satellite tracker in python

To create a satellite tracker in Python, you can use the skyfield library, which provides an easy-to-use interface for calculating positions of satellites and celestial bodies.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Install the skyfield library by running the following command:

   main.py
   pip install skyfield
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2. Import the necessary modules:

   main.py
   from skyfield.api import Topos, load
   from datetime import datetime
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3. Load the satellite TLE data. You can find TLE data for various satellites on websites like CelesTrak or UCS Satellite Database. Save the TLE data in a text file (e.g., satellite.tle).

4. Set up the observer's location:

   main.py
   observer_latitude = 51.5074  # Latitude of observer's location (e.g., London)
   observer_longitude = -0.1278  # Longitude of observer's location (e.g., London)
   observer_elevation = 0  # Elevation above sea level in meters
   
   observer = Topos(latitude_degrees=observer_latitude,
                    longitude_degrees=observer_longitude,
                    elevation_m=observer_elevation)
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5. Load the TLE data and create a satellite object:

   main.py
   ts = load.timescale()
   satellites = load.tle_file('satellite.tle')
   satellite = satellites['SATNAME']
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   Replace SATNAME with the name of the satellite you are interested in.

6. Get the position of the satellite at a specific time:

   main.py
   current_time = datetime.utcnow()
   t = ts.utc(current_time.year, current_time.month, current_time.day, 
              current_time.hour, current_time.minute, current_time.second)
   
   difference = satellite - observer
   geometry = difference.at(t)
   _, _, distance = geometry.altaz()
   
   print(f"Satellite altitude: {distance.degrees:.2f} degrees")
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   This will print the altitude of the satellite in degrees.

Note that the skyfield library provides many more features for precise satellite tracking, such as specifying time ranges, obtaining satellite passes, and calculating azimuth and elevation. You can explore the documentation to learn more: https://rhodesmill.org/skyfield/

Remember to replace 'satellite.tle' with the path to your actual TLE data file and 'SATNAME' with the name of the satellite you want to track.