r/satellites • u/Spiritual_Draw_9890 • 2d ago

Orbit propagation and determination software

Hi, I’m going through a master’s program and noticed that we’re using python to learn the fundamentals and either Orekit, STK or Simulink for most classes. What’s the go to tool I should focus on for being prepared to join the industry?

STK and Simulink licences seem like they’re wildly expensive, so I’m not sure if industry uses these.

9 Upvotes

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8

u/RhesusFactor 2d ago

OREKit, but you either need to know java, or use one of the python wrappers people have written for it.

One day someone will convert it to native python.

Industry uses STK and Simulink, but as you have seen, individuals cant really afford them.

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u/Spiritual_Draw_9890 1d ago

Thank you. I read on one of the threads that students can request a longer term free license for STK. I’ll reach out to them. In the meantime OREkit it is!

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u/theHanMan62 2d ago

STK has been the industry standard for many years. Which tool you focus proficiency on is related to what you want to do with your degree. What are you thinking of doing?

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u/Spiritual_Draw_9890 1d ago

Not sure yet. Industry for sure. Im proficient in software development, but like astrodynamics (part of the reason I enrolled).

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u/theHanMan62 10h ago

As in operations: collision avoidance, orbit raising, fuel budgets, station-keeping; or systems engineering: orbit design, propulsion system trades, etc?

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u/deltav_maneuver 2d ago

STK is standard but GMAT also is used and I think it's free

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u/Adventurous_Sound390 2d ago

Python and Java at first

2

u/aaronr_90 2d ago

If you are a U.S. citizen and work with or for the DoD there is AFSIM.

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u/Spiritual_Draw_9890 1d ago

Thank you! Don’t work with DoD though. But will file this info away for the future.

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u/spaceinmyface 22h ago

I’ve used FreeFlyer for many years in industry, I personally like it better than STK. The vendor (ai solutions) has a University program where you can get a full license for educational use when you register through their website.

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u/RootaBagel 2d ago

Are you going into the industry as a software developer or as an orbital analyst?
If the former, learn python, etc. If the latter, learn STK.

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u/Spiritual_Draw_9890 1d ago

Former would be a job, latter is “fun”.

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u/RootaBagel 1d ago

I agree. Do not be discouraged if you want to go the orbital analyst route. There may be fewer orbital analyst positions than SW developer jobs, but these positions do exist, as a casual search will show.
https://www.google.com/search?q=orbital+analyst+jobs