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On-Orbit Screening

Satellite operators can screen their latest ephemerides against Satcat's catalogs of tracked resident space objects, identifying potential conjunctions and supporting routine spaceflight safety workflows.

Each screening job identifies conjunction candidates, calculates potential risk metrics, and details the encounter's conjunction geometry.

note

Screening requires an active Satcat Operations Pro or Enterprise tier subscription.

Screening Dashboard​

The Screening Dashboard displays completed and in-progress screening jobs. High-level catalog summaries give insights into the data available to operators:

  • Job summary statistics and metadata
  • Catalog metadata and coverage window
  • Primary and Secondary RSO counts
  • Job search and filtering tools

Each Screening Job listed on the dashboard displays a quick view summary:

  • Screening job name and Created by User
  • Highest-risk conjunction detected
  • Total number of conjunctions found
  • Count of Primary vs. Secondary RSOs screened

Screening jobs from other users in your organization can be shown by selecting "Show all jobs from Groups."

Creating a Screening Job​

To create a new screening job, select New Screening Job from the dashboard.

  1. Define RSOs

    • Primaries: Add by searching catalog, using uploaded ephemeris, or both
    • Secondaries: Add individual RSOs or select entire catalogs (e.g. 18th SDS, Operational catalogs)

  2. Configure Screening

    • Set job title and optional notes
    • Use Advanced options to adjust screening volume

  3. Review and Submit

    • Ensure both primary and secondary RSOs are listed
    • Click Start Screening Job

Supported input types include:

  • OEM, OPM, SP, NASA, GOOE and MOD_ITC accepted
  • Multiple TLEs can be added at once in two-line or three-line format

All input formats support covariance, except for SP data and NASA formats. Learn more about acceptable File Formats

caution

Uploaded ephemeris files must include covariance data and be configured with an HBR to enable probability of collision calculation.
TLEs are not recommended for operational decision making.

Reviewing Results​

Screening results include:

  • Visual timeline of conjunction events, sorted by TCA
  • Full conjunctions list in a sortable table
  • Individual event pages for THEORETICAL CDM analysis

Use the tabs for Configuration, Job Details, and Ephemerides to verify inputs and review service logs.

Automating Screening Jobs​

To build a complete screening workflow and ensure timely conjunction assessment, operators are encouraged to regularly upload Operational ephemeris and run screening jobs by using the Satcat SDK.

View Screening Job code examples on the Satcat SDK documentation