CC's Turing Tech

lucinne.github.io/track-the-iss-spaceapps2022/

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1khO4YYHh2Ixh4TlrjM38iC5or_Shc20QfWmnYlj8B0s/

THE GOAL AND THE PROGRESS

• We started making a simple 3D interactive application that lets the user track the ISS, its components, the Earth, the Sun in real time. Users can also track the future orbit of the International Space Station, allowing them to predict flybys over locations, as well as view old and new data of the International Space Station to display previous and future orbital positions. Our goal is to keep the app user-friendly and effective.
• The goal was to use open-source software and information available from NASA and other agencies to build a web application that tracks the space station and provides interactive, 3D visualizations of Earth, the space station orbit, and the Station itself.

THINGS AND FEATURES

• Keeping our application user-friendly and interactive was our priority, hence we have created a simple - yet effective UI that includes:

1) Clear icons that stand out

2) A HD model of the space station.

3) Readable display of data

4) Interactive Earth and Station

• Using some math magic, we have provided users with an option to change the orbit speed. This lets the user see the past & future orbit of the space station.
• With some 3D model fiasco, the ISS’ solar panels rotate accordingly with the position of the Sun.
• Users can also view all the spacecraft that’s docked at the ISS for all times.
• Using images provided by NASA and timezones around the world, the user can see Earth as it is in real time!
• In our application, the sunlight from Sun is live, using shaders and algorithms provided by the leading space agencies of the world!

DATA RETRIEVAL

• We started by getting the data for the International Space Station directly from NORAD (North Amercian Aero-Space Defense Command) , which was provided by Celestrek.
• This includes the current speed (How fast in orbit the ISS is) and the current altitude (how far above the ISS is from the earth,
• All data is presented in a simple manner, ensuring the average user is able to read it.

USEFULNESS OF THE APP:

• This application is useful to a variety of audiences, such as:
• 1) Astronomers:-
• People who are getting into astronomy will love being able to use this tool to predict future flyby locations, so they can view it from telescopes.
• 2) Educators:-
• Teachers can use this in classrooms to teach students more about satellites and the Space Station, making sure they learn in a fun way.
• 3) Everyone:-
• Current tools complicate tracking the space station, we have made it easier for the average user to view and interact with the ISS.

SOME MORE:

• All other information should be self-explanatory when you visit our tracker!

International Space Station 3D Model from NASA

Earth Day and Night Map textures from NASA

ISS TLE Data from NORAD

Solar, Lunar and Earth data provided by NASA

Our event was great, it was fun and interactive, we got to network with participants. We had fun and interesting sessions!

There were motivational speeches, theatre, good food. It was all very informative, they also provided us with labs and tools to test our solutions out as well as mentors and moderators to talk to. We would like to thank everyone who checked our project out and said nice things, it was really nice! That being said, we would definitely join again next year!

Languages and Libraries used:

THREE.js

Jquery

Javascript

PHP

HTML

Software used:

Photoshop

Github

Illustrator

Code Resources:

methods to convert longitude / latitude to XYZ and back + utility polygon contains point for THREE.js - Nicolas Barradeau

DRACOLoader - THREE.js /Ricardo Cabello

Textures and Images:

Earth Day and Night Map - NASA

3D Model ISS - NASA

Shaders - NASA

App Icons - Shutterstock with license

TLE Data - NORAD, provided by Celestrak

Starry Background - NASA

Logo - International Space Station

Font ExonRegular - Ari Jaunda

Presentation Images - Own Work and Shutterstock with license

#code #iss #space #station #NASA