Programming Question Predicting Location of ISS or other Body

[paddy2]

How Can I predict when the ISS, (or some other body) will be over a given area at a future point in time?

Background
I am thinking of running a space hotel!! OK, I borrowed the “wheel” from the moon and moved it in to earth orbit, copied ISS position and then changed its inclination to 80 degrees so they travel separate paths.

I can use the map to show its location, run the time warp at “x100” and write down when it gets close enough. It would work but its not quite scientific.

I can go onto the web and there are a few web sites which would tell me when the ISS is visible and so “close” enough but its really my “hotel” I am thinking of. Plus they don't say how they worked it out.

Telling a hotel guest “We leave noon on Monday but it could be Thursday before you get a bed” not really the best of ideas.

I accept that I am treating Orbiter as a game and its most probably the purists which have my answer, but please humour an old man!!!!

 

[Cras]

Try Launch MFD.

It will tell you when to launch, and not only that, it will either fly you up or guide to a direct ascent, so you can say to your guests, we lift off at 1:00, and you will be at your hotel in 30 minutes.

 

[paddy2]

Sorry I have not downloaded or used that..... is the answer really that easy
Will try tomorrow as its the wee hours of the morning
Many many thanks
____________
Could not resist. Gave it a quick try and that seems to be just the job.
Will read the docs later but again THANKS

 

[Cras]

Launch MFD is an absolutely must have addon. If you fly a ship like the Delta Glider, you can easily take off, fly to the intersection, then go right up to the space hotel. Follow the playbacks to see how exactly it is done.

 

[paddy2]

At first glance it does seem exactly what I wanted. Can set the time to 1, 2, 6 months in advance and publish launch launch times/dates!!!