Design of a remotely accessible satellite tracking system

Abstract

The growing number of objects in orbits has led to an increase in space monitoring. While large-scale tracking system exist, enthusiasts often use basic methods for satellite monitoring. To eliminate the need for physical access to tracking stations, the remote accessible satellite tracking system is proposed and implemented in this paper. The proposed system will track satellites and receive transmissions. A Raspberry Pi was used for control of the device, and a satellite tracking software – Gpredict – was used for calculating coordinates for rotation. Test results showed that the system could operate within 5 degrees of the intended target. Radio transmissions and slow-scan images could be received and recorded.