URGENT: We will run out of 5-digit catalog numbers
at
69999 not 99999,
which is estimated
to occur around 2026‑07‑20 (we're currently at 68359).
At that point, newly cataloged objects will have 6-digit catalog numbers of 100000+ and GP data will
not be available for them using the TLE format.
CelesTrak developed new formats that removed this
limitation (and finally fixed the Y2K problem) in May 2020 and immediately began providing GP data in those formats for software developers.
The same limitations apply to the legacy fixed-field SATCAT.
Follow @TSKelso on Bluesky for the latest updates, tutorials,
and changes as we approach this transition. Spread the word!‑ TS
A set of graphs and tables that show everything from the
age distribution of the latest GP data, recently decayed objects, lost
objects, restricted objects, and the mean historical age of each GP update
since 2005 Oct 21.
If you are looking for an easy way to determine which GP
groups a particular object is in, you can now search by catalog number (e.g.,
25544 for the ISS) to find all groups containing that object and see the
latest data for each group along with a table that can be used to see which
other objects are in that group.