Amateur satellite operators have another software option for tracking orbiting spacecraft and controlling station equipment.
Avinstar has announced the availability of OsTrax, a satellite tracking and operating platform designed for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.
Satellite communications require operators to account for changing spacecraft positions, antenna direction, and Doppler shift during a pass.
OsTrax combines satellite tracking information with support for compatible radios and antenna rotators.
The software also includes orbital element updates, satellite profiles, contact logging, and tools for predicting future passes.
Operators can customize satellite selections and operating preferences to match their equipment and interests.
Additional capabilities include Sun and Moon tracking with antenna rotor control.
Modern satellite tracking software has become an important part of amateur radio satellite operations, particularly for stations using directional antennas and computer-controlled radios.
OsTrax is another example of software development aimed at making technically demanding satellite operations more accessible to individual operators.
Sources: Avinstar — OsTrax Documentation | AMSAT October 25 Announcement