Phase III
Phase III is the AMSAT jargon for satellites intended for high
altitude, elliptical orbits (Molniya type). This includes the ill-fated
Phase IIIA,
AO-10
(P3B),
AO-13
(P3C), and the planned (for 1995 or 1996) P3D, for which funds are currently
being raised by
AMSAT
(via individual contributions). Phase II birds are in the low-earth-orbit
class (
AO-6,
AO-7,
AO-8).
Phase 4 may be a geosynchronous satellite.
The default satellite in WinOrbit is the original Phase III in its
transfer orbit, with elements as published in Tom Clark's original article. To
see a real satellite, you'll have to
Open
a 2-line or kep data file, and choose a satellite from the list.
Detailed information is also available about many real
satellites