[amsat-bb] Detecting Es'hail-2 from North America after launch but before parking at 25.5 degrees

[E.Mike McCardel]

Douglass, this may be a good question for folks on the Seesat-l list.

73,
EMike

EMike McCardel, AA8EM
Rotating Editor AMSAT News Service
Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 21, 2018, at 10:36 PM, Douglas Quagliana <dquagliana at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Friends,
> 
> I know that Es'hail-2 will be positioned at 25.5 degrees, which
> means that once it is parked there it will not be visible
> from North America.
> 
> But, it is launching from Cape Canaveral and I would imagine
> that it has to make at least a couple of orbits, while still in
> the geosynchronous transfer orbit, before the burn(s) to
> position it at 25.5 degrees. And, that's a couple of orbits that
> might take it over some part of North America (exactly where
> and who might be in the footprint for those few passes
> depends on where the GTO perigee is, I think).
> 
> What I would like to know is if there will be any transmissions
> or any telemetry beacons from Es'hail-2 (probably on a
> NON-amateur frequency from NON-amateur equipment) that
> might be heard from North America during those few GTO orbits
> before the final burn. Perhaps, is there an engineering beacon
> that might be heard during one of those passes over North
> America?  Anybody know?
> 
> Bonus points awarded if you know when, where, and how
> many burns are taking place. Someone with a telescope
> (or someone with access to a remotely operated telescope)
> might be able to detect something.
> 
> 73,
> Douglas KA2UPW/5
> Just trying to earn the absurd but true "I heard Es'hail-2
> from North America" T-shirt  :-)
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb