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From: karn@petrus.UUCP (Phil R. Karn)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: Debris from Upcomming ASAT Test
Message-ID: <537@petrus.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 13-Sep-85 22:18:59 EDT
Article-I.D.: petrus.537
Posted: Fri Sep 13 22:18:59 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 14-Sep-85 17:39:44 EDT
References: <385@aurora.UUCP> <533@petrus.UUCP>
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Organization: Bell Communications Research, Inc
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The press has been saying that the target for the ASAT test will be a
satellite called SOLWIND. From the name I assume it's a defunct scientific
satellite whose function was to monitor the solar wind.

The August 31, 1984 NASA Satellite Situation Report lists SOLWIND as
International Designator 1979-017A, catalog number 11278, launched
24 Feb 1979. At the time of the report (3 years ago) it was in a 524x553 km
97.6 deg inclination orbit (probably sun synchronous). My fears of
long-lived debris are somewhat alleviated, since lifetime at this altitude
is not very long. In fact, I would expect the debris from SOLWIND to re-enter
sooner than the undamaged satellite would, since smaller particles have a
higher area-to-volume ratio.

I still think the test itself is an incredibly stupid political blunder.

Phil

"...but if you threaten to extend your violence, this earth of yours
will be reduced to a burned-out cinder."
					--Klaatu