I would think that the objects that have high apogees (or any high energy orbit changes) would be relatively light weight objects. Since they are trackable, they probably have a noticeable cross section. Perhaps these pieces are Mylar from the satellite. If so, then I would think they would have high drag coefficients and come down quickly. One thing to watch will be which objects come down the quickest. I suspect those with plane changes and high apogees (which also have high perigee velocities). Even Mylar can severely damage or destroy a spacecraft. NASA and the military did not deride views of increased danger. Hence the reason they waited until the shuttle came down before launching the missile. Bill >Yes , I agree the debris will not be long lasting , however "any" debris >within the LEO range presents a danger....and in the short term , that >danger has been increased. > >Looking forward about three months...based on the information available , >about 60% of the debris will have decayed by May 29 .....most over the >Pacific , by the end of August , half a dozen pieces may remain. > >John > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Marco Langbroek" <marco.langbroek@wanadoo.nl> >To: "satelliet lijst (SeeSat)" <SeeSat-L@satobs.org> >Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 9:21 AM >Subject: Re: USA 193 graphic............. > > >> >> >> John Locker schreef: >> >>> Strange that our earlier concerns about 193 being " removed " from orbit >>> and the resultant debris field if it was , were met with derision in >>> certain quarters ! >>> Strikes me this bird is coming home to roost >> >> In all fairness: most of this material will be gone in a few weeks. It >> will not form a long-lasting hazard. >> >> Maybe it will increase my chances to finally observe a decay though. >> >> - Marco >> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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