Mir/GPS 2-23 r1 update

Matson, Robert (ROBERT.D.MATSON@cpmx.saic.com)
Tue, 27 Jul 1999 13:31:54 -0700

Hi All,

I logged into OIG to get more up-to-date elements for Mir and
GPS 2-23 r1.  The encounter is now not quite as much of a
"nail-biter", but should still be exciting for the cosmonauts.
The closest approach range has increased to a little over
7 miles:

   Date     UTC Time   Norad      Name        Range/OrbSep  NdAng EphAge
 7/28/1999 18:24:54.38 22878 GPS 2-23 r1       11.8/   0.2   91.0  +1.80

GPS 2-23 r1
1 22878U 93068B   99207.96313444 +.00140074 +00000-0 +81301-3 0 00010
2 22878 035.1245 320.7846 0013322 328.2205 031.7690 15.76992203322751
Mir Complex
1 16609U 86017A   99208.17991845 +.00029757 +00000-0 +21156-3 0 07138
2 16609 051.6590 139.0134 0006707 357.2646 002.8316 15.73591257767706

The conjunction now occurs some 4 1/2 hours earlier, directly over the
Galapagos Islands.  The rocket body still comes from the left (in the
vicinity of Jupiter and Saturn, and far brighter than either), but
passes behind Mir by about 7 miles (and about 200 meters higher).

Cheers,
Rob