On Tue, 4 Dec 2001 Mir16609@aol.com wrote: > It seems to me that whenever the Shuttle was launched > for a Mir docking or an ISS docking, the respective > Space Station would lead the shuttle at launch time by > 20 minutes or so. Today's launch seem like a radical > departure (so to speak) from past launches (< 5 minute > difference). > > Does anyonw know why? > I believe that all that really matters is that the shuttle be launched when the launch site passes under the (northbound leg of the) target's orbital plane. Orbital plane changes are very expensive, propellant-wise, while raising the orbit to ISS' height is relatively cheap. The relative phasing of the STS and ISS within the orbital plane is likely a secondary consideration. Clear and dark skies! Ed Light Lakewood, NJ, USA N 40.1075, W 074.2312, +24 m (80 ft) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue Dec 04 2001 - 14:35:02 EST