#test bot: list of common satellite name prefixes

Below is a plain-language list of common satellite name prefixes that are typically accepted by satpass-style bots. I have not confirmed that they all work in the West Coast Mesh #test channel bot.

These prefixes allow the bot to identify which satellite (or group of satellites) you want pass predictions for. Exact support depends on the bot’s configuration and satellite database, but these are widely recognized.

Common Satellite Prefixes for satpass Bots

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Please use the submit feedback form at the bottom of this page to share more accurate descriptions of each command.

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ISS

  • International Space Station
  • Most commonly used satellite for pass predictions.
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CSS

  • Chinese Space Station (Tiangong)
  • China’s modular space station in low Earth orbit.
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HST

  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • A well-known scientific satellite.
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NOAA

  • NOAA Weather Satellites
  • Example: NOAA 15, NOAA 18, NOAA 19
  • Used for weather imaging and data.
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METEOR

  • Meteor Weather Satellites
  • Example: METEOR M2
  • Russian weather satellites.
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STARLINK

  • Starlink Satellites
  • Refers to SpaceX’s communication satellite constellation.
  • Some bots allow tracking individual Starlink groups.
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IRIDIUM

  • Iridium Communication Satellites
  • Historically known for Iridium flares (now mostly inactive flares).
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ISS DEB

  • ISS Debris
  • Tracks debris associated with the ISS (if supported).
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COSMOS or KOSMOS

  • Russian Satellites
  • Often followed by a number, e.g., COSMOS 2251.
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SOYUZ

  • Soyuz Spacecraft
  • Used when a Soyuz vehicle is actively in orbit.
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TIANGONG

  • Alternative prefix sometimes accepted for the Chinese Space Station.
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CUBE or CUBESAT

  • CubeSats
  • Small research or experimental satellites (support varies).
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GPS

  • Global Positioning System Satellites
  • Used for navigation satellite passes.
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GALILEO

  • European Navigation Satellites
  • EU satellite navigation system.
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GLONASS

  • Russian Navigation Satellites
  • Russia’s GPS equivalent.
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Sentinel

  • Earth Observation Satellites
  • Part of the EU Copernicus program.
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How to Use Prefixes

Most satpass bots accept:

  • Just the prefix (e.g., ISS)
  • A prefix plus a satellite number (e.g., NOAA 19)
  • A partial name match (e.g., STARLINK)

Example:

satpass ISS
satpass NOAA 19
satpass STARLINK
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