Question Getting a geostationary orbit with a DGIV

[tblaxland]

The ELS input needs LAN/inc in the ecliptic coordinate system. For an Earth equatorial orbit, you need an ecliptic LAN of 180° and an ecliptic inclination of 23.45°. This corresponds to the ascending node of earth's equatorial plane through the ecliptic plane. This might be the opposite LAN of what you might expect since the origin of the ecliptic coordinate system is the vernal point which is actually defined as the ascending node of the ecliptic plane though the equatorial plane.

 

[othoudt]

I now see that using the align planes MFD was the wrong idea. I needed to use the Orbit MFD to reach inc=0. I still can't get it perfect partly since the orbit MFD only displays alt to 2 decimal places and also I fly on realistic settings so my geostationary orbit varies a bit over time as I assume it would. I guess all those geostationary satellites use small thrusters to stabilise their orbits and that they have a limited lifespan due to fuel use.