Orbigator is an open-source, physical satellite tracker

The Orbigator is an open-source, physical satellite tracker that turns complex orbital mechanics into a desk-side companion. It is powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and precision DYNAMIXEL servos, it physically points to the ISS (or any satellite) in real-time with zero drift.

Continuous, Uninterrupted Motion

Unlike traditional trackers that use static globes (requiring wire unwinding every orbit), the Orbigator features a rotating globe. This allows for smooth, continuous tracking across multiple revolutions without ever needing to reset or “unwind.”

LVLH Attitude Control

The orbital mechanics are implemented directly in the hardware geometry (inclination angle). This ensures the satellite pointer maintains a true LVLH (Local Vertical, Local Horizontal) attitude throughout the entire pass—exactly how real satellites orient themselves.

Zero-Drift absolute Positioning

Leveraging the 32-bit absolute resolvers in DYNAMIXEL XL330-M288-T motors, the system recovers its orientation instantly after power cycles. No homing, no limits, and no drift—just persistent, mathematical accuracy.

The Pico 2 is programmed in MicroPython.

See the whole project on GitHub. Via Hackaday.

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