Slashdot Mirror


Every Satellite Tracked In Realtime Via Google Earth

Matt Amato writes "With the recent discussion of the ISS having to dodge some space junk, many people's attention has once again focused on the amount of stuff in orbit around our planet. What many people don't know is that USSTRATCOM tracks and publishes a list of over 13,000 objects that they currently monitor, including active/retired satellites and debris. This data is meaningless to most people, but thanks to Analytical Graphics, it has now been made accessible free of charge to anyone with a copy of Google Earth. By grabbing the KMZ, you can not only view all objects tracked in real-time, but you can also click on them to get more information on the specific satellite, including viewing its orbit trajectory. It's an excellent educational tool for the space-curious. Disclaimer: I not only work for Analytical Graphics, but I'm the one that wrote this tool as a demo."

19 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. AGI in Exton, PA by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 5, Funny

    From what I hear, it's a pretty nice company to work for. Too nice in fact. The guy who was my Best Man at my wedding works there. You guys really need to let him out more. He likes it too much, and his family and friends miss him.

    --
    Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    1. Re:AGI in Exton, PA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Interesting way to phrase that. "The guy who was my Best Man"

      Now usually the Best Man is a close friend, So I am guessing you gys had a falling out.

      I know, he slept with your wife.

      And sorry but it was fun.

  2. Re:Confused by AndrewNeo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Paint it black?

  3. EULA by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Does Google then own the satellites, like they state in their EULA?

  4. Directions: To here - From here? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Thanks Google Earth, I just planned my next vacation.

  5. Re:Confused by somersault · · Score: 2, Funny

    Nothing is 100% black

    What about black holes? They just need to get the LHD guys to make them some strangelet paint.

    --
    which is totally what she said
  6. Re:Confused by Pugwash69 · · Score: 3, Funny

    If there's any black holes in orbit, we have more important problems than a little debris.

    --
    Pro Coffee Drinker
  7. Re:Confused by jank1887 · · Score: 3, Funny

    we should put a black hole in orbit to take care of the debris. we can name it Hoover.

  8. You had to see this coming... by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 2, Funny

    I not only work for Analytical Graphics, but I'm the one that wrote this tool as a demo.

    Domo arigato Mr. Amato.

    --
    It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
  9. What we should do... by PortHaven · · Score: 1, Funny

    We should place in front of the ISS a thin, strong lightweight netting.

    It could have a number of mass objects (weights) with thrusters to keep them apart. The net would span a few miles catching large debris. Clearing the path for the ISS.

    When full, the netting would be closed. And towed to a lower orbit. And eventually burn up in the atmosphere.

  10. Re:Confused by MrNaz · · Score: 2, Funny

    Radar tech: Sir, I'm tracking an object that appears to be roughly eight inches long, orbiting roughly where you'd expect an object to be if it were jettisoned from the ISS.

    Ex-ISS senior staffer: I don't want to talk about it.

    Radar tech: Sir, but according to these readings, it appears to have a bulbous end and is made of silicone rubber...

    Ex-ISS senior staffer: Dammit Dennis I said I don't want to talk about it!

    --
    I hate printers.
  11. Re:Confused by jank1887 · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's no moon...

  12. Re:Confused by somersault · · Score: 2, Funny

    They don't usually sell it, they just give it gratis to anyone with a good enough idea for a practical joke involving said paint.

    --
    which is totally what she said
  13. Apostrophe's... by Dan+Parker · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...and they're use's.

  14. Who needs shadows... by KoshClassic · · Score: 2, Funny

    Patriot Games showed us that women can be identified in spy satellite photos from their, ahem, curves.

    --
    Understanding is a three edged sword. - Ambassador Kosh Naranek, Babylon 5
  15. Re:Confused by DMUTPeregrine · · Score: 2, Funny

    Clearly not. Moons don't dress up in women's underwear.

    --
    Not a sentence!
  16. Re:Confused by NotBornYesterday · · Score: 2, Funny

    Too much LDS back in the '60s? ;)

    --
    I prefer rogues to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest.
  17. Re:Confused by darthdavid · · Score: 2, Funny

    Are you saying that his Holy Mormon Underpants TM cut off the blood to his brain?

  18. Re:Confused by NotBornYesterday · · Score: 2, Funny

    Heh heh heh ... I didn't even consider that meaning of LDS. I was trying a Star Trek riff.

    --
    I prefer rogues to imbeciles because they sometimes take a rest.