Skip to main content
For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt.
VALAR is a spacecraft mission planning and operations platform for orbit tracking, maneuver planning, conjunction analysis, and ephemeris generation.

​
Critical First Steps (5 minutes)

After logging in, you’ll land on the Orbit Tracking page, but it will be empty. Here’s what you need to do to unlock all functionality:

​
Step 1: Create Your First Spacecraft

REQUIRED - Without a spacecraft, 90% of features are blocked. This is the foundation of everything.
How to create a spacecraft:
  1. Navigate to /spacecraft and click Add New Spacecraft
  2. Fill in required fields:
    • Name (e.g., “APOLLO-11”)
    • Box Dimensions: X, Y, Z in meters (e.g., 2.0 × 1.5 × 1.0)
    • Panel Dimensions: X, Y in meters (e.g., 3.0 × 1.5)
  3. Optional but recommended:
    • NORAD ID / COSPAR ID
    • Drag Coefficient / Reflectivity Coefficient
    • Launch Mass, Dry Mass
  4. Click Save
Result: Spacecraft appears in global filter dropdown and enables all features.

​
Step 2: Import Initial State Vector

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - State vectors define your spacecraft’s orbital position. Without them, you cannot generate ephemerides, run conjunction analysis, or plan maneuvers.
How to import a state vector:
  1. Navigate to /state-vectors
  2. Click Import button
  3. Upload an OPM (Orbit Parameter Message) file
  4. Confirm import
Result: Unlocks orbit propagation, ephemeris generation, and conjunction analysis.

​
Main Features & Where to Find Them

Once you’ve completed Steps 1-2, here’s what you can do:

​
File Imports (Unlock Additional Features)

​
Import Measurements (Optional)

Location: /orbits/measurements/data → Import button File Types: TDM, OEM, SP3 What It Enables:
  • Measurement visualization (Range, RA/DEC, AZ/EL, PVT plots)
  • Orbit Determination (OD) processing
  • Improved state vector accuracy
Process:
  1. Click Import on measurements page
  2. Drag-and-drop or browse for file
  3. Data appears in measurement plots automatically

​
Import Burn Plans (Optional)

Location: /maneuvers/burn-plan → Import button What It Enables:
  • Maneuver sequence execution
  • Fuel consumption tracking

​
What Blocks Features?

​
Quick Setup Checklist

For a fully functional workspace, complete these in order:
  • Create spacecraft (name + dimensions) → /spacecraft/new
  • Import state vector (OPM file) → /state-vectors
  • (Optional) Import measurements → /orbits/measurements/data
  • (Optional) Configure thrusters → spacecraft detail page
Total time: 5 minutes

​
Pro Tips

  • Global Spacecraft Filter: Use the dropdown at the top to switch between spacecraft - selection persists across pages
  • Bulk Operations: Select multiple state vectors for batch export
  • 3D Spacecraft Preview: Updates in real-time as you edit dimensions
  • Empty States: All pages show helpful empty states with clear next actions when data is missing
  • Date Range Filters: Most pages let you filter by time range (presets: Today, Week, Month, Custom)

​
Minimum Viable Setup

To unlock all core features in under 5 minutes:
  1. Create 1 spacecraft with basic info
  2. Import 1 state vector (OPM file)
That’s it! You can now:
  • Generate ephemerides
  • View orbit tracking
  • Run conjunction analysis
  • Start planning maneuvers

​
Common Questions

No! You need to create a spacecraft first. Go to /spacecraft/new
You need to import a state vector first at /state-vectors
These come from your orbit determination provider, tracking network, or mission control system
You can manually create state vectors, but importing OPM files is much faster and more accurate

You're all set!

Start by creating your first spacecraft and importing a state vector, then explore the features.