The technical objective of phase i is to develop a pc-based software tool which will aid the space systems analyst in the investigation of spacecraft coverage and relative motion problems. Specifically, the computer simulation will exploit innovative animation techniques to allow the analyst to generate multiple spacecraft orbits and visualize them graphaically about a rotating earth. The capability to run the simulation in a time-scaled fashion with variable viewport locations willallow the user flexibility in application. To provide accurate ephemerides, advanced astrodynamic algorithms will be employed. In addition, the simulation will be designed in a modular fashion, facilitating the implementation of future performance enhancements and new capabilities.
