Aliases
The Aliases section on the satellite Overview tab displays alternative names and identifiers for the satellite from various data providers and catalogs.
Understanding Aliases
Satellites are often tracked by multiple organizations worldwide, each using their own naming conventions and catalog systems. A single satellite may be known by:
- NORAD Catalog Number - The U.S. Space Command identifier (e.g., 25544 for the ISS)
- International Designator - COSPAR designation based on launch year and sequence
- Common names - Operational names assigned by operators or the space community
- Alternative designations - Names from other tracking organizations
Aliases Grid
The aliases grid displays all known identifiers for the satellite in a searchable table format:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The alternative name or identifier |
| Source | The data provider or catalog that uses this identifier |
Aliases are automatically aggregated from connected data providers. If you notice missing or incorrect aliases, please contact us through the feedback option in the app.
Use Cases
Understanding satellite aliases is valuable for:
- Cross-referencing - Matching satellites across different tracking databases
- Research - Finding historical records that may use older designations
- Communication - Ensuring you’re referring to the correct object when collaborating with organizations that use different catalogs