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# 21. Hard‑Science Orbital Mechanics Checklist

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---

checklist:
id: orbital-mechanics-checklist
name: Hard‑Science Orbital Mechanics Checklist
description: Verify spacecraft trajectories, delta‑v budgets, and orbital timings are scientifically plausible.
items:

- "[ ] Gravity assists modeled with correct bodies and dates"
- "[ ] Delta‑v calculations align with propulsion tech limits"
- "[ ] Transfer windows and travel times match real ephemeris"
- "[ ] Orbits obey Kepler’s laws (elliptical periods, periapsis)"
- "[ ] Communication latency accounted for at given distances"
- "[ ] Plot accounts for orbital plane changes / inclination costs"
  ...