Optical 15 Dec 2012 Part 1

grr@telkomsa.net

Observations 15 Dec 2012 Part 1
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Cosatrak 1 (Computerised satellite Tracking System).

FLI ML8300M CCD camera with mechanical shutter + Trimble GPS

Used with 135mm focal length f/2.8 TAMRON lens.
Field of view 7.6 x 5.7 degrees.
Images processed and measured manually.

Site 0433 : Longitude 18.51294 deg East, Latitude -33.94058 deg,
Elevation 10 metres-situated in Pinelands (Cape Town),South Africa

FOR CLASSIFIED.TLE:
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24680 96 072A   0433 G 20121215193450376 55 15 1051127-564250 19
24680 96 072A   0433 G 20121215193652760 55 15 0846398-542101 19
24680 96 072A   0433 G 20121215193929569 55 15 0550405-211007 19
24680 96 072A   0433 G 20121215194131387 55 15 0432208+163906 19
39025 12 071A   0433 G 20121215184806967 55 15 1104236-633822 19
39025 12 071A   0433 G 20121215184857513 55 15 0946298-514731 19
39025 12 071A   0433 G 20121215184917777 55 15 0930197-470928 19

STRAYS SEEN:
-------------------------
24905 97 043C   0433 G 20121215194042634 55 15 0503090+041352 19  +051 05

NORTH KOREAN OBJECTS:
-----------------------------------
KMS 3-2
39026 12 072A   0433 G 20121215202715345 55 15 2306165-510904 19
39026 12 072A   0433 G 20121215202756675 55 15 2346432-303903 19
39026 12 072A   0433 G 20121215202824244 55 15 0002429-163555 19
UNHA3 R/B
39027 12 072B   0433 G 20121215185459772 55 15 0810217-261747 19  +075 05
39027 12 072B   0433 G 20121215185644575 55 15 0707086-072453 19  +075 05
39027 12 072B   0433 G 20121215185711832 55 15 0652282-014533 19  +075 05
UNHA3 DEB
39028 12 072C   0433 G 20121215202143595 55 15 0030012-250306 19  +100 05
39028 12 072C   0433 G 20121215202204239 55 15 0037587-130924 19  +100 05

NOTES:
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(1) Purpose of observing session was to observe OTV3 and the North
    Korean objects.

(2) It would appear that SPACETRACK has the KOREAN identities correct.
    The main satellite KMS 3-2 appears to be doing a regular tumble with
    a primary and secondary brightening. One bright flash to about
    mag +3 seen otherwise primary max about mag +6.5 and second maximum
    around mag +7 - +8  on high elevation western pass.

    The rocket appears more or less steady with small magnitude variations,
    around mag +7.5 at 10 degrees elevation in the east.

    Debri #39028 was sighted in four successive images when it briefly
    appeared at about mag +10 shortly after culmination high in the west.

    Debri #39029 was not seen at all.

    I will be able to observe these objects under more favourable phase
    angles over the next few days so hopefully will also see #39029.

    The SPACETRACK elements are accurate.

(3) Now to measure the other 20 odd satellites observed :-((((( urghhhh

Cheers
Greg 

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