Overview
PreviSat is a simple, fast and intuitive software that displays the position of artificial satellites. Its graphical interface is designed to meet the needs of the neophyte or experienced observer. Developed in C++/Qt, it can work on all platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS) and makes fast and precise calculations.
PreviSat can calculate all passes of artificial satellites for any location in the world. So you can observe passes of the ISS (International Space Station), even if you live in a city.
Below you can find a description of the most significant features of PreviSat.
Main features
PreviSat has a real-time, a manual and a simulation mode. So you can observe the displacements of the satellites in real time, or you can display positions for any times. In the "Main" tab, the numerical position is given in different frames (terrestrial, horizontal, equatorial) and some characteristics are given depending on the satellite position (velocity, magnitude). We also give positions of the Sun and of the Moon.
The second tab gives cartesian position of the selected satellite and its osculating elements (or keplerian elements). It also calculates some parameters deriving from osculating elements, for example orbital period, apogee or perigee.
The third tab describes the orbital elements of the selected satellite and gives information about brightness and dimensions of the satellite itself. It is possible to find information about any object referenced since 1957 by searching from the name, the NORAD number or the COSPAR ID. The last part of this tab shows information about the ISS.
Predictions
PreviSat calculates passes of artificial satellites for any location on Earth and it is possible to set many parameters (Sun maximum elevation, satellite minimum elevation...).
Flares of some specific satellites can be determinated very quickly for the given location, and we also give terrestrial coordinates of the location next to your place of observation where the flare is maximum.
PreviSat computes the transits of any satellites in front of the Sun and/or the Moon, the calculation of orbital events and the Starlink train of satellites after a launch.
The Telescope tab allows to track a satellite with a Sky-Watcher mount. PreviSat makes the prediction of the next pass of a satellite, and the software
Satellite Tracker provided by Sky-Watcher transmits the positions to the mount.
The Antenna tab allows to track an artificial satellite by means of an antenna dedicated to the radio, by the use of the
CatRotator software.
All prediction algorithms are refined to provide precise results in a minimum of time. Compared to other similar softwares, PreviSat is widely more efficient and more accurate.
Orbital elements tools
Three tools are developed to manage the orbital elements. The first one allows to update categories of orbital elements at GP format (xml) from the Internet. The second tool is an updater of the former format of orbital elements (TLE). The third tool allows to import a TLE file.
Management of location and options for display
PreviSat provides several categories of locations. You can easily add or delete a location or a category. A category is specially created in order to manage personal locations frequently used.
In the options tab, you can choose to display or to hide the most of elements drawn on the maps at your convenience.
Supported Files for orbital elements
PreviSat is able to manage orbital elements at the GP format (xml). It also reads the former TLE classical format ("txt" or "tle" extension).
