--- On Thu, 25 Dec 1997 12:36:37 -0700 finn@main.jetnet.ab.ca wrote: >What is the difference between a rocket and a platform? Is the platform >the 1st stage and a rocket is the booster that puts the satellite into >it's orbit? An excerpt from "Introduction to Observing Satellites...... ---- 1.1.3 Platforms A platform may be used to support a payload while it is being placed in orbit. A platform may remain in orbit long after its purpose is served, usually longer than the rocket bodies. The platform (if used) is normally the first object identified after the rocket body designation with the next sequential English letter designation in the International Designation (ID), e.g., 96-034 C. OIG uses the acronym PLAT for platform in their Two Line Element designations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "New and Improved" for text and html viewing "Intro to Observing Satellites" ftp://ftp.fc.net/pub/user/mikem/satintro.zip ftp://ftp.satellite.eu.org/pub/sat/info/satintro.zip --------------------------------------------------------------------------