[meteorite-list] Watch out for falling metal, guys with, sunglasses and dark suits

[Marco Langbroek]

The satellite in question is most likely USA 193 (06-057A, #29651). This is it's 
current orbit:

USA 193
1 29651U 06057A   08022.26925691 0.00105000  00000-0  21306-3 0    07
2 29651  58.5247 160.3977 0003288  53.6760 306.3240 15.98950761    06

Lowest point (perigee) is about 275 km above earth surface currently and it is 
coming down quick (perigee has come down some 80 km in the last year).

This satellite, launched on December 14th 2006, failed right after launch. 
Recent imaging by John Locker suggests it is about 4 meter large.

This under the right conditions is an easy to see object: it can reach magnitude 
+1 and because of its low orbit is zipping across the sky very fast, spectacular 
to see. It is an object on my regular tracking list and followed closely by the 
amateur tracking community I partake in. Our tracking has shown no signs that 
the satellite orbit is under control.

Here's some trail images of passes of this satellite over my place:
http://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/search/label/USA%20193

Here's John Locker's recent image of the sat:
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/satcom_transits/USA__193x2.jpg

Although that is only speculation and nothing is known about it, one potential 
point of concern expressed by some given the recent news reports is whether this 
sat has a plutonium energy source or not (see 
http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Jan-2008/0205.html).

Definitely not an object to desire for a collection of "space artifacts" without 
due caution, so preferably stay clear of eBay offers once it has fallen....  ;-)

- Marco

-----
Dr Marco Langbroek  -  SatTrackCam Leiden, the Netherlands.
e-mail: sattrackcam at wanadoo.nl

Cospar 4353 (Leiden):   52.15412 N, 4.49081 E (WGS84), +0 m ASL
Cospar 4354 (De Wilck): 52.11685 N, 4.56016 E (WGS84), -2 m ASL
SatTrackCam: http://home.wanadoo.nl/marco.langbroek/satcam.html
Station (b)log: http://sattrackcam.blogspot.com
-----