NROL-24 is scheduled for launch on 2007 Dec 10, between 21:15 and 23:15 UTC, on an Atlas V-401. The most likely target plane appears to be that of 90028 / 04846A, believed to be an aging SDS communications satellite: 1 90028U 04846A 07319.29116097 .00001407 00000-0 46120-2 0 06 2 90028 64.2504 305.9703 7445669 256.2170 103.7830 2.00633719 06 The most recent similar launch was NROL-1, aka USA 179 / SDS 3-4 / 04034A / 28384, on 2004 Aug 31, on an Atlas 2AS. An exact repeat of NROL-1's launch, but targeting 90028, would result in launch on 2007 Dec 10 at about 21:57:28 UTC and the following orbits: MES2 1 79000U 07344.96253472 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 05 2 79000 57.3981 308.5215 0001000 113.4954 176.8000 16.05000000 07 1st ascending node 1 79001U 07344.97396991 .00017925 00000-0 14828-2 0 00 2 79001 57.3981 308.5150 5327478 293.4985 20.3013 5.13214280 05 USA 179 remained in the 5.13 rev/d intermediate orbit for about 7 days, before manoeuvring to its Molniya orbit. Since NROL-24's booster has about 35 percent greater performance than that of NROL-1, it may not follow the same initial trajectories. Perhaps it will steer into some combination of a more nearly 63 deg initial orbit and a MECO2 orbit of much greater apogee. Upon receipt of the actual planned launch time, I will revise the above search elements, and possibly add others to help bracket the search. The ascent trajectory will be north-eastward along the east coast of North America. If the launch occurs after sunset, as seems likely, then I will post estimated trajectory information. The launch period is such that visual observers in parts of North America may be able to observe the Centaur's propellant dump soon after MECO2, as occurred with NROL-1. Ted Molczan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue Dec 04 2007 - 02:38:18 UTC