Satellites
Understanding passes
Understand predicted positions, observer location, and radio passes before interpreting a tracker.
BEFORE THE PASS
A position isn’t
a reception report.
The map predicts where a spacecraft is. Operator schedules, power, antenna geometry and your horizon determine what you can hear.
Read current AMSAT reception reports ↗Calculated positions / a continuously moving track
N2YO propagates orbital elements forward in time to draw the current position. The spacecraft is not sending rack.org a live location. Accuracy depends on the age and quality of the orbit data.N2YO: tracking data and limitations ↗
Radio passes / include daylight and darkness
The tracker includes passes that are not optically visible. A useful radio pass does not require a visible spacecraft. Local pass times still require a correct observer location.AMSAT pass predictions ↗
Operating status / check the source
Amateur satellites may use schedules, switch modes or have power restrictions. The current-status links open the providers’ latest information; the cards above are reference notes, not live availability indicators.AMSAT live status ↗