UCS Satellite Database – In-depth details on the 1,738 satellites currently orbiting Earth.
From the post:
Assembled by experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the Satellite Database is a listing of the more than 1000 operational satellites currently in orbit around Earth.
Our intent in producing the database is to create a research tool for specialists and non-specialists alike by collecting open-source information on operational satellites and presenting it in a format that can be easily manipulated for research and analysis.
It is available as both a downloadable Excel file and in a tab-delimited text format. A version is also provided in which the “Name” column contains only the official name of the satellite in the case of government and military satellites, and the most commonly used name in the case of commercial and civil satellites.
…Satellite Database Downloads (includes launches through 8/31/17)
- Database (Excel format)
- Database (text format)
- Database, official names only (Excel format)
- Database, official names only (text format)
Resources:
Satellites are much easier targets than undersea cables. Specialized equipment required for both, but undersea cables also require a submarine while satellites only a line of sight. Much easier to arrange.
With a high quality antenna and electronic gear, the sky is alive with targets. For extra points, install your antenna remote to you and use an encrypted channel to control and receive data. (Makes you less obvious than several satellite dishes in the back yard.)
PS: Follow the USC Satellite DB on Twitter. Plus, the Union of Concerned Scientists.