I have observed this object several times over the past two months. I had convinced myself that it was out of position. I usually find Geosynchronous objects by plotting their position in a star field and following a star until it 'catches up' with the satellite. In the case of GE-3 it was always almost exactly one minute early; that it to say, east of where it was supposed to be. Of course, I could have been seeing another object and made serveral attempts to find the real GE-3 or identify another nearby object. In fact, about two weeks ago, a new elset put GE-3 right where I was seeing it. This raises three possibilities: they may be moving it or, in the process of moving it, lost control or, it simply failed. If the snow clears, I'll have a look for it. BKH -----Original Message----- From: Philip Chien <kc4yer@amsat.org> To: SeeSat-L@blackadder.lmsal.com <SeeSat-L@blackadder.lmsal.com> Date: Friday, March 12, 1999 7:19 AM Subject: Another out of control comsat? >I'd appreciate it if somebody could take a look at GE-3 (24936 97 50A). >It's located at 87 West. I watched programming on it last night, but this >morning there's nothing being broadcast on any channel and I found at least >one broadcaster transmitting on another satellite. > >This satellite is fairly recent so if it has failed or gone out of control >it's a pretty early failure. It's a Lockheed Martin A2100 bus and I can >look up the dimensions for the satellite and solar panels if that >information is of use. > >If it is out of control we may have another potential flasher on our hands >folks! > > > >Philip Chien, KC4YER >Earth News >world (in)famous writer, science fiction fan, ham radio operator, >all-around nice guy, etc. > > >