Phillip Clark has kindly shared his comments about the flashing of FSW 3-2, per
the appended message.
Ted Molczan
From: Phillip Clark [molniya at dircon.co.uk]
Sent: October 7, 2004 12:29 AM
To: Ted Molczan
Cc: Phil Clark (Home)
Subject: Flashing FSWs
Hi Ted,
Thank you for the links which were most interesting: I had not been aware that
the equipment module from the second FSW-3 had started to flash.
FYI, we know that these satellites can carry CCD cameras. My
currently-unpublished (but privately circulated) theory is that after the
descent modules return to Earth the equipment module which remains in orbit and
carries the actual camera system continues to have the CCD imaging system
operating: this started, I think, with the FSW-1 series and has continued with
the FSW-2 and FSW-3 series.
We know from Chinese literature that there was a thruster problem with the first
FSW-2 in 1992 and this led to the cancellation of the orbital manoeuvre planned
for the 12th day of flight, and while the trouble was investigated the flight
was extended by a day. On the next two FSW-2 missions the equipment module
performed a single manoeuvre after the descent module returned, and I think that
this was to extend the operations with the CCD as much as the remaining
propellant allowed. There was no such manoeuvre on the first FSW-2, probably
because of the prior thruster problem.
Then last year the first FSW-3 equipment module also performed a manoeuvre after
the descent module recovery, and once more I think that this was to allow
extended use of the CCD system.
So, I have been confidently waiting for the equipment module from the second
FSW-3 (28402) to manoeuvre (the descent module came down just before midnight
GMT on Sep 24 after nearly 27 days in orbit - an FSW duration record), but if it
is now tumbling (and thus flashing) then I assume that attitude control has been
lost and unless it is regained the expected manoeuvre will not take place.
Still, there is always the third FSW-3 which has not yet shed its descent craft:
I have heard no rumours as to how long it will be before the descent craft
returns - it might be ~27 days like the previous flight, but then again all
three FSW-3 missions have used different orbital regimes and #2 shed its descent
craft ~10 days later than did #1.
At least the Chinese can still surprise us !
It seems that I cannot post to SEESAT-L, so if you want to post these comments
as a possible explanation as to what is happening then feel free !
Phil
__________________________________________________________________________
Phillip S Clark Flat 2 Wellington House
Molniya Space Consultancy Castle Hill Passage
Hastings
Compiler/Publisher East Sussex TN34 1PG
Worldwide Satellite Launches United Kingdom
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