FUSE Observer's Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of orbit was FUSE be placed into?
  FUSE is in a nearly circular orbit roughly 760 km (475 miles) above the earth's surface. The orbit is inclined 25 degrees with respect to the equator and it will take FUSE about 100 minutes to go around once. See the FUSE Orbital Elements page for details.

• Where is FUSE right now?
  We calculate FUSE's position in orbit using ground tracking data provided by NORAD (which actually tracks all kinds of stuff up there!). Each week we get a new set of "orbital elements" that allow us to predict FUSE's position and calculate when we will be able to contact the satellite from the available ground stations.

  You can see where FUSE is right now, too! Check out the Heavens Above Satellite Predictions page, which will calculate FUSE's current position in its track around the earth and show you a graphic of it's position.

• How do I propose to observe with FUSE?
  You're too late for cycle 1! Proposals for the first year of observing have now been selected. However, there will be further opportunities, beginning in the fall of 1999. The FUSE Guest Investigator (GI) program is overseen by the NASA Project Scientist, Dr. George Sonneborn, at NASA/GSFC. The FUSE GI Web site at NASA/GSFC has further information.

For more Q & A, see Cool Info about the FUSE satellite!

Last changed: July 23, 1999.