Find a Satellite

KeepTrack.Space offers multiple ways to find satellites quickly and accurately. Here’s how you can search for a specific satellite:

Basic Search

• Enter satellite name (e.g., “ISS”, “Hubble”)
• Enter NORAD ID (e.g., “25544”)
• Enter International Designator (e.g., “1998-067A”)

Advanced Search Syntax

• Use commas for multiple NORAD IDs: “25544,37820”
• Filter by launch year: “2023-” finds satellites launched in 2023

Caution

Do not include spaces in search terms (e.g., “25544,37820” not “25544, 37820”)

Search Results

• Results appear as you type (minimum 3 characters)
• Limited to 350 results by default (configurable in settings)
• Results show:
  • Satellite name
  • NORAD ID
  • Launch date
  • Current status

Selecting Satellites

1. Click on a result to select the satellite
2. The view will automatically center on the selected satellite
3. The Satellite Info Box will display detailed information
4. The satellite’s orbit will be highlighted

Tips for Effective Searching

• Start with broader terms and narrow down results
• Use NORAD IDs for precise selection
• Check launch date to distinguish between similar satellites
• Use the satellite type filter to narrow results

Common Issues and Solutions

No Results Found

• Check spelling
• Try alternative names
• Verify NORAD ID
• Ensure search term is at least 3 characters

Too Many Results

• Add more specific terms
• Use exact NORAD ID

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Shift + F: Open search bar
• Esc: Clear search/Close search bar

Examples

Let’s practice finding satellites using the search feature in KeepTrack.Space.

International Space Station (ISS)

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of KeepTrack.Space, let’s learn how to find a specific satellite. We’ll use the International Space Station (ISS) as an example.

Tip

While selected, the camera will follow the satellite as it moves along its orbit.

1. Open the search bar:

   • Click the search icon in the top menu, or
   • Use the keyboard shortcut Shift + F

2. Enter search terms:

   • Type “ISS” or “25544” (the NORAD ID for the ISS)
   • You should see results appear as you type

   

3. Select the satellite:

   • Click on the ISS in the search results
   • The view will center on the ISS

4. Explore the satellite:

   • Use the mouse to rotate the view:
     • Left-click and drag to orbit around the ISS
     • Middle-click and drag to adjust the camera angle
   • Zoom in or out:
     • Use the scroll wheel, or
     • Use the Numpad + and Numpad - keys

5. View satellite information:

   • Look for the Satellite Info Box, usually in the bottom-right corner
   • This box displays detailed information about the ISS

   

Fun Fact

When the ISS is selected you can actually hear audio from the astronauts on board. Keep your volume up!

Hubble Space Telescope

Let’s try finding another satellite, like the Hubble Space Telescope:

1. Open the search bar (Shift + F)
2. Type “Hubble” or its NORAD ID “20580”
3. Click on the Hubble Space Telescope in the search results
4. Explore its orbit and information using the mouse controls and info box

Caution

Not everyone agrees on the name of a satellite! The Hubble Space Telescope is also known as “HST”, but KeepTrack lets you search by either name.

Practice Exercise

Try finding these satellites on your own:

1. GPS IIR-11 (NORAD ID: 28190)
2. GOES 16 (NORAD ID: 41866)
3. Tianhe (NORAD ID: 48274)

Remember, you can search by name or NORAD ID. Use the mouse controls to explore each satellite’s orbit and position relative to Earth.

Note

If you’re having trouble locating a satellite, make sure you’ve spelled the name correctly or entered the right NORAD ID. Some satellites might also be temporarily hidden behind the Earth, so try adjusting the time using the clock in the top menu.

Now that you know how to find satellites, you can explore the vast array of objects tracked by KeepTrack.Space. Happy satellite hunting!