Skip to main content

Data Suite Overview

Browse contextual and orbital data, and download data products. Access and organize your saved lists, bulk downloads, and tracking requests. Manage your connected data sources and integrations.

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

  1. Open the Data Suite from the main navigation.

  2. 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

  1. Select Keyword Search.

  2. 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

  1. Select Natural Language.

  2. Enter a query such as:

    • “Active Chinese satellites”

    • “All Starlink spacecraft”

  3. 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

  1. Select Query Builder.

  2. Choose a field (for example, Country).

  3. Select a condition (such as contains or equals).

  4. Enter a value.

  5. 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

  1. Run a query using any method.

  2. Click Save Query

  3. Enter a name for your query and click Save

    1. 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

  1. Open Saved Queries.

  2. Click Run on the desired query.

  3. 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

  1. Open Saved Queries.

  2. Click the 3 dots on the desired query.

  3. 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

Query Builder (Beta)

The Query Builder provides two ways to build powerful spacecraft queries:

  • AI Chat Agent – Describe what you're looking for in plain language and let AI build the query for you.

  • Manual Query Builder – Select the columns, filters, and event groups yourself for complete control over your results.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced analyst, Query Builder helps you quickly create reusable searches without needing to know every available data field.

Opening Query Builder

  1. Open Data Suite.

  2. Select the Discover tab.

  3. Click Query Builder.

From the landing page you'll see three primary sections:

Saved Queries

Displays queries you've previously created and saved.

From here you can:

  • Search saved queries

  • Run a query

  • Edit a query

  • Delete a query

Example Queries & Templates

If you're not sure where to start, browse the included query templates.

Templates are organized into categories such as:

  • Active Spacecraft

  • Launches

  • Anomalies

  • Insurance Losses

  • Launch Failures

  • Launch Failure Rate

Many templates can be:

  • Run immediately

  • Edited to fit your needs

  • Saved as your own custom query

These templates are a great way to learn how different searches are constructed.

Create a New Query

Click Build a Query to create a new search from scratch.

You can build queries using:

  • AI Chat Agent

  • Manual query configuration

Building Queries with AI Chat (Beta)

The AI Chat Agent lets you describe the report you want using everyday language.

Instead of selecting dozens of fields manually, simply explain what you're looking for.

Example prompts

  • Show active spacecraft launched after 2015

  • Find commercial GEO communications satellites

  • List spacecraft with electric propulsion

  • Show satellites owned by NASA

The AI will automatically suggest:

  • Columns

  • Filters

  • Event groups

based on your request.

AI Clarifications

Sometimes a request can be interpreted in more than one way.

When that happens, the AI will ask follow-up questions before building your query.

For example, you may be asked:

  • Which owner country should be used?

  • Which commercial sector should be included?

  • Which propulsion type best matches your request?

Simply select the appropriate options and click Send Answers.

This helps ensure your query matches exactly what you're trying to find.

Reviewing AI Suggestions

Before applying changes, you can review the AI's proposed query.

If you'd like to make adjustments, select Propose Changes or continue the conversation in the chat.

Once you're satisfied, the AI will populate your query configuration.

Building Queries Manually

For users who prefer complete control, queries can also be built manually.

The builder consists of four sections:

Columns

Choose which data fields appear in your results.

Examples include:

  • Spacecraft Name

  • Owner

  • Launch Date

  • Orbit Type

  • Bus Family

  • Manufacturer

  • Mission

  • Age Since Launch

Columns are organized into categories for easier browsing.

Filters

Limit your results by applying conditions such as:

  • Operator

  • Country

  • Orbit

  • Status

  • Launch Year

  • Mission Type

Multiple filters can be combined to narrow your search.

Event Groups

Include historical or event-based information in your results, such as launches or anomalies, when applicable.

SQL Preview

Advanced users can view the SQL generated by the Query Builder to better understand how the query is constructed.

Preview Your Results

Once you've selected your columns and filters, click Preview Output Table to review the results before saving or running the query.

Saving Queries

After creating a query you can:

  • Save it for future use

  • Edit it later

  • Run it again at any time

Saved queries appear in the Saved Queries panel on the Query Builder landing page.

Tips for Best Results

  • Be as specific as possible when describing your query to the AI.

  • If the AI asks follow-up questions, answer them to improve accuracy.

  • Start with an example template if you're unsure how to build a query.

  • Save frequently used searches so they can be reused without rebuilding them.

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

  1. Open the Data Suite from the main navigation.

  2. 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

  1. Select a list from the left panel.

  2. 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-Track

    • Open, 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 proprietary

  • Assess data quality and coverage
    Combine sources for more complete insights

  • Build 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

Related Articles
Did this answer your question?