USSTRATCOM has catalogued the following objects from NROL-76.2017-022A 42689 USA 2762017-022B 42690 FALCON 9 R/B
“Thanks to the SpaceX team for the great ride, and for the terrific teamwork and commitment they demonstrated throughout. They were an integral part of our government/industry team for this mission, and proved themselves to be a great partner,” said Betty Sapp, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office
Glad I could see this in person. Congrats to all involved! @NatReconOfc @SpaceX @45thSpaceWing @NASAKennedy @AFSpace patrick.af.mil/News/Article-D…
Congrats to Leo Barhorst for locating the secret NRO sat launched by SpaceX on May 1 in a 400 km, 50 deg orbit (http://satobs.org )
The following elements are derived from Leo Barhorst's observations of early 2017 May 24 UTC:USA 276 398 X 401 km1 42689U 17022A 17144.06548369 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 022 42689 49.9572 164.5366 0001907 186.7642 173.3300 15.56136012 06Arc 20170524.02-0524.08 WRMS resid 0.044 totl 0.009 xtrkThe arc is short, so this solution is approximate, but it should be adequate to reacquire the object tonight andtomorrow.Ted Molczan
And what does this tell us as regards Mr Molczan's prior predictions?