Undergrad Calculate Voyager trajectory using JPL data

[Strides]

Hey everyone,

I've recently programmed an animated simulation of the main elements (core planets and Sun) of our solar system: by using the initial coordinates from the JPL database, and then calculating the combined gravitational perturbations and the relativistic effects from the Sun.

However I would now like to calculate the trajectories for both Voyager 1 & 2, and then map them onto my simulation. I can easily replicate the gravitational calculations used for the planets and the Sun, but I'm afraid I'm struggling to find, or figure out how to replicate the various thrusts used throughout the voyagers' mission.

Current thought: Calculate voyagers trajectory purely using gravitational effects and initial position/velocity, and then compare calculated data with JPL data, taking into account error, to calculate any unnatural changes in velocity (i.e. thrusts).

Any thoughts, insights or advice would be much appreciated, thank-you.

 

[tony873004]

Get Horizons position and velocity for any 2 dates and place in simulation. Let's use June 1 and July 1 for example.
Import June 1 data. Integrate to July 1, and import July 1 data. You now have 2 spacecraft in your sim. Are the spacecraft in the same place traveling at the same speed? If so, then no thrust was applied during this time period. If they differ, integrate backwards until they make their closest approach to each other. That will give you the date of the burn. The difference in velocity at this point will tell you the delta v.