Shuttle in darkness

Maley, Paul D. (PMALEY@GP808.jsc.nasa.gov)
Fri, 12 Jan 1996 15:13:39 -0600

In answer to Jim Wilson's questions:
1) the shuttle was not visible to the unaided eye; it would at best be dim 
in 7x35 binoculars. Due to the collision avoidance burn it was about 15 
seconds later than expected but right on course.

2)the SFU rendezvous will take place with the shuttle having already done 
its key burns. Passes over south Texas will occur at SFU's orbital altitude 
of 299 statute miles which is more than twice as high as this morning's 
pass. Those passes are expected to occur in an unfavorable attitude (+ZLV on 
the Rbar). That approach would make the cargo bay pointed away from the 
earth.

Paul Maley