> I believe the launch was much nearer Florida... Assuming the SLBM hypothesis, that seems more in accordance with past practice for test/training launches. In addition, firing from an operational patrol area like the mid-Atlantic seems both unnecessary and fraught with the potential for misunderstandings. >the brightenings and clouds were associated with MIRV bus burns and reentry vehicle releases during the descending phase. About that I don't know, other than to offer a distant recollection that, in traditional times, MIRV burns and releases were performed soon after separation from the upper stage. But I guess that they could be delayed until later if there were reason to do so, like confusing a missile defense system. (Also, now that I think of it, aren't MIRV bus thrusters fairly small hypergolic engines?) However, this all seems to be drifting a bit OT for SeeSat and Ted might want to offer guidance on pursuing the matter. _______________________________________________ Seesat-l mailing list http://mailman.satobs.org/mailman/listinfo/seesat-l
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue Sep 24 2013 - 23:17:47 UTC