the HCW object and other related topics.

 

•HCW Propagation

•Relative Motion Orbit Wizard

•Working with Relative Motion States