How do you keep up with the latest developments and trends in astrodynamics software and tools?

1 Subscribe to newsletters and blogs

Staying up-to-date with the latest astrodynamics software and tools is easy when you subscribe to newsletters and blogs related to the field. Astrodynamics Update is a monthly newsletter that features news, events, publications, software, and resources. The Astrodynamics Blog covers topics like orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics. Space Exploration Engineering Blog is another source of information, providing projects, tools, and techniques for space exploration engineering. All these sources can provide timely and relevant information, updates, reviews, tips, and insights from experts and practitioners.

2 Join online communities and forums

Keeping up with the latest developments and trends in astrodynamics software and tools can be done by joining online communities and forums. These platforms provide the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, learn from others, and discover new software and tools. Examples of online communities and forums include Astrodynamics Network, a professional network connecting astrodynamics researchers, engineers, educators, and students; Reddit r/Astrodynamics, a subreddit discussing topics such as orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, trajectory design, and software; and Stack Exchange Space Exploration, a question-and-answer site covering topics related to space exploration like astrodynamics, spacecraft design, mission planning, and software.

3 Attend webinars and workshops

To stay up-to-date with the latest astrodynamics software and tools, you can attend webinars and workshops that provide training, education, and demonstrations. These events offer practical and hands-on learning, as well as feedback and support from instructors and peers. For example, the Astrodynamics Software Workshop is a biennial event that showcases the latest software developments in astrodynamics. AGI Webinars are a series of presentations that introduce and demonstrate the features of AGI's software products. Additionally, MATLAB and Simulink for Astrodynamics is a webinar that shows how to use MATLAB and Simulink for modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization.

4 Follow open source projects and repositories

Staying up to date with the latest astrodynamics software and tools can be done by following open source projects and repositories that offer free and accessible software and tools. These sources provide resources, examples, documentation, and collaboration for your own projects and learning. Orekit is a Java library that offers low-level components for astrodynamics applications, such as orbit propagation, frame transformations, attitude computation, and date management. Poliastro is a Python library with high-level tools for astrodynamics problems, like orbit creation, manipulation, conversion, plotting, and analysis. GMAT is a general mission analysis tool that supports multiple phases of space mission development like design, optimization, simulation, and operation.

5 Experiment with new software and tools

A fifth way to stay up-to-date with astrodynamics software and tools is to experiment with new software and tools that fit your needs or spark your interest. This can help you gain firsthand experience, knowledge, and skills in using new software and tools while also assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for your projects. Examples of software and tools to experiment with include Rebound, a C library that simulates the dynamics of n-body systems; PyKEP, a Python library that implements algorithms for interplanetary trajectory design; and SPICE, a software system that provides observation geometry information for planetary science and engineering missions.