Fortran Astrodynamics Toolkit

screenshot of Fortran Astrodynamics Toolkit

A Modern Fortran Library for Astrodynamics

Overview

The Fortran Astrodynamics Toolkit is an ambitious project aimed at providing a modern library for orbital mechanics using Fortran 2008 and beyond. It's designed to facilitate the implementation of complex astrodynamics calculations and simulations, making it easier for engineers and researchers in the field. Although still a work in progress, the toolkit showcases a range of implemented and planned features that cater to diverse astrodynamics needs.

With capabilities ranging from Lambert solvers to celestial body ephemerides, this toolkit promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone delving into the intricacies of orbital mechanics. The user-friendly nature of the toolkit, combined with its reliance on modern Fortran standards, ensures that a wide range of users, from novices to experts, can benefit from its functionalities.

Features

  • Comprehensive Orbital Mechanics Algorithms: Implementations include Lambert solvers, Kepler propagators, and ODE solvers which cover a broad spectrum of astrodynamics tasks.
  • Geopotential and Ephemeris Support: Supports JPL ephemeris data and multiple geopotential models for accurate gravitational field representation.
  • Advanced Force Models: Incorporates various force models, including point mass and geopotential gravity, as well as solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag for realistic simulations.
  • Versatile Reference Frames: Adopts standard IAU reference frames for Earth and the Moon, facilitating ease of use in common applications.
  • Modular Design: Features a clear structure that allows users to incorporate the toolkit seamlessly into existing Fortran projects, enhancing the library’s flexibility.
  • Documentation and Examples: Comes with extensive documentation and example scripts to guide users in utilizing the toolkit's capabilities effectively.
  • Compatibility with Modern Compilers: Designed to build with any modern Fortran compiler, ensuring accessibility and ease of deployment across different systems.
  • Integration of Third-Party Libraries: Automatically includes necessary third-party dependencies, such as the pyplot-fortran module for graphical representation, streamlining the user experience.