NORAD prepares for Santa tracking Published Dec. 23, 2002 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) -- The North Pole and North American Aerospace Defense Command are once again teaming up to track Santa Claus's journey around the world Christmas Eve.Aaron Carter is serving as the official "Santa Tracker" for this year's event. He visited NORAD's headquarters at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo., recently to receive training on how to track Santa.Officials conducted a sleigh test-flight Dec. 18 to ensure the satellite systems can track the infrared signature of Rudolph's bright nose. The flight originated at the North Pole with Santa himself aboard in full garb. The test went off without a hitch, said NORAD officials. NORAD radar detected him mere seconds after his take off from the North Pole. Canadian and American air forces intercepted Santa and flew with him before he returned to the North Pole to await the "real" flight on Dec. 24.People can track Santa's journey using a special Web site at http://www.noradsanta.org. Children can also call a toll-free number Christmas Eve at (877) 446-6723 to find out exactly where Santa is so they know when to get to bed. The line opens at 7 a.m. MST on Christmas Eve and will be available until midnight.