As we move forward in our exploration of space, some of these required observations will change.  This happened recently with the end of the Iridium Flare satellites.  There are a total of 30 observations.  An observation may NOT be used for ore than one requirement, although the same spacecraft can be used for more than one requirement is the observatiosn were from different passes.

Currently these observations are required:

• Active Payloads – These are satellites that are currently operational.  Observe 4 different active payloads.  These might include the Hubble Space Telescope, communications satellites, etc.  (4 observations)
• Manned Space Flight – These are spacecraft with people on board.  Observe 3 different manned space flights.  These could include the Internation Space Station, SpaceX missions, etc.  (3 observations)
• Multinational Satellites – These are satellites from different countries (not including the US).  The distinction is the country that owns the satellite and is not based on where they were launched.  (5 observations)
• Rocket Bodies – These are parts of rockets that were used to get satellites into space.  They may include R/B in their name.  (4 observations)
• Multi-Pass Satellites – These are two passes of a satellite that are viewed in the same evening or morning.  Two different satellites should be observed.  (4 observations)
• Formation Flights – These are two spacecraft that are flying together.  It may be a spacecraft approaching or leavig the Insternational Space Station, or two satellites that are flying together.  (4 observations)
• Aged Element Sets – Spacecraft orbits change from time to time to avoid debris or to return to their proper position.  For most satellite observing it is important to have current Element Sets.  For this set of observations, intentionally use old element sets.  For each satellite, one observation must be with an element set less than one week old, and the second observation must be with an element set at least three weeks old.  The intent is to experience the problems with old Element Sets.  Accurate times are critical for this part.  (4 observations)
• Constellations – Constellations are goups of satellites working on the same mission.  Observe two spacecraft in the same constellation.  This might be Starlink, A-train, SPOT, etc.  (2 observations)

Filling out the Form:

• Observer’s Name.
• Date and Time of Observation.  These may be local tiem or Universal Time.  Be sure to indicate which you are using.  Times shown on the sketch should use the same notation.
• Satellite Name and ID.  This is shown in the Element Set ad well as on the website you are using.
• Date of the Element Set used.  This can be the actual date of the Element Set or the date you downloaded the information.
• Latitude and Longitude of the Observer.
• Instrument Used.
• Comments.  Include any details related to the observation.  Was it blinking?  Brightness?
• Observation Number.  The numbers range from 1 to 30.  This is important to ensure that the Coordinator can identify individual observations.
• Sketch or Image of Observation.  This is required.  The path of the satellite must be shown, and there musst be at least two time hacks to show when the satellite was in a specific position.  This may be done with multiple images to show the satellite’s progress.  Reference stars and constellations should be included.
• Observation Objective.  This indicates which of the requirements this observations is a part of.

The Checklist:

• There is also a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can be used as an observation checklist.

Predictive Software:

• There are many websites, planetarium programs, and apps available to help you find and identify satellites.  Any of these are acceptable.