I would very much appreciate receiving observation reports of Shenzhou 6 and its rocket, made during the first 6h 53m after launch, when Shenzhou will still be in its elliptical parking orbit. I seek observational confirmation that the rocket's 2nd stage is propelled into a slightly lower orbit than Shenzhou, as a result of its separation manoeuvre upon orbital insertion. This portion of Shenzhou missions seldom is tracked by US Strategic Command, so I had to deduce this information. Observers in Australia and New Zealand appear to have the best possibility to make this observation, but observations are welcome from anyone in a position to make them. I do not require precise positional observations. It will suffice to time the passage of Shenzhou and its rocket to the nearest second, as they pass between the same pair of stars, or near the same single star. Both are expected to be in the sky at the same time, on nearly same the path. Also, please note the brightness and any variation of both objects. The rocket may slowly tumble, causing it to vary regularly in brightness, and possibly to flash. It is best to refer to them as "leader" and "trailer", though I an fairly certain that the rocket will lead. I have posted search elements for both objects, for the two most likely launch times on Oct 12: 01:00 and 03:00 UTC: http://satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2005/0083.html Clear skies! Ted Molczan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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