Library for Developing Spacecraft-Mission-Planning Software
TBMG-7384
07/01/2001
- Content
The Platform Independent Software Components for the Exploration of Space (PISCES) software library provides for web-based, collaborative development of computer programs for planning trajectories and other trajectory-related aspects of spacecraft-mission design. The PISCES library was built using state-of-the-art object-oriented concepts and software-development methodologies. The components of PISCES include Java-language application programs that implement trajectory-propagation algorithms, including gravity models, atmosphere models, planetary ephemerides, and orbital propagation. Extensive generalized rendezvous-planning software is also included. These components are arranged in a hierarchy of classes that facilitates the re-use of the components in planning trajectories. As its full name suggests, the first advantage of the PISCES library is platform-independence: By using the "write once, run anywhere" capability of Java, anyone can use the classes and application programs with a Java virtual machine, which is available in most web-browser programs. The second advantage of the library is expandability: Object orientation facilitates the expansion of the library through the simple creation of a new class.
- Citation
- "Library for Developing Spacecraft-Mission-Planning Software," Mobility Engineering, July 1, 2001.