MUOS 1 is scheduled for launch from CCAFS on an Atlas V-551, today, 2012 Feb 24; the launch window is from 22:15 to 22:59 UTC. Launch coverage is available at Spaceflight Now: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av030/status.html The following *rough* TLEs are based on launch at window-open. MECO 1 167 X 624 km 1 79601U 12055.93565972 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 05 2 79601 28.0000 308.9140 0337670 130.0000 3.3000 15.58830000 06 MECO 2 193 X 34447 km 1 79602U 12055.94571759 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 07 2 79602 26.0000 311.3140 7227302 179.9293 1.5500 2.38040000 08 MECO 3 3463 X 35786 km 1 79603U 12056.05051156 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 05 2 79603 19.0000 326.8140 6215271 179.0000 74.6500 2.07084000 05 Spacecraft separation is planned to occur at T+3:01:23. Soon afterward, the Centaur will conduct a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver (CCAM), followed by a blow-down of remaining Centaur propellants. The typical Centaur end of mission occurs 4400 s after spacecraft separation. I have not evaluated visibility windows, but based on a quick look, it appears that the CCAM and blow-down will occur within range of Western Australia, but well after sunrise. Prospective observers should use the MECO 3 TLE to evaluate visibility. Eventually, the payload will enter an approximately 5 deg inclined GEO orbit in one of the existing UFO slots. Space.com recently reported that it will be located over the Pacific Ocean. The slot in that region is at 177 W. The article also stated that there will be a 6 month check-out period; it is unclear whether check-out will occur at the initial operating location or elsewhere over the Pacific. http://www.space.com/14587-navy-military-satellite-muos-launch-thursday.html Ted Molczan _______________________________________________ Seesat-l mailing list http://mailman.satobs.org/mailman/listinfo/seesat-l
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