Orbital Focus - International Spaceflight Facts and Figures
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Satellite Tracking


Tyneside, UK
2024 Mar 19
Tuesday, Day 79

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Elsewhere:

Satellite predictions for observing and tracking

On screen tracking in real time

Orbital elements (requires Registration)

Partial copy of Space Track information (Registration not required)

Software to track satellites on your PC

Satellite Tracking

Satellite tracking using a radio is an absorbing pastime/hobby. It is something that I have been doing for nearly 50 years. At first, it was satellites launched by the Soviet Union and transmitting at 15-20 MHz in the HF (short wave) band. Now it is anything within range of a receiver with an IF output and a Software Defined Radio.

In these page can be found descriptions of satellites signals, some help with satellite tracking techniques and some analyses of individual satellites. Originally, most satellite tracking was done by ear with a little help from a pen recorder. Nowadays, sound is almost the last thing with a majority of information being extracted from a computer display or a spreadsheet.

Satellite tracking is only possible by knowing where in the radio spectrum to listen. From the menu on the right, under "Radio Frequencies" it is possible to find some useful useful lists. As launches occur, new satellites appear in orbit that can be tracked. Sometimes the launch vehicle can be tracked in its own right.

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