Keep Track

Tracking satellites...

Keep Track on iMac

Features

What makes Keep Track special?

Satellite tracking made easy for everyone - no engineering degree required!

Instant Access

Start tracking satellites in seconds, with no downloads or installations required. Free and open-source for everyone.

Real-Time Tracking

Experience smooth, responsive satellite tracking that fetches the latest data from multiple sources automatically.

Unparalleled Performance

Enjoy a uniquely smooth and responsive experience, even when tracking thousands of objects simultaneously.

Comprehensive Database

Access detailed information on over 37,000 satellites and debris objects, including their orbits, designs, and operators.

Advanced Sensor Simulation

Explore what different sensors can detect, or create your own custom sensor to analyze visibility and coverage.

Breakup Event Simulation

Visualize and analyze satellite breakups with just a few clicks, watching debris spread patterns over time.

Launch Visualization

See new launches from any Earth location and quickly determine satellite visibility from various sensors.

Debris Pattern Analysis

Understand space debris distribution and evolution over time with intuitive visualizations.

Powerful Search Tools

Easily find and filter satellites based on various criteria, including name, ID, country, type, and orbit.

Community-Driven Development

Join a vibrant open-source community where you can contribute ideas, code, and help shape the future of satellite tracking.

Keep Track Features
Keep Track Features
Keep Track Features Keep Track Features

From the classroom to the control room, Keep Track has you covered.

Flexible and Powerful

Operations Centers

Designed by a Space Operator for Space Operators

Popup Alerts

Build a list of satellites you want to track and get popup alerts when a satellite is about to pass through a sensor field of view.

Answers in Seconds

Finding out when sensors will see a priority satellite is only a few clicks and involves no math or spreadsheets!

Plan Ahead

Simulating a new launch is as easy as picking a similar satellite and clicking the New Launch button. Mission planning has never been easier.

Education

Simplified and streamlined for the classroom

Learn Through Interaction

Explore the app's features and capabilities through a hands-on experience, making learning fun and engaging.

AAA Video Game Quality

The app is built using custom shaders and 3D models. It is designed to be as beautiful as it is functional.

Xbox Controller Support

Use an Xbox controller to control the app. This is great for presentations and demonstrations.

Outreach

Convey your message with clarity and impact

Free for your Website

You can embed the app on your website for free. Everything is AGPL licensed and open source.

Explain Your Mission

Show your customers what your satellite will look like in orbit before you launch it.

3D Model Support

Use one of the many 3D models available in the app or load your own satellite model.

Debris

Explain the problem with clarity and impact

Visualize the Problem

Show your audience the problem of space debris. You can show them how many objects are in orbit and how they are distributed.

Explain How You Will Help

Show how your mission will help improve the problem of space debris.

Estimated Objects

Visualize the debris we aren't tracking. You can use ESA estimates and see the millions of objects we can't track consistently.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Space is hard. Some of these answers will hopefully make it a little easier.

Why Did You Make This?

When I was a Lieutenant in the Air Force, I was responsible for tracking satellites. I was frustrated with the 1970s technology I had to use, so I decided to build a better tool. I hope you find it useful!

Why is it free?

I'm a big believer in open source software. I think it's the best way to build software. I also think that space should be free and open to everyone. I hope that by making this app free, it will help people learn about space and satellites.

What do I do if I find a bug or have a feature request?

Please let me know! I am always looking for ways to improve the app. You can add an issue on GitHub or send me an email at [email protected].

Is this really accurate?

Yes! Keep Track relies on the Orbital Object Toolkit (also free) and that is tested against USSPACECOM's official algorithms. The results are within 1mm of the official results.

Is there a tutorial?

Yes! There is a full docs page that explains how to use the app. I am cotinuing to add to it, so if there is something you want to see, please let me know.

How can I access the app offline or on a mobile device?

You can download the app from the GitHub repository. It is already built and ready to go. Just download the zip file and extract it. There is a batch file that will start the app in chrome without any server required.

How often is the satellite database updated?

The TLEs are sourced from multiple websites and then the database is updated every 8 hours. Additional information about the satellites is sourced from twenty different websites and processed by the server daily.

How do I collaborate or integrate Keep Track with my own project?

If you want to collaborate, please reach out to me at this email. If you have a non-commerical project, I am happy to help and would love to hear about it. Some of the best features in the app were inspired by users.

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Updates

Who Uses Keep Track?

Keep Track has been used in art, science, and defense across the globe. I am always looking for new collaborations, so please reach out if you are interested in incorporating my code into your project.

Colombian Aerospace Force
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Clear Space
Space Delta 3
Swissnex
Espace Ballon
Ovzon
STEM2Space
United States Space Command
18th Space Defense Squadron
Space Systems Command
Tecnología e Ingeniería
Aegis Space Law
Universidad Tecnológica del Peru
The University of Tennessee
Skylab Radio
The Conversation
Universidad de Guayaquil
Debris AR
Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto
Space Waste Lab
Universidad Continental
Open Geomatics
Andraste Group
Agrupaación Astronómica de Madrid

Cosmos Archeology

In November 2022 I had the privellage of participating in an exhibit at The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The exhibit was called Cosmos Archeology and it was a collaboration between EPFL’s Laboratory for Experimental Museology (eM+) and Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO). The goal was to provide a series of custom immersive interfaces specifically for astrophysical data, in the form of interactive data simulation and visualization, immersive projections, 3D film and augmented reality.

A Million-Year Picnic

In January 2024, my animated satellite visualizations were featured in "A Million-Year Picnic - Conversations on Mars," an innovative theatre experience at the Théâtre de Vidy in Lausanne, Switzerland, directed by filmmaker Pauline Julier.

Espace Ballon

Reopened in 2024, Espace Ballon invites you to discover the hot air balloon adventures from every angle. Learn about the 1st non-stop world tour of the Breitling Orbiter. From Icarus to Piccard, let yourself be carried away by the history of the lighter than the air.

The team there was kind enough to let me participate in thier "Altitudes" exhibit with a short film entitled, "Human Debris in Space 1957-2024" that explores some specific events over the last 60 years of space exploration and the altitudes at which they occurred.

Cosmos Archaeology (Shanghai)

Co-curated by Sarah Kenderdine, Jean-Paul Kneib, and Iris Long, the exhibition showcases collaborations between artists and prominent astronomical projects. It features works from various contributors, including my project "Dark Clouds of Debris" and other innovative pieces.

Originating from a 2022 EPFL project, Cosmos Archaeology aims to inspire the public about space science and foster dialogue on experimental museology and sustainable space. It highlights the latest space research advancements from Switzerland and China, exemplifying international scientific and artistic collaboration.

From community resources to technical documentation, take a deep dive into the world of space and satellite tracking.

Space Brief 6 Nov 2024

Space Brief 6 Nov 2024

Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.

Space Brief 5 Nov 2024

Space Brief 5 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include SpaceX's Dragon cargo mission to the ISS, the first wooden satellite launch, and updates on NASA's Voyager mission. Additionally, the Space Force's X-37B space plane showcases unique aerobraking strategies.

Space Brief 4 Nov 2024

Space Brief 4 Nov 2024

China's Tiangong space station completes crew rotation, Rocket Lab prepares for confidential launch, and Japan successfully launches military satellite with its H3 rocket.

Space Brief 3 Nov 2024

Space Brief 3 Nov 2024

Today focuses on Blue Origin's preparation for New Glenn's debut, SpaceX Crew-9's ISS maneuver, the importance of U.S.-China cooperation in space, and breathtaking ISS photography.

Space Brief 2 Nov 2024

Space Brief 2 Nov 2024

Today's brief covers a historic milestone for China's space program, the decoding of a simulated alien signal, innovative solutions to address satellite air pollution, and industry shifts driven by major investments and contracts.

Space Brief 1 Nov 2024

Space Brief 1 Nov 2024

Today's update highlights Boeing's challenges with the Starliner, Europe's IRIS2 constellation advancement, China's CAS Space's global ambitions, and vivid new telescope images of cosmic events.

Space Brief 31 Oct 2024

Space Brief 31 Oct 2024

SpaceX achieves a new launch record with its Starlink mission, NASA's Perseverance rover captures eerie Martian winds, and Buzz Aldrin endorses Trump. Plus, discussions around space debris and military space tech agreements.

Space Brief 30 Oct 2024

Space Brief 30 Oct 2024

Today's briefing covers China's successful Shenzhou 19 launch to the Tiangong space station, NASA's upcoming spacewalks plan after a spacesuit issue, and innovative propulsion research for space journeys.