This VRML animation demonstrates the four rotations need to align the coordinate system of a satellite with the axes of the earth.
Satellite Coordinates
Satellite in Orbit
Y axes not labelled
Each satellite in orbit has its own three dimensional coordinate system. In the satellite system
all axes are designated with a subscript s.
- The X sub S axis is on the line from the center of the earth towards the satellite.
- The Z sub S axis is perpendicular to the satellite's oribital plane.
- The Y sub S axis is in the same orbital plane as the X sub S axis, but at a 90° angle from it.
More text in rest of downloaded HTML file.

