Greg Roberts reported this morning that, "USA 144 appears to have changed optical characteristics. Formerly had a long period variation but tonight was rapidly flickering the entire pass." Here are his points: 25744 99 028A 0433 F 20030902185413900 17 15 1005558-711555 39 I+063 05 25744 99 028A 0433 F 20030902185528600 17 15 0900180-742826 39 I+063 05 25744 99 028A 0433 F 20030902185751900 17 15 0610548-745232 39 I+064 05 25744 99 028A 0433 F 20030902185927800 17 15 0447587-710346 39 I+067 05 I am reasonably certain that Greg's is the first report ever of rapid flickering by this object. It will be interesting to see whether or not this behaviour continues, and what effect it may have on the well-known SRP (Solar Radiation Pressure) perturbations that affect this object. I have a hunch that the real USA 144 is Misty 2, a "stealth satellite" in a 700 - 800 km orbit, with the above object a light weight decoy. At the very least, its rotation and high area-to-mass ratio (about 0.09 m^2/kg) suggest a debris-like object. The long term evolution of its optical characteristics may prove decisive in classifying it, and in solving the mystery of USA 144. Here are recent elements: USA 144 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.6 v 1 25744U 99028A 03225.81227299 -.00000030 00000-0 -46286-2 0 08 2 25744 63.4450 49.1060 0240000 293.7002 66.2998 9.69793452 09 Ted Molczan ----------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from SeeSat-L, send a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@satobs.org List archived at http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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