Table of Contents

Editor: Configuring a Simulation

Description

This guide showcases how a simulation is configured in a demo and how a user can configure their simulation. In this guide, the demo level Dynamics/Demo_AttitudeFeedbackBasic will be shown and explained how it is presented.

Loading the Level

A simulation can be configured through the UniverseSubsystem. The Universe is the subsystem that handles the planets, celestial bodies, epoch, reference frames and the zero base in a simulation:

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To get started:

  • Open up the NominalEditor.uproject file with Unreal Engine
  • Navigate to your ‘Content Browser’ Tab
    • You may need to press CTRL + Space to open the content browser
  • Click on the Content → Maps → Demos → Dynamics Folder
  • Double-click on Demo_AttitudeFeedbackBasic_Demo Map

Opening the Level Blueprint

Once the Map has loaded let's open up the level blueprint:

  • On the top toolbar, click on the blueprints button
  • A drop-down will show multiple options
  • Select the Open Level Blueprint button

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Once the blueprint editor window opens:

  • Double-Click on EventGraph

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Level Blueprint Breakdown

In the image below, steps 1-3 are for setting up a simulation with step 4 being optional for creating UI. All of the simulation, universe, spacecraft and software configuration is done within the level blueprint within demo levels. In this guide, the Step 1 - Configure Universe block. is broken down.

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When the simulation runs, a default universe is created with the planets in the solar system and stars. The Configure Universe node is a function that can configure the universe. With this preset function on any demos, you can:

  • Set the Epoch of the simulation by entering a DateTime.
    • Most of our demos have the date set to 1st January 2022 at 12:00 AM. The default is the device’s current system time.
  • Set where the Zero Base is by setting the Enum.
    • The default is Earth.
  • Set the Coordinate Fame by setting the Enum.
    • The default is J2000.

If the simulation is not configured manually, it will be configured with the default values.

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It is also possible to add environment models such as Magnetic Field Centered Dipole and Atmosphere Exponential. More details on this is discussed in another guide.

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It is also possible to call the Configure Universe function which is a BP_Library function, in any blueprint that does the same as above.

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Warning

It is recommended that the ‘Configure Universe’ function is called before the simulation runs such as BeginPlay. Calling it during runtime may cause errors.