SEG connects to ODTK

Overview

The Space Event Generator (SEG) and Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) are powerful tools for testing, training and exercise support. SEG is designed to enable non-expert operators to quickly develop accurate, physics-based scenarios for common space events. SEG can also be used by experts for a more streamlined event creation. ODTK allows experts to build tracking networks within ODTK, import those into SEG, use SEG to simulate tracking data, and then process the simulated data generated by SEG.

This article outlines how SEG and ODTK interoperate, highlighting the process of data exchange and the benefits of using these tools together.

ODTK to SEG

ODTK utilizes the SEG Tracker Utility (SEGTrackerUtil.htm) to create trackers in SEG. This HTML utility allows users to upload and download trackers between ODTK and SEG. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open ODTK: Ensure you have a valid ODTK license and open the application.
2. Access the Utility: If the ODTK Launchpad is not displayed, open it from the Help menu. Under the ODTK UTILITIES tab, expand the list of Installed Utilities and open SEGTrackerUtil.htm.
3. Connect to SEG: Enter the SEG server name (for Desktop SEG, use 127.0.0.1:8078) and click the [Get Tracker List] button to display existing trackers on the SEG system.
4. Load a Scenario: Open an existing ODTK scenario that contains trackers. For example, navigate to C:\Program Files\COMSPOC\SEG\SEG_Tools\SEG_Demo\Trackers and open the ODTK scenario file SEG_Demo.sco.
5. Refresh Tracker List: Click the Refresh button next to TRACKERS IN SCENARIO to update the list of trackers that can be uploaded to SEG.
6. Download or Create Trackers: Download existing trackers from SEG or create new ones in ODTK and upload them to SEG. Ensure that tracker definitions, such as name, position, and measurement statistics, are set correctly.
7. Upload Trackers: After making necessary edits, click the Upload button to transfer the tracker to SEG.

SEG to ODTK

SEG can export tracking data, which ODTK can ingest and process. SEG also generates tracking data for each space event using user-defined sensor cadences. Once generated, the tracking data needs to be processed by ODTK or the SSA Software Suite. This interoperability ensures realistic satellite tracking data for event modeling.

1. Export Data from SEG: SEG exports ephemeris data and generates tracking data for space events. 
   1. ODTK can use the exported Ephemeris in the Initial State Tool to start the processing of an event.
   2. ODTK can process the exported simulated raw tracking data.

Operators performing the exercise can process SEG’s simulated tracking data in order to generate processed Ephemeris with Covariance using ODTK. Comparing the SEG ephemeris which is essentially the ‘Truth’ source versus the processed Ephemeris from ODTK or SSA Suite can help determine the success of the Orbit Determination for the Testing, Exercise or Training.  Having the processed ephemeris match the truth means that the operator was able to successfully track and process the data from the space event.

Note: ODTK can process a small number of space events in a timely fashion. If your space exercise encompasses multitudes of space events with many objects, SSA Software Suite would be required to process this large amount of tracking data.

By leveraging the interoperability of SEG and ODTK, users can create comprehensive and accurate space event scenarios and can complete the exercise workflow, enhancing mission planning, training, and operational exercises.