Advanced Question Scenerio editing - Oribital elements and Epoch/Date

[TG626]

Two questions really. One - where can I simply "look up" the orbital elements of whatever I'd like to? I've found heavens-above, but I wondered if there were any others.

Two - The other day I was trying to "position" the ISS using the scenerio plug in. (yes I read the manual) I wanted the scenario to start on 6/21/2011 14:36GMT and I wanted the ISS in the correct place on that date/time. The orbital elements at heavens-above had the Epoch of "20:23:17, Wednesday, June 22, 2011".

Am I correct in concluding, that if I set the Epoch on the orbital elements dialog to "20:23:17, Wednesday, June 22, 2011" and the scenario DATE to 6/21/2011 14:36" that Orbiter will take the orbital elements I entered and from them derive where the ISS should be on the DATE I set?

It seems that way, but I can't say I have a solid point of reference to be sure...

 

[N_Molson]

One - where can I simply "look up" the orbital elements of whatever I'd like to? I've found heavens-above, but I wondered if there were any others.

Yes, the NORAD tracks everything that is detectable and orbiting the Earth. You should search for TLE, then convert them to Orbiter format. Good luck.

Am I correct in concluding, that if I set the Epoch on the orbital elements dialog to "20:23:17, Wednesday, June 22, 2011" and the scenario DATE to 6/21/2011 14:36" that Orbiter will take the orbital elements I entered and from them derive where the ISS should be on the DATE I set?

Yes, if the "propagate osculating elements" option is checked. But it won't take into account atmospheric drag I think.

 

[PeterRoss]

Yes, if the "propagate osculating elements" option is checked. But it won't take into account atmospheric drag I think.

Neither the orbital precession.

 

[TG626]

Ok, so far I seem to be able to get elements that are no more the 24hrs away from my desired sim time, so I think I'm OK on drag and precession right?