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
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Dr Marco Langbroek - SatTrackCam Leiden, the Netherlands.
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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
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