SpaceTrack

SpaceTrack is a web-based data service that provides publicly accessible orbital information for objects in near-Earth space, including active satellites, spent boosters, and debris. It aggregates tracking data from the U.S. Space Surveillance Network and other sources to compile orbital elements and metadata used for satellite conjunction analysis, mission planning, and educational purposes. The primary data product is the Two-Line Element set (TLE), which encodes an object’s orbital parameters at a given epoch and is widely used for short- to medium-term orbit prediction.

The service functions as a central catalog for object identification, offering search capabilities by designation, NORAD catalog number, or object name. In addition to TLEs, SpaceTrack provides metadata such as object identifiers, launch information when available, and historical cataloging data. The platform supports programmatic access through an API for registered users, enabling automated retrieval of catalog data and bulk updates for operators and researchers.

Access and licensing are managed by the U.S. Department of Defense's Space Surveillance Network, with SpaceTrack historically operated under the auspices of the Joint Space Operations Center. Users typically must register to obtain full data access and to use advanced features; terms of use govern redistribution and commercial use. Data on SpaceTrack is subject to limitations regarding accuracy, latency, and completeness, reflecting its source from live surveillance and tracking operations.

SpaceTrack is widely used by satellite operators, researchers, educators, and hobbyists to monitor orbital objects, perform trajectory predictions using TLE data, and support space situational awareness activities. It remains a central reference point for publicly available orbital catalogs and related metadata.

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