Spaceraft ID Correspondence Table for Orbit Exchange Files (SP3c)

COSPAR ID to ILRS Satellite Identification Algorithm

COSPAR ID Format: (YYYY-XXXA)
YYYY is the four digit year of when the launch vehicle was put in orbit
XXX is the sequential launch vehicle number for that year
A is the alpha numeric sequence number within a launch
Example: LAGEOS-1 COSPAR ID is 1976-039A
Explanation: LAGEOS-1 launch vehicle wasplaced in orbit in 1976; was the 39th launch in that year; and LAGEOS-1 was the first object injected into orbit from this launch.

ILRS Satellite Identification Format: (YYXXXAA), based on the COSPAR ID
where YY is the two digit year of when the launch vehicle was put in orbit
where XXX is the sequential launch vehicle number for that year
AA is the numeric sequence number within a launch
Example: LAGEOS-1 ILRS Satellite ID is 7603901

Requesting assignment of a code for new s/c:

New missions can obtain a code assigned to them by submitting a request via email to Carey Noll (carey.noll@nasa.gov) who is responsible for the maintenance of this list. The request will then be forwarded immediately to the Analysis coordinators of the three satellite services, IGS, ILRS, and IDS for approval. If there is no objection for a valid reason, the list-keeper assigns the code, posts the change on the web, notifies the requesting party and sends out an email to the three services' mailing lists announcing the new entry. The rules followed in assigning codes are very simple: "intelligent" satellites occupy the lowest entry numbers, cannonballs are above 50, and DORIS-only s/c in the 90s. GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO s/c are in all cases handled separately and solely the responsibility of IGS.