shuttle visibility from Ireland tonight ?

Hi,

Neill, the current predictions are based on the current orbital elements for the Shuttle. These describe the orbit around the earth.

However, each burn of shuttle engines (as it approaches the ISS) will result in a new set of orbital elements, more in tune with those for the ISS.

When they dock they should be the same!

Also, due to air resistance and other factors the elements continually change. For finding purposes they are only good enough, for most satellites, for a few days.

Before the internet it was difficult to obtain up to date elements. One source back in PI (pre-internet) days was the Manchester Guardian!

John

According to the NASA tv details, the shuttle will dock at approx 19:00 BST on Friday which would mean there is only tonight to see it chase the ISS.

If the shuttle is 'chasing' the ISS, how come the rise and set times for it are approx 10 minutes before those of the ISS? Shouldn't it appear after the ISS?
Could this also be attributable to the changes in orbital elements of both objects leading to inaccuracies?

If the shuttle is 'chasing' the ISS, how come the rise and set times for it are approx 10 minutes before those of the ISS? Shouldn't it appear after the ISS?
Could this also be attributable to the changes in orbital elements of both objects leading to inaccuracies?

The shuttle is chasing ISS. H-A.com is wrong. I undestand H-A.com is using a set of outdated orbital elements from just after launch when orbital manoevering burns were still in progress. Hopefully they fix this before tonight.

According to Calsky the shuttle should be about 2 mins behind the ISS. So I reckon using Heavens Above's ISS predictions and waiting 2 mins will see you right. Hopefully!

Also, due to air resistance and other factors the elements continually change.

In space? Gets a bit breezy up there sometimes does it?