Satellite passes and ground station
When does the ISS pass over Austria, and on which frequency can it be heard? From current orbital data the page calculates passes with time, elevation and direction and shows how the received frequency shifts due to the Doppler effect.
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What the page does
- Passes with rise, maximum and set
- Azimuth and elevation for pointing the antenna
- Doppler shift across the pass
- Frequencies of the ISS and common amateur satellites
- Ground station: antennas and reception
Background
A satellite's orbit is calculated from orbital elements (TLE). A satellite at about 400 km altitude is visible for at most about ten minutes per pass. The ISS transmits in FM on 145.800 MHz during contacts and SSTV events. Because of the high speed the frequency shifts by up to about ±3.5 kHz on 2 m, and several times that on 70 cm.
In practice
How it works: set your location and choose a satellite. The list shows the next passes, each with rise, maximum and set and their directions. Passes above 30 degrees elevation are easiest to receive. During the pass, follow the receive frequency according to the Doppler display and let the antenna track the orbit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hear the ISS with a handheld?
On a high pass often yes, on 145.800 MHz FM. A directional antenna improves reception considerably.
How current is the orbital data?
It is refreshed regularly; the older the data, the less accurate the prediction.