[FPSPACE] Parameters of the Iridium/Kosmos collision wanted

[Erik Tronstad]

Can anyone provide pre-collision orbital parameters for Iridium 33 
and Kosmos 2251? Perigeum, apogeum, inclination and orbital period 
are the parameters I would like to know.

Aviation Week & Space Technology has a diagram on pages 20-21 in the 
Feb. 16, 2009 issue indicating a 90 degrees collision angle. Is this 
approximately correct? AW&ST also reports a relative velocity of 7 
mi/s (ca. 11,2 km/s) immediately prior to the collision. This abides 
well with a 90 degrees collision angle, supposing both objects had an 
orbital velocity around 8 km/s.

Can anyone provide the launch date for the Iridium 33 satellite?

Erik Tronstad