Satgen 3 Strange Satellites on 435.974 MHz - Since early March 89 and possibly for some time before that,at least 3 satellites in highly inclined low earth near circular orbits have used this frequency, thereby qrming Oscar 13 JL. Two of the satellites are on almost continuously. One has an orbit period of about 101 minutes , the other one orbits in 105 minutes. The 3rd satellites is on much less often and has only been heard recently on the morning orbits on 27th April and 3rd May. Its orbit period is not clear. So 2 of these satellites are now predictable, and by using their unmodulated carrier signals , it has been possible to carry out several examinations of the Polar Auroral Front to the north of UK, using differential doppler techniques. Unfortunately the last couple of weeks have been " magnetically tame ", however sooner or later we should get a good big Aurora and it will be interesting to see what results these birds produce with a magnetically disturded Polar Front. Salyut/Mir. Evening Salyut orbits passing south and west of Capetown are producing excellent sub horizon propagation to UK of Salyut/cosmos 1686's 19.955 MHz beacon. All signals are very auroral inspite of the magnetic quiet reported in the paragraph above. Mir is settled in its high parking orbit now the Cosmonauts have left. It is being interrogated by ground command on nearly every orbit near the USSR, and it can be heard replying with noisy data signals on 166.122 MHZ. 73 de GM4IHJ 4th May 89.