OrbitScout: ESP32-Based Standalone Satellite Tracking

Hi everyone! I’d like to share a project I’ve been developing: OrbitScout, an ESP32-based device designed to help align antennas for satellite signal reception without the need for a constant internet connection. The device combines a GPS module to obtain real-time location and time, an inertial sensor to improve orientation accuracy, and a TFT display to provide an intuitive interface.

Main Functionalities

• Graphical interface on the TFT display, allowing navigation through menus, viewing satellite information, and adjusting system settings.
• Battery monitoring, displaying the charge level in real time.
• Satellite tracking, calculating position and trajectory based on updated data and displaying future passes.
• Pass notifications, alerting the user via a buzzer when a satellite becomes visible.
• Orientation sensing, ensuring more precise antenna alignment based on the user’s position.
• Wi-Fi connection management, used exclusively to update TLEs via CelesTrak, ensuring orbital data is always current.

Note

Currently, the GPS module is providing incorrect information due to a hardware issue. It will soon be replaced with a new one. When it was functioning correctly, the system operated perfectly, delivering accurate location data and reliable satellite tracking information.

link to the OrbitScout video

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Wow is fantastic! I want to try making one too, will you release schematics and sw?

Hi!, sorry for the late reply. You can take a look at the project repository (GitHub - mathasilv/ORBITSCOUT: Standalone Satellite Tracker · GitHub) I forgot to include in the post :sweat_smile:. But just so you know in advance, this is an experimental project, and I did not spend much time fixing bugs so I can’t guarantee that it works perfectly. Still, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out :slightly_smiling_face:

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