Note that the SM-3 traveled about as far horizontally as it did
vertically to reach USA-193. Does this imply it has sufficient
propulsive oomph to reach significantly higher altitudes than 250 km
if fired on a more vertical trajectory?
++++++++++++++++++++
Data
++++++++++++++++++++
Annotations on DoD video frame showing flame coming from launcher on
Lake Erie but no missile visible as yet. Missile visibly out of
launcher a few frames later. Video apparently shot from an airplane.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhdHkoal31o)
052:03:36:47.36 [Presumably Zulu time on Day 52 of 2008, February 21
2008]
Alt 26463 FT [Aircraft altitude]
N 23 35.30 [Aircraft latitude, apparently degrees and decimal
minutes]
W 163 06.30 [Aircraft longitude]
GSPD 263 KTS [Aircraft ground speed]
HDG 152 [Aircraft heading]
TGT_BR 236.9 [Bearing of target (i.e., the Lake Erie) from the
aircraft]
TGT_EL -20.5 [Target elevation (depression) from the aircraft]
====================
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10272556
Published Sunday | March 2, 2008
Weeks of intense work paved way for StratCom's direct hit
BY TIM ELFRINK
© 2008 OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
[EXCERPT]
Following the missile's telemetry [after launch], the graphic showed
the SM-3 arcing gracefully toward the satellite. A clock ticked down
the approximately 170 seconds from launch to impact.
====================
Satellite orbital elements for about three hours before the intercept
from http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Feb-2008/0441.html:
USA-193
1 29651U 06057A 08052.01700749 .00286558 00000-0 31619-3 0 04
2 29651 58.4796 26.1000 0011038 100.0855 260.1493 16.08904727 04
++++++++++++++++++++
Calculations
++++++++++++++++++++
Range to cruiser from sub-aircraft point = 26,463/tan(20.5) = 70,779
ft = 21,573 meters.
====================
Cruiser is at 21.573 km from 23d 35.30m N, 163d 06.30m W on a bearing
of 236.9 degrees, giving the coordinates of the launch point: 23d 28m
56s N, 163d 16m 56s W (23.4822 N, 163.2822 W) using
http://www.movable-type.co.uk/scripts/latlong.html
====================
Intercept time is approximately 170 seconds after 03:26:47.5Z, or
03:29:37.5 .
====================
From the orbital elements of the satellite and the time of intercept:
Approximate sub-intercept point: 21.15 N, 163.76 W
Intercept altitude: 249 km.