The landscape of Python tools that seem to accomplish the task of propagating Earth satellites/celestial bodies is confusing. Depending on what you're trying to do, PyEphem or Python-SGP4 may be more suitable. Which of these should I use if:
- I want ECEF/ECI coordinates of an Earth satellite
- I want general sky coordinates of a celestial object
- Near Earth vs. far away objects
- Want to use two-line element sets
Do any of these accomplish precise orbit determination? If not, where do I go/what resources are there out there for precise orbit determination?
I kind of know the answers here. For instance, POD is not part of any of these libraries. These computations seem to be very involved. POD for many objects are available from IGS. The main reason I ask is for documentation purposes. I'm not familiar with python-skyfield, but I have a hunch it accomplishes what these other two do. --Brandon Rhodes, I await your expertise :)