Satellite software assists chandra telescope project
NASA Tech Briefs, Nov 1999
Satellite Software Assists Chandra Telescope Project
Satellite Tool Kit (STK)(R) satellite analysis software
Analytical Graphics
Malvern, PA
610-578-1000
The $1.3-billion Chandra X-Ray Telescope was launched recently from the Space Shuttle, and is the world's most powerful x-ray telescope. its mission is to allow scientists to monitor cosmic events that are invisible to conventional optical telescopes. Chandra's images are expected to yield new insight into celestial phenomena such as the temperature and extent of gas clouds that comprise clusters of galaxies, and the superheating of gas and dust particles as they swirl into black holes.
NASA used STK during the mission's design and development, and it is expected to play a crucial role in orbit-transfer operations. The Chandra mission control center uses STK/Visualization Option (STK/VO) as a real-time, 3D visualization display to aid in orbit transfer. After the telescope reached operational orbit, the Chandra mission operations center continues to use the software to aid in mission operations throughout the life of the spacecraft.
STK was chosen by Lockheed Martin in June as part of its solution for NASA's Consolidated Space Operations Contract (CSOC), a program valued at more than $3 billion over ten years that will provide NASA with an infrastructure for space operations into the 21st century.
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