Does the X-37B have any relay capability? I know that's classified but just throwing it out there. They are both pretty much over Australia right now. http://www.n2yo.com/?s=37872http://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=37375&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=CET
Quote from: daver on 11/10/2011 09:23 pmDoes the X-37B have any relay capability? I know that's classified but just throwing it out there. They are both pretty much over Australia right now. http://www.n2yo.com/?s=37872http://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=37375&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=CETThis is a tad more fun.....watch ISS, PG, & OTV2 Intersection shortly.http://www.n2yo.com/?s=25544|37872|37375
I have a overhead pass tomorrow PM and a good set of binoculars. Anything I can do?
If a 10+ meter dishes on the ground with many kw of transmit power can't do it, it's extremely unlikely that some dinky radio on a spacecraft would do better, even if it were theoretically possible.
Quote from: agman25 on 11/10/2011 09:14 pmI have a overhead pass tomorrow PM and a good set of binoculars. Anything I can do?I have some dawn sighting opportunities in the days aheadwhich I intend to work diligently.Observe for nearby objects leading or trailing.Observe for light fluctuations, both periodic and occasional.Observe for indications of propellant leak.
Quote from: hop on 11/10/2011 09:39 pmIf a 10+ meter dishes on the ground with many kw of transmit power can't do it, it's extremely unlikely that some dinky radio on a spacecraft would do better, even if it were theoretically possible.I was under the impression that the problem was line-of-sight.
So are we all on side with the reports that we'll know one way or the other over the next few hours?
DSN has some serious reach in both directions. Goldstone was capable of getting Pioneer's attention through the omni well past the asteroid belt (and that was almost 40 years ago).
Quote from: hop on 11/10/2011 09:39 pmIf a 10+ meter dishes on the ground with many kw of transmit power can't do it, it's extremely unlikely that some dinky radio on a spacecraft would do better, even if it were theoretically possible.I was under the impression that the problem was line-of-sight. With a clear shot at the antenna, you wouldn't need more power than the ground station, or (most likely) even as much.
Do they know the orientation of Phobos-Grunt? Would that information be helpful?
I know someone doing radar studies of Europa with the Goldstone 70-m. So yes, lots of power.
If the problem is that the line of sight is blocked (e.g. some bit of tank structure is in the way) as opposed to the spacecraft/antenna facing in an unexpected direction, then no amount of trying different angles and positions may be enough to get through.
Goldstone is capable of pushing >400KW (or was)