Optical observations of geostationary spin-stabilised satellites |
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| Authors: | A B Giles K M Hill |
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| Institution: | (1) Physics Dept., University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia;(2) Present address: Protel Technology Pty. Ltd., CRITEC Corporation, Technopark, Dowsings Point, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The first two AUSSAT communication satellites have been located and their optical variability studied. We have found that the objects are exceptionally bright for the few days each year when an ideal solar mirror reflection occurs for our ground latitude. At this time their  1.1 s spin periods are detectable in real time and FFT analyses show a range of much faster periodic features. The frequencies of these components have been identified with the arragement of the solar cells on the outer surface of the AUSSAT spacecraft. Possible applications for these objects are mentioned and a list is given of other suitable spinning spacecraft. |
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