MIR orbit determination using optical observations at Bisei Spaceguard Center

The MIR re-entry brought much concern to Japanese government and public, because its final orbit had been announced to pass over Japanese populated area. We have carried out optical observations of the MIR space station from January 15 to March 11, 2001, when the MIR was visible from our observatory site and obtained enough accurate data for each observation night to determine its orbit. However, our observational capability is limited. It is necessary to develop a more accurate system and an idea is proposed. Using our data and NASA's two-line elements we were able to determine the MIR final re-entry pass with sufficient accuracy and gave these information to the public through mass-media.