Demise of Cosmos satellite

Eberst (eberst@cableinet.co.uk)
Wed, 11 Feb 1998 19:03:27 +0100

During 1997, the decays included those of Cosmoses 2313 and 2326. Still in orbit
is their sister satellite Cosmos 2335. All of these have their operational orbit
maintained, until the boosting jets are nearly depleted. They are then partially
de-orbited to allow natural atmospheric decay to occur.
Details are given in table below:

Catalog  International   Popular      Launch         Lowering     Days in
Number   Designation     Name         Date           Date         upper orbit   
23596    1995-28A        Cosmos 2313  1995 Jun  8    1997 Apr 23  685
23748    1995-71A        Cosmos 2326  1995 Dec 20    1997 Oct  9  659
24670    1996-69A        Cosmos 2335  1996 Dec 11    Still in upper orbit

Assuming the orbit maintenance mechanism is similar if not identical for these
three, it is probable that Cosmos 2335 will remain in its present orbit for a
similar period to its predecessors.  My guess is that it will be a slightly
shorter period, since it will have to offset the effects of slightly higher
average atmospheric drag as air densities increase as we move away from solar
minimum. So a figure of around 630 days might be expected. If this value proves
to be anywhere near accurate then we could expect Cosmos 2335 to be lowered at
the beginning of September 1998.
Once we have the precise date, we can then consider till what date in 1999 the
next satellite in this series (25088,1997-79A,Cosmos2347,1997 Dec 9) is likely
to last.

Whilst on the subject of decaying Cosmoses, observers should note that
Cosmos 1043
(#11055) is entering a last brief visibility period before its reentry in March.
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best wishes  Russell  Eberst  @   North: 55 degrees, 56 minutes, 55 seconds
             West:  3 degrees, 8 minutes, 18 seconds: 
             43metres (150 feet) above sea-level

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