Description of satellite information after the name
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The so-called "line 0" contains the name, dimensions, estimated standard
magnitude, and Radar Cross Section in the following format:

Columns
01-14  Name
17-20  Length, m  (1)
22-25  Width, m   (2)
27-30  Depth, m
31-35  Standard magnitude (at 1000 km range, and 50% illuminated) (3)
37-37  Standard magnitude source flag
39-42  Radar Cross Section value (4)

(1) If width and depth are zero, then the object is a sphere, and the
    length is its diameter. Objects with unknown dimensions have been
    assumed to be spherical, and a value of diameter has been
    "guesstimated".

(2) If depth is zero, then the object is a cylinder, and width is its
    diameter.

(3) The standard magnitude may be an estimate based on the mean cross-
    sectional area derived from its dimensions, or it may be a mean
    value derived from visual observations. The former are denoted by a
    letter "d" in column 37; the latter by a "v". To estimate the
    magnitude at other ranges and illuminations, use the following formula:

    mag = stdmag - 15.75 + 2.5 * log10 (range * range / fracil)

    where : stdmag = standard magnitude as defined above

            range = distance from observer to satellite, km

            fracil = fraction of satellite illuminated,
                     [ 0 <= fracil <= 1 ]

(4) The Radar Cross Section is a median value derived from the last several
    years of values in the Satellite Situation Report.  For classified objects
    or newly-launched objects or objects without a value or with a clearly
    erroneous value in the SSR, I have chosen a value.  The units of the
    RCS are square meters.

Ted Molczan, Sept. 23, 1996
Mike McCants, Jan. 9, 1999, June 7, 2004