Enhanced satellite display.

server.js

@@ -5559,7 +5559,6 @@ app.get('/api/wspr/heatmap', async (req, res) => {
   }
 });
 
-
 // ============================================
 // SATELLITE TRACKING API
 // ============================================
@@ -5575,8 +5574,8 @@ const HAM_SATELLITES = {
   'PO-101': { norad: 43678, name: 'PO-101 (Diwata-2)', color: '#ff3399', priority: 1, mode: 'FM' },
 
   // Weather Satellites - GOES & METEOR
-  //'GOES-18': { norad: 51850, name: 'GOES-18', color: '#66ff66', priority: 1, mode: 'GRB/HRIT/LRIT' },
-  //'GOES-19': { norad: 60133, name: 'GOES-19', color: '#33cc33', priority: 1, mode: 'GRB/HRIT/LRIT' },
+  'GOES-18': { norad: 51850, name: 'GOES-18', color: '#66ff66', priority: 1, mode: 'GRB/HRIT/LRIT' },
+  'GOES-19': { norad: 60133, name: 'GOES-19', color: '#33cc33', priority: 1, mode: 'GRB/HRIT/LRIT' },
   'METEOR-M2-3': { norad: 57166, name: 'METEOR M2-3', color: '#FF0000', priority: 1, mode: 'HRPT/LRPT' },
   'METEOR-M2-4': { norad: 59051, name: 'METEOR M2-4', color: '#FF0000', priority: 1, mode: 'HRPT/LRPT' },
   'SUOMI-NPP': { norad: 37849, name: 'SUOMI NPP', color: '#0000FF', priority: 2, mode: 'HRD/SMD' },
@@ -5636,18 +5635,34 @@ const HAM_SATELLITES = {
   'SSTV-ISS': { norad: 25544, name: 'ISS SSTV', color: '#00ffff', priority: 2, mode: 'SSTV' }
 };
 
-// Cache for TLE data (refresh every 6 hours)
 let tleCache = { data: null, timestamp: 0 };
 const TLE_CACHE_DURATION = 6 * 60 * 60 * 1000; // 6 hours
+const OFFLINE_MODE = false; // Set to false when you want live data again
 
 app.get('/api/satellites/tle', async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const now = Date.now();
-    // Return cached data if fresh (6-hour window)
+    const backupFilePath = path.join(__dirname, 'tle_backup.txt'); // Define this first
+
+    // 1. Return memory cache if fresh
     if (tleCache.data && (now - tleCache.timestamp) < TLE_CACHE_DURATION) {
       return res.json(tleCache.data);
     }
 
+    // 2. OFFLINE TESTING BLOCK
+    if (OFFLINE_MODE && fs.existsSync(backupFilePath)) {
+      logInfo('[Satellites] Loading OFFLINE cache from tle_backup.txt');
+      const fileContent = fs.readFileSync(backupFilePath, 'utf8');
+      const parsedData = JSON.parse(fileContent);
+
+      tleCache = { data: parsedData, timestamp: now };
+      return res.json(parsedData);
+    }
+
+	// C. Live Fetching (Only runs if OFFLINE_MODE is false or file is missing)
+    logDebug('[Satellites] Fetching fresh TLE data from CelesTrak...');
+
+	// --- COMMENT OUT THE START OF THE FETCH LOGIC IF TESTING SO AS TO NOT PULL FROM CELSTRACK TOO OFTEN AND const OFFLINE_MODE = false; // Set to false when you want live data again ---
     logDebug('[Satellites] Fetching fresh TLE data from multiple groups...');
     const tleData = {}; // Declare this exactly once to avoid SyntaxErrors
 
@@ -5727,6 +5742,7 @@ app.get('/api/satellites/tle', async (req, res) => {
     }
 
     tleCache = { data: tleData, timestamp: now };
+	// --- END OF COMMENTED OUT FETCH LOGIC --- 
     res.json(tleData);
   } catch (error) {
     // Return stale cache or empty if everything fails

src/plugins/layers/satellite/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+🛰 Satellite Tracks Plugin
+Version: 1.0.0
+
+Last Updated: 2026-02-16
+
+Category: Satellites
+
+Contributor: Carl Reinemann, USRadioguy.com
+
+Data Source: Internal TLE API / satellite.js
+
+Overview
+The Satellite Tracks plugin provides high-performance, real-time orbital tracking and visualization for the OpenHamClock interface. It uses on-device orbital propagation to calculate precise positions, helping operators predict passes and monitor satellite telemetry in a dedicated data window.
+
+🌟 Features 
+Core Capabilities
+Real-time Propagation: Calculates satellite positions locally using satellite.js and TLE data fetched every 60 seconds.
+
+Orbital Predictions: Displays predicted future paths (Lead Tracks) and historical paths (Tail Tracks).
+
+Dynamic Footprints: Renders real-time ground station line-of-sight footprints that change color based on visibility.
+
+Interactive Tracking: Click any satellite icon to "pin" it, highlighting its specific orbit and opening the telemetry window.
+
+Data Visualization
+Floating Data Window: A dedicated UI displaying real-time Altitude, Azimuth, Elevation, Range, and Mode.
+
+Visual Alerts: Satellites currently above the horizon feature a "Visible" blinking indicator.
+
+Geo-Replication: Ensures tracks and markers render seamlessly across the international date line.
+
+Dual Unit Support: Toggle between Imperial (miles) and Metric (kilometers) for all distance data.
+
+📊 Data Details
+Data Source
+Provider: Internal API (/api/satellites/tle).
+
+Propagation Library: satellite.js (SGP4/SDP4).
+
+Update Frequency: TLE data and orbital paths refresh every 1 minute.
+
+Visual Refresh: Dynamic rendering updates on every state or config change.
+
+Technical Specs
+Lead Time: Default 45-minute future prediction.
+
+Tail Time: Default 15-minute historical path.
+
+Z-Index: Prioritizes pinned satellites at 10,000 to stay above other map layers.
+
+🎯 Use Cases
+Pass Prediction: Use the yellow dashed lead tracks to visualize exactly where a satellite will be in the next 45 minutes.
+
+Antenna Aiming: Monitor real-time Azimuth and Elevation in the floating window for precise ground station alignment.
+
+Visual Observation: Identify "Visible" satellites that are currently above the horizon for optical tracking or radio contact.
+
+Footprint Analysis: Determine if a specific location falls within a satellite's current reception footprint.
+
+🔧 Usage
+Enable Plugin: Open Settings → Map Layers and toggle 🛰 Satellite Tracks.
+
+Pin a Satellite: Click on any satellite icon on the map to open the focused data window.
+
+Configure Views: Use the config sliders to adjust Lead/Tail track lengths and toggle footprints.
+
+Close Data Window: Click the red "×" in the telemetry window or click the satellite again to unpin.