Managing Orbit Data

Orbit data describes the orbit of the satellite (typically a TLE). Orbits are dynamic which means that the orbit data must change frequently to reflect these changes as well. This can be done automatically or manually.

Automatically Updating Orbit Data

If automatically updating the orbit data, your team can leave the responsibility of updating orbit data to StellarStation with a toggleable setting through any of the interfaces. StellarStation will use the latest TLE from NORAD for the spacecraft.

Manually Updating Orbit Data

If manually updating the orbit data, your team can send StellarStation a TLE in text format via any of the interfaces. StellarStation will use that TLE for future passes.

Drift

TLEs that were once accurate can rapidly become out-of-date. Every time the TLE is updated, drift may occur. How this affects your passes depends on how severe the drift is. After TLE updates, StellarStation will automatically attempt to match your existing reservations with passes generated from the new TLE. If a match is found, no problem. If a match is not found, then the pass will become "Drifted" and action must be taken by the satellite operator to reschedule the pass.

Orbit drift...

1. May cause pass start/stop times to shift around
2. May cause pass duration to increase or decrease
3. May cause the tracking path to change
4. May cause the maximum elevation to change
5. May cause any or all of the above