[Data-modeling] Astronomy: CelestialObjects andNaturalSatellites

[Ed Laurent]

I've only been able to find smatterings of artificial satellite metadata to
use as references. There are lots of links for imagery metadata, and some
for sensor characteristics, but I couldn't find any standard metadata
formats that described the platforms and their orbits. The data are out
there in bits and pieces but I couldn't find a presentation, even in
combination, that was comprehensive enough to serve as a foundation for
modeling all satellites.

I then started reviewing the physics of orbital characteristics... that
seemed like overkill. Believe it or not, I'm trying to keep the models as as
simple and intuitive as possible but I also don't want to limit their
flexibility for user input and applications.

I decided to email a NASA program manager I know to ask if they have
metadata standards for orbits, platforms, payloads, sensors, etc. that can
be released to the public. I'll follow up with his response.

-Ed
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