Introducing TLE from Proxy

A simple way to estimate orbital elements for an upcoming launch, is to use elements from a previous, similar launch as a proxy.

For example, for a newly to be launched SpaceX DRAGON cargo spacecraft to the ISS launching from Cape Canaveral pad 39A, you can use a previous DRAGON launch from Cape Canaveral and then modify the elements to the new launch date and launch time. The method is described here by Ted Molczan in a Seesat-L mailinglist post from June 2002.

Basically, the method takes the elset from the previous launch and adjusts the epoch and RAAN values (all else being kept equal) based on the time difference between the original launch and the new launch.

To aid in this and make it as simple as a few buttonclicks, I have written TLE from Proxy. The program runs under the Windows .NET framework, and can be downloaded on my website.

Using the program is very simple, involving these five simple steps:

1.  Obtain a TLE for a previous similar launch from Space-Track;
2.  Paste line 1 and line 2 of this elset into the input box;
3.  Fill in the date and time (in UT) of that launch;
4.  Fill in the date and time (UT) of the new launch;
5.  Press the button.

A new TLE will now be generated.

Note that in order for this to work, the launch must be from the same launch site, towards the same launch azimuth, and with a same launch-to-destination scenario.