[AZ-Observing] Re: [EVAC] ISS overpass -- Web resource for predictions

 
 
Tom,
 
If you like the ground track feature on H-A, look at a freeware program  call 
SatScape by Scott  Hather: _http://www.satscape.co.uk/_ 
(http://www.satscape.co.uk/) .
 
This program will display a 3D view of the earth that will show any number  
of selected satellites , their ground tracks and cones of visibility. It also  
has 2D views with similar information, tabular data on the satellites being  
tracked including AOS & LOS AZ & Elev Speed Distance etc. 
 
It used to be able to down load keps directly via Celestrak, But since that  
resource is no longer available you would have to create an account at  
Space-Track : _www.space-track.org_ (http://www.space-track.org/)  and use a 
utility 
(available  on the SatScape web site to convert it to a usable format. The 
Author has  indicated a future release may include automation of this feature.
 
I've compared the times with produced with H-A and current keps produce  
results acceptable results. I do believe the Iridium flare function is taken  
directly from H-A.
One other neat (I guess since I don't have the hardware to test it) feature  
is it will record the signal from the satellites as they pass if they are  
transmitting. I presume this to mean you can hear astronauts on the ISS  
communicating or weather signals as they are passed own. 
 
Clear Skies
 
Rick Tejera




Editor  SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix,  AZ
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org 





In a message dated 3/26/2005 8:03:41 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,  
tpolakis@xxxxxxx writes:

The 'ground  track' feature remains one of my favorite on Heavens Above.  We
picked  it up when it was at the north end of the Central Valley of
California, and  lost it when it was well south of the border in Chihuahua,
Mexico.  It  covered that distance in 5 1/2 minutes.

Tom





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