MUOS 1: pre-launch estimated orbital elements

From: Ted Molczan (ssl3molcz@rogers.com)
Date: Fri Feb 17 2012 - 03:43:14 UTC

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    The planned launch of MUOS 1 on 2012 Feb 16 UTC was scrubbed due to bad weather. It has been re-scheduled for 2012 Feb
    17; the launch window is from 22:42 to 23:26 UTC. Information on the launch is available here:
    
    http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av030/status.html
    
    The following *rough* TLEs are based on launch at window-open.
    
    MECO 1                                                   167 X 624 km
    1 79601U          12048.95440972  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    01
    2 79601  28.0000 308.7829 0337670 130.0000   3.3000 15.58830000    08
    
    MECO 2                                                 193 X 34447 km
    1 79602U          12048.96446759  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    02
    2 79602  26.0000 311.1829 7227302 179.9293   1.5500  2.38040000    00
    
    MECO 3                                                3463 X 35786 km
    1 79603U          12049.06926156  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    09
    2 79603  19.0000 326.6829 6215271 179.0000  74.6500  2.07084000    07
    
    Spacecraft separation is planned to occur at T+3:01:23. Soon afterward, the Centaur will conduct a Collision and
    Contamination Avoidance Maneuver (CCAM), followed by a blow-down of remaining Centaur propellants. The typical Centaur
    end of mission occurs 4400 s after spacecraft separation.
    
    I have not evaluated visibility windows, but based on a quick look, it appears that the CCAM and blow-down will occur
    within range of Western Australia, but well after sunrise. Prospective observers should use the MECO 3 TLE to evaluate
    visibility.
    
    Eventually, the payload will enter an inclined GEO orbit in one of the existing UFO slots.
    
    Ted Molczan
    
    
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