EORSAT #22808 and ndot2 values

William Krosney (krosney@cc.UManitoba.CA)
Fri, 28 Jul 1995 12:56:53 -0500 (CDT)

I've been following with interest the postings regarding the coming decay
of Cosmos 2264 (USSPACECOM #22808).

Of particular interest are the comments about "ndot2" values.  What exactly
are these values?  Are they present in the TLE listing (i.e. are they the
drag term)?  Or is it a derived value from info contained within the TLE?

In any case, I would be interested in a brief explanation how one uses 
a ndot2 value along with other parms to deduce a probable re-entry date.
And what are "exceptional" values.

I understand that to some of the more experienced observers out there,
there may be something akin to a "gut feel" about these values.  But we
all have to start somewhere :-)

Thanks in advance.....Bill

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<   krosney@cc.umanitoba.ca   |                                        >
<   Bill Krosney              |                                        >
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