I am pleased that AMSAT-NA is going to move forward with a LEO CubeSat, single channel, analog FM transponder. If successful, it will be immensely popular worldwide. My hope is that it will help usher in a new, improved series of satellites with more advanced payloads. There is great potential in the ranks of AMSAT-NA and groups worldwide to achieve lofty goals. Look at what AMSAT-UK and others have already done in the CubeSat platform. The digital mode capabilities discussed here on the AMSAT-BB are just the tip of the iceberg to where technology can take us.
It's very easy to be a pessimist or a cynic. Very little risk is involved. It doesn't take any cojones to sit in a comfy chair and email snarky comments. If you are optimistic about a project and it fails, your peers may see your actions as a fool. Even worse, people may withdraw their financial support for future missions. Even after great success, the optimist may receive very little praise, especially in this field of voluntary amateur radio service. AMSAT-NA is boldly entering the CubeSat world with the planned satellite series FOX-1. If you haven't noticed, there have been full-page advertisements soliciting volunteers in the AMSAT Journal. There is plenty of opportunity to serve and influence the direction of AMSAT-NA. If we all threaten to leave and stop paying our dues when things don't go our way, what will we ever accomplish? Please take a simple step to support amateur radio in space. Donate to the FOX-1C launch effort. http://www.amsat.org/?p=2957 73 Clayton W5PFG _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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
