frame_conversion#

Conversions between different reference frames.

This module provide a variety of functions and classes to convert between different reference frames. Functionality to convert between different state representations is provided in the element_conversion module.

Notes#

  • All reference frames used should be assumed as right handed: \(\mathbf{X}\times\mathbf{Y}=\mathbf{Z}\).

  • We distinguish between two different uses of the term ‘inertial:

    • An inertial origin: the frame has a non-accelerating origin. On solar system scales, the solar system barycenter (SSB) is considered to be the only inertial origin.

    • An inertial orientation: the unit axes of the frame are non-rotating with respect to the celestial background. This module is concerned primarily with conversions between different orientations.

  • Examples of and inertial origin include J2000 (a.k.a EME2000), as well as the SPICE-defined ECLIPJ2000 frame (see this description on our user guide). The use of the ICRF frame (difference from J2000 is <0.1 arcseconds) in Tudat is presently limited to the numerical_simulation model, see gcrs_to_itrs().

References#

1

Archinal, B.A., Acton, C.H., A’Hearn, M.F. et al. Report of the IAU Working Group on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements: 2015. Celest Mech Dyn Astr 130, 22 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10569-017-9805-5

Functions#