b-track

[kren.Z]

Just finished a working prototype of b-track today. I'm trying to re-create NASA's J-track but with a more intuitive interface. The satellite data now is simulated until I can figure out how NASA calculates it's satellite trajectories since the data isn't streamed in real-time (maybe I'm wrong?). Anyways, behold the "google earth" for tracking objects in space. I'm also going to use this model for weather simulations since all the other sites out there are bloated with ads and whatnot. Any recommendations on  the mathematical topics for these things will be highly appreciated.

reguards,
krenZ.

link.
http://krenz.tastyspleen.net/b-track/b-track.html

[QwazyWabbit]

The data sets are called Keplerian element sets and they define the orbital parameters at some instant in time upon which the future orbit can be calculated. NORAD uses two-line element sets (TLE) for inputting them into the tracking programs, it's probably the most common medium.

T.S. Kelso's site is probably the most complete collection of information on this kind of topic. It's an excellent source for current TLEs on all classes of satellites and has references to many tracking programs.

http://celestrak.com/

http://celestrak.com/NORAD/documentation/tle-fmt.asp

[kren.Z]

Qwazy, you ARE the man

The data sets are called Keplerian element sets and they define the orbital parameters at some instant in time upon which the future orbit can be calculated.

I knew that something like this could be done. I thought i was on the right track with state vectors but was stuck on how they calculated the initial positions. Thanks a lot Qwazy.

[QwazyWabbit]

You're welcome, enjoy your project. I look forward to seeing your results.

[fanny]

GG QW

Been using TLE's (mainly from Kelso' site) for my sat tracking program as I talk through the ham sats from time to time.

N5DGS