I'm working on a program for ham radio that involves displaying satellites. I'm currently using the Space-track.org database, but the problem with it is that it will give "Saudisat 1C" rather than SO-50, and things like that. Is there a downloadable database that has a friendly name and its corresponding catalog ID?
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2 Answers
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SatNOGS DB records multiple names for satellites; for example, it has both names you mention. There is a simple HTTP API which you can use to fetch the entire database in JSON.
The database also includes downlink/uplink information (frequencies, mode, etc). It does not include orbital elements (TLEs), which you will have to obtain from another source by cross-referencing the catalog numbers.
I'm not enough of a satellite enthusiast to say how complete or accurate SatNOGS DB is; I do know it is a relatively new project and they are accepting contributions.
answered Feb 17, 2017 at 23:46
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PyEphem, a library to calculate (relative) positions of celestial bodies, has a link page that lists digital catalogues you can, at least partially directly import.
