The file SAT.DBF is a dBase II data base containing information on all orbital satellites launched since Sputnik. While there have been many objects placed in orbit since then, this data base is limited to payloads only. The data is current as of 31 December 1993. This update was completed 24 February 1994 The primary source of the information contained in this data base is the NASA Satellite Situation Report, which is a quarterly publication of the NASA Office of Public Affairs. While the Satellite Situation Report does contain all catalogued space objects (either on-orbit, in deep space, or decayed), it does not list names for all of these objects. As a result, other references have been used in an attempt to identify these objects. Primary among these are The R.A.E. Table of Earth Satellites 1957-1982, Jane's Spaceflight Directories, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Space Technology, and the TRW Space Log: 1957-1991. Other sources include magazines such as Aviation Week Space Technology and Space News
