Ephemeris Metadata
Every ephemeris uploaded to Satcat carries two metadata fields. Context states what the ephemeris represents operationally, and Designation states how it was produced. Together they determine how Satcat uses the data and what is shared with other operators.
For how these fields set intent signalling and trigger conjunction event updates, see Operational Data.
Context
What this ephemeris represents operationally. Defaults to ROUTINE.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
ROUTINE | Not intending to alter orbit |
MAINTENANCE | Intending to alter orbit for maintenance |
COLA | Intending to alter orbit for collision avoidance |
NOVEL | Uncataloged or temporary RSO entering orbit |
DECAY | RSO expected to decay or reenter soon |
An upload may omit Context entirely, in which case intent is undetermined.
OPERATIONAL ephemerisConjunction event updates are rate limited to 30 minutes for ROUTINE ephemeris. COLA and MAINTENANCE are not rate limited. The latest OPERATIONAL files are always available in Asset Management.
Designation
How this ephemeris was produced. Defaults to THEORETICAL.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
OPERATIONAL | Official ephemeris, directly from operator |
PREDICTIVE | Third-party tracker, predicted ephemeris |
DEFINITIVE | Reconstructed past ephemeris |
THEORETICAL | Simulated or planning ephemeris |
Ephemeris designated OPERATIONAL or PREDICTIVE is used to update conjunction assessments and surface operator intent. Ephemeris without one of these designations is treated as private and used for internal analysis only.
For more, see: