wats@scicom.alphacdc.com (Bruce Watson) (11/05/88)
CNN just reported Aviation Leak has spilled that the Atlantis payload is a surveilance satellite that will cover 80 percent of the USSR. The min launch azimuth for the Cape is 35 degrees for a 57 degree inclination (Spacelab uses this one). Looking at my atlas 57 degrees doesn't seem to cover 80% of the USSR. It looks like 62 degrees would do it. I'll assume a 57 degree orbit and a miidmorning launch time and see if the orbiter will be visible to North America.