Orbit MFD

Orbit is an MFD mode which is included in the Orbiter Space Flight Simulator. This mode displays a graphic representing a central body, the orbit of the pilot's ship, and the orbit of a target body, and also includes orbital parameters and elements of those orbits. The pilot can select Orbit from the MFD mode selection page.

Orbit MFD displays the osculating orbits at the current epoch (its 2-body orbit) with respect to a celestial body. The orbital parameters may change over time due to perturbations from other gravity sources, nonspherical gravity, atmospheric drag, and thruster action, etc.

Orbital elements and graphic display is displayed in one of two frames of reference, Ecliptic (ECL) or Equatorial (EQU) by selecting the FRM button or Shift+F. The current frame is displayed on the top line of the MFD display near the right corner.

Any celestial body may be selected as the reference body by selecting the REF button or Shift+R, displaying a pop-up window where the pilot may select the reference body.

The display may project a plane to be projected onto the MFD display by selecting PRJ or Shift+P. Four planes may be selected: Ecliptic (ECL), Equatorial (EQU), the focus ship (SHP), or target ship or celestial body (TGT).

Distance from the focus body may be displayed from the center of the body, indicated by Rad, ApR, PeR, or from the altitude of the mean radius of the body, indicated by Alt, ApA, PeA, by selecting the DTS button or Shift+D.