Aihnss.181
net.columbia
utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!ihnss!karn
Wed Nov 11 04:24:19 1981
Shuttle orbital data
I have obtained, courtesy of AMSAT, the following orbital
information for STS-2 (the second Space Shuttle mission):
Orbital inclination: 38 degrees
Period: 89.3 minutes
Longitude increment: 22.8 degrees/orbit (the westward progression
of the equator crossing due to the rotation of the earth under the orbit)
Equator crossings:
Orbit #2: 144 degrees west at T+81 minutes
Orbit 12: 12 degrees west at T+16 hours 14 minutes
I am going to try converting these figures into something I can give
my orbit prediction programs, and see if I can optically sight
the orbiter from here (Northeast Illinois). For this to be
possible, the orbiter will have to be passing just before dawn or
just after dusk, with it in sunlight, and far enough north in order
for it to be above my southern horizon. Assuming this, (and clear
skies), it should be very easily seen with the unaided eye.
I sighted Skylab many times when it was in orbit, and it was very bright.
Phil Karn
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