Tools

This section brings the project into a more practical and interactive form. The first set of tools focuses on a small group of core calculators that are especially useful for learning orbital mechanics and control. Each tool opens on its own page and is intended to grow into a simple interactive module over time.

First Tool Set

Hohmann Transfer Calculator

Compute the Δv requirements and transfer time needed to move between two circular coplanar orbits. This classic maneuver represents the minimum-energy two-burn transfer used in many orbital mission designs.

COE ↔ State Vector Converter

Convert between Classical Orbital Elements (COEs) and Cartesian position–velocity state vectors (r,v). This tool links orbital geometry to the dynamical state representation commonly used in astrodynamics modeling, trajectory analysis, and numerical orbit propagation.

Plane Change Calculator

Estimate the Δv required to rotate an orbital plane or change inclination. Plane-change maneuvers are fundamental in mission design but can be extremely expensive in propellant.

Ballistic Coefficient Calculator

Compute the ballistic coefficient from mass, drag coefficient, and reference area. This tool links the physical properties of a vehicle or object to its aerodynamic drag response, making it useful for re-entry analysis, orbital decay estimation, and introductory atmospheric drag modeling.

PID Controller Playground

Explore how proportional, integral, and derivative gains shape closed-loop system response. This tool helps visualize how PID tuning influences rise time, overshoot, settling behaviour, and steady-state error in feedback control systems.

More tools will be added later, including:
  • Relative motion analysis (Hill / Clohessy–Wiltshire equations)
  • Atmospheric drag and orbital decay estimation
  • Rendezvous and phasing maneuver calculators
  • Attitude representation converters (DCM, Euler angles, quaternions)
  • Guidance and control visualizers for spacecraft dynamics
These additions will gradually expand the platform into a broader interactive toolkit for spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and guidance–navigation–control learning.