What are useful features in Astrogator?

Welcome to the forum! The STK Astrogator module is a great trajectory design tool that has been used for over two decades to model spacecraft trajectories and gain mission-critical insights. Here are some of the key aspects of Astrogator:

1. Mission Control Sequence (MCS): This is the core of your space mission in Astrogator. A key aspect of this is its segmented design, which allows you to drag and drop maneuver, propagation, and targeting segments like Legos. This makes Astrogator trajectory design easily modifiable and modular. You can define a sequence of events and maneuvers that your spacecraft will follow, and Astrogator will calculate the satellite's ephemeris based on this sequence.
   
   
2. Trajectory Propagation: Astrogator allows you to design high-fidelity spacecraft trajectories for mission planning and operations using some of the best orbit propagators available, including HPOP. (I wrote a whole article on this propagator earlier this year if you’re interested!) You can also model impulsive and finite maneuvers, and there are tools for designing and optimizing finite trajectory profiles.
   
   
3. Targeting Methods: Astrogator provides an MCS component called the Target Sequence, which allows you to compute the values required to achieve certain mission goals. For example, computing the maneuver direction and delta V to change altitude and inclination, or determining the ideal timing of a cislunar transfer. There is also a library of advanced sequences for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations targeting methods to achieve specific mission goals, such as reaching a particular orbit or rendezvousing with another spacecraft.
   
   
4. Automatic Sequences: You can define automatic sequences that represent pre-defined sets of actions to be performed whenever a specified event occurs, such as a maneuver at every periapsis, or automated GEO box station keeping.
   
   
5. Component Browser: This feature allows you to define and customize engine models, force models, and propagators, giving you a high degree of control over your simulations. 

We have compiled a knowledge article that compiles Astrogator support and training resources as well as its documentation. For additional resources or more information, please refer to the knowledge article. Hope this helps!

Best,

Drew