How do the JSON output and object description table of satellite tracker API made by Aviation Edge function?

The Aviation Edge satellite tracker API provides a wealth of information on satellite locations and movements. One of the key features of the API is the object table, which organizes the satellite data in a clear and easy-to-use format. The object table includes information such as the satellite's name, ID, and current coordinates. Additionally, the API also offers a JSON output option, allowing users to retrieve the satellite data in a lightweight and easily parseable format. In this article, I will provide a detailed explanation of the object table and JSON output options specifically, to help users fully utilize the capabilities of the Aviation Edge satellite tracker API.

Object and Description of API Output

1. code: A string that represents the satellite code, it is a unique identifier for each satellite.

2. country: A string that represents the country code of the satellite's origin, it is a 3-letter code that identifies the country where the satellite was launched.

3. intldes: A string that represents the International Designator, it is a unique identifier assigned to each object launched into space, including satellites.

4. launchDate: A string that represents the date when the satellite was launched, it is in the format of YYYY-MM-DD.

5. launchNum: A string that represents the launch number of the satellite, it is a unique identifier assigned by the launching organization.

6. launchPart: A string that represents the part of the launch that the satellite is associated with, typically used to identify different payloads or stages of a single launch.

7. launchYear: A string that represents the year when the satellite was launched, it is in the format of YYYY.

8. name: A string that represents the name of the satellite, it could be a common name or a technical name assigned by the launching organization.

9. orbitalApogee: A float that represents the current value of the satellite's orbital apogee, it is the point in the orbit that is farthest from the Earth.

10. orbitalInclination: A float that represents the current value of the satellite's orbital inclination, it is the angle between the satellite's orbit and the Earth's equatorial plane.

11. orbitalPerigee: A float that represents the current value of the satellite's orbital perigee, it is the point in the orbit that is closest to the Earth.

12. orbitalPeriod: A float that represents the current value of the satellite's orbital period, it is the time it takes the satellite to complete one orbit around the Earth.

13. result: An empty string that has no function in the table.

14. ECI: A string that represents the Earth-centered inertial coordinates, it is a reference system fixed to the Earth that is used to describe the position and velocity of the satellite.

15. posX: A float that represents the satellite's position on the X-axis in the ECI reference system.

16. posY: A float that represents the satellite's position on the Y-axis in the ECI reference system.

17. posZ: A float that represents the satellite's position on the Z-axis in the ECI reference system.

18. velX: A float that represents the satellite's velocity on the X-axis in the ECI reference system.

19. velY: A float that represents the satellite's velocity on the Y-axis in the ECI reference system.

The information in the table is useful because it provides detailed information about a specific satellite, including its unique identifiers, launch information, and current orbital parameters. By having access to this information, users can track the satellite's movements, determine its location in space, and understand its orbital characteristics. Additionally, the information can be used to identify the satellite's country of origin and the organization that launched it. This can be useful for identifying potential threats or for scientific research. The information about the satellite's position and velocity in the ECI coordinates system can be used for simulations, predictions, and control of the satellite. Overall, the information in the table provides a comprehensive view of a satellite and its movements, which can be used for a variety of applications in the field of space technology.

JSON REST Output

The JSON output is a representation of data in a structured format, it contains an array of objects, in this case, the array contains only one object. Each object has several properties, such as "code", "country", "intldes", "launchDate", "launchNum", "launchPart", "launchYear", "name", "orbitalApogee", "orbitalInclination", "orbitalPerigee", "orbitalPeriod", "result", "size", "tle1", "tle2", "type", "updated". This JSON output represents a satellite, the first level of properties contains basic information about the satellite such as code, country, intldes, launch information, and orbital parameters. The property "result" is an object that contains additional information about the satellite's position, velocity, geographic location, and other satellite information. The property "tle1" and "tle2" contain TLE (Two Line Element) sets that are used to predict the future position of the satellite. The property "type" contains the classification of the satellite, in this case, it's "DEBRIS", The "updated" property has a time stamp in milliseconds. The JSON output provides a detailed view of the satellite and its movements, which can be used for a variety of applications in the field of space technology.

[
{
"code":408,
"country":"US",
"intldes":"1961-015EH",
"launchDate":"1961-06-29",
"launchNum":"15",
"launchPart":"EH",
"launchYear":"1961",
"name":"THOR ABLESTAR DEB",
"orbitalApogee":"1035",
"orbitalInclination":"66.79",
"orbitalPerigee":"929",
"orbitalPeriod":"104.73",
"result":{
"ECI":{
"posX":0.5454890369,
"posY":-0.2586148768,
"posZ":-0.9850851542,
"velX":0.0575062685,
"velY":0.0304486006,
"velZ":0.0232874073},
"geography":{
"alt":1006.4047009328,
"lat":-58.6467050931,
"lon":129.4707358377},
"satelliteInfo":{
"classification":"U",
"idLaunchNumber":"015",
"idLaunchPiece":"EH ",
"idLaunchYear":"61",
"orbit":99888,
"rightAscension":21.7828,
"satnumber":408}
},
"size":"MEDIUM",
"tle1":"1 408U 61015EH 20129.79820524 -.00000021 +00000-0 +54301-4 0 9997",
"tle2":"2 408 066.7883 021.7828 0070545 199.3274 220.5694 13.74946678998881",
"type":"DEBRIS",
"updated":1589063274000
}
]

Ending words

In this article, we have discussed the object table and JSON output of the Aviation Edge satellite tracker API. We explained the object table and its importance for organizing satellite data in a clear and easy-to-use format. We also discussed the JSON output option and its benefits for retrieving the satellite data in a lightweight and easily parseable format. We also detailed all the objects in the table and their significance, and explained the JSON output provided, giving a comprehensive view of a satellite and its movements, which can be used for a variety of applications in the field of space technology. Overall, the Aviation Edge satellite tracker API is a powerful tool that provides a wealth of information on satellite locations and movements, and the object table and JSON output options are essential features that allow users to fully utilize the capabilities of the API.

Endnote

The Aviation Edge satellite tracker API is a powerful tool that provides a wealth of information on satellite locations and movements. However, in order to access this API, users typically need to request access directly from Aviation Edge. However, an alternative way to access the API is by using the third-party data marketplace Worldindata. Worldindata is a platform that allows users to access and purchase data from a variety of sources, including APIs like the Aviation Edge satellite tracker API. By using Worldindata, users can easily and quickly gain access to the data they need. Additionally, Worldindata also provides tools for working with the data, such as data visualization and data analysis features. So, if you want to access the Aviation Edge satellite tracker API, you can consider using Worldindata as a third-party data marketplace to request access to the API.