USA129

 

One of the so called Keyhole satellites. Measures 18 pixels by 28 pixels or 7m wide 11m high in this image. Launched on 20/12/96 this satellite is a highly elliptical orbit measuring 280x1010km at 98° inclination. Norad 24680. This image was taken at about 60° altitude which was near closest approach.
 

 

USA 129 Flare 07 August 2005

This flare occured around 21:11:42GMT during an 87 degree pass. Due to the eccentric orbit the satellite was further away at 87° (about 466km) than it was at 60° altitude in the July 2005 pass. The satellite was bright throughout the pass and produced a great flare as shown in the images of before, during and after

You can see a movie of the flare in this file

Videos/usa129Flare.avi

You will need the DivX codec

 
 

 

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