NOSS 2-3 rocket body
Harro.Zimmer (Harro.Zimmer@t-online.de)
Fri, 5 Mar 1999 14:57:29 +0100
1996-29G (23683) Titan 4 R/B
In the last days I have seen a lot of interesting observations from the SeeSaters
around the world but I am still missing informations about its tumbling.
There is a real problem for my MPM decay prediction. One of the input parameters
is the drag cross section of the object. For a random tumbling it is a quarter of
the total surface area - roughly 26.7 mē. But this is definitely too small for
another important parameter, the empty mass of the R/B - 4800 kg. Both together
shows a very late decay as Mar 14.
Now today SpaceCom have released a RCS for the rocket body, 63.4080 mē, unusual
large, more then a half of the total surface. I know very well the problems with
the interpretation and usefulness of RCS values - but an input with this RCS
shows very realistic decay dates. (See my next message)
Question to the obervers: What's about tumbling of NOSS 2-3, period and magnitude
differences? The large RCS suggests a non random tumbling.
Harro
Harro.Zimmer@t-online.de
Berlin, Germany