Modern digital computers, along with low cost, high power software, have been indispensable tools in the quest to communicate by orbiting satellite. Tracking software has become so ubiquitous that a whole generation of enthusiasts is unaware that there once was another way to track the early OSCARs. While not opposed to progress, the author is of the opinion that the magical computer tends to separate its user from the basics of the underlying application. Through a review of manual, intuitive satellite tracking techniques, we can gain a more thorough understanding of the rather simple forces of nature underlying those mystical Keplerian Elements.
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