PreviSat screenshot
PreviSat

PreviSat free is a comprehensive and user-friendly satellite tracking software designed for observing artificial satellites. Developed in C++/Qt, it offers a simple, fast, and intuitive interface for users ranging from beginners to experienced satellite observers. The software operates on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is known for its ability to make fast and precise calculations...

PreviSat Key Features:

Tracking Modes:

Real-Time Mode: Allows users to observe the real-time positions and movements of artificial satellites.
Manual Mode: Permits users to view satellite positions for specific times of interest.
Simulation Mode: Provides a simulation feature for predicting satellite movements.

Coordinate Systems:

Topocentric / Equatorial / Terrestrial Coordinates: Enables users to view satellite positions in different coordinate systems, including topocentric, equatorial, and terrestrial coordinates.
World Map / Sky Map: Offers visualizations of satellite positions on both a world map and a sky map.

Satellite Information:

Osculating Elements: Displays cartesian positions and osculating elements (Keplerian elements) of selected satellites.
Satellite Characteristics: Provides information on satellite characteristics such as brightness and dimensions.

NORAD SGP4 Model:

Utilizes the NORAD SGP4 model (Hoots, Roehrich, 1980; Vallado, 2006) for accurate satellite tracking calculations.

ISS Live and Wall Command Center:

ISS Live Visualization: Allows users to track the International Space Station (ISS) in real-time.
Wall Command Center Data: Provides access to Wall Command Center visualization data.

Weather Information:

Displays weather information for the observer's location and NASA bases.

Intuitive Interface:

User-friendly interface designed for easy handling of Two-Line Element (TLE) data.
Options for location selection and display customization.

Prediction of Passes and Flares:

Predicts passes of artificial satellites.
Predicts flares of specific satellites, including MetOp and COSMO-SkyMed.
Predicts ISS transits and other orbital events with fast calculations.

Skywatcher Mount Support:

Supports satellite tracking using a Skywatcher mount.

Satellite Data Search:

Allows users to search for satellite data, including all objects referenced by NORAD since 1957.

Multi-Platform Support:

Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms.

Overall, PreviSat stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for satellite observation, providing a wide range of features for tracking, predicting, and visualizing artificial satellites in Earth's orbit. Its real-time capabilities, simulation mode, and support for different coordinate systems contribute to its appeal for both amateur astronomers and professionals.

Previsat - Changelog:

Fix rare bug while reading orbital elements files.

Add chronological sorting in prediction passes results.

Size: 23.09 MB

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Miror link:

Size: 23.09 MB - Download

Here's how to use PreviSat:

1. Download and Install PreviSat:

  • Download the installation file for your operating system.
  • Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install PreviSat.

2. Setting Up Your Location:

  • Open PreviSat.
  • Go to the "Options" tab.
  • In the "Location" section, you can choose your location from the pre-populated list.
  • If your specific location isn't listed, you can right-click on "World" and download additional location data by country and city.

3. Exploring the Interface:

  • PreviSat offers two main view modes: World Map and Sky Map. You can switch between them using the buttons on the interface.
  • The map displays the positions of satellites in real-time or based on your selected timeframe.

4. Finding Satellite Passes:

  • You can search for specific satellites by entering their name in the search bar.
  • PreviSat will display upcoming passes for the chosen satellite, including details like maximum altitude, azimuth, and pass duration.

5. Additional Features:

PreviSat offers functionalities beyond basic pass predictions. Here are some:

  • Iridium Flares: Predicts Iridium satellite flares, which can be visible to the naked eye under certain conditions.
  • Sun/Moon Transits: Tracks when satellites will pass in front of the Sun or Moon. 
  • Starlink Predictions: Predicts passes of Starlink satellite constellations.

Learning Resources:

  • While there's no official user manual, online resources can help you get started with PreviSat.