Learning New Things About The F-15 Launched ASAT Missile
Added 2019-08-07 19:14:35 +0000 UTCI've been doing some research for a story about the only case of a pilot 'shooting down' a satellite and in the process found that I'd misunderstood the launch trajectory for years. The missile had to be launched from a climbing f-15 in close proximity to the satellite's expected track, since the missile can't get to orbital velocity I'd imagined that this was launched from underneath the orbit, and probably facing towards the incoming satellite.
But I wanted to be sure, and I knew that I'd be able to find the answer from the HUD recording, it would include the aircraft's heading, I expected it to be pointed south towards the satellite as it was in a polar orbit and heading north over the pacific when it was intercepted. I'd played around with satellite interceptors in Kerbal space Program and felt easier to get a hit if the interceptor and target had the same orbital plane.
The HUD image instead showed the F-15 was flying with a heading of 285 degrees, and examination of the diagrams depicting the intercept showed the second stage orienting perpendicular to the initial boost direction. So instead of flying head on, the impact was designed to be side on. My expectations from decades ago were wrong, and I think it's important for me to spend the time doing the research so I don't spread mistakes.
I'm not a rocket scientist, but I do make sure I try to research before making any videos these days, the internet is full of people who know better than me and I don't like finding that I've made a big mistake in a video.
