I suppose really I am basing my specualtion on the latest "known" design http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/images/lacrosse6.jpg plus a number of other factors...but as I'm something of a novice as far as sat design is concerned...I admit we are into the realms of speculation. What we do know is that L4 and 5 , and possibly L3 can disappear. However , as illustrated by my imaging last year.....they disappear to the naked eye , but not completely.....I think Phil estimated down to mag 6-7 from mag 2. There is nothing on the above illustration that could cause such instant shadowing.The wings may be long , but I doubt they have the area to cause such a dimming. Of course the plan could be way out..................or incomplete ! The sinister patch that Ted uncovered , which is undoubtedly that of L4 , isnt just announcing another bird in orbit.I think whoever designed the patch had some knowledge of the bird and couldnt resist leaving a clue or two. http://www.collectspace.com/images/news-083100a.jpg to this end , it is possible that the mesh design either side of the "eye" is in fact indicative of the stealth cover.......almost like a nictitating membrane.Perhaps that is why an owl was chosen to represent this generation of Lacrosse craft. The Titan IV B-28 patch leaves us in no doubt that the eyes are that of an owl! > If the casing is non-reflective, it absorbs light AND heat, and if close > to the satellite, how would the satellite be cooled? > A detached panel, shading the Sun, would serve both purposes > (and it could even be the solar panel - or radar antenna) I would agree , and thats why I think the "shades " are stand-off on some type of gimbal affair. I just dont think its co-incidence that the bird can disappear almost at will. Of course the other question is , on a high elevation pass over Europe , who is it "hiding " from ? We are into the realms of science fiction here. This isn't a Star Wars /Star Trek cloaking device , but simply a mechanical shield. Thats my take ................. someone somewhere knows the truth about Lacrosse and until we can get some better images we can only speculate. Its a shame USA 193 isnt the same design because at the rate it is decaying I think by the middle of the year it will be down to about 240km and present a rather nice imaging opportunity :O)) John ----- Original Message ----- From: "Björn Gimle at ComHem" <b.gimle@comhem.se> To: <SeeSat-L@satobs.org> Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 7:43 AM Subject: Re: Light Curve from Satellite Trail > >I agree to some extent Björn , especially in the case of structures like > >ISS where we see obvious shadowing from the large solar arrays....but > >that shadowing is only noticed when we look at images taken at high > >magnification.From the ground the naked eye observer wouldnt really be > >aware > > I don't follow your argument here - if (a substantial) part of the > satellite > is (more than usual) shadowed, the total magnitude would be reduced. >> . >> >> L5 and possibly 3 and 4 seem to have a more "on / off" ability to change >> brightness. >> >> In some reports it is muted that MISTY used some sort of inflatable >> device to cloak itself....I think that highly unlikely....but rather it >> used a simply mechanical system and so too Lacrosse . Perhaps light >> absorbing , non reflective panels which encase the outer structure when >> required. Of course if that was the case , why not leave the panels in >> situ all the time to stop the satellite reflecting at all. >> > If the casing is non-reflective, it absorbs light AND heat, and if close > to the satellite, how would the satellite be cooled? > A detached panel, shading the Sun, would serve both purposes > (and it could even be the solar panel - or radar antenna) > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: > http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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