China’s Tiangong-1 due to crash and burn on April 1st
Tiangong-1, a Chinese space lab could plummet back to earth as early as Saturday, authorities say, in a fiery end to one of the country’s highest profile space projects.
The 40-foot long Tiangong-1 or “Heavenly Palace,” is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere between March 31 and April 1, according to the latest update from the European Space Agency.
The China Manned Space Engineering Office places the date of reentry a little later, between April 1 and April 2. Earlier estimates put the date as late as April 4. (CNN)
Ed. You can follow the final moments of Tiangong-1, a bus sized abandoned space station, on www.space.com and www.n2yo.com.
Earth Day special event day approaches
Our 6th annual Earth Day special event operation is approaching quickly. This year the event will be on Saturday, April 21st. Operation will be on HF and Ken Osicki, K8OAE will be tracking satellites communications. This event gives PRC members a wonderful opportunity to communicate with fellow hams and renew our mutual appreciation for our wonderful planet. be operating entirely on power from the sun.
At our Monday, April 2nd meeting we’ll discuss all the basics of our operation including gear, antennas and more. We’ve been confronted with some major changes from our past events, including our station location and availability of solar panel. Please plan to be on hand to contribute your ideas.
Have a wonderful Easter holiday.
Hal Rogers, K8CMD President, Communications Director