Skywatchers in the Western Hemisphere may see a fuel dump from a satellite that launched earlier today on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
If you are outside doing some stargazing in the Western Hemisphere this evening and are looking up at just the right time, you might catch sight of something that will appear quite strange: a small circular cloud of light that will rapidly expand to roughly the apparent size of aWhat you will have just seen is not some strange atmospheric phenomenon, but a fuel dump from a U.S.
According to ULA's flight profile, 6 hours and 35 minutes after launch, the first of the two satellites will be released to its geosynchronous orbit, followed 10 minutes later by the second satellite .Seven hours, 11 minutes and 40 seconds after the launch, the Centaur second stage will dump its unused fuel out into space. Dumping excess fuel is the usual practice for all Centaur booster-assisted launches.
In a Twitter thread, assiduous satellite watcher Cees Bassa has provided a considerable amount of information concerning the visibility of the fuel dump:
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Atlas 5 rocket boosts two Space Force satellite monitors into orbitThe two satellites will monitor other spacecraft in the high altitudes favored by communications stations and spycraft.
Read more »
'Space archaeology' research on the ISS will help design better space habitatsThe new project could aid NASA's crewed push to Mars.
Read more »
UK company behind Tom Cruise space film unveils plans to launch space movie studioFilm your space movie in the dedicated space movie studio.
Read more »
Cosmosphere craft beer: Space museum set to launch 'Space Race' IPAIt's an 'off-planet experience for your palate.'
Read more »
U.S. Air Force medical personnel arrive at Cleveland Clinic to assist with coronavirus responseA team of 20 U.S. Air Force medical personnel arrived at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday morning to assist with the health system’s coronavirus response.
Read more »
Judge agrees with Anton Black's family that cops used excessive force before teen diedThe judge said that a reasonable jury 'could reach more than one conclusion' regarding if officers used a reasonable degree of force when dealing with Black.
Read more »