Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.valar.space/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt.
The Spacecraft page lets you manage your satellite fleet. Configure spacecraft identifiers, physical dimensions, mass properties, and propulsion systems while viewing a real-time 3D model preview.
Route: /spacecraft
Page Layout
The page displays spacecraft details with a 3D viewer that updates as you modify dimensions:
Switching Spacecraft
Use the dropdown in the top-left corner to switch between spacecraft. Each spacecraft shows a color indicator for easy identification throughout the app.
Identifiers Section
Click the pencil icon to edit basic details:
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Name | Your spacecraft’s display name |
| NORAD ID | Catalog reference number |
| COSPAR ID | International designation |
| Color | Color used to identify this spacecraft throughout the app |
| Field | Description | Unit |
|---|
| Box Dimensions (X, Y, Z) | Spacecraft body size | meters |
| Panel Dimensions (X, Y, Z) | Solar array dimensions | meters |
| Number of Panel Pairs | How many opposing solar-array panel pairs (range 1–10, default 2) | — |
| Drag Coefficient | Atmospheric drag parameter | — |
| Reflectivity Coefficient | Solar radiation pressure parameter | — |
| Absorption | Per-surface optical absorption coefficient α (numeric, step 0.01) | — |
| Specular reflection | Per-surface specular reflection coefficient ρs (numeric, step 0.01) | — |
absorption + specular reflection ≤ 1.0 (energy conservation). The form rejects values that exceed this with the message "Absorption + specular reflection must not exceed 1.0 (energy conservation)." The implied diffuse reflection coefficient is 1 − absorption − specular reflection.
Typical values (helper text shown beneath the optical inputs):
Typical values — MLI ~0.4 / 0.3, solar cells ~0.75 / 0.15, bare aluminum ~0.15 / 0.75 (absorption / specular).
Configuring per-surface optical coefficients and panel geometry is the spacecraft side of attitude-dependent force modeling. When this spacecraft also has an attitude profile configured, drag and SRP are computed per surface using these coefficients on every numerically-propagated analysis. Without an attitude profile, the spacecraft remains on the isotropic model that uses only the scalar Drag Coefficient and Reflectivity Coefficient. | Field | Description |
|---|
| Launch Mass | Initial mass at launch |
| Dry Mass | Mass without propellant |
| Current Mass | From latest state vector |
| Propellant Remaining | Shown as a progress bar |
Propulsion Section
Manage thrusters for maneuver planning:
| Field | Description |
|---|
| Thrust | Thrust force output |
| Specific Impulse (Isp) | Propellant efficiency |
| Max Burn Time | Maximum continuous burn duration |
| Position (X, Y, Z) | Thruster location on spacecraft body |
| Direction (X, Y, Z) | Thrust vector direction |
| Type | Chemical or Electric |
- Add Thruster: Create a new thruster configuration
- Edit: Modify existing thruster parameters
- Delete: Remove a thruster
3D Spacecraft Viewer
The right panel displays a real-time 3D model of your spacecraft:
- Updates automatically as you modify box and panel dimensions
- Rotate the view by clicking and dragging
- Zoom with scroll wheel
- Shows accurate proportions based on configured dimensions
Creating a New Spacecraft
Click New Spacecraft in the header to open the creation dialog:
- Enter identifiers (name, NORAD ID, COSPAR ID)
- Configure physical dimensions (box and panel sizes)
- Configure the panel normal vector (see below)
- Preview the 3D model as you configure
- Add thrusters after creation
Panel Normal Vector
The creation dialog includes a Panel Normal selector that defines which direction each solar-array panel pair faces in the spacecraft body frame. The selector offers seven options:
| Option | Effect |
|---|
| +X | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body +X axis |
| -X | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body -X axis |
| +Y | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body +Y axis |
| -Y | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body -Y axis |
| +Z | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body +Z axis |
| -Z | Panel normal aligned with the spacecraft body -Z axis |
| Custom | Expands three numeric sub-inputs (X, Y, Z components) for an arbitrary vector |
(0, 0, 0), the form rejects the value with the message "Panel normal must be non-zero". Provide any other vector and the form normalises it internally.
The panel normal vector is part of the per-surface geometry consumed by attitude-dependent force modeling. It is configured on the creation dialog only; later edits to the spacecraft do not expose the field.
Lifecycle Management
The platform supports two lifecycle states:
| State | Description |
|---|
| Active | Spacecraft is operational and available for all operations |
| Archived | Spacecraft is deactivated but data is preserved |
State Transitions
| Transition | Description |
|---|
| Active → Archived | Archive a spacecraft (keeps all data, hides from active lists) |
| Archived → Active | Restore an archived spacecraft to active operations |
Danger Zone
At the bottom of the spacecraft page:
- Archive: Deactivate a spacecraft (preserves data, removes from active lists)
- Restore: Reactivate an archived spacecraft (only shown for archived spacecraft)
Validation Feedback
As you edit, real-time validation icons appear:
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|
| ✓ Green | Valid value |
| ⚠ Amber | Warning (review recommended) |
| ✗ Red | Error (must fix before saving) |
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