Re: NROL-76 payload speculation

From: C. Bassa via Seesat-l <seesat-l_at_satobs.org>
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2017 18:18:16 +0200
Hi Jonathan,

On Sun, Apr 30, 2017 at 5:46 PM, Jonathan McDowell <planet4589_at_gmail.com> wrote:
> The late deorbit is indeed interesting. I suspect it is related to the
> suspected low mass of the primary payload
> and the resulting excess capacity in some way: either stage 2 will be used
> after payload separation by SpaceX for experiments
> (related to tech development for stage 2 recovery perhaps?) or there are
> secondary payloads to be deployed.
> Observers should therefore be on the lookout for the possibility of
> additional objects in orbit.

That's a very interesting suggestion! Given the involvement of Ball
Areospace, a normal insertion into LEO, combined with stage 2 testing,
may be the best explanation for the de-orbit area and time.

Regards,
    Cees
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Received on Sun Apr 30 2017 - 11:18:47 UTC

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