Re: USA 245 orientation

 Noted USA 245 pass halfway between Rastaban (23 Dra) and Eltanin (33 Dra) at 05:03:01z 20 June 2024 with a flare to 0 magnitude seen in 7.5° FOV binocs.
________________________________
From: Seesat-l <seesat-l-bounces_at_lists.seesatmail.org> on behalf of Felix S. via Seesat-l <seesat-l_at_lists.seesatmail.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 15:49
To: marco_at_langbroek.org <marco_at_langbroek.org>
Cc: Ted Molczan <ssl3molcz_at_rogers.com>; seesat-l_at_satobs.org <seesat-l_at_satobs.org>
Subject: Re: USA 245 orientation

Yes, it seems like the satellite is looking sideways, in front of its
flightpath. I was just a bit surprised because I would expect it to
change orientation after 1 month, will be interesting to see how it behaves
in the future.
Thank you all for the info!

Felix S.

Am Mi., 19. Juni 2024 um 17:59 Uhr schrieb Marco Langbroek via Seesat-l <
seesat-l_at_lists.seesatmail.org>:

>
> We know the KH-11 can obtain oblique views - the infamous KH-11 image
> tweeted by
> Trump was an oblique view. So it is not necessarily looking straight down.
>
> - Marco
>
>
> Op 19-6-2024 om 13:55 schreef Ted Molczan via Seesat-l:
> > My knowledge of imaging methods is superficial at best. If the spacecraft
> > is using the pushbroom method, then I believe that the spacecraft is
> > normally looking straight down at the Earth. Much has been written about
> > the subject. This paper seems like a good place to start.
> >
> > https://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/IPM/2012/PDF/publications/1149.pdf
> >
> > Ted Molczan
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Seesat-l <seesat-l-bounces_at_lists.seesatmail.org> On Behalf Of
> Scott Tilley via
> >> Seesat-l
> >> Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:41 AM
> >> To: seesat-l_at_lists.seesatmail.org
> >> Subject: Re: USA 245 orientation
> >>
> >> Hi Felix
> >>
> >> Generally speaking the KHs maneuver to boost their orbit for minor
> >> maintenance purposes from time to time (usually on a Thursday :-) ) or
> >> in special cases to change how they are positioned within their plane as
> >> the mission ages and evolves. There are records within the group that
> >> expand on this and I invite Ted to speak further here.
> >>
> >> http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Sep-2011/0113.html
> >>
> >> If I understand your context, you appear to be asking why the view of
> >> the satellite from your perspective appears the same.  I suggest this is
> >> due to the fact that in most operational modes the spacecraft will just
> >> be house keeping especially over friendly territory where positional
> >> changes etc of the spacecraft's attitude will not be required for
> >> imaging and the more important to maintain standard communications and
> >> power headings.
> >>
> >> Regards
> >>
> >> Scott Tilley
> >>
> >> On 2024-06-18 15:49, Felix S. via Seesat-l wrote:
> >>> I assume these satellites would have to
> >>> maneuver when they observe a new target?
> >>>
> >>
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> >
> >
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>
> --
> ----
> Dr Marco Langbroek
>
> e-mail:    marco_at_langbroek.org
> web:       www.langbroek.org<http://www.langbroek.org>
> Twitter:   _at_Marco_Langbroek
> ----
>
>
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