Free in-browser satellite tracker
Track any of the ~30,000 catalogued objects in Earth orbit. Type a NORAD catalog number, the page fetches the latest TLE from Celestrak and propagates the orbit using SGP4 entirely in your browser via satellite.js. Live position updates every second with sub-kilometer accuracy for fresh TLEs.
For OSINT and conflict analysis: pair the live latitude/longitude with the Google Maps "current sub-point" link to see what's underneath the satellite at any moment. Useful for understanding imaging-satellite revisit times, ISS pass predictions, GPS-jamming reconnaissance correlations, and verifying claims about specific launches.
For more advanced analysis (pass predictions for a specific ground station, antenna pointing angles, illumination calculations) use Heavens-Above (linked in results). For commercial-grade tracking with maneuver predictions use Space-Track.org (free login required).
Frequently asked questions
What's a NORAD catalog number?
A unique 1-9 digit ID assigned by US Space Command to every tracked object in Earth orbit (active satellites, dead satellites, debris, rocket bodies). The ISS is 25544; Hubble is 20580; James Webb is 50463. Find any satellite's catalog number on the
Celestrak SatCat search.
What's a TLE?
Two-Line Element set — the standard format for orbital elements: epoch, mean motion, eccentricity, inclination, RAAN, argument of perigee, mean anomaly, plus drag terms. Two cryptic 69-character lines containing everything needed to propagate the orbit using SGP4. Celestrak publishes TLEs for ~30,000 catalogued objects.
How accurate is the position?
For low-Earth-orbit satellites with a fresh TLE (epoch within the last few days), SGP4 propagation is accurate to roughly 1-3 km. Older TLEs degrade quickly because of atmospheric drag uncertainty. Geostationary and high-orbit satellites stay accurate for weeks. The "TLE epoch" cell shows when the bundled TLE was generated.
What does "sub-point" mean on the Google Maps link?
The lat/lon shown is the sub-satellite point — the location on Earth's surface directly below the satellite at that moment. Useful for confirming whether a satellite is currently overhead a region of interest.
Can I track a recent launch that's not yet in Celestrak?
Newly-launched payloads typically take 24-72 hours to be catalogued and have their first TLE published. Until then, the launch provider's announced trajectory is the only public data. Once catalogued, search Celestrak by name in their SatCat search.
How do I find the catalog number for a specific satellite?
Use Celestrak SatCat search (linked in the FAQ above) or N2YO's search. Some popular ones are pre-loaded as quick buttons above the input.