On Fri, 2009-09-25 at 22:19 -0400, Robert Bruninga wrote: > >> At a SmallSat conference... this summer, > >> I was amused at the casual assumption by > >> a researcher that 50, cubesats could be > >> launched as part of an upper atmosphere > >> project using ham frequencies for the > >> downlinks. > > And wouldnt it be a hoot if everyone of them could put their > RX/TX into a bent-pipe packet mode, and then we would have > amateur radio global hand-held text messaging satellite > system... > > >> (They would have a lifetime of only 3-4 months.) > > But it would be FUN for a while! > > Using some of the 2-way very small micro APRS packet systems, a > 2 to 5 Watt transponder will easily fit on a singl circuit card > in a small cubesat. See www.aprs.org/cubesat-comms.html > > Bob, WB4APR
If you could have maybe five or six cubesats with an FM transponder orbiting in such a way that there was a good 15-minute pass every hour, then I suspect that would work wonders for getting people interested in satellites again. The technical requirements for getting into them would be low enough for "entry-level" amateurs all over the world to have a crack at them - dual-band HT and a homebrew Arrow clone, and you're good to go. Cheap, simple satellites, and cheap, simple ground stations. How many could you fly for the cost of one HEO sat and launch? Gordon MM0YEQ _______________________________________________ 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
