3 ms·
> Orbits are exactly regular, by definition. Orbital parameter changes do happen but are rare. How does that match up with [0]? "... a satellite that stalks o
by uticus 2y ago
> Orbits are exactly regular, by definition. Orbital parameter changes do happen but are rare.
How does that match up with [0]?
"... a satellite that stalks other satellites, started another relocation move on July 22, leaving its position near ASTRA 4A at longitude 4.8 E and drifting west at 0.9 degrees per day."
Do they make this up, or do you and I have a vastly different understanding of "irregular"?
[0] https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-russian-sigint-satellite-luch-olymp.html?m=1 https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-russian-sigint-...
- nradov 2y agoIt's not made up. The satellite made some minor orbital parameter changes but at all times it was in a regular orbit. It wasn't making irregular course changes in the way that an airplane might.
- BenjiWiebe 2y agoThat is interesting. I wonder how many stalking maneuvers it can do before it depletes it's propellant/reaction mass.