In a message dated 25/09/2009 22:10:17 GMT Standard Time, m5...@yahoo.co.uk writes:
Hi Bill, You're right, the potential is there for a 3U CubeSat that can achieve an apogee > 1400 km. We'd need 1U of that to house the linear transponder but as you say the rest could be used for the propulsion system. As yet, as far as I'm aware, no-one has actually demonstrated a working propulsion mechanism that can fit in 2U but I'm convinced this is possible. The launch costs for a 3U CubeSat into 700 km LEO are well within the reach of the Amateur community, our challenge is to develop a means of raising the apogee. 73 Trevor M5AKA Hi Trevor. There is a propulsion system being developed for cubesats using a hydrazine mono propellant that uses catalytic decomposition to produce a large volume of hot gaseous products. If initial claimed results can be repeated in production, then that unit can be propelled from typical LEO up to 1400km circular or 2000km eliptical. It's based on a 3U structure. It's not MEO, but its a lot more fun than 500km David G0MRF _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
