SCAD3D 1.0

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is SCAD3D?
SCAD3D is a web-based 3D visualization and monitoring tool for satellites and orbital debris. It uses public Two-Line Element (TLE) data to render near real-time positions and trajectories in a browser.

2. How do I navigate the 3D view?

Rotate: Click & drag
Zoom: Scroll wheel
Pan: Right-click & drag
Select: Click on a satellite or debris point to focus and see details

3. How accurate is the data?
SCAD3D relies on publicly available TLEs, which are generally accurate for educational and awareness purposes. Small positional errors can occur, especially when predicting beyond a few days.

4. What do the color codes mean?

Green: Normal, no close approaches
Magenta: Debris object
Yellow: Currently within your proximity threshold (default 100 km)
Orange: Predicted close approach within the next 5 days (default 10 km)
Red: Collision logged (objects “docked” or collided in simulation)
Cyan: Selected object

5. How up-to-date is the satellite and debris data?
SCAD3D fetches the latest TLEs for active satellites on load and automatically refreshes them every 30 minutes in the background. Any debris datasets you’ve toggled on are re-fetched on the same schedule. Status updates appear in the UI—no page reload needed.

6. What’s the difference between Proximity and Collision Warnings?

Proximity Warning: Flags objects that are currently within your proximity radius (e.g. 100 km).
Collision Warning: Predicts which pairs will come within your collision threshold (e.g. 10 km) over the next 5 days, based on simple geometric propagation.

7. Which orbital bands can I filter?

LEO: Below 2 000 km
MEO: 2 000 – 35 000 km
GEO: Above 35 000 km

8. How do I track a specific satellite?
Enter its NORAD ID or name in the search bar, hit “Go,” and the camera will fly to it and display its current parameters.

9. Can I adjust the collision or proximity thresholds?
Yes—under Warning Settings you can set both the proximity radius (e.g. 100 km) and collision radius (e.g. 1 – 10 km), as well as how many days ahead to scan.

10. How can I support SCAD3D?
If you find SCAD3D useful, you can buy the creator a coffee via the “Support” link on screen—any support helps keep the project running.

About SCAD3D

Satellite Collision Avoidance & Debris Detection in 3D (SCAD3D) is an interactive web-based platform for a near real-time visualization and monitoring of satellites and orbital debris around Earth. The application is designed for satellite operators, researchers, educators, and anyone interested in space situational awareness.

What SCAD3D Offers

3D Visualization: Navigate a live 3D map of satellites and debris with a simple, responsive interface.
Live Tracking: View the positions and orbits of thousands of satellites and debris objects in near real-time.
Proximity & Collision Warnings: Instantly identify and receive alerts when objects are currently close together or predicted to have a close approach within the next several days.
Collision “Probability” Index: Get a quick estimate of relative collision risk between nearby objects using a simple geometric model (for display only; not for operational use).
Debris Monitoring: Easily toggle on/off the major debris clouds.
Flexible Filters: Focus your analysis on specific orbital bands (LEO, MEO, GEO) or particular debris types.
Satellite Search: Find and highlight satellites instantly by NORAD ID or name.

Disclaimer

SCAD3D provides a realistic, educational overview of Earth's orbital environment. Please note that collision warnings and probability indicators are based on simplified geometric models using publicly available TLE data. While TLEs are influenced by factors like mass, atmospheric drag, and gravitational forces, SCAD3D does not account for tracking uncertainties, covariance, or advanced conjunction risk analysis.

For most users, this means SCAD3D is ideal for learning, outreach, and non-critical awareness—but not for mission planning or satellite maneuver decisions.