Transform spacecraft missions into stunning orbital animations using NASA's real trajectory data - from Voyager's interstellar journey to Apollo hardware still orbiting today.

Ever wondered how to visualize the graceful dance of spacecraft through our solar system? Whether you’re tracking Voyager 1’s epic journey to interstellar space or following the forgotten Apollo S-IVB stages still orbiting in the cosmic deep, orbitron bridges the gap between NASA’s treasure trove of trajectory data and compelling visual storytelling. Built on the robust foundation of the JPL Horizons API, this TypeScript tool transforms precise ephemeris data into animations that reveal the hidden choreography of our robotic explorers.

Orbitron offers remarkable flexibility in crafting orbital visualizations. Generate MP4 videos or GIFs with customizable projections (linear or square-root isometric), adjustable time scales from days to decades per frame, and precise control over celestial body selection and styling. The tool handles everything from quick planetary flybys to multi-decade interplanetary odysseys, with support for custom spacecraft colors, legends, and Wikipedia-compatible formatting. Its command-line interface makes it perfect for automated workflows, research presentations, or educational content creation.

Inspired by the acclaimed astronomical illustrations gracing Wikipedia, orbitron democratizes the creation of publication-quality orbital animations. Researchers can now easily visualize mission phases, educators can bring spacecraft trajectories to life in the classroom, and space enthusiasts can explore ‘what-if’ scenarios with historical missions. With access to NASA’s complete catalog of tracked objects, from active missions to decades-old hardware still wandering the solar system, orbitron turns every orbital mechanics problem into a potential masterpiece.

⭐ Stars: 12
💻 Language: TypeScript
🔗 Repository: mmomtchev/orbitron