Phobos 2 Heliocentric Trajectory Data in Multiple Coordinate Systems

Heliocentric trajectory data for the Phobos 2 spacecraft, calculated using the 'Mean of Date' method for the Equinox Epoch. The data is provided in Heliographic (HG), Heliographic Inertial (HGI), and Solar Ecliptic (SE) coordinate systems. The original trajectory data is sourced from NASA JPL's Horizons system and is maintained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with a last update recorded in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Modeling solar wind interactions based on spacecraft position in heliocentric coordinates.
• Analyzing long-term orbital drift based on daily trajectory data.
• Comparing coordinate system transformations between Heliographic, Heliographic Inertial, and Solar Ecliptic frames.
• Validating planetary orbit data as a proxy for spacecraft ephemeris, given the small angular differences described.

Strengths

• Data originates from the authoritative NASA JPL Horizons system.
• Coordinates are calculated using a defined 'Mean of Date' method for the Equinox Epoch.
• Provides data in three specialized coordinate systems (HG, HGI, SE) for heliospheric analysis.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The description notes more precise and planet-centered coordinates are available in other directories.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), via JPL Horizons and SPDF.

Collection Method

Calculated from original trajectory data obtained from http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons.cgi.

Time Range

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Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 22:35:18.804701; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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