Orbit Mechanics Simulation (MATLAB)
We have developed a bunch of simulations involving orbital mechanics to see how the asteroid is moving and to find out if orbiting the asteroid was really an option. This software has a completely experimental use: It would not be equipped in any cubesat, it’s just a tool developed to test the ideas we tried to solve our problem.
Main file: OrbitSimulation.m (Inside OrbitSimulation.zip)
UATS GPS Example (MATLAB)
Astex relies on a solid based software. The UATS cubesats use a very similar method as the one used on the GPS system. The cubesat on the asteroid surface sends a radio signal from the asteroid which contains the time data when it was sent. Three of the six satellites are to measure the distance, one of them is to correct the time data, and it has to be considered that two of them may be hidden behind the earth. This is an example of how a GPS code could work in this case.
Main file: UATS.m
Dependencies: Spherdist.m
Hohmann Transfer Calculation (MATLAB)
This MATLAB script is used to:
Draw elliptical orbits given the typical characteristics of an orbit.
Calculate the minimum distance given the orbits
Design a Hohmann transfer between the to solar orbits:
Elliptical orbit
Higher orbit tangent in a point with the asteroid.
Calculate the combustible mass.
Main file: Orbitplot.m (Inside HohmannTransfer.zip)