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Welcome to Celestial Computing, Inc.


Dear Satellite Enthusiast:

Welcome to the world of satellite observing! This web site introduces you to the C-Sat Satellite Viewing System, and will show you how to use your computerized telescope to see a variety of space objects as they fly by in orbit high overhead. Whether you are a first-time satellite observer or a NASA engineer, you'll find that C-Sat is easy and fun to use.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like info on how to order your copy of C-Sat v.2.0, please feel free to contact us anytime. We worked very hard to bring you this innovative piece of software, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on any improvements you would find useful.


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What is C-Sat?
Where can I get C-Sat?
Using C-Sat
Satellite Links





What is C-Sat?

C-Sat turns your telescope into a computerized satellite tracking system!

[Earth]C-Sat automatically scans space for objects in orbit over your specific location, points your LX200 to them with ultra-high precision, and allows you to view the satellites directly through the telescope eyepiece. C-Sat's orbital search and pointing routines are accurate for any observing site on Earth and any satellite for which orbital elements are available (also tracks weather and radio satellites). The perturbation algorithms built into C-Sat are very powerful, and account for gravitational influences from the sun and moon, atmospheric drag, Earth gravitational harmonics, and much more. C-Sat was specially designed to generate the ultimate in high precision predictions- otherwise satellites could never be seen in a telescope's tiny field of view.


[Cable Pic]Connect your telescope and computer with the included cable, and you'll be viewing satellites within minutes. With C-Sat you can see literally hundreds of targets every night, everything from classified spysats to space junk. Your LX200 can even be used for photgraphing and observing geosynchronous satellites 36,000 km above the Earth. The key to seeing satellites is knowing EXACTLY when in time and EXACTLY where in space to point the telescope. C-Sat does the intense orbital calculations, you enjoy the view!



[LX200 image of 4 Geostationary Satellites]

What you can do with C-Sat...
Four geosynchronous satellites orbiting 36,000 km above the Earth.
Picture taken in light-polluted suburban Boston with a 12" LX200.
Note the star trails, and the occultation of SAO 136871 by Spacenet 4 (USA).


Although C-Sat for the LX200 is designed primarily for visual use, a custom version of the software has also been used on an ArchImage telescope mount to obtain spectacular close-up photographs of the Space Shuttle and the Russian space station Mir. A sample of these images were first published in the August 1996 Sky and Telescope magazine (pp.86-88), along with a description of the C-Sat satellite tracking system.


Just a few C-Sat features...



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Where can I get C-Sat?

You can try C-Sat risk-free with our 30 day, unconditional money back guarantee. If for any reason you wish to return your copy of C-Sat in the first month, you will receive a full refund, no questions asked. We always go the extra mile (km) to make sure our customers are pleased with our product.

Our customer list includes...


C-Sat v2.0 is available from...

Celestial Computing, Inc.
P.O. Box 32
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 USA
(617) 469-7213
e-mail:
[email protected]

Price: $99 US + $5 S&H
Check, Money Order, or Bank Wire Transfer Accepted
30 Day Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee
Free C-Sat Upgrades For One Year (as available)


System Requirements



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Using C-Sat

What is it like to use C-Sat?

In a word, simple. Once the software is running, simply tap the computer's <space> bar, and C-Sat automatically scans the orbital space above the telescope, searching for satellites. When you pick a satellite from the generated list of targets, C-Sat slews the telescope to a precise rendezvous spot, and begins a countdown. As you carefully watch through the eyepiece, the computer beeps for each of the last five second in the countdown... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... BEEP! Suddenly, there it is! The telescope automatically begins to track along with the satellite, which is now easily visible in the eyepiece. Amazed, you watch as the satellite glides silently against the starry background, racing across the sky at up to 28,000 kph. After a few moments, the computer emits another tone- a new countdown appears on the main control screen, "Sun LOS:2:00" in bright yellow. In two minutes (and counting) this satellite will experience sun "loss of signal"- it will enter Earth's Shadow and disappear into the darkness. When the countdown reaches zero, watch as the satellite plunges into darkness, and vanishes from view. Ready for another satellite? Try a tumbling rocket booster 30,000 km up, or a Russian spy satellite a mere 500 km overhead! The idea is to have fun, and you will.


Always Something To See!


With C-Sat, it's easy to locate any of the thousands of satellites that zip across the skies every night. This is a diagram showing the skies over Boston at 6:27 AM November 16, 1995- there are nearly 1000 satellites to choose from at any instant, including Mir high in the South. Notice the geostationary "belt" of satellites near the celestial equator. With so many objects in orbit, there's always something to see with C-Sat! {Graphics courtesy Sky and Telescope Magazine}


[Satellite Links]



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C-Sat is Copyright © 1995-1996 by Celestial Computing, Inc.
C-Sat is a trademark of Celestial Computing, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.