Decay watch: 2000 Feb 12

From: Alan Pickup (alan@wingar.demon.co.uk)
Date: Sat Feb 12 2000 - 13:20:24 PST

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    A strong geomagnetic storm has been raging today, increasing the
    atmospheric density at satellite heights and tending to bring decay
    dates forwards. This is on top of elevated density levels that we have
    been enjoying since about February 7.
    
    #9854 = 77- 15 B = Cosmos 895 r
    My current prediction is for decay at Feb 13 23:58 +-11h, while SpaceCom
    says Feb 14 07:07 +-1d in a forecast issued at 11:25 UTC today.
    
    
    #25769 = 99- 30 B = Starshine
    If the current drag rates are sustained, Starshine could decay as early
    as February 17. I am banking on rates falling, but how much and how
    quickly I can only guess. There is still no official SpaceCom
    prediction, but my current estimate is for decay at Feb 18 13:58 +-1.6d,
    in good agreement with Harro's latest prediction.
    
    
    Check http://www.wingar.demon.co.uk/satevo/dkwatch/ for more info.
    
    Alan
    -- 
     Alan Pickup | COSPAR 2707:  55d53m48.7s N  3d11m51.2s W   156m asl
     Edinburgh   | Tel: +44 (0)131 477 9144     Fax: +44 (0)870 0520750
     Scotland    | SatEvo page:   http://www.wingar.demon.co.uk/satevo/
    
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