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With more than 32,000 worldwide installations, AGI software technology plays an integral part in national security and space programs. The following comprises a small subset of customer applications.
Advatech Pacific, Inc.
| Prompt Global Strike - Common Aero Vehicle |
Air Force Research Laboratory recommended that SETA contractor Advatech Pacific use STK to evaluate contractor proposals, perform in-house analysis, and build visualizations. AGI technology will evaluate the contractors’ conceptual designs, concepts of operations, and demonstration plans for the program. Studies conducted using STK analyze and model the variables involved in delivering and deploying conventional payloads worldwide from and through space.
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Agenium/Ergospace
| EnviNav |
EnviNav was designed by AGI international business partner Agenium for the STK software suite. EnviNav uses the Ray Tracing method to deterministically simulate propagation of electromagnetic signals in constrained environments such as urban canyons, indoors, woods, and at sea. Taking into account shadowing effects, it gives the following information at any point in the world, regardless of environment: availability of systems, accuracy of measurements, service continuity, and completeness of information received. EnviNav also determines multipaths generated during propagation of the signals and offers a complete link budget for each path. |
Applied Defense Solutions
| Geostationary Flight Dynamics Workflows for NAVSOC |
Applied Defense Solutions and MAXIM Systems have integrated AGI software into the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) to support the geostationary flight dynamics workflow for operations. This solution included using Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) to process data from current tracking systems and automating STK/Astrogator to plan maneuvers according to existing strategies. The resulting definitive and predicted ephemerides are subsequently processed by STK for analysis and product generation. ODTK and STK are populated from databases and the created products catalogued in the dployed system. In addition, the system was automated to produce a variety of products necessary for the operations of the NAVSOC satellites. |
ASI and NIRV
| STK Used During BeppoSAX Deorbit |
In April 2003, a dedicated re-entry task force set up by the Italian government at the Civil Protection Department of Rome used STK during the final re-entry phases of the uncontrolled BeppoSAX satellite (Satellite per Astronomia X, dubbed "Beppo" in honor of the well-known Italian astrophysicist Giuseeppe Occhialini). The 1400-kg Italian-Dutch satellite, which splashed down into the equatorial Pacific about 186 miles northwest of the Galapagos Islands, was an X-ray astronomy satellite known for discovering 50 Gamma Ray bursts. Scientists initially put 39 counties on notice that as much as 40% of BeppoSAX's mass might survive the fiery re-entry and rain down on the Earth below.
As the satellite deorbited, taskforce personnel in Rome used STK to determine the cities along the equator that could potentially be hit by falling debris. Based on BeppoSAX's last track, 60% of the countries that were at risk for falling debris were determined to be safe and were released from the alert about 25 minutes before re-entry. In the end, the task force chalked up a successful deorbit when all fragments of BeppoSAX landed harmlessly in the ocean. Read the full story on page 8 of the September 2003 InView.
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BAE Systems
| ISR Mission Analysis |
BAE Systems uses STK to analyze Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The team has developed scenarios to examine interoperability and effectiveness of ISR missions with platforms that include Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), pilot-operated aircraft, data processing ground stations, and ground and maritime targets. The analysis leverages STK to examine communications and detect through access reports and sensor visualization, sensor coverage for collateral damage assessments (pre-mission) and battle damage assessments (post-mission), multi-int sensors, and cross-cueing. Radar cross section (RCS) modeling and analysis were also performed for high-fidelity target detection, and an STK Engine application was developed as a mission planning prototype. The team successfully demonstrated STK integration with MATLAB, OPNET, and Google Earth. Finally, high resolution videos were generated using Adobe Production Studio toolset to illustrate concepts that were explored using STK.
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Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
| NPOESS |
Ball Aerospace used STK to prepare proposals for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), scheduled to launch in May 2006. Early mission analysis included STK for access calculations, coverage analysis, and chain analysis. The results were presented in the final proposal. |
BlackBox Digital
| Mission: Impossible III |
A Santa Monica-based compositing and design firm used Visual Data Format (VDF) files readable by the free AGI Viewer software to enhance M:I:III realism. Moviemakers displayed these STK-generated intelligence scenarios on Impossible Mission Force operations center plasmas and computer screens. |
Boeing
| Delta Expendable Launch Vehicle |
In order to satisfy safety requirements, engineers at the Delta Expendable Launch Vehicle Program used STK for trajectory reconstruction to calculate the instantaneous impact points for numerous launch scenarios. Then the data was presented using STK's visualization and mapping capabilities. |
| Discoverer II |
During the proposal phase, STK was used in finalizing the proposed constellation and analyzing the radar capabilities of the system. |
| Ellipso |
This proposed telecommunications network found STK/Coverage and STK/Comm to be vital during the conceptual phase of the program. STK was instrumental in verifying Ellipso's ground station requirements, orbit parameters, and communications antenna coverage. |
| Global Positioning System Block IIF |
STK is used for coverage analysis and visualization of the next-generation GPS.
In other Boeing efforts, STK has been the standard tool in programs such as the Future Imaging Architecture, National Missile Defense (Lead System Integrator), Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. In all these programs, STK was used for much of the access determination, coverage analysis, communications modeling, and 3-D visualization.
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Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
| P-8 Multimission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) |
STK is used as an end-to-end analytical simulation tool for the Multimission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program, which will ensure the future long-range maritime patrol capabilities for the U.S. Navy. The program utilizes an AGI battlespace management application to integrate aircraft, ground and naval forces, and satellite communications to dramatically improve Anti-Submarine Warfare, or ASW, and Anti-Surface Warfare, or ASuW, capabilities.
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| Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) |
The Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) for the U.S. Air Force uses AGI technology for their proposed satellite system, which detects and tracks space objects, such as satellites and orbital debris. With the growing number of space objects in Earth orbit (currently >10,000), the space surveillance mission will become more important for collision avoidance and more necessary in defending U.S. space assets from global threats. The SBSS Pathfinder system will pave the way in providing timely, accurate, and flexible space observations in support of the U.S. Air Force's space situational awareness capability. The SBSS performance and analysis team has used STK modeling in combination with MatLab to support: spacecraft orbital design and attitude approach; communication downlink design; verification of mission observation plan and target geometric constraints; search pattern development; and onboard memory fill & drain analysis. AGI's Orbit Determination Tool Kit generates simulated observations and processes space-based measurements along with other detailed analyses and trade studies. The data and analysis generated by the SBSS program could be used by the Department of Defense for military operations, or for NASA or commercial satellite operators to calculate orbital debris conjunction analysis.
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CAE
| Network Centric Warfare Modeling |
Given the military's reliance on communications as a force multiplier, it is essential to accurately model imperfect or delayed communications for planning, development, operations, and training. CAE's Network Centric Warfare Simulator is an integrated product that combines its STRIVE software with detailed communications network modeling in real time. STRIVE models moving entities and generates messages such as position reports. Scalable Network Technologies' QualNet software is used to compute their propagation through the modeled network, and STRIVE implements the computed delays in the receipt of messages. AGI's STK/Advanced Visualization Option (STK/Advanced VO) module has also been integrated to provide enhanced situational awareness and battlespace management capabilities, allowing the user to simultaneously visualize the terrain, entities, and communications traffic. Read the full story on page 5 of the December InView.
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Canadian Department of National Defence
| Joint Space Support Team |
The Canadian Department of National Defence created a Joint Space Support Team (JSST), a three-to-six person unit that will aid commanders and soldiers on the battlefield using the latest space technology. The $18.6 million (U.S) effort supports Canadian missions at the joint and operational levels in space situational awareness, weather, theater ballistic warning, navigation warfare, and surveillance and reconnaissance. JSST will use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software for the majority of its objectives. STK will play a major role in computer tools providing space situational awareness, navigation warfare, and mission planning. |
Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies
| Officer Training |
The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies (CFSAS), located at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, uses STK in professional military education and technical specialty courses it provides to officers in the Canadian Forces. These highly technical seminars include a one-week space applications course and a three-week advanced operational electronic warfare course in which instructors use STK, particularly the 3-D visualization module STK/Advanced Visualization Option (STK/Advanced VO), to assist students in more easily comprehending a variety of complex concepts. Read the full story on page 9 of the February 2004 InView. |
CENTCOM
| ISSG |
STK/Advanced VO was used to support the Interoperability Senior Steering Group (ISSG) efforts at CENTCOM during the summer of 2000. STK/VO is a part of the Battlespace Visualization Initiative (BVI) program that was used to support the collection managers at CENTCOM. BVI is part of the Collection Management Mission Applications suite of tools being added to the Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS) program. |
Center for Space Standards & Innovation (CSSI)
| Chinese ASAT Test |
Dr. T.S. Kelso of CSSI, AGI's public research and educational outreach arm based in Colorado Springs, used AGI software in conjunction with data from CelesTrak, a Web site that Kelso manages dedicated to tracking space objects, as well as SOCRATES, a service that posts the top 10 probable space conjunctions daily, to portray the debris field resultant from the January 11, 2007, Chinese anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test. Kelso says the China ASAT is the largest debris-generating event in history. |
Challenger Learning Center of Colorado
| Space Mission Simulation |
The Challenger Learning Center of Colorado (CLCCS), an AGI Educational Alliance Program partner, uses a customized application built by AGI engineers that allows students to analyze and track the location of moving objects such as the International Space Station or a Mars rover. Read the full story on page 9 of the April 2006 InView. |
Coalition Warfare Program
| Trial Spartan Hammer |
At Trial Spartan Hammer 2006, a major military exercise to showcase NATO countries' abilities to share and exploit real-time intelligence, the Coalition Warfare Program teamed with AGI to test a prototype navigation package deployed on a UAV. AGI software predicted threats, visualized the UAV's real-time data feeds, and was used after the event for data evaluation and performance assessment. |
Cornell University
| CUSat |
The Cornell University Satellite (CUSat) project used AGI software for nearly all analyses. STK serves as the main simulation test bed and tests the projects' guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) code. The CUSat team presented its project to the University Nanosat-4 Program, an AIAA-sponsored flight competion, and was announced one of 11 winners in March 2007. CUSat will launch as a secondary payload on an Air Force launch. |
Defence R&D Canada-Ottawa
| CSIAPS |
The Commercial Satellite Imagery Acquisition Planning System (CSIAPS) was developed by Defence R&D CanadaOttawa (DRDC Ottawa) to assist collection managers within operational centers with planning for the acquisition and archiving of Commercial Satellite Imagery (CSI). CSIAPS was built with a custom Graphical User Interface (GUI) that invokes algorithms in STK for access calculations, coverage analysis, and 2D/3D visualizations. |
| Maritime Air Littoral Operations (MALO) |
As part of the Maritime Air Littoral Operations (MALO) program for Defence Research & Development Canada-Ottawa, Sonalysts Studios and Applied Defense Solutions integrated Sonalysts' Combat Systems-Dangerous Waters naval simulation engine into STK. The system is thus able to perform underwater acoustic modeling of platforms and sensors. |
Department of Defense
| Mission Minder |
Data Fusion Corporation's Mission Minder is an STK-based ISR collection management toolset that provides modernized planning and analysis for SIGINT missions. The toolset transforms collection requirements into optimized mission execution plans in minutes. AGI software technology provides the ISR business logic that allows for: track propagation, 3-D visualization, and visibility access with terrain masking effects. Read the full story on page 4 of the April 2006 InView. |
Digital Quest
| Spacestars |
AGI formed a business partnership with Digital Quest, Inc., a Mississippi-based software development and training company. Digital Quests' SPACESTARS program is designed to help students learn about geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing and how these technologies can be applied to solve problems in their communities. The curriculum emphasizes applied instruction, the latest technology, and commercially available software such as STK and ESRI's ArcView® GIS. Using STK, students learn about spacecraft orbits, imaging sensors, and the geometry required to gather imagery from space. They also study how GIS information is collected from space and used for analysis in STK/GIS and ArcView. Read the full story on page 6 of the April 2002 InView. |
DigitalGlobe
| QuickBird |
DigitalGlobe uses STK to support QuickBird operations in both collection planning and mission control. STK's analysis and visualization capabilities help the Collection Planning team determine which images to schedule for collection. STK further aids DigitalGlobe's business plan by helping operators determine how to optimize spacecraft utilization. The Mission Control Center uses the STK/Advanced Visualization Option module to troubleshoot both space and ground anomalies. This capability provides invaluable insight into antenna and spacecraft orientations. When the control center engineers have to plan complex spacecraft maneuvering, STK is used to ensure commanding sequences will accomplish the desired effect. In addition, DigitalGlobe routinely uses STK to perform capacity analysis for large value contracts. Read the full story on page 4 of the July 2005 InView.
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Discovery's Military Channel
| The Chain: From ID to Impact |
AGI products were used for a one-hour television documentary focusing on the intelligence community's six-stage emergency response plan to national threats, known as the "kill chain." AGI software depicted military systems used to compress the cahin and reduce the time from sensor to shooter, including ISR assets, DSP detection satellites, PAVE PAWS tracking radar, comm platforms, and battlespace management systems. |
| Tracking Army Ranger Strategies |
AGI provided the Discovery's Military Channel with post-event analysis and visualization of the 23rd annual "Best Ranger" competion. AGI animations showcased the land navigation segment by fusing GPS tracking data with terrain and imagery to portray where individual teams had difficulty, used similar strategies, or got lost. Read the full story on page 3 of the July 2005 InView. |
Dr. Martin Fowler
| Aerial archaeology |
United Kingdom aerial archaeologist Dr. Martin Fowler is using declassified CORONA photoreconnaissance satellite images to search for traces of former settlements in the UK. To enhance his work, he needed to determine photo acquisition tims, because the azimuth and elevation of the Sun with the camera's viewing angle can alter the appearance of archaeological features. He used STK to recreate the CORONA satellite's orbit and thus determine acquisition times. |
EADS
| Eagle Vision Program |
The European Aeronautic Defence Space Company (EADS), Defence and Security Systems segment, uses AGI's STK/X module to integrate STK into the Eagle Vision (EV) software for the United States Air Force. The EV equipment consists of portable satellite receiving and processing stations that can immediately exploit commercial imagery for use by the warfighter. By integrating STK, added capabilities include precise orbit propagation, accurate satellite instrument modeling, and the display of the spacecraft pass in real time over the imaging area. Read the full story on page 4 of the July 2005 InView. |
Emergent Space Technologies
| Safe Rendezvous & Proximity Operations |
Rendezvous and proximity operations are critical capabilities for a variety of current and future space applications, most notably approach, rendezvous, and docking of visiting vehicles with the International Space Station (ISS). This includes NASAs Crew Exploration Vehicle, but it also includes future commercial service providers such as SpaceDevs DreamChaser. Emergent Space Technologies, Inc. has developed algorithms to safely conduct rendezvous and proximity operations around the ISS. In order to get a better understanding of how they would perform operationally, Emergent used STK to send maneuver commands from its algorithms implemented in MATLAB to STK/Astrogator, and then visualized the results using STK's dynamic 3-D environment. Future work will focus on implementing navigation simulations using AGI's Orbit Determination Tool Kit. |
ESA - ESTEC
| Lunar Transfers Using Four-Body Dynamics |
Different human lunar mission scenarios are traded in industries and agencies around the world. In support of assessment studies done in the Concurrent Design Facility at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC), an analysis of different techniques for calculating lunar transfer orbits using four-body dynamics was done using STK. This presentation gives an overview of the developed techniques for calculating complex trajectories with STK. For lunar transfers, optimizations are performed using the Lunar Transfer Orbit Calculator (LTOC), which maximizes mass in lunar orbit by varying initial conditions such as launch hour and parking orbit waiting time, or a combination of different Delta V's. When the optimization has finished, a complete STK/Astrogator scenario of complex lunar orbits is created using STK/Connect. Spacecraft orbiting Lagrange points, such as Lissajous orbits, can be calculated by using STK/Astrogator's in-line functions—in this case the VBA programming language. |
European Space Agency (ESA)
| Advanced Relay Technology Mission (Artemis) |
An 18-month recovery effort culminated on Jan. 31, 2003 in the recovery and repositioning of the telecommunications satellite Artemis. In this effort, the ESA and its contractors used STK/Astrogator to help a team of engineers and other specialists return Artemis to its assigned position in geostationary orbit. A malfunction in the upper stage of an Ariane 5 launcher left the satellite in a lower than intended elliptical orbit. The rescue effort involved rotating the satellite in the orbital plane by 90 degrees with respect to its nominal orientation. New strategies developed to raise altitude as well as to counter the natural increase in orbital inclination required new onboard control modes, a new station network, and new flight control procedures. Artemis was launched on July 12, 2002 from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. |
| FOCAS |
STK/Connect and STK/PRO were integrated into algorithms created by the Grupo Mecanico de Vuelo (GMV) to give constellation optimization solutions for the FOCAS (Fire Detection) project. Interest areas are specified within STK and are then run through a Monte Carlo algorithm to find the best combination of planes and satellites for infra-red and ultra-violet detection. |
| HEX |
STK/Astrogator is being used to validate constellation design strategies for the HEX mission of Earth resource formation flying satellites. Together with STK/Advanced VO, STK/Astrogator makes mission design a point and click procedure with instant 3-D feedback. |
| ISS/Automated Transfer Vehicle |
STK/PRO, STK/Advanced VO, STK/Astrogator and STK/Connect are being used to simulate docking maneuvers between the ATV and the ISS. |
Franklin Institute
| Space Command |
AGI created and donated two- and three-dimensional animations of four different satellites currently orbiting in space as part of The Franklin Institute's new permanent, interactive Space Command exhibit. This exhibit is part of the museum's Fels Planetarium, which was renovated and re-opened in October 2002.
Using STK, AGI created an interactive workstation that allows visitors to track actual satellites in real time - showing each spacecraft's current time, speed, latitude, longitude, and altitude. The orbiting satellites included in the display are the International Space Station, and NASA's Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS), Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and Hubble Space Telescope. Read the full story on page 4 of the April 2003 InView. |
GE Americom
| GE-7 |
AGI used STK to support the launch of an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket carrying a GE-7 communications satellite, owned by GE American Communications, Inc. (GE Americom), and an Astra 2B direct broadcast satellite, owned by the Luxembourg-based Société Européenne des Satellites. AGI built a scenario for the launch from predicted satellite information and also created a real-time display after launch. STK software was employed to model all maneuvers including the pop-off sequence of the GE-7 and the Astra 2B. After the GE-7 satellite sent out data, STK translated that information into a real-time display. Read the full story on page 3 of the April 2001 InView. |
General Dynamics C4 Systems
| AstroRT |
General Dynamics C4 Systems, while Spectrum Astro, developed an STK/Connect interface for AstroRT, a software package that commands, controls, and reads in satellite data and telemetry. The company uses AstroRT for ground-testing of all its satellites. Using STK/Connect (a TCP/IP socket interface to STK), AstroRT users can display satellite attitude in real time using STK/Advanced VO. In one case involving an imaging satellite, STK/Advanced VO showed that with each pass, the camera's angle to the Sun decreased. Had this progression continued, it would have shortened the life of the satellite. STK/Advanced VO quickly identified this potentially detrimental condition, which had not been actively monitored, and supported corrective activities. |
GeoEye
| GeoEye-1 |
GeoEye of Dulles, VA, uses AGI software for GeoEye-1, a next-generation Earth-imaging satellite developed as part of the NGA's NextView program. The technology is integrated into the command and control system. |
Honeywell
| DataLynx |
Honeywell (under the former Allied Signal Technical Services Group) created the first buy-by-the-use satellite command, control, and communications network. DataLynx provides customers with lower cost by sharing traditionally underutilized assets such as satellite ground stations, control centers, and data processing systems across many customers in civil, commercial, and military space. The use of standard tools, protocols, interfaces, and formats simplifies the commercialization of TT&C services and allows the infusion of automation to further reduce cost and risk. STK has been used for the development of the Flight Dynamics subsystem within Datalynx. The daily orbit determinations are done using STK/PODS and the daily reporting, such as contact periods and spacecraft activity, is automated via STK/Connect. Maneuver requests and orbit analysis is also done using STK/Astrogator in conjunction with STK's high fidelity orbit integrators. Read the full story on page 1 of the June 1999 InView .
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| MSTI-3 |
STK is used in the operations control center for calculation of in-view opportunities from the spacecraft to ground stations.
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Hughes
| HGS-1 (AsiaSat3) |
AGI played a substantial role in rescuing this satellite launched from Russia. Originally targeted for a geostationary orbit, it was stranded in a 57° highly elliptical orbit. Using STK/Navigator, a precursor to STK/Astrogator, and STK/Advanced VO, engineers calculated the extraordinarily complex maneuvers necessary to raise the satellite's orbit to perform a lunar swing by and lower its inclination to 18°. A second lunar gravity assist maneuver took it to an 8° inclination, and subsequent burns sent the satellite into its intended geostationary orbit. |
Inter-National Research Institute (INRI)
| JWID 2000 |
INRI produced a Time Sensitive Targeting Workstation (TSTW) with an STK/VO 3-D client window to support target operators' needs. The TSTW workstation was used in the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID) 2000. With STK/Advanced VO as the 3-D component for this workstation, the system populates an STK/Advanced VO window with time-critical target tracks, thus enabling the operator to locate the most effective target based on visual interpretation of tracks and map data on terrain in a 3-D environment. Read the full story on page 5 of the August 2000 InView. |
Iridium Satellite LLC
| Systems Engineering |
Iridium, a mobile satellite voice and data solutions provider, uses STK software as a key systems engineering tool for analysis and visualization of its global satellite system. Iridium leverages STK/Advanced Visualization Option and STK/Terrain for a 3-D view of the Iridium satellite constellation's complex topology and the dynamic relationships between its satellites and mobile users. A variety of STK modules are also used to determine the average access duration of satellites in Iridium's constellation for selected user locations and to analyze communications cross-links. Read the full story on page 6 of the April 2005 InView. |
Israel Aircraft Industries
| Amos 2 |
MBT Space Division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Ltd. incorporated STK into mission planning for the Amos 2 telecommunications satellite, which provides a bridge to the Eastern United States' satellite services market. Engineers for IAI used STK as an independent comparison tool for their orbit and command software packages to mitigate risk and ensure that satellite design met mission requirements and contingency responses. Read the full story on page 6 of the May 2004 InView. |
ITT Industries, Inc.
| U.S. Air Force Spacelift Range System Contract |
ITT Systems Division in Colorado Springs, CO, uses STK to support the U.S. Air Force Spacelift Range System Contract, a 10-year agreement to modernize and sustain the launch ranges at Cape Canaveral, FL, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. A key objective of the contract is to evaluate the range instruments that monitor manned and unmanned launches, and determine the best locations to place them along the eastern and western coasts. ITT enters various flight profiles into STK, generates dynamic 3-D graphics in STK/Advanced Visualization Option to depict the times tracking stations gain and lose signals from space-bound vehicles, and employs the STK/MATLAB Interface to analyze the optimal sites for range instrument placement and narrow the combination and size of assets each site should contain. Read the full story on page 5 of the December 2004 InView. |
JAXA
| Micro-LabSat |
The Japanese Space Exploration Agency (JAXA) used STK software technology to confirm images of the Earth taken by Micro-LabSat, a small research satellite engineered by JAXA. After the launch, JAXA used STK animations during space science seminars to foster local students' interest in and understanding of satellites. Read the full story on page 6 of the July 2005 InView. |
JHU/APL
| STEREO Mission Design |
The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) consists of two space-based observatoriesone ahead of Earth in its orbit, the other trailing behind. With this new pair of viewpoints, scientists will be able to see the structure and evolution of solar storms as they blast from the Sun and move out through space. The STEREO mission design team employed STK/Astrogator for pre-mission design and analysis and during actual operations. Many analysis and product generation tasks were automated using AGIs MATLAB interface, STK/Integration module, and STK/Astrogator. Monte Carlo runs were performed to verify adequate propellant budget and to check the rocket stack and spacecraft separation sequence. For ephemeris creation, the STEREO project used the NASA SPICE system. STK provides a graphical user interface to create the SPICE files. Furthermore, the files can also be created from MATLAB using STK/Integration. The maneuver plans were checked and SPICE ephemeris created automatically from MATLAB. The resulting trajectories were also checked against the mission constraints automatically. Furthermore, MATLAB scripts were used to check the first contacts across the launch windows and to create SPICE files for the Deep Space Network (DSN) team.
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L-3 Communications
| SCNC Collision/Interference Control and Reporting |
A contractor for the Satellite Control Network Contract (SCNC) for the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN), L-3 Communications used AGI software to build an HTML-based GUI known as Collision/Interference Control and Reporting (CICR). This interface saved time, money, and is easily adaptable to changing requirements. |
Lockheed Martin
| Atlas |
Analyzing the link quality of the various antennas on the Atlas launch vehicle was essential to ensuring that the spacecraft communicated with TDRS, ground stations, and headquarters while it rolled, pitched, and yawed during launch. The STK dynamic display function that showed the bit error rate (BER) and signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio indicated when antennas had to be switched to guarantee a quality communications link throughout the launch. This analytical and visual COTS solution helped increase efficiency for the analysis process. |
| Battle Command Services |
Common Operating Picture (COP) software acquires data and displays it to provide situational awareness. For tactical Army systems, the COP software must be lightweight and portable in order to be run on the wide range of hardware available at the different supported echelons. Furthermore, the COP supporting fully mobile operations must display both friendly and enemy entity locations and information about the communications networks supporting the warfighter. The resulting display, known as a Network COP or NetCOP, requires 3-D capability to show how the terrain affects network availability. To resolve the first issue of portability, we separate the data acquisition from the client display. The client software only needs to communicate with a Web service to get data from any legacy or future system that provides relevant COP data. This Web service is the front end of an integration layer known as Battle Command Services, a set of business logic that caches tactical and logistics data obtained from various systems and allows the user to query the data as one set. The client side software is implemented as a Java applet with loosely-coupled components to maximize portability. A major component is the map display, which must be embedded into the applet and provides 3-D capability addressing the last issue. STK is the only COTS Lockheed found to meet all of these criteria. By combining AGI's 4DX technology with Battle Command Services, Lockheed has created a dynamic, lightweight NetCOP that features 3-D views and filtering capabilities. |
| Center for Innovation |
Lockheed Martin is using STK in its Center for Innovation in Suffolk, VA, a computer-based integration, experimentation, analysis, and visualization center for demonstrating the organization's futuristic combat and homeland security solutions. To convey its concepts, Lockheed Martin feeds a a variety of data sources into STK, where the information is transformed into an analytical, interactive 3-D environment. The company also used STK/X to develop a custom graphical user interface that enables the overlaying and grouping of objects on-screen and the analysis of how the objects interact. Read the full story on page 6 of the April 2005 InView. |
| ChinaStar |
The STK suite of products plays a critical role in routine operations of this satellite, and is used to generate daily reports such as station accesses to determine link availability. Lockheed Martin also leverages the analytical power of STK/Advanced VO's 3-D graphics, and uses it to show real-time position and attitude of the satellite during launch and critical orbit maneuvers via live telemetry data. |
| Discoverer II |
During the early mission-design phases of the project, STK played a key role in performing feasibility analysis and assessing technical requirements. Lockheed Martin engineers built specific scenarios with space-based radar and synthetic aperture radar capabilities. STK was also used for satellite constellation design and analysis, sensor analysis, and visualization.
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| GE2 |
STK/Advanced VO demonstrated the power of graphical, 3-D visualization in the control center during the GE2 mission. While other software and instruments could not determine when sun acquisition would occur after solar panel deployment, STK accurately showed the impending event in real-time. After acquisition was indicated in STK, telemetry flowed in, verifying that it had occurred. Flight analysts, who were initially reluctant to use a new 3-D analytical tool, embraced STK's capabilities, which has allowed STK to be a vital component in subsequent GE3 and GE4 launches. |
| GE3, GE4 |
During satellite maneuvers, live telemetry was fed into the STK suite of products to verify the satellite's attitude orientation and to visualize the launch. In addition, the suite is used to create daily satellite in-view reports. |
| Intercept Engagements |
Lockheed Martin is using the Interceptor Flight Tool in STK/Missile Modeling Tools (STK/MMT) along with STK Deck Access in a Launch Area Denied versus Defended Area Footprint (LAD/DAF) study to analyze the effectiveness of detecting threats from infrared satellite sensors. |
| Joint Semi Automated Forces (JSAF) |
STK is used by Lockheed Martin to display a live 3-D visualization of a Joint Semi Automated Forces (JSAF) scenario in real time. STK's live video capture and data collection capabilities also aid in post-scenario analysis. JSAF, a popular simulation tool used by the military for creating scenarios on the fly, supplies information to client machines via HLA (High Level Architecture). In order to have JSAF communicate information to STK, an HLA-to-STK/Connect gateway had to be developed. Information coming from JSAF in the form of HLA is received by the gateway and transformed into STK/Connect language. The STK/Connect language is then passed to STK via STK's socket connection. One scenario tool that JSAF uses is called clutter. Clutter is used to generate anywhere from 0-5000+ simulation entities. These entities are usually used to represent the traffic that exists on urban terrain. STK is currently able to simulate 5,000 live clutter vehicles. With STK, analysts can analyze the scenario from a space-based sensor point-of-view.
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| Rapid Conceptual Design |
Rapid Conceptual Design (RCD) process has been developed by LM Aero Advanced Development Programs to reduce the overall design cycle time associated with performing Multidisciplinary Design (MDD), Analysis (MDA) and Optimization (MDO). This capability enables the integration of best of breed commercial off-the-shelf software analysis tools with trusted heritage tools, processes, and databases. Lockheed is employing this RCD process with AGIs Aircraft Mission Modeler to execute complex system of system level trade studies from a vehicle design perspective. The approach allows the design of a given capability in context, in order to accurately capture both system requirements and system of system level impacts on the design in its functional environment.
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| SWIFT Lab |
Lockheed Martin Corporations SWIFT Lab, located in the Farnborough Aerospace Centre, UK, is a network-enabled environment for civil and military customers to address challenges in a realistic operational environment. AGI software serves as part of a dynamic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) system for simulating real-time UAV operations, situational awareness, and mission planning. |
| Titan |
The STK suite of products visualized Titan vehicle launches from a variety of remote locations. Live telemetry from the launch vehicle drives the STK/Advanced VO 3-D display in the Operations Center, which is then distributed in real-time to Lockheed Martin facilities in Denver, CO; Crystal City, VA; and other locations. |
| Titan IV |
STK was used to visualize a Titan IV launch failure. The launch data was fed into STK/Advanced VO, and the associated malfunction of the rocket's pitch sensors could be reviewed. Read the full story on page 5 of the November 2001 InView. |
Loral
| GlobalStar |
The engineering group within GlobalStar used the STK suite of products in constellation design, including ground station access availability times, coverage analysis, and link budget. Engineers used STK to analyze if and when two satellites would be available for wireless communications at different locations. |
| Telstar 6 |
The STK/Advanced VO suite was used to simulate all launch phases, including engine sequences and stage separations for preview and playback of the nominal mission.
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Marine Corps Combat Development Command
| Tier II/Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems |
The Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) is conducting an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) study to compare the operational effectiveness and suitability of alternatives for the Tier II Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)/Small Tactical UAS (STUAS) Initial Capability Document (ICD). STK is being used as the key modeling tool to analyze the operational effectiveness of the alternatives with an emphasis on persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and communications relay performance. |
MAXIM Systems
| Sicily RADHAZ Model |
The Sicily RADHAZ Model was developed by MAXIM Systems to analyze and visualize the Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) for SPAWAR PEO-Space Systems Satellite Communications Office (PMW-146). While scouting potential sites for a new Earth terminal location, PMW-146 identified a candidate location adjacent to the Sigonella airfield in Sicily. PMW-146 requested that MAXIM Systems provide an STK model to provide further analysis and visualization support to previous program HERO studies. The Sicily RADHAZ Model was successfully briefed at the Sigonella airfield and played a significant role in the decision to not use the Sigonella site for the Earth terminal. |
Modern Technology Solutions, Incorporated
| Unmanned Aircraft System Analysis |
A key element of unmanned aircraft, the Detect, Sense, and Avoid (DSA) system development will focus on analysis of system performance requirements through extensive modeling of potential collision scenarios in the National Airspace System environment.
STK was adapted for this application to determine its impact on modeling UAS collision avoidance system performance requirements.
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NASA
| Chandra |
STK was used extensively during the mission's design and development, and plays a crucial role in the mission control center as a real-time 3-D visualization display to aid in orbit transfer. The Chandra mission operations center uses STK to assist in mission operations throughout the life of the spacecraft. STK and STK/Advanced VO were originally integrated as part of the ground system for doing the real-time visualization work. Use of the STK product suite was later expanded to include STK/Astrogator and STK/Comm. STK/Astrogator is used to assist in the orbit design, and STK/Comm provides communications analysis such as link margins to compare real-time performance with predicted values. STK is also used to calculate key mission data, including ground station visibility and eclipse-time calculations. Finally, STK output such as percent occultation, angle of the sun to the array, and angle of the Earth to the backside of the array for power analyses is integrated with MATLAB for additional processing and analysis. Read the full case study. |
| FUSE |
In an effort to take advantage of industry-leading COTS products, Interface Control Systems (ICS) incorporated STK into the integrated, control center architecture under contract to NASA. STK was chosen to generate extended-precision-vector data that can be uploaded to the spacecraft, and to pipe real-time telemetry to a 3-D projected screen display. Another major advantage that ICS has found using STK is the ability to seamlessly integrate STK with other products. Flexible report styles allow satellite analysts to quickly process ground station pass data into a consolidated format. Read the full case study. |
| GNCC (Guidance, Navigation & Control Center) |
The GNCC is the main organization at NASA Goddard that provides flight dynamics support for flight projects—from early mission design to launch and initial operations. This engineer group uses a multi-copy site license to pool resources and support projects throughout Goddard. In addition, AGI provides dedicated on-site engineering support for this large user base. |
| Hubble Space Telescope (HST) |
STK is used to automatically generate daily reports for the flight engineers. In addition, several organizations involved in the HST used STK/Advanced VO for real-time display of the satellite's position and attitude, especially during servicing missions. Read the full story on page 1 of the July 1996 InView. |
| Integrated Mission Design Center (IMDC) |
This organization at NASA Goddard performs early mission concept studies and evaluates and initiates various mission proposals. IMDC uses a set of STK products in trajectory planning, in-view analysis, coverage, link budget, and other aspects of mission planning. |
| Landsat7 |
NASA's Flight Operations Team used STK to simulate the Landsat7 launch and now uses it for real-time 3-D visualization of the satellite's position and attitude. STK software also plays a critical role in day-to-day operations of the Flight Dynamics Team by generating analysis products and reports such as station acquisition times, ascending/descending node information, sun angles, sensor sun/moon interference, South Atlantic Anomaly and other ZOE crossings, and IIRV vector outputs. NASA is also using STK/PODS for orbit determination. |
| New Horizons |
The New Horizons mission design team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) used STK for mission design and planning prior to the NASA launch on Jan. 19, 2006. The spacecraft will spend nine years traveling to and returning from Pluto and its moon Charon. After the launch, the APL used STK/Astrogator to design trajectory correction maneuvers. Read the full story on page 3 of the April 2006 InView. |
| Sensor Web Observing System |
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is exploring the utilization
and application of sensor web observing systems to improve the ability to monitor, understand, and predict environmental features and events. A sensor web is "a coherent set of distributed sensing, predictive modeling, and storage nodes, interconnected by a communications fabric, that collectively behave as a single, dynamically adaptive observing system." In contrast to today's observing systems, "event-driven" sensor webs will synthesize real- or near-real-time scientific measurements from other platforms and then react by reconfiguring the platforms and instruments to invoke new measurements and adaptive observation strategies. Similarly, Goddard is also exploring the potential benefits of "model-driven" sensor webs which leverage the use of environmental prediction models by tasking sensors to perform targeted measurements. Assimilating these new measurements into the predictive models may reduce model error
growth and forecast uncertainty. NASA used STK software to perform "what if" analyses and in the creation of a NASA GSFC movie to simulate event-driven, targeted cloud-free measurements between two formation-flying Earth-observing spacecraft. |
| SMEX, TRACE, SWAS, WIRE, FAST |
These small explorer satellites are all managed by NASA Goddard at one facility. Orbit determination and generation of all reports, such as station contact periods, is done using the STK suite of products. Scripts have been written to automate the report-generation process. In addition, MATLAB was integrated with STK to provide real-time visualization of the WIRE spacecraft during its mission. |
| SOHO |
STK analytical and visual products played a substantial role during the SOHO anomaly in 1998. Using STK/Advanced VO, engineers from AGI, NASA and the European Space Agency graphically visualized and determined the true attitude of the crippled satellite. This played an important role in the recovery of the satellite and would have been nearly impossible had the engineers only been able to use raw attitude data. |
| Solar Dynamics Observatory |
The Flight Dynamics Branch of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, is using STK/Advanced VO to verify optimal position and configuration of high-gain antennas on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and to provide feedback to the mechanical engineers designing them. Scheduled to launch in 2007, SDO's mission is to continuously relay scientific information about the Sun to specific ground stations. This requires at least one of the satellite's two high-gain dishes to have access to antennas on Earth at all times.
The NASA engineers first used STK/Attitude to place the geosynchronous spacecraft in its proper alignment with the Sun. Then they analyzed all blockage the satellite would encounter as it moves in its orbit by combining STK/Advanced VO's sensor obscuration tool and a specially modeled sensor. STK displayed the orbit and the antennas' subsequent obscuration in a dynamic 3-D animation. For NASA's initial spacecraft model, STK validated that the high-gain antennas would not be simultaneously blocked at any point. As NASA updates the spacecraft in the future, STK will provide feedback for design improvements. Read the full story on page 5 of the April 2003 InView.
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| Space Technology 5 |
NASA's ST5 mission operations center used AGI software to solve a Sun sensor anomaly that occurred shortly after the trio of micro-satellites were launched in March 2006. Engineers generated STK analytical reports to decipher reasons for the Sun sensor anomaly. These reports determined the angles between the Sun vector and bright objects of interestincluding other planets, the Moon, the ST5 satellites, and the glint point on the Earth. Using AGIs 3-D visualization software, the team further established which objects were always visible by the satellites. Relative angles were analyzed and depicted for fast, accurate understanding of the operational picture, revealing the incomplete sensor shielding that let in light at an abnormal angle. In addition, the ST5 mission operations center used a Perl script with STK to automate predictions for Doppler shift; acquisition and loss-of-signal times; and orbit maneuver planning. |
| Stardust Re-entry Capsule |
NASA Ames Research Center used STK software to acquire and track the Stardust Re-entry Capsule (SRC) during its January 2006 hypervelocity return to Earth. Using the Vector Geometry Tool in STK/PRO, the SRC tracking platform was depicted, along with its perspective of the look angle, azimuth, and elevation direction of where the SRC would fall in the sky at the time of re-entry. |
| STS-114 |
NASA leveraged STK in preparation for the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. Engineers at NASA's Johnson Space Center used the software to determine launch windows that would provide the best illumination of the external tank (ET) on the Space Shuttle Discovery when it separates from the orbiter after ascent. STK/Advanced Visualization Option was employed to create 3-D animations of the fields of view of the umbilical-well cameras and the crew camera for various launch windows to determine which photography system should take top priority in establishing the launch date. STK-generated analytical videos will also be used as a PC-based training tool for the astronauts who will be photographing the ET. Read the full story in the April 2005 InView. |
| Terra (EOS-AM1) |
In partnership with AGI, L-3 Communications utilized STK extensively to support the Terra Operations team during launch and early operations, and continues to provide on-site support during critical orbit maneuvers.
A live, 3-D display of the launch, including engine sequences and stage separations, was shown at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Onizuka Air Station using the STK/Advanced VO suite. Terra's flight dynamics team at NASA Goddard also uses STK/Advanced VO's 3-D visualization option in its mission operations center to visualize and analyze real-time position and attitude of the Terra satellite.
STK also plays a critical role in day-to-day operations of the team by generating analysis products and reports such as station acquisition times, ascending/descending node information, sun angles, star tracker access times, South Atlantic Anomaly crossing times, and high-gain antenna gimbal angles. Read the full story on page 3 of the February 2000 InView. |
| WMAP |
STK is crucial to this high-risk, complex mission to the L2 libration point. STK/Astrogator is used for all the trajectory planning and maneuver planning, including analysis of phasing loops, targeting orbit insertions, and contingency maneuver planning. The STK suite generates reports such as contacts to ground stations and sun-earth-satellite angle. Read the full story on page 2 of the August 2000 InView. |
| X-38 Program |
NASA used STK/Advanced VO in preflight simulations leading up to the orbital flight test of the X-38, the prototype crew return vehicle for the International Space Station. Preparatory simulations at NASA-Johnson Space Center fed simulated telemetry through STK/Advanced VO, which output 3-D graphics to add realism to these mission rehearsals.
During the orbital flight test, STK played a key role in the control room, receiving real-time telemetry and displaying 2-D and 3-D graphics of the spacecraft's position and orientation. STK also determined acquisition times, communication link quality, and GPS navigational accuracy. Read the full story on page 4 of the November 2001 InView.
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NASA Wallops Research Range
| Mission Planning Lab |
NASA's Wallops Research Range is using AGI software in its Mission Planning Lab, which helps to assess its customers' critical mission concept areas for technical feasibility, safety, and cost. The software produces detailed analysis regarding vehicle characteristics, range setup, flight profiles, and mission-specific objectives, and then produces dynamic 3-D simulations that help Wallops analysts and customers evaluate platform selection, flight profile, and range-asset placement choices. |
NASA/Omitron/Goldbelt Orca, Inc.
| Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) |
AGI's STK and Orbit Determination Tool Kit software is being leveraged by a team consisting of NASA''s Flight Dynamics Facility, Goldbelt Orca, Inc., and to satisfy the unique mission planning needs of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) satellite. STK products are employed within three areas of flight operations to solve a unique problem. As a result of accuracy shortcomings in GLAST's GPS receivers, the smoothing and filtering capabilities of Orbit Determination Tool Kit have been introduced into the Mission Operations Center (MOC) ground system. The software improves the GPS telemetry data sufficiently to allow the MOC to meet orbit propagation accuracy requirements. Science downlink contacts between GLAST and TDRS are restricted by the limited field-of-view of the satellite transmitter. Additionally, contacts must be scheduled around a complex and non-repeating science gathering attitude profile. These realities necessitate predictive attitude modeling to determine when contact times are possible. The presentation shows how the built-in attitude profiles of STK/Attitude combine with dynamically created custom vectors, reference frames, and attitude plug-in scripts to create a flexible tool that can accurately model any GLAST science gathering attitude. The scheduling times for TDRS contacts are constrained by many different effects including RF link limitations, TDRS availability, limited on-board recorder space, spacecraft hardware limitations, and attitude-dependent view periods. Using STK/Scheduler, known scheduling constraints are modeled and an optimal contact schedule is produced.
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
| Future Intelligence Requirements Environment |
The Future Intelligence Requirements Environment (FIRE), an ISR modeling and simulation software system being developed for the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), uses the analysis and visualization capabilities of AGI's technology. AGI, working with lead contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, supports one of the program's main objectivessimulating the integrated system performance of technologies employed for FIRE to determine the contribution each has on the overall intelligence architecture. AGI's software technology visualizes FIRE system output, such as satellite tracks and sensor footprints, and models dynamic platforms and sensors in support of ISR planning, analysis, and operations. Read the full story on page 3 of the December 2004 InView. |
National Security Space Institute
| Curriculum Support |
The National Security Space Institute (NSSI) in Colorado Springs, CO, has integrated software donated by AGI into its curriculum to support nine courses among its three schools. The 11 AGI software products are used to: write detailed mission requirements; design orbits and constellations; consider orbital maneuvers and support communication networks; design satellite payloads and supporting buses; evaluate potential launch vehicles; and integrate design solutions with other key DoD assets. Read the full story on page 9 of the April 2006 InView. |
National Security Technologies
| C4VAS |
The Operations Coordination Center (OCC) is faced with challenges associated with conducting and monitoring new and more diverse projects on the Nevada Test Site (NTS), resulting in a greater number of activities that are dynamic in nature; proximal in time and space; and involve personnel unfamiliar with the NTS. As the operational tempo and complexity of projects increase, a greater situational awareness and understanding is needed. To meet these challenges and keep pace with NTS missions, National Security Technologies and AGI business partner Applied Defense Solutions developed a new system called Command, Control, Coordination, Communication, Visualization and Analysis (C4VAS). C4VAS provides the capability to integrate multiple dynamic data feeds and geo-spatial data into one common operating picture. |
Naval Postgraduate School
| Tactical Network Topology Trials |
The Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, holds the Tactical Network Topology (TNT) Trials to test UAV systems in an environment that mimics battlefield conditions. AGI software showed real-time aircraft position and attitude and calculated and displayed each UAV's sensor footprint, sensor coverage over terrain, proximity to other aircraft, and restricted airspaces. |
Naval Undersea Warfare Center
| Floating Antenna Connectivity Simulation |
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), in Newport, RI, used STK to test the signal strength of a floating antenna prototype that would allow submarines to communicate to airplanes, ships, and satellites while moving under water at significant speeds. STK's chief role in the government-funded initiative known as the Floating Antenna Connective Simulation, or FACS, was to provide a real-time demonstration of the satellite link budget. The antenna's signal strength varies as the buoy is pulled along the surface and seawater washes over it.
Along with performing link budget analysis, STK showed where the submarine was situated on Earth, continuously updating a 2-D map, displaying the submarine, calculating the closest satellite, and presenting it in three-dimensions using the STK/Advanced VO module. Read the full story on page 5 of the October 2002 InView.
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Nevada Test Site
| C4VAS |
The Nevada Test Site, managed by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, needed a system to monitor and respond to key site data related to air traffic, ground tracking, geospatial data, weather, and geography. The site's main contractor, National Security Technologies, worked with AGI business partner Applied Defense Solutions to build a system, dubbed Command, Control, C | |
Desktop Applications
