In message <Chameleon.883091150.jhunt@news1.radix.net>, Jeff Hunt <jeff@satellite.eu.org> writes >... > >An excerpt from "Introduction to Observing Satellites...... > > >---- 1.1.3 Platforms > > A platform may be used to support a payload while it is being > placed in orbit. A platform may remain in orbit long after its > purpose is served, usually longer than the rocket bodies. >... Thanks for the help, Jeff. My unofficial check of the Satellite Situation Report for launches between 1987 May and 1997 November shows 146 occasions when both a main rocket and a platform ("PLAT") have been catalogued in LEO. Of these, the rocket decayed first 11 times (8%) and the platform 127 times (87%). For the other 8 launches (5%), both the rocket and the platform decayed on the same day. Alan -- Alan Pickup | COSPAR site 2707: 55d53m48.7s N 3d11m51.2s W 156m asl Edinburgh | Home: alan@wingar.demon.co.uk +44 (0)131 477 9144 Scotland | SatEvo satellite page: http://www.wingar.demon.co.uk/satevo/