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