New version of General Astrodynamics Library released

Version 0.5.0 of the General Astrodynamics Library has been released.

It can be downloaded from the project website here:
http://homepage.mac.com/pclwillmott/GAL/index.html

Updates in this release:

• Additional routines added to Kepler sub-library
• Planetary and Moon rotational elements added
• Reference frame routines for planets other than Earth
• Acceleration due to Solar Radiation Pressure added
• Acceleration due to Atmospheric Drag added
• Sun occulation routine added for satellite eclipses
• Support for Harris-Priester Earth Atmosphere Model
• Mars date and time routines added
• Ellipsoid models for the planets and the Sun added
• Earth satellite rise/set routine added.

The Reference Manual will be updated shortly.

The General Astrodynamics Library (GAL) is a numerical library for C and C++ programmers. It is free software under the GNU General Public License.

The library provides a wide range of astrodynamical routines such as ephemerides, earth orientation, and orbit propagation. There are over 260 functions in total with an extensive test suite.

Paul Willmott, VP9MU
AMSAT-BDA