Satellite Telemetry Visualiser
Self-Initiated · Full-Stack Developer
Satellite Telemetry Visualiser
This solo project showcases a live, interactive dashboard for tracking orbiting satellites using real-time TLE data. Built with Python, Flask, and Leaflet.js, it allows users to view:
- 🛰 Live satellite positions and movement
- 📈 Recent orbit trails
- 🔮 30-minute future orbit predictions (toggleable)
- 👁 Approximate ground station visibility zone (2000km radius)
Satellite position data is dynamically pulled from Celestrak using the Skyfield astronomy library, ensuring accurate, real-world orbital mechanics. The frontend is powered by Leaflet.js for fast, responsive mapping. Marker animation and prediction logic ensure smooth and informative visualisation of the satellite’s trajectory over time.
Key Features:
- Live Positioning: Real-time updates every 5 seconds for selected satellites
- Predictive Pathing: Skyfield-generated future orbit shown as a dashed line
- Visibility Zone: Ground coverage rendered as a moving circular area
- Dynamic UI: Toggle orbit prediction, switch satellites, smooth animation
Tech Stack:
- Flask (Python backend)
- Skyfield (orbit calculation via TLE)
- Leaflet.js (interactive map)
- Render (deployed live for public access)
Impact: This project showcases real-time data integration, frontend animation, and space technology awareness in an elegant, informative interface. It’s designed to be user-friendly, lightweight, and fast — making orbital visualisation accessible to anyone with a browser.
Joshua Fields — full portfolio
