STSS Demo - search elements

From: Ted Molczan (ssl3molcz@rogers.com)
Date: Tue Sep 22 2009 - 01:56:17 UTC

  • Next message: Derek C Breit: "DCB Obs Sep 21 2009 UT"

    The STSS Demo satellites are scheduled for launch on 2009 Sep 23, between 12:00
    UTC and 13:00 UTC, from Cape Canaveral, aboard a Delta 2 rocket.
    
    Here are approximate elements, based on launch at window-open.
    
    The parking orbit is valid until T+42m30s:
    
    Parking orbit                                           185 X 1537 km
    1 77001U          09266.50731830  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    08
    2 77001  54.6000  84.4282 0933762  36.2000  18.3000 14.09479000    07
    
    Payload 1                                              1346 X 1352 km
    1 77004U          09266.53320604  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    07
    2 77004  58.0000  83.9683 0003600 216.2526 335.5000 12.77975000    07
    
    Payload 2                                              1339 X 1350 km
    1 77005U          09266.53835649  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    08
    2 77005  58.0000  83.9544 0007193 216.2579 359.0000 12.79123000    01
    
    Payload numbers are in order of separation from the 2nd stage.
    
    RAANs are accurate to 1 deg, at best. Argument of perigee of the payload orbits
    is a guess. 
    
    They are intended to orbit in formation, separated by a central angle of 35 deg,
    or about 11 min of time.	My guess of std magnitude is 6 to 7 (1000 km, 90
    deg phase angle).
    
    So far, I have been unable to make a satisfactory estimate of the 2nd stage's
    final orbit, and am unlikely to make further efforts pre-launch.
    
    Southern hemisphere observers near 30 S, would have all night visibility of the
    above orbits.
    
    Ted Molczan
    
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