Vigil pulls Two-Line Element (TLE) sets directly from CelesTrak. These TLEs are parsed, propagated using satellite.js, and stored in a PostgreSQL database for fast querying.
Vigil computes positions in real time using the SGP4 propagation model, the same algorithm used by aerospace organizations for low-Earth-orbit tracking. Position accuracy depends on the freshness of the TLE data, typically within a few kilometers for active objects.
Vigil is built using:
– Next.js for routing and API endpoints
– React Three Fiber / Three.js for 3D rendering
– Supabase PostgreSQL for satellite storage
– satellite.js for orbital mechanics
Yes — future updates plan to incorporate vector-based orbital prediction models and a “near-miss” detection system to visualize potential conjunction events.
Vigil only displays satellites with public TLEs. Classified, restricted, or non-listed spacecraft will not appear in the visualization.