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> They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs Tell me that and I'll tell you what the bird is going to do. Specific orbits have very specific
by dotancohen 3y ago
> They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs
Tell me that and I'll tell you what the bird is going to do. Specific orbits have very specific purposes, usually. And knowing the size and mass of a satellite gives a lot of information, especially if I can look at it or even just a blurry photograph of it.
- scottyah 3y agoNobody is launching anything into orbit in secret: once the launch goes every country that cares to track it will be able to. They can always add extra weight if they want to obscure things to the launcher.
- mjevans 3y agoExtra weight can even be propellant which provides a bunch of options, including just extended service lifetime.