Understanding Beta Angle orbit type parameters

The beta angle for an orbit is the minimum angle between the orbit plane and the solar vector.

Choose Beta Angle from the Orbit Type list in the Orbit dialog box, to define an orbit using its beta angle.

Beta Angle values are computed by

ß = sin-1 (cos D sin i sin RA + sin D cos i)

where:

• Orbit inclination i is the angle between the orbit plane and the equatorial plane.

• Solar declination D is the angle between the solar vector and equatorial plane.

• Angle of ascending node RA is the angle between a reference direction and the orbit plane.

To completely define the orbit for orbital heating analysis, you must also specify the orbit Altitude.

	Sun vector
	Orbit plane
	Beta angle
	North

The beta angle does not define a unique orbit plane, but for a given beta angle and a given altitude, all beta angle orbits have the same exposure to the sun. The Orbit Visualizer arbitrarily displays a beta angle orbit that has its right ascending node located 90° eastward from local noon if the Beta Angle is positive, and 270° eastward from local noon otherwise.

Note:

If you need to display a different orbit plane, use the Classicalorbit definition.

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