NROL-22 is scheduled for launch from VAFB into a Molniya orbit on 2006 Jun 28, during a launch period from 02:00 to 04:00 UTC. This will be VAFB's first launch of the Delta IV, specifically, a Delta IV-M+ (4,2), which I estimate can place in excess of 4,000 kg into a Molniya orbit from VAFB. The U.S. has used Molniya orbits since the early 1970's for communications and SIGINT (signals intelligence satellites). The following estimated elements assume launch at the mid-point of the launch period on 2006 Jun 28, i.e. 03:00 UTC. I will issue revisions once the actual launch time has been made public: SECO1 193 X 2215 km 1 71001U 70000A 06179.13497685 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 05 2 71001 62.5000 43.1100 1333700 180.0000 0.0000 13.14740000 09 The SECO1 elset is valid from T+00:14:22 to T+00:40:12. SECO2 1117 X 37642 km 1 71001U 70000A 06179.38839352 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 03 2 71001 62.4000 43.0717 7090000 266.5070 180.0000 2.10000000 09 The SECO2 elset is valid beginning at T+00:43:34. The ground track map reveals that the final burn of the 2nd stage rocket will occur within range of South Africa, which will be in a visibility window: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d314/050928track.html I believe that the 2nd stage's CCAM (contamination and collision avoidance manoeuvre) (i.e. propellant dump) also is likely to be visible from Africa; and perhaps as far north as Europe, but in bright morning twilight. I estimate that the CCAM will begin as early as 60 minutes after launch, and could continue for up to 30 to 40 minutes. I caution that the RAAN (right ascension of the ascending node) is uncertain by perhaps a degree or two, so observers in a position to see the final burn or the CCAM, should consider attempting visual acquisition using the unaided eye or wide-field optics, and then switching to large aperture, narrow-field optics to make positional observations of the payload and rocket body. Ted Molczan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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