Lunar Prospector Status Report #51

October 1, 1998 - 1:00 p.m. EST (10:00 a.m. PST)

The Lunar Prospector spacecraft continues to perform very well.

TThere was one instance this week where the transmitter on command was delayed, causing 17 minutes of data to be lost (DOY 270). This was due to a DSN configuration problem caused by miscommunication between the LP and the DSN controllers. A notice to the stations has been released to prevent future problems.

No other commanding was done this week.

Current spacecraft state (0000 GMT 10/01/98):

Orbit: 3194
Downlink: 3600 bps
Spin Rate: 12.00 rpm

Spin Axis Attitude (ecliptic):
Latitude: 87.1 deg
Longitude: 185 deg

Trajectory:
Periapsis Alt: 79.1 km
Apoapsis Alt: 117.9 km
Period: 118 min

Occultations: 7 minutes
Eclipses: 46 minutes
Propellant Remaining: 27.8 kg