Chinese satellites raising orbits after launch anomaly
Posted: Sat, Dec 31, 2016, 10:51 AM ET (1551 GMT)
Two Chinese satellites placed in the wrong orbit after a launch earlier this week are raising their orbits. The two SuperView-1 Earth imaging spacecraft, launched Wednesday morning Beijing time on a Long March 2D, were placed in elliptical orbits with a perigee much lower than planned. Tracking data indicates that the two satellites are raising their orbits, likely using their own thrusters. A small student-built satellite also flown on the rocket remains in that original elliptical orbit. Neither the satellites' owner nor other Chinese officials have commented on the apparent problem with the rocket that left the satellites in the wrong orbit.
Two Chinese satellites placed in the wrong orbit after a launch earlier this week are raising their orbits. The two SuperView-1 Earth imaging spacecraft, launched Wednesday morning Beijing time on a Long March 2D, were placed in elliptical orbits with a perigee much lower than planned. Tracking data indicates that the two satellites are raising their orbits, likely using their own thrusters. A small student-built satellite also flown on the rocket remains in that original elliptical orbit. Neither the satellites' owner nor other Chinese officials have commented on the apparent problem with the rocket that left the satellites in the wrong orbit.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, October 21
European aerospace groups reach framework deal on satellite merger, sources say
Reuters — 7:07 am ET (1107 GMT) Northrop raises annual profit forecast on strong demand
Reuters — 7:06 am ET (1106 GMT) Elon Musk now controls two thirds of satellites as 10,000th Starlink launches
The Independent — 7:05 am ET (1105 GMT) Muon Space to Integrate SpaceX's Starlink Mini Space Lasers Into Its Halo Satellite Platform
PR Newswire — 7:05 am ET (1105 GMT) Rocket Lab Schedules Next Electron Launch, Sixth Mission for Constellation Operator iQPS
Rocket Lab — 7:04 am ET (1104 GMT) |
