TUDAT

Measuring, modelling and determing motion of objects in space is important for numerous applications, ranging from space situational awareness (SSA) to planetary science. In SSA, quantification and mitigation of impact risks between spacecraft and space debris is of prime importance. In planetary science much of our knowledge on interior and evolution of solar system bodies comes from measurements of the motion of spacecraft. In both fields, quality, quantity and diversity of the available data is quickly increasing, requiring new modelling strategies. However, high-fidelity tools are either closed source or limited to niche applications. Not only is this problematic for reproducability and openness, it also limits the community’s capabilities to address the challenges in next-generation spaceflight dynamics. We will change this situation by developing the open-source Tudat software to the point where it addresses urgent challenges in the field, ranging from interior determination of icy moons to space debris orbit determination.