Suisei Ephemeris: Heliocentric Trajectories in HG, HGI, and SE Coordinates

Heliocentric trajectory data for the Suisei spacecraft, derived from JPL Horizons orbit data. The coordinates are calculated using the 'Mean of Date' method for the Equinox Epoch, which accounts for drift in the First Point of Aries. This dataset is produced by NASA and was last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Model spacecraft trajectories relative to the Sun based on heliocentric coordinate data.
• Analyze solar system dynamics using the 'Mean of Date' Equinox Epoch method described.
• Compare spacecraft ephemeris with planetary orbital data as a proxy, as mentioned in the description.
• Study coordinate system transformations between Heliographic, Heliographic Inertial, and Solar Ecliptic frames.

Strengths

• Data originates from the authoritative JPL Horizons system.
• Coordinates are calculated using a specific, documented 'Mean of Date' method for the Equinox Epoch.
• The description details four common methods for determining the Equinox Epoch, providing context.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The description mentions more precise and planet-centered coordinates are available elsewhere, suggesting this may be a subset.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Original trajectory data taken from JPL Horizons (http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons.cgi) and processed.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 04:34:43.565669; freshness should be verified.