Positional Observation Reporting Formats

Positional observations of satellites provide the basis to determine their orbits, and to study their optical characteristics. The latter provide the basis for the accurate brightness predictions that we have come to expect from our favourite prediction software or service.

Positional observations are analysed using computer programs, so observers need a systematic and accurate reporting format, ideally one that can be read by both humans and machines.

There are three reporting formats in common use.

IOD Format

Here is an example of an IOD formatted report:

23794 96 010A   2701 G 20040506012614270 17 25 1100114-184298 38 I+020 10
90019 03 790B   2701 G 20040506020755480 17 25 0929080-203364 48
90019 03 790B   2701 G 20040506020932610 17 25 1029694-220449 67
90019 03 790B   2701 G 20040506021046340 17 25 1115711-225466 37
90019 03 790B   2701 G 20040506021115210 17 25 1133310-231006 78
23794 96 010A   2701 P 20040506061610940 17 25 1045488+105544 19 I-010 10
23794 96 010A   2701 P 20040506061636730 17 25 1252114+021122 29 I-020 10
23794 96 010A   2701 P 20040506061641360 17 25 1334003-010390 58 I-020 10
23794 96 010A   2701 P 20040506061735610 17 25 1909776-205541 97 I

U.K. Format

Here is an example of a U.K. formatted report:

0401401267504050320170296  010  12102706  +36412   50 5
0401401267504050320171054  010  12102406  +41279   50 5
0401402267504050320192783  020  12100282  +21570   20 5
0401402267504050320200763  020  12090786  +47320  100 5
9906701267504050320381348  020  12114955  +16154   15 5
9607201267504050320421970  010  12153504  +26400   60 5
9607201267504050320423927  010  12162845  +41547   40 5
9107603267504050320472151  010  12135798  +22002   50 5
9107604267504050320473073  010  12135931  +21233   50 5
9107603267504050320480282  010  12144997  +28369   10 5
9107605267504050320483131  010  12152189  +32549   20 5

R.D.E. Format

Here is an example of an R.D.E. formatted report:

2420 0309 0.211 1204
03
0300203 195141.71 005932+313611 4.4 4.4 0 S
8502002 195853.74 010744+311633 5.1 5.1 0 S
04
7704401 015519.00 212317+765245 6.3 7.5 4 R
7704401 015559.35 221342+565110 6.0 7.2 4 R
8700602 020411.32 151747+741235 4.8 4.8 0 S
8205102 021426.21 021503+282843 4.2 4.2 0 S
999