Re: Article claims OTV-2 spying in Tiangong-1

From: Bob Christy (bob@zarya.info)
Date: Fri Jan 06 2012 - 12:51:03 UTC

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    The orbits of X37B/OTV-2 are very similar in altitude and inclination. 
    The difference of RAAN has changed slowly from 98° to 100° during the 
    lifetime of Tiangong 1. Which means that their trajectories meet at a 
    very high angle - not exactly satellite inspection grade! The angle of 
    interception is so great that the same effect could have been engineered 
    from a large range of inclinations for OTV-2.
    
    Bear in mind that OTV-2 was launched first.
    
    Do we also believe that the USAF had advance knowledge that the 
    Tiangong/Shenzhou 8 mission would be at a subtly different inclnation 
    from previous missions - 42°.8 rather than 42°.4?
    
    The story originates from the British Interplanetary Society magazine as 
    a "scoop" but totally ignores the RAAN issue. Unfortunately it was taken 
    at face value by BBC News and that is how it spread. The BIS has openly 
    stated in an e-mail to all members that it intends to raise 
    "controversial issues" in order to increase membership, and hence income.
    
    Bob Christy
    
    
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