Author: John

Space Shuttle STS-119 still go for a Sunday Launch

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After fixing a problem with leaking fuel, Space Shuttle Discovery is still go for Launch on Sunday the 15th March. Launch time is expected to be 23:43 UTC (Which is 19:43 EDT, or 12:43 Monday NZDT). More information…

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TLEs – Calculation of the Julian Day Number (JDN)

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. Calculation of the Julian Day Number (JDN) Julian day…

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TLEs – International Designator (Piece)

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. International Designator (Piece) This is a 3 letter code…

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TLEs – International Designator (Launch number)

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. International Designator (Launch Number) This is a three digit…

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TLEs – International Designator (Year)

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. International Designator (Year) This is a two digit number…

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TLEs – Classification

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. Classification This is a one character string designating the…

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TLEs – Satellite Number

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. Satellite Number This is a distinct incremental value is…

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TLEs – Line Number

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. Line Number Did you really need detail on this…

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TLEs – Satellite Name

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This post is part of a series on understanding the meaning behind the values contained in a Two Line Element set, or Keplerian Elements. The main article is here. Satellite Name Did you really need detail on this…

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Space Station Debris Collision Sensationalism

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Just a few minutes ago, the crew of the International Space Station were evacuated to a Soyuz capsule (for possible emergency reentry back to earth) due to the risk of a piece of orbital debris striking the station….

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