Satellite Tool Kit
Encyclopedia
Satellite Tool Kit, often referred to by its initials STK, is a physics-based software package from Analytical Graphics, Inc.
that allows engineers and scientists to perform complex analysis of land, sea, air, and space assets, and share results in one integrated solution. At the core of STK is a geometry engine that is designed to determine the time-dynamic position and attitude of assets, determining dynamic spatial relationships among all of the objects under consideration including the quality of those relationships or accesses given a number of complex, simultaneous constraining conditions. STK has been developed over 20 years as a commercial off the shelf software tool. Originally created to solve problems involving Earth-orbiting satellite
s, it is now used in both the aerospace
and defense communities
.
STK has more than 40,000 installations at over 800 global organizations such as NASA
, ESA, CNES
, DLR
, Boeing
, JAXA, ISRO, Lockheed Martin
, Northrop Grumman
, EADS
, DOD
, and Civil Air Patrol
.
The product is currently used in such areas as:
The original version of STK ran only on Sun Microsystems
computers, but as PCs became more powerful, the code was converted to run on Windows
.
STK was first adopted by the aerospace community for orbit analysis and access calculations (when a satellite can see a ground-station or image target), but as software was expanded, more modules were added that included the ability to perform calculations for communications systems, radar
, interplanetary missions and orbit collision avoidance.
The addition of 3D viewing capabilities lead to the adoption of the tool by military users for real-time visualization of air, land and sea forces as well as the space component. STK has also been used by various news organizations to graphically depict complex events to a wider audience.
In addition, there is a scripting interface named Connect that enables STK to act within a client/server environment (via TCP/IP) and is language independent. Users on Windows have the option of using STK programatically via OLE Automation
.
Each analysis or design space within STK is called a scenario. Within each scenario any number of satellites, aircraft, targets, ships, communications systems or other objects can be created. Each scenario defines the default temporal limits to the child objects, as well as the base unit selection and properties. All of these properties can be overridden for each child object individually, as necessary. Only one scenario may exist at any one time, although data can be exported and reused in subsequent analyses.
For each object within a scenario, various reports and graphics (both static and dynamic) may be created. Relative parameters, between one object and another can also be reported and the effect of real-world restrictions (constraints) enabled so that more accurate reporting is obtained. Through the use of the constellation and chains objects, multiple child objects may be grouped together and the multipath interactions between them investigated.
allows users to add modules to the baseline package to enhance specific functions.
Since the release of STK 8.0, the STK product range has been reorganized into Editions with additional add-on modules. A brief summary of the editions and modules is listed below.
As of STK 8.0, users of the free version can also publish their scenarios to the VDF format. This means that scenarios can then be opened using the free AGI Viewer product.
Each of the above modules can be purchased individually and added to either the STK/Basic Edition or the STK/Professional Edition.
of the user's or developer's choice. In practice, as long as it is possible to create a socket connection
, send information through that socket and then receive information that way then STK can be controlled with connect using that language.
Applications have been developed in C
, C++
, C#, Perl
, Visual Basic
, VBScript
, Java
, JavaScript
and MATLAB
. Examples can also be found in the STK help files or downloaded from the AGI website.
Analytical Graphics
Analytical Graphics, Inc. is a software development company focused on spaceflight and national security, headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania...
that allows engineers and scientists to perform complex analysis of land, sea, air, and space assets, and share results in one integrated solution. At the core of STK is a geometry engine that is designed to determine the time-dynamic position and attitude of assets, determining dynamic spatial relationships among all of the objects under consideration including the quality of those relationships or accesses given a number of complex, simultaneous constraining conditions. STK has been developed over 20 years as a commercial off the shelf software tool. Originally created to solve problems involving Earth-orbiting satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
s, it is now used in both the aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
and defense communities
Defense contractor
A defense contractor is a business organization or individual that provides products or services to a military department of a government. Products typically include military aircraft, ships, vehicles, weaponry, and electronic systems...
.
STK has more than 40,000 installations at over 800 global organizations such as NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
, ESA, CNES
CNES
The is the French government space agency . Established under President Charles de Gaulle in 1961, its headquarters are located in central Paris and it is under the supervision of the French Ministries of Defence and Research...
, DLR
German Aerospace Center
The German Aerospace Center is the national centre for aerospace, energy and transportation research of the Federal Republic of Germany. It has multiple locations throughout Germany. Its headquarters are located in Cologne. It is engaged in a wide range of research and development projects in...
, Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
, JAXA, ISRO, Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
, Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world as of 2010, and the largest builder of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman employs over...
, EADS
EADS
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. is a global pan-European aerospace and defence corporation and a leading defence and military contractor worldwide...
, DOD
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
, and Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force . CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and...
.
The product is currently used in such areas as:
- C4ISRC4ISRC4ISR may refer to:* the C4ISR concept of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, the U.S. term for C4ISTAR* C4ISR Journal, a journal published by the Defense News Media Group...
(Battlespace Management) - Communications Analysis
- Electronic WarfareElectronic warfareElectronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Missile DefenseMissile defenseMissile defense is a system, weapon, or technology involved in the detection, tracking, interception and destruction of attacking missiles. Originally conceived as a defence against nuclear-armed Intercontinental ballistic missiles , its application has broadened to include shorter-ranged...
- Spacecraft Mission Design
- Spacecraft Operations
- Space ExplorationSpace explorationSpace exploration is the use of space technology to explore outer space. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft....
- Unmanned Systems (UAVs)
History
In 1989, the three founders of Analytical Graphics, Inc - Paul Graziani, Scott Reynolds and Jim Poland, left GE Aerospace to create Satellite Tool Kit (STK) as an alternative to bespoke, project-specific aerospace software.The original version of STK ran only on Sun Microsystems
Sun Microsystems
Sun Microsystems, Inc. was a company that sold :computers, computer components, :computer software, and :information technology services. Sun was founded on February 24, 1982...
computers, but as PCs became more powerful, the code was converted to run on Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
.
STK was first adopted by the aerospace community for orbit analysis and access calculations (when a satellite can see a ground-station or image target), but as software was expanded, more modules were added that included the ability to perform calculations for communications systems, radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
, interplanetary missions and orbit collision avoidance.
The addition of 3D viewing capabilities lead to the adoption of the tool by military users for real-time visualization of air, land and sea forces as well as the space component. STK has also been used by various news organizations to graphically depict complex events to a wider audience.
Interface
The interface to STK is a standard GUI display with customizable toolbars and dockable maps and 3D viewports. All analysis can be done through mouse and keyboard interaction.In addition, there is a scripting interface named Connect that enables STK to act within a client/server environment (via TCP/IP) and is language independent. Users on Windows have the option of using STK programatically via OLE Automation
OLE Automation
In Microsoft Windows applications programming, OLE Automation , is an inter-process communication mechanism based on Component Object Model that was intended for use by scripting languages – originally Visual Basic – but now are used by languages run on Windows...
.
Each analysis or design space within STK is called a scenario. Within each scenario any number of satellites, aircraft, targets, ships, communications systems or other objects can be created. Each scenario defines the default temporal limits to the child objects, as well as the base unit selection and properties. All of these properties can be overridden for each child object individually, as necessary. Only one scenario may exist at any one time, although data can be exported and reused in subsequent analyses.
For each object within a scenario, various reports and graphics (both static and dynamic) may be created. Relative parameters, between one object and another can also be reported and the effect of real-world restrictions (constraints) enabled so that more accurate reporting is obtained. Through the use of the constellation and chains objects, multiple child objects may be grouped together and the multipath interactions between them investigated.
Modules
STK is a modular product, in much the same way as MATLABMATLAB
MATLAB is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. Developed by MathWorks, MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages,...
allows users to add modules to the baseline package to enhance specific functions.
Since the release of STK 8.0, the STK product range has been reorganized into Editions with additional add-on modules. A brief summary of the editions and modules is listed below.
STK Basic Edition
STK Basic is free to all users and is also the core module for all other STK modules. It allows access calculations to be performed between satellites and fixed points on the Earth's surface (or between satellites). There is also the ability to import satellites from the NORAD public satellite database (which can be updated online from within STK).As of STK 8.0, users of the free version can also publish their scenarios to the VDF format. This means that scenarios can then be opened using the free AGI Viewer product.
STK Professional Edition
This adds to the Basic Edition with the following abilities:- High fidelity trajectories
- Aircraft performance models
- Multi-point and group inter-visibility
- Constrained inter-visibility
- Complex sensor modeling
- Integrated 3D analysis tools
- Custom reports and graphs
STK Expert Edition
This adds a host of additional modules to what is provided in the STK Professional Edition- STK/Integration Module (ability to integrate STK with external tools through Connect and/or through Matlab as well as embed STK into a custom application)
- STK/Terrain, Imagery & Maps Module (high-resolution imagery and terrain of the whole world)
- STK/Analyzer (perform trade-off studies and what-if analyses)
- STK/Attitude (integrate custom attitude control laws into STK)
- STK/Communications (high-fidelity link budget analysis)
- STK/Coverage (multi-point access calculations and navigation system analysis)
- STK/Radar (ground, space and airborne radar systems simulation)
Each of the above modules can be purchased individually and added to either the STK/Basic Edition or the STK/Professional Edition.
STK Specialized Analysis Modules
These are modules that can be added to the Basic, Professional or Expert editions:- STK/Astrogator (interplanetary orbits, orbit maintenance, LEOPLEOPIn Spacecraft Operations, The Launch and Early Orbit Phase is one of the most critical phases of a mission. Spacecraft operations engineers take control of the satellite after it separates from the launch vehicle up to the time when the satellite is safely positioned in its final orbit.During this...
simulation) - STK/Conjunction Analysis Tools (In-orbit collision prediction)
- STK/Missile Modeling Tools (missile simulation)
- STK/PODS (Precision Orbit Determination System - to reconstruct satellite orbits through observational data)
- STK/Scheduler (use scarce resources in the most efficient way)
- STK/Space Environment (radiation dose, debris flux, thermal loading)
Integration
STK can be embedded within another application (as an ActiveX component) or controlled from an external application (through TCP/IP or Component Object Model (COM)). Both integration techniques can make use of the connect scripting language to accomplish this task. There is also an object model for more "programmer oriented" integration methodologies. STK can be driven from a script that is run from the STK internal web browser in the free version of the tool. To control STK from an external source, or embed STK in another application requires the STK/Integration module.Connect
Since connect is a messaging format, it has the advantage of being completely language independent. This allows applications and client tools to be created in the programming languageProgramming language
A programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that control the behavior of a machine and/or to express algorithms precisely....
of the user's or developer's choice. In practice, as long as it is possible to create a socket connection
Berkeley sockets
The Berkeley sockets application programming interface comprises a library for developing applications in the C programming language that perform inter-process communication, most commonly for communications across a computer network....
, send information through that socket and then receive information that way then STK can be controlled with connect using that language.
Applications have been developed in C
C (programming language)
C is a general-purpose computer programming language developed between 1969 and 1973 by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Telephone Laboratories for use with the Unix operating system....
, C++
C++
C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell...
, C#, Perl
Perl
Perl is a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted, dynamic programming language. Perl was originally developed by Larry Wall in 1987 as a general-purpose Unix scripting language to make report processing easier. Since then, it has undergone many changes and revisions and become widely popular...
, Visual Basic
Visual Basic
Visual Basic is the third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment from Microsoft for its COM programming model...
, VBScript
VBScript
VBScript is an Active Scripting language developed by Microsoft that is modeled on Visual Basic. It is designed as a “lightweight” language with a fast interpreter for use in a wide variety of Microsoft environments...
, Java
Java (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
, JavaScript
JavaScript
JavaScript is a prototype-based scripting language that is dynamic, weakly typed and has first-class functions. It is a multi-paradigm language, supporting object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles....
and MATLAB
MATLAB
MATLAB is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language. Developed by MathWorks, MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages,...
. Examples can also be found in the STK help files or downloaded from the AGI website.