Re: USA 193 graphic.............

From: John Locker (john@satcom.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Fri Feb 29 2008 - 17:24:58 UTC

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    Seems like the NROL - 28 launch was delayed due to to debris risk
    http://www.space.com/news/080228-spy-satellite-debris-delay.html
    There's also reference to 3,000 pieces in the article ( or  should I say 
    "less than" 3,000 pieces.....so thats alright then ! )
    
    John
    
    
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: <wbard@wb-web.org>
    To: <SeeSat-L@satobs.org>
    Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 12:53 PM
    Subject: Re: USA 193 graphic.............
    
    
    >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
    >>>
    >>
    >
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