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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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