Spin Period
07 Dec 2018 = 21.5 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
08 Dec 2018 = 20.3 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
09 Dec 2018 = 19.6 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
10 Dec 2018 = 19.2 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
11 Dec 2018 = 18.7 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
12 Dec 2018 = 17.9 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
13 Dec 2018 = 17.4 seconds (from averaged panel temperatures)
The spin period of AO-73 has slowed markedly this last week and the Nutation has increased significantly.
This behaviour was predicted in a previous note some weeks back.
The flip at the magnetic poles, Moment Of Inertia plus higher speed.
Valuable data collected from the educational phase.
Thanks to the AMSAT-UK team, it was worth the effort.
Back to Transponder Mode later today.
Interesting weeks ahead.
73 Colin VK5HI.