Exton-based Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) announced May 15 the company has been awarded a patent.

The firm, which produces commercial modeling and analysis software for the space, defense and intelligence communities, was awarded a patent for work by Dr. Sergei Tanygin.

This is the fourth patent which Tanygin, AGI’s senior astrodynamics specialist, has contributed to for AGI.

Entitled “System and method for determining earth-fixed trajectory launching from within a specified area,” the patent (U.S. patent 8718920 B2) enables the solution of a modified launch close approach analysis (COLA) problem where the launch site can be anywhere within a specified area.

Rather than creating a finite number of individual launch sites within the area and performing analyses for all of them, this new method creates an implicit continuous launch area that moves in an Earth-fixed frame and Mission Elapsed Time (MET).

It uses judicious sampling of the defined area and quickly identifies critical geometries between the launch area and resident space objects to ultimately determine blackout and clear-to-launch intervals.

One of Tanygin’s other patents focuses on computing one or more directional contours or horizons that encompass regions of space visible to the sensor. Another is for visualization of attitude dependent data. Tanygin’s final patent is for AGI’s Vector Geometry Tool in STK Analysis Workbench, which provides a graphical user interface and software architecture that allows users to create new vectors, axes, points, coordinate systems and other elements.

Those interested may learn more by reading Tanygin’s blog or downloading a whitepaper here.

AGI delivers software applications and development tools for timely and cost-effective development and deployment of space, defense and intelligence missions. AGI products are used for modeling, engineering and operations in the areas of space, cyberspace, aircraft, missile defense, C4ISR and electronic systems.

Links: www.agi.com