> ## 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.

# Quick Start Guide

> Get up and running with VALAR in minutes

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/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

<Warning>
  **REQUIRED** - Without a spacecraft, 90% of features are blocked. This is the foundation of everything.
</Warning>

**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

<Info>
  **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED** - State vectors define your spacecraft's orbital position. Without them, you cannot generate ephemerides, run conjunction analysis, or plan maneuvers.
</Info>

**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:

| Feature           | Location                    | What It Does                                       | Requirements                          |
| ----------------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| State Vectors     | `/state-vectors`            | View/manage orbital elements, generate ephemerides | Spacecraft                            |
| Measurements      | `/orbits/measurements/data` | Visualize measurements (Range, Angles, etc.)       | Spacecraft + Measurements             |
| Maneuver Planning | `/maneuvers/planner`        | Plan delta-V burns                                 | Spacecraft + State Vector + Thrusters |
| Conjunctions      | `/conjunctions`             | Collision risk analysis                            | Spacecraft + State Vector             |
| Ground Track      | `/orbits/ground-track`      | Visualize spacecraft ground path                   | Spacecraft + State Vector             |
| Spacecraft Config | `/spacecraft`               | Edit platform, add thrusters, manage properties    | Spacecraft                            |

***

## 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?

| Missing          | Impact                                                                   | Fix                                       |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
| No Spacecraft    | Cannot access ANY features - hard blocker                                | Create at `/spacecraft/new`               |
| No State Vectors | Cannot generate ephemerides, run conjunction analysis, or plan maneuvers | Import OPM file at `/state-vectors`       |
| No Measurements  | Cannot visualize measurements or run Orbit Determination                 | Import TDM at `/orbits/measurements/data` |
| No Thrusters     | Cannot plan accurate maneuvers                                           | Add thrusters in spacecraft detail page   |

***

## 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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I logged in but everything is empty - is something broken?">
    No! You need to create a spacecraft first. Go to `/spacecraft/new`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I created a spacecraft but still can't generate ephemerides">
    You need to import a state vector first at `/state-vectors`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where do I get OPM/TDM files?">
    These come from your orbit determination provider, tracking network, or mission control system
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use the platform without importing files?">
    You can manually create state vectors, but importing OPM files is much faster and more accurate
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Card title="You're all set!" icon="check" iconType="solid" color="#16a34a">
  Start by creating your first spacecraft and importing a state vector, then explore the features.
</Card>