Estimate usable observation time during rocket delta-v operations from the geometric viewing window, event duration, instrument duty factor, and number of events. The tool takes the smaller of the available window and burn duration for each event, then discounts that time for duty cycle to support preliminary camera, tracking, or diagnostic planning.
The result is accumulated instrument-on time inside both the event and viewing constraints. Window-limited and burn-limited cases are identified so the next design improvement is clear.
This simplified estimate assumes every event has the same window and duty factor. It does not model occultation, lighting, slew time, or event-to-event geometry.
A 180-second viewing window, 120-second burn, 80% duty factor, and three events give 96 seconds per event and 288 seconds, or 4.8 minutes, of total usable observation.
Observation can occur only while both the target is visible and the delta-v event is in progress.
Include the usable fraction remaining after setup, readout, interruptions, or other known non-observing intervals.
Calculate each event type separately and add the resulting usable times for a more accurate total.
It represents total usable instrument-on time; divide or schedule it into exposures according to the instrument design.
Total usable observation time is zero even if viewing windows and events are available.
| Input | Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing window per event | s | Time the target remains observable. |
| Delta-v event duration | s | Duration of the maneuver or burn. |
| Instrument duty factor | % | Usable fraction after setup and interruptions. |
| Number of events | events | Comparable observation opportunities. |