The uncataloged object 90012 was a few seconds early last night. The flash period was measured as 8.07 seconds. Revised elset: 1 90012U 02155.10633102 0.00005000 00000-0 74465-2 0 07 2 90012 28.3079 168.3618 7250958 247.2315 112.7683 2.26554420 04 An "identical" object flashing every 8 seconds was found in the "C" orbit. Its flash period was measured as 8.03 seconds. 1 27369U 02003C 02153.26820004 +.00005059 +00000-0 +98581-2 0 00741 2 27369 28.3522 168.9092 7234290 246.3552 26.0714 02.27534731002680 I assume that these are the two payload fairing panels. They were observed near my zenith near apogee at a range of about 22000 miles. A very interesting object was found in the "B" orbit: 1 27368U 02003B 02154.22212506 .00002469 00000-0 47613-2 0 796 2 27368 28.3607 168.6057 7239028 246.8135 25.8248 2.27057631 2708 This object exhibited flashes to about magnitude 8.5 and tumbles to about magnitude 10.5. It was often visible for many seconds at about magnitude 11.5. It was observed high in the west at a range of about 13000 miles. A magnitude of 11.5 would correspond to a Quicksat (full phase) intrinsic magnitude of about 4.5. Flash timings often gave values of 12 seconds and 24 seconds, but occasional values of 6 and 9 seconds were also measured. The nominal spin rate for the MDS 1 payload is 12 seconds, so it is certainly possible that this object is that payload. No object was seen in the "A" orbit (very near 90012) at 22000 miles. It would seem that the H2-A rocket is not currently cataloged. Since the mean motions differ from 24 hours by about 3 hours, there will be chances to see these objects at smaller ranges. Mike McCants Austin, TX ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www2.satellite.eu.org/sat/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue Jun 25 2002 - 20:50:33 EDT