Discover and Query Space Data (Data Suite)
Use the App switcher tab in the Slingshot Aerospace Data Suite to explore spacecraft, launch vehicles, rocket bodies, and related space objects. Discover supports multiple query methods and lets you save and reuse searches for ongoing analysis.
What you’ll learn
How to navigate the Discover tab
How to search using keywords, natural language, and the query builder
How to view, filter, and save results
Who this is for
Analysts
Space domain awareness professionals
Researchers working with orbital and contextual space data
Accessing the Discover Tab
Open the Data Suite from the main navigation.
Select the Discover tab.
Discover Page Overview
The Discover page is organized into three main areas:
Data category selector
Query tools
Results table
Selecting a Data Category
Use the dropdown at the top of the page to choose the type of space data you want to explore.
Available categories include:
Spacecraft
Rocket Bodies
Debris
Launch Vehicles
Buses
Organizations
Changing the category updates the available fields and filters.
Search Methods Overview
The Discover tab supports four ways to query data:
Keyword Search
Natural Language
Query Builder
Saved Queries
Standard Data Filters
You can switch between these methods at any time.
Keyword Search
Use Keyword Search to quickly find objects by name or identifier.
How to use Keyword Search
Select Keyword Search.
Enter a term such as:
Spacecraft name
NORAD ID
COSPAR ID
Results will update automatically.
Natural Language Search
Use Natural Language to search using plain English.
How to use Natural Language Search
Select Natural Language.
Enter a query such as:
“Active Chinese satellites”
“All Starlink spacecraft”
Click Analyze.
The system converts your request into a structured query and returns matching results.
Using the Query Builder
The Query Builder lets you create structured, rule-based queries.
How to build a query
Select Query Builder.
Choose a field (for example, Country).
Select a condition (such as contains or equals).
Enter a value.
Click Run.
Adding multiple conditions
Click Add Condition to layer filters.
Combine conditions to refine results.
Viewing Results
Results appear in a table below the query tools.
Each row includes information such as:
Object name
NORAD/COSPAR ID
Operator
Country
Mission type
Orbit
BUS
Status
Launch date
Filtering and Managing Results
From the results table, you can:
Apply additional filters. Available filters are dependent on the Data Category you have selected for your query.
Select one or more objects to create a list
Order tracking requests
Saving Queries
Save a query to reuse it later without rebuilding filters.
How to save a query
Run a query using any method.
Click Save Query
Enter a name for your query and click Save
You may also enter a description for your new query
Using Saved Queries
Open the Saved Queries tab to view all saved searches.
Each saved query includes:
Query name
Data category
Description
Date saved
Running a saved query
Open Saved Queries.
Click Run on the desired query.
You will be scrolled down to the results.
Note: You will be rolled down to the table of results once your query has been executed.
Edit or delete a saved query
Open Saved Queries.
Click the 3 dots on the desired query.
Click Edit Query to edit or Remove Query to delete.
Common Issues & Tips
Not seeing expected results
Confirm the correct data category is selected
Broaden search terms
Remove or simplify filters
Natural language results seem off
Rephrase the query
Use Query Builder for more control
Save Query is disabled
A query must be run before it can be saved
Manage Your Lists (Data Suite)
Use the Manage Lists tab in the Slingshot Aerospace Data Suite to organize saved lists
The Manage tab is where discovery turns into actionable workflows.
What you’ll learn
How to access and manage saved lists
Who this is for
Analysts managing recurring datasets
Operators tracking spacecraft or debris
Accessing the Manage Tab
Open the Data Suite from the main navigation.
Select the Manage Lists tab.
Manage Lists
The Lists section lets you view and organize saved object lists created from Discover or uploaded manually.
What you’ll see
List name
Creation date
Number of items
Viewing a List
Select a list from the left panel.
The list details appear on the right, including:
NORAD ID
Name
Object type
3D View
List Actions
From the list details view, you can:
View in Catalog to explore objects in Discover
Access additional options from the overflow menu
Rename List | Duplicate List | View 3D Orbit | Delete List
View Sources
The View Sources tab provides visibility into the data powering your results within Data Suite. It allows you to understand where your data comes from and how it is sourced.
What You’ll See
In this tab, you can view all connected data sources, including:
Public Data Sources
Space-TrackOpen, publicly available orbital data
Ideal for general tracking and broad analysis
Proprietary Data Sources
Slingshot Global Sensor Network (GSN)High-fidelity data collected from Slingshot’s global sensor network
Designed for advanced tracking, accuracy, and deeper insights
Each data source card includes:
Connection status (e.g., Connected)
Data classification (Public or Proprietary)
Description of the dataset
Last sync time
Why This Matters
Understanding your data sources helps you:
Interpret results more effectively
Know whether data is public or high-precision proprietaryAssess data quality and coverage
Combine sources for more complete insightsBuild confidence in your analysis
Transparency into data origins improves trust and decision-making
How Data Sources Are Used
Data Suite may use one or multiple sources to power:
Search results
Object tracking and analysis
Visualizations and insights
Different sources may offer:
Varying levels of accuracy
Different update frequencies
Unique coverage areas