Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite Model using Easy Java Simulation

Abstract

We develop an Easy Java Simulation (EJS) model for students to visualize geostationary orbits near Earth, modeled using Java 3D implementation of the EJS 3D library. The simplified physics model is described and simulated using simple constant angular velocity equation. Four computer model design ideas such as 1) simple and realistic 3D view and associated learning to real world, 2) comparative visualization of permanent geostationary satellite 3) examples of non-geostationary orbits of different 3-1) rotation sense, 3-2) periods, 3-3) planes and 4) incorrect physics model for conceptual discourse are discussed. General feedback from the students has been relatively positive, and we hope teachers will find the computer model useful in their own classes. 2015 Resources http://iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/physics/02-newtonian-mechanics/08-gravity/62-gravity10