Satellite Situation Update

Satellite Situation Update (SSUP) software shows the current locations of a selected set of orbiting spacecraft, along with each satellite’s ground track and/or orbit shape. SSUP is intended as a real-time display, showing multiple spacecraft, that is suitable for a large wall monitor meant to be in public spaces for the appreciation of a wider audience. Satellite positions are constantly updated to stay current, based on either publicly available information (e.g. Celestrak) or other sources [by arrangement with Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF)]. The user chooses the spacecraft to be monitored, as well as other configuration parameters. SSUP is intended for education and outreach purposes; it is a way for an organization to, for example, take pride in the spacecraft they had a role in building or operating. SSUP also is an attractive way to stimulate interest in Earth-Sun-Moon relationships and basic orbital geometries.