Every Satellite Tracked In Realtime Via Google Earth

Matt Amato writes "With the recent discussion of the ISS having to dodge some space junk, many people's attention has once again focused on the amount of stuff in orbit around our planet. What many people don't know is that USSTRATCOM tracks and publishes a list of over 13,000 objects that they currently monitor, including active/retired satellites and debris. This data is meaningless to most people, but thanks to Analytical Graphics, it has now been made accessible free of charge to anyone with a copy of Google Earth. By grabbing the KMZ, you can not only view all objects tracked in real-time, but you can also click on them to get more information on the specific satellite, including viewing its orbit trajectory. It's an excellent educational tool for the space-curious. Disclaimer: I not only work for Analytical Graphics, but I'm the one that wrote this tool as a demo."

AGI in Exton, PA

[IndustrialComplex]

From what I hear, it's a pretty nice company to work for. Too nice in fact. The guy who was my Best Man at my wedding works there. You guys really need to let him out more. He likes it too much, and his family and friends miss him.

Re:Confused

[AndrewNeo]

Paint it black?

EULA

[Anonymous Coward]

Does Google then own the satellites, like they state in their EULA?

Directions: To here - From here?

[Anonymous Coward]

Thanks Google Earth, I just planned my next vacation.

Re:Confused

[somersault]

Nothing is 100% black

What about black holes? They just need to get the LHD guys to make them some strangelet paint.

Re:Confused

[Pugwash69]

If there's any black holes in orbit, we have more important problems than a little debris.

Re:Confused

[jank1887]

we should put a black hole in orbit to take care of the debris. we can name it Hoover.

You had to see this coming...

[fahrbot-bot]

I not only work for Analytical Graphics, but I'm the one that wrote this tool as a demo.

Domo arigato Mr. Amato.

What we should do...

[PortHaven]

We should place in front of the ISS a thin, strong lightweight netting.

It could have a number of mass objects (weights) with thrusters to keep them apart. The net would span a few miles catching large debris. Clearing the path for the ISS.

When full, the netting would be closed. And towed to a lower orbit. And eventually burn up in the atmosphere.

Re:Confused

[MrNaz]

Radar tech: Sir, I'm tracking an object that appears to be roughly eight inches long, orbiting roughly where you'd expect an object to be if it were jettisoned from the ISS.

Ex-ISS senior staffer: I don't want to talk about it.

Radar tech: Sir, but according to these readings, it appears to have a bulbous end and is made of silicone rubber...

Ex-ISS senior staffer: Dammit Dennis I said I don't want to talk about it!

Re:Confused

[jank1887]

That's no moon...

Re:AGI in Exton, PA

[Anonymous Coward]

Interesting way to phrase that. "The guy who was my Best Man"

Now usually the Best Man is a close friend, So I am guessing you gys had a falling out.

I know, he slept with your wife.

And sorry but it was fun.

Re:Confused

[somersault]

They don't usually sell it, they just give it gratis to anyone with a good enough idea for a practical joke involving said paint.

Apostrophe's...

[Dan Parker]

...and they're use's.

Who needs shadows...

[KoshClassic]

Patriot Games showed us that women can be identified in spy satellite photos from their, ahem, curves.

Re:Confused

[DMUTPeregrine]

Clearly not. Moons don't dress up in women's underwear.

Re:Confused

[NotBornYesterday]

Too much LDS back in the '60s? ;)

Re:Confused

[darthdavid]

Are you saying that his Holy Mormon Underpants TM cut off the blood to his brain?

Re:Confused

[NotBornYesterday]

Heh heh heh ... I didn't even consider that meaning of LDS. I was trying a Star Trek riff.