[TRACKING] ORP-7 carrier lost after Object 7A survey
LAST CONTACT: 2003-287 03:14:45 UTC · SEARCH STATUS: OPEN
SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS
| System | Last reading | State |
|---|---|---|
| Main bus | 31.8 V | NOMINAL |
| Thermal loop | 284 K | NOMINAL |
| Flight computer | D-88/B | ACTIVE |
| High-gain antenna | < −145 dBm | NO LOCK |
| Survey camera | OBJECT 7A | DOWNLINKED |
| Crew environment | — | NOT FITTED |
FLIGHT ADVISORY 03-287OPEN
Loss of carrier following Object 7A close survey
ORP-7 returned optical and radar measurements of Object 7A, a dark rectangular body measuring 1.0 × 4.0 × 9.0 metres (depth × width × height). No natural-body classification matched the reported geometry. The flight computer then initiated a pre-authorised close survey pass.
“The final navigation frame placed ORP-7 1.8 km from Object 7A. All reported systems remained nominal; the carrier ended 38 seconds after the survey burn.”
TID-04 and partner stations continue acquisition attempts. The public relay contains no frames after 03:14:45 UTC.
— A. Varga, Flight Communications Lead
14.10.2003 / 06:52 AEST