Friday Taurus/STEX Launch

Brian Webb (102670.1206@compuserve.com)
Wed, 30 Sep 1998 21:32:58 -0400

		   
		   ASTRONOMY/SPACE ALERT FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
				Brian Webb, KD6NRP
			    Ventura County, California
			E-mail: 102670.1206@compuserve.com
       Web Page: http ://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rawhide_home_page

					 1998 September 30 (Wednesday) 18:20 PDT
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			    Friday Vandenberg Launch

The launch of the STEX satellite from Vandenberg AFB is now set for the morning
of October 2nd. The Taurus booster is slated to leave Space Launch Complex 576
East at 03:11:04 PDT.

Following launch, the Taurus will climb vertically for several seconds and then
turn southward. Several minutes later the STEX satellite should be in a polar
orbit.

Weather permitting, the predawn event should be visible for at least 300 miles.
There's a good chance that the launch will be visible as far away as Reno,
Nevada; Saint George, Utah; and Tucson, Arizona.

For launch status, call the Vandenberg Launch Update recording at 805-734-8232
extension 61857. More timely countdown status can be obtained from a Public
Affairs officer at extension 63595. The Public Affairs office should be manned
on Friday morning from about 02:30-03:45 PDT.

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			 Taurus/STEX Launch Technical Data

Launch Date (UTC): 1998 OCT 02
Launch Time (UTC): 10:11:04
Launch Window Duration: 42 sec.
Launch Window Daily Change: Opens/closes 6 min. 15 sec. earlier each day
Launch Pad: Vandenberg AFB SLC-576E
Launch Pad Latitude (approx.):  34 deg. 43 min. 30 sec. North
Launch Pad Longitude (approx.): 120 deg. 36 min. 00 sec. West

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