Satellite Position: Calculating ECI from ECEF

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on converting satellite position data from Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates to Earth-Centered Inertial (ECI) coordinates. The user has provided ECEF position vectors and calculated Julian dates for observations. The key takeaway is that transforming coordinates requires matrix multiplication to account for Earth's rotation and the time intervals between observations. The user is seeking guidance on performing this transformation accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ECEF and ECI coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with matrix multiplication techniques
  • Knowledge of Julian date calculations
  • Basic principles of satellite orbit mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulas for ECEF to ECI transformation matrices
  • Learn about the effects of Earth's rotation on satellite positioning
  • Study the significance of Julian dates in satellite tracking
  • Explore advanced physics forums for similar homework problems and solutions
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Students and professionals in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and satellite communications who are involved in satellite orbit calculations and coordinate transformations.

Imagin_e
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Homework Statement


Hi!

I just found this forum after trying to calculate something regarding a satellite's orbit. Hope that you can help me here. So, I need to calculate the matrix of a satellite's site vectors. I have found it in the ECEF form, but since the satellite is doing observations in different times, I need it in ECI for this particular problem.

Homework Equations


See below.

The Attempt at a Solution


I searched and for the ECEF position, we have the following equations to use: (see the attached file)

I have, from my values and by using these equation, the site position in ECEF:

r = [-7166.056 -6364.272 -3210.412
-1309.400 -186.778 824.20
669.27 -3545.190 -6467.48 ]

How do I get the ECI position now? I guess that I need to consider the rotation of the Earth and the time between the observations. Is a matrix multiplication necessary?

Thanks in advance!
 

Attachments

  • EFEC position.png
    EFEC position.png
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Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF! Your problem is very special. Yes, change of coordinate system involves matrix multiplication. You can ask about ECI and ECEF in general in the Forum "Classical Physics". If you want to ask about a homework problem, write the question in detail, and post it to Homework/Advanced Physics.
 
ehild said:
Welcome to PF! Your problem is very special. Yes, change of coordinate system involves matrix multiplication. You can ask about ECI and ECEF in general in the Forum "Classical Physics". If you want to ask about a homework problem, write the question in detail, and post it to Homework/Advanced Physics.
Thanks!
The thing is, I cannot find it here. Let be show what I've done so far. I have the data below, and I'm only going to look at the nr 3, 5 and 6 data (See data).

I calculated the Julian date (easy), which is:

JD1= 2,456,159.986 435
JD2= 2,456,159.991 991
JD3= 2,456,159.994

Next, the change in times between the observations : tau1= 2,456,159.986 435− 2,456,159.991 991 = -8 min and
tau2=2,456,159.994 769 − 2,456,159.991 991 = 4 min

The I used the equations I posted above and got (see EFEC)

NOW I'm stuck, how should I rotate/transform it to get the ECI position?
 

Attachments

  • data.png
    data.png
    4.8 KB · Views: 534
  • ECEF.png
    ECEF.png
    1.9 KB · Views: 562
Also, I know how the formula for ECEF to ECI looks like (rather a matrix), but how should I perform the operation?
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-10-19 at 12.07.29.png
    Screen Shot 2015-10-19 at 12.07.29.png
    2.3 KB · Views: 537
Soory, I am not familiar with the topic. I ask the Mentors to move your thread to Advanced Physics.
 

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