Quote:
Originally Posted by citivolus
Some good info here:
It speculates a significantly lower mass for the satellite than given elsewhere.
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Thanks for this. Clearly the satellite must not be classified as stated,
Though others Ie.
http://space.skyrocket.de/index_fram...at/nrol-21.htm
"
NROL 21 is the cover-name for one-off classified satellite. Although nothing is known about the mission, the orbit hints for an experimental radar reconnaisance satellite."
The plot thickens, the satellite in the site you give is a drawing of a deployed solar array, but the statement in the site you give says;
"
Soon after launch John Locker in the UK reported that the NROL-21 satellite failed within hours of its launch and the solar arrays never deployed."
Yet at;
http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/...8-fia-vick.htm
"The rectangular bus box does appear to be covered with solar arrays and the spacecraft does appear to be darker than would be expected except for the down link dish rack and un-deployed hardware. At least they did not deploy properly thus the reports of the general power failure. That is at least my present impression based on the interpretation of the low resolution spacecraft imagery. To a degree I am speculating here based on low resolution ground based imagery and what we can gather from its appearance. I would have to say once I saw this imagery the common FIA bus idea vanished from my present thinking."
This is the most cryptic double speak I've read for a while...
Frankly with all this spin here - anything could be the truth...
Just hope it doesn't fall in my backyard !