[amsat-bb] CubeSat Microthrusters in Sat Magazine
The September issue of the free publication Sat Magazine features an article on CubeSat Microthrusters - page 38 MIT Developed “Microthrusters” Could Empower Small Sats http://www.satmagazine.com/2012/SM_Sept2012.pdf 73 Trevor M5AKA The AMSAT-UK Colloquium takes place Sept. 15-16 in Guildford, England. Representatives from AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-SA will be giving presentations. See http://www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve ___ 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
[amsat-bb] looking for documentation for ISS-school contact
I am preparing an presentation for school contact EU#280, which will take place in November at a school in Basel, Switzerland. A few years ago, I saw a movie, which shows the development of the ISS since the first days. It consists of drawings only - not pictures - and shows the progress of the space station in several steps - it is very informative and would make a good topic in my presentation. Can somebody understand my description and point me to the source ? Thanks ! Werner, HB9BNK ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: looking for documentation for ISS-school contact
Was it an animated assembly series like this one? http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htm From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Werner, HB9BNK [hb9...@uska.ch] Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 6:21 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] looking for documentation for ISS-school contact I am preparing an presentation for school contact EU#280, which will take place in November at a school in Basel, Switzerland. A few years ago, I saw a movie, which shows the development of the ISS since the first days. It consists of drawings only - not pictures - and shows the progress of the space station in several steps - it is very informative and would make a good topic in my presentation. Can somebody understand my description and point me to the source ? Thanks ! Werner, HB9BNK ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
You are right here, it was AO-10 that was damaged by the collision. I didn't remember that AO-40 had an engine issue but that explains quite a bit. It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now that the space shuttle missions are finished but it's just an idea. Maybe when the next generation of "Space Shuttles" come on line (yeah, right) we'll have that opportunity again. Kevin From: Greg Dolkas [mailto:ko6th.g...@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 10:27 PM To: Kevin Muenzler Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! Hi Kevin, Two comments... 1. I belive it was AO-10 that was damaged by a collision with the launch vehicle. AO-40 had a problem with it's on-board rocket motor, which exploded shortly after it's first burn, taking a good bit of the satellite with it. Only through an extraordinary effort by the command team did they get what was left working again. Amazing bird (and amazing command team!). 2. ISS assembly is an interesting idea, but I have a really hard time believing you'd get anything resembling a rocket motor to be shipped up to the ISS. That would comdemn the bird to be in a low and short-lived orbit. Unless they could convince the Russians to turn the Progress around and fire the retro engines the other way to RAISE it's orbit instead of trashing it into the planet? Bolt our sat to the side. Sort of a SuitSat on steroids? Wonder how high it could go? But, keep the ideas coming. Greg KO6TH On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 3:40 PM, Kevin Muenzler wrote: In my opinion (it's worth every penny you just paid for it) if they are going to create a new super sophisticated "Phase III Part Deux" it should perhaps be taken to the ISS in pieces, assembled there and blown into a long-period orbit. But then that's just my opinion. If I remember correctly AO-40 was damaged by a collision with the launch vehicle shortly after separation. Of course a new generation of easy-sats that can be worked using a J-pole setup would be nice too. Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE Grid EL09uf Eagle Creek Observatory http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org I can melt ice with my mind, it just takes a few minutes. -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Prof. Arnaldo Coro Antich Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 5:21 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! Just read a posting about a possible replacement for the ill fated super sophisticated over-engineered ultra complex AO40 satellite. My perception is that any attempt to create a New Generation Molnya Orbit Satellite must undergo a very serious and comprehensive engineering research , in order to keep it within an area of simplicity that will make possible a much higher degree of reliability. No, it is not a call for an ultra simple parrot satellite, or a medium level of sophistication... what I am proposing is to achieve a consensus on how to keep the new satellite within engineering performance parameters that will help to keep costs down, increase the MTBF ( Mean Time Between Failures ) of its equipment, and also to achieve a high degree of operational control so that it can be kept working for a long time. In the meantime, until an AO40 Molnya satellite may be designed and funds can be found to build it and then obtain a piggy back ride on a launch... it would be nice to try to assemble one or more satellites that could follow the very effective and practical designs of the RS10, RS12 and RS 15... If such satellites are built they will certainly be most welcome at a worldwide scale, especially now that heliophysicists ( i.e. solar scientists ) are almost sure that the present solar cycle and the one following are going to bring monthly sunspot averages not seen in more than a century !!! Maybe this posting could start a very productive thread on the AMSAT.BB amigos !!! It would be nice to hear opinions and points of view from all around the world on this topic 73 and DX Prof. Arnaldo Coro Antich ( AKA Arnie Coro ) Emergency Coordinator IARU Region II Area C Host of Dxers Unlimited radio hobby program Radio Havana Cuba ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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/ams
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
That would explain an explosion. Those things don't just "burn off." From: R Oler [mailto:orbit...@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 6:35 PM To: ke...@eaglecreekobservatory.org; Amsat BB Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! Kevin. AO-40 was damaged not by a collision with the launch vehicle...but by the ground crew leaving a "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" tag and plug in the propulstion system and the engine not working well in that config. WB5MZO Robert > From: ke...@eaglecreekobservatory.org > To: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2012 17:40:16 -0500 > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! > > In my opinion (it's worth every penny you just paid for it) if they are > going to create a new super sophisticated "Phase III Part Deux" it should > perhaps be taken to the ISS in pieces, assembled there and blown into a > long-period orbit. But then that's just my opinion. If I remember > correctly AO-40 was damaged by a collision with the launch vehicle shortly > after separation. Of course a new generation of easy-sats that can be > worked using a J-pole setup would be nice too. > > Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE > Grid EL09uf > Eagle Creek Observatory > http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org > I can melt ice with my mind, it just takes a few minutes. > > > -Original Message- > From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On > Behalf Of Prof. Arnaldo Coro Antich > Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 5:21 PM > To: amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! > > Just read a posting about a possible replacement for the ill fated super > sophisticated over-engineered ultra complex AO40 satellite. > My perception is that any attempt to create a New Generation Molnya Orbit > Satellite must undergo a very serious and comprehensive engineering research > , in order to keep it within an area of simplicity that will make possible a > much higher degree of reliability. > No, it is not a call for an ultra simple parrot satellite, or a medium level > of sophistication... > what I am proposing is to achieve a consensus on how to keep the new > satellite within engineering performance parameters that will help to keep > costs down, increase the MTBF ( Mean Time Between Failures ) of its > equipment, and also to achieve a high degree of operational control so that > it can be kept working for a long time. > In the meantime, until an AO40 Molnya satellite may be designed and funds > can be found to build it and then obtain a piggy back ride on a launch... it > would be nice to try to assemble one or more satellites that could follow > the very effective and practical designs of the RS10, RS12 and RS 15... > If such satellites are built they will certainly be most welcome at a > worldwide scale, especially now that heliophysicists ( i.e. solar scientists > ) are almost sure that the present solar cycle and the one following are > going to bring monthly sunspot averages not seen in more than a century !!! > Maybe this posting could start a very productive thread on the AMSAT.BB > amigos !!! > It would be nice to hear opinions and points of view from all around the > world on this topic > 73 and DX > Prof. Arnaldo Coro Antich ( AKA Arnie Coro ) Emergency Coordinator IARU > Region II Area C Host of Dxers Unlimited radio hobby program Radio Havana > Cuba ___ > 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 > > ___ > 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
On 9/5/2012 8:57 AM, Kevin Muenzler wrote: On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 3:40 PM, Kevin Muenzler wrote: In my opinion (it's worth every penny you just paid for it) if they are going to create a new super sophisticated "Phase III Part Deux" it should perhaps be taken to the ISS in pieces, assembled there and blown into a long-period orbit. But then that's just my opinion. If I remember correctly AO-40 was damaged by a collision with the launch vehicle shortly after separation. Of course a new generation of easy-sats that can be worked using a J-pole setup would be nice too. Keep in mind that astronaut time is a very precious commodity, particularly astronaut EVA time. I seriously doubt you'd ever get buy-in by the authorities to have the astronauts devote any of their precious EVA time to assembling an amateur satellite in orbit. Furthermore, I'm not sure of the benefit of on-orbit assembly, unless you believed that you could break down the satellite into such small pieces that they could go along for a "free ride" whenever astronauts or cargo were being sent up. Even AO-40 would have fit into the cargo bay of the (now, sadly, grounded) shuttles, although its nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and monomethylhydrazine fuel would never have allowed it to fly on a manned shuttle. Granted, it is easier to get a ride for a 1U cubesat than another AO-40, and the best way to get a ride to orbit is to make the hardware as small and light as possible. But other than shrinking the bird, I don't think that it's so much a problem of re-engineering a whole new satellite design. The design of AO-40 was incredibly good. The design failure was in the step-by-step commissioning process that left a fuel port cap in place prior to launch which then led to the explosion that crippled the bird. People bemoan how "over-engineered" and how "excessively complex" AO-40 was, but it was precisely that complexity and over-engineering that allowed us to get any use out of the bird after the explosion. Getting a ride to a satisfactory orbit is far and away the biggest obstacle. Now I'll get onto my soapbox for a few moments. I do not understand why we keep pouring our limited resources into single-channel FM satellites. Even a cubesat is capable of carrying a linear transponder, and even if it is put into a LEO, it has to be more useful than an FM transponder in the same orbit. Since the big issue is getting a ride to orbit, why not send up the most capable satellite that we can within the constraints of the allowable package size and weight? I mean, in the worst case, if we launched a linear transponder and "everyone" complained that it was too hard to work it, it could still be operated as a single-channel FM transponder if you allowed people to transmit in FM, much as it would break my heart to allow it. You would not have lost anything by sending up the linear transponder. Make every launch count for as much as possible. Getting off my soapbox now. My thanks go out to all the folks working behind the scenes to try their darndest to get us new launch opportunities and to get new flight hardware built and ready to go in case a launch opportunity is found. The AMSAT BOD and staff and volunteers put a remarkable amount of effort into this stuff, and seldom get the acknowledgement that they deserve, since major breakthroughs like the launch of an AO-40 are prevented by forces outside of their control. Which just means that they are working all the harder, *NOT* that they are slackers. And don't get me wrong, I think that cubesats are a good thing, particularly if they are truly educational (teach us how to build better, smaller satellites), and especially if they are able to someday solve the problem of sufficiently safe and effective on-board propulsion to achieve higher orbits. But please, try and put the best possible RF hardware on them when they go up! (Sorry for the short jump back onto the soapbox there!) 73 de W0JT AMSAT-NA Life Member ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO 40 replacement status
At 04:38 PM 9/4/2012 -0500, John Becker wrote: OK I have got to ask what is the status? Seems to be the best kept secret. John, W0JAB I've given a lot of thought to this over the years, and I would be a lot more active if we had a new HEO up there, and I also think it would boost Amsat memberships worldwide. BUT... To have a new HEO is going to take a worldwide effort, just like it was with all the past HEO's. No one single Amsat organization has the resources to do it on its own, and we're not going to be able to work internationally again on a new HEO until something is done about ITAR. KB7ADL ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
--- On Wed, 5/9/12, Kevin Muenzler wrote: > It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now > that the space shuttle missions are finished I doubt it was ever feasible, if I understand it correctly there are even issues with shipping rechargable batteries up there let alone a rocket. Also with regards to ISS bear in mind buying astronauts time to do anything would cost a fortune. They are employed by their respective organizations to work up there. Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I wonder could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
I can understand that! What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been launched -- from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more shuttles...Mr. Obama gave them all away. :( -Original Message- From: Trevor . [mailto:m5...@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 10:48 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org; Kevin Muenzler Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! --- On Wed, 5/9/12, Kevin Muenzler wrote: > It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now > that the space shuttle missions are finished I doubt it was ever feasible, if I understand it correctly there are even issues with shipping rechargable batteries up there let alone a rocket. Also with regards to ISS bear in mind buying astronauts time to do anything would cost a fortune. They are employed by their respective organizations to work up there. Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I wonder could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? 73 Trevor M5AKA ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
How would it be assembled on ISS? You would have to build it on the ground, document every step, take it apart and rebuild it to be sure the assembly documentation is correct and then ship it up bit by bit. Meanwhile each crew trains quite awhile on their respective increments aboard before they launch. So, you would have to hope you train the right crew to assemble it which means your upmass bits and pieces would have to make every launch they are scheduled for. Being a ham radio satellite what do you think the priority is should something more pressing come along? There goes your trained crew, remember the broken antenna on ARISSat-1? The crew that deployed it was not the crew that had been trained on the ground for that deployment. Assembly of anything even remotely close to AO-40 aboard ISS is unrealistic. The best chance of getting a so called replacement for AO40 is to find a way to complete and launch P3D which is sitting on the ground in Germany. Maybe they'd like to disassemble it, document it and work shipping it to ISS via ESA? John - AG9D On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM, Trevor . wrote: > --- On Wed, 5/9/12, Kevin Muenzler > wrote: > > It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now > > that the space shuttle missions are finished > > I doubt it was ever feasible, if I understand it correctly there are even > issues with shipping rechargable batteries up there let alone a rocket. > > Also with regards to ISS bear in mind buying astronauts time to do > anything would cost a fortune. They are employed by their respective > organizations to work up there. > > Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, > fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I wonder > could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > > > ___ > 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 > ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
I am resigned to the fact we will in all probability never see another AO-40 (sobsob) unless one of us wins the lottery. We would call it the LRD bird (if I won). As far as putting one together on the ISS, we would have to send a "real" ham to the ISS., to put it together. Remember they busted a antenna on the last one. The best chance is from our DL friends with the AO-10/13 type frame. Untill then we will have to be content with what we have and when we have it. We can play around with interesting propulsion systems etc. I realize we have smart people in high places within various organizations, and trusting them is necessary. Finally if a HEO is ever on the horizon (pun intended), they will come in droves. 73 Bob W7LRD - Original Message - From: "John Spasojevich" To: "Trevor ." Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 9:40:09 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! How would it be assembled on ISS? You would have to build it on the ground, document every step, take it apart and rebuild it to be sure the assembly documentation is correct and then ship it up bit by bit. Meanwhile each crew trains quite awhile on their respective increments aboard before they launch. So, you would have to hope you train the right crew to assemble it which means your upmass bits and pieces would have to make every launch they are scheduled for. Being a ham radio satellite what do you think the priority is should something more pressing come along? There goes your trained crew, remember the broken antenna on ARISSat-1? The crew that deployed it was not the crew that had been trained on the ground for that deployment. Assembly of anything even remotely close to AO-40 aboard ISS is unrealistic. The best chance of getting a so called replacement for AO40 is to find a way to complete and launch P3D which is sitting on the ground in Germany. Maybe they'd like to disassemble it, document it and work shipping it to ISS via ESA? John - AG9D On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM, Trevor . wrote: > --- On Wed, 5/9/12, Kevin Muenzler > wrote: > > It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now > > that the space shuttle missions are finished > > I doubt it was ever feasible, if I understand it correctly there are even > issues with shipping rechargable batteries up there let alone a rocket. > > Also with regards to ISS bear in mind buying astronauts time to do > anything would cost a fortune. They are employed by their respective > organizations to work up there. > > Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, > fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I wonder > could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? > > 73 Trevor M5AKA > > > ___ > 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 > ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
I was watching a video a few weeks ago (YouTube I think) about putting
cube-sats ("triple-cube") in geosynchronous orbit using ion power. They
would be launched to the ISS, unpacked and released during an EVA. They
would slowly spiral out over several months to a permanent orbit. I'll see
if I can find it again and post it here.
Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE
Grid-EL09uf
Eagle Creek Observatory
http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org
I'd be unstoppable if it weren't for law enforcement and physics
-Original Message-
From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Bob- W7LRD
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 12:37 PM
To: John Spasojevich
Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
I am resigned to the fact we will in all probability never see another AO-40
(sobsob) unless one of us wins the lottery. We would call it the LRD bird
(if I won). As far as putting one together on the ISS, we would have to send
a "real" ham to the ISS., to put it together. Remember they busted a antenna
on the last one. The best chance is from our DL friends with the AO-10/13
type frame. Untill then we will have to be content with what we have and
when we have it. We can play around with interesting propulsion systems etc.
I realize we have smart people in high places within various organizations,
and trusting them is necessary. Finally if a HEO is ever on the horizon (pun
intended), they will come in droves.
73 Bob W7LRD
- Original Message -
From: "John Spasojevich"
To: "Trevor ."
Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 9:40:09 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
How would it be assembled on ISS? You would have to build it on the ground,
document every step, take it apart and rebuild it to be sure the assembly
documentation is correct and then ship it up bit by bit. Meanwhile each crew
trains quite awhile on their respective increments aboard before they
launch. So, you would have to hope you train the right crew to assemble it
which means your upmass bits and pieces would have to make every launch they
are scheduled for. Being a ham radio satellite what do you think the
priority is should something more pressing come along? There goes your
trained crew, remember the broken antenna on ARISSat-1? The crew that
deployed it was not the crew that had been trained on the ground for that
deployment. Assembly of anything even remotely close to AO-40 aboard ISS is
unrealistic. The best chance of getting a so called replacement for
AO40 is to find a way to complete and launch P3D which is sitting on the
ground in Germany. Maybe they'd like to disassemble it, document it and work
shipping it to ISS via ESA?
John - AG9D
On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM, Trevor . wrote:
> --- On Wed, 5/9/12, Kevin Muenzler
> wrote:
> > It would be difficult to get some sort of rocket aboard the ISS now
> > that the space shuttle missions are finished
>
> I doubt it was ever feasible, if I understand it correctly there are
> even issues with shipping rechargable batteries up there let alone a
rocket.
>
> Also with regards to ISS bear in mind buying astronauts time to do
> anything would cost a fortune. They are employed by their respective
> organizations to work up there.
>
> Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion,
> fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I
> wonder could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ?
>
> 73 Trevor M5AKA
>
>
> ___
> 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
>
___
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
___
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Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
___
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Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
On 05/09/12 16:48, Trevor . wrote: Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I wonder could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? As a first-order approximation, my HB9CV is just about 260mm between elements, or a little shorter than a 3U cubesat. So it seems to me that you could make a two-element "tape measure" beam with the elements wrapped around the can at opposite ends and ensure it always points driven end downwards. The rest is just standard pyro to unwrap the aerial elements. -- Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
At 12:37 PM 9/5/2012, you wrote: >I am resigned to the fact we will in all probability never see another AO-40 >(sobsob) And the reason your thinking that is? ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
On 05/09/12 19:38, John Becker wrote: At 12:37 PM 9/5/2012, you wrote: I am resigned to the fact we will in all probability never see another AO-40 (sobsob) And the reason your thinking that is? Cost, most likely. None of the "developed" nations have an experimental space programme where we can squeeze a big heavy satellite into a vehicle and hitch-hike to high-Earth orbit any more. If you want to have so much as a *chance* of getting stuff to HEO, get onto some of the developing countries and see what you can do for their space programme. Iran is probably a good bet. -- Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
On Wed, Sep 05, 2012 at 07:35:22PM +0100, Gordon JC Pearce wrote: > On 05/09/12 16:48, Trevor . wrote: > > >Getting CubeSat's to MEO or HEO will depend on developing propulsion, > >fold-out solar panels, and even CubeSat directional antennas - I > >wonder could a 2m 2 ele Yagi be incorporated into a 3U CubeSat ? > > As a first-order approximation, my HB9CV is just about 260mm between > elements, or a little shorter than a 3U cubesat. So it seems to me that > you could make a two-element "tape measure" beam with the elements > wrapped around the can at opposite ends and ensure it always points > driven end downwards. The rest is just standard pyro to unwrap the > aerial elements. Piece of wire driven by some electricity works well enough. No need for big pyro explosions. > > -- > Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ > ___ > 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 Diane Bruce VA3DB -- - d...@freebsd.org d...@db.net http://www.db.net/~db Nowadays tar can compress using yesterdays latest technologies! ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!!
On 05/09/12 17:15, Kevin Muenzler wrote: What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been launched -- from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more shuttles...Mr. Obama gave them all away. :( Much as I love the Space Shuttles, they were long overdue for their final voyage to the mixed metals yard. There is absolutely no reason why NASA is wasting time and money on routine flights to the ISS - it's a delivery, get DHL to do it. Maybe they can spend some money on a more suitable delivery vehicle, instead of patching together the spacegoing equivalent of a rusty 1981 Ford Transit. -- Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ ___ 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
[amsat-bb] AO-40 Replacement
>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:15:35 -0500 >From: "Kevin Muenzler" >To: >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! >Message-ID: <003101cd8b81$ae8e3610$0baaa230$@org> >I can understand that! >What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been launched -- >from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more >shuttles...Mr. Obama gave them all >away. :( --- Hello, Nothing like an AO-40 discussion to liven up the mail list. Not to get into politics, but the above statement is incorrect. Jan. 14, 2004, President Bush gave a speech on America's new vision for space exploration, In part he said... "...The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to help finish assembly of the International Space Station. In 2010, the Space Shuttle -- after nearly 30 years of duty -- will be retired from service..." The shuttle last flight was July 8,2011, after the current administration approved the flight of STS-135, using the last flight ready SRB's and external tank. Transcript of the speech can be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf 73 Armando, N8IGJ ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement
Reading on a bit in that transcript... "Our second goal is to develop and test a new spacecraft, the crew exploration vehicle, by 2008, and to conduct the first manned mission no later than 2014. The crew exploration vehicle will be capable of ferrying astronauts and scientists to the space station after the shuttle is retired. But the main purpose of this spacecraft will be to carry astronauts beyond our orbit to other worlds. This will be the first spacecraft of its kind since the Apollo command module. Our third goal is to return to the moon by 2020, as the launching point for missions beyond." So where do we stand on those goals, and to whom is credit/blame placed? This is almost fun ;) Mark N8MH On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 4:49 PM, Armando Mercado wrote: >>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:15:35 -0500 >>From: "Kevin Muenzler" >>To: >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! >>Message-ID: <003101cd8b81$ae8e3610$0baaa230$@org> > > >>I can understand that! > >>What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been launched -- >>from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more >shuttles...Mr. Obama gave them all >>away. :( > > --- > > > Hello, > > Nothing like an AO-40 discussion to liven up the mail list. > Not to get into politics, but the above statement is incorrect. > > Jan. 14, 2004, President Bush gave a speech on America's new vision for space > exploration, In part he said... > > "...The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to help > finish > assembly of the International Space Station. In 2010, the Space Shuttle -- > after > nearly 30 years of duty -- will be retired from service..." > > The shuttle last flight was July 8,2011, after the current administration > approved the > flight of STS-135, using the last flight ready SRB's and external tank. > > Transcript of the speech can be found at: > > http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf > > 73 Armando, N8IGJ > > > ___ > 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 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement
...it was a joke... -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Armando Mercado Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 3:50 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-40 Replacement >Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:15:35 -0500 >From: "Kevin Muenzler" >To: >Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! >Message-ID: <003101cd8b81$ae8e3610$0baaa230$@org> >I can understand that! >What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been >launched -- from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more >shuttles...Mr. >Obama gave them all away. :( --- Hello, Nothing like an AO-40 discussion to liven up the mail list. Not to get into politics, but the above statement is incorrect. Jan. 14, 2004, President Bush gave a speech on America's new vision for space exploration, In part he said... "...The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to help finish assembly of the International Space Station. In 2010, the Space Shuttle -- after nearly 30 years of duty -- will be retired from service..." The shuttle last flight was July 8,2011, after the current administration approved the flight of STS-135, using the last flight ready SRB's and external tank. Transcript of the speech can be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf 73 Armando, N8IGJ ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement
Can you imagine a 34/94 repeater on the moon? Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE Grid EL09uf Eagle Creek Observatory http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org I have not yet begun to procrastinate! -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 4:02 PM To: Armando Mercado Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement Reading on a bit in that transcript... "Our second goal is to develop and test a new spacecraft, the crew exploration vehicle, by 2008, and to conduct the first manned mission no later than 2014. The crew exploration vehicle will be capable of ferrying astronauts and scientists to the space station after the shuttle is retired. But the main purpose of this spacecraft will be to carry astronauts beyond our orbit to other worlds. This will be the first spacecraft of its kind since the Apollo command module. Our third goal is to return to the moon by 2020, as the launching point for missions beyond." So where do we stand on those goals, and to whom is credit/blame placed? This is almost fun ;) Mark N8MH On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 4:49 PM, Armando Mercado wrote: >>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:15:35 -0500 >>From: "Kevin Muenzler" >>To: >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! >>Message-ID: <003101cd8b81$ae8e3610$0baaa230$@org> > > >>I can understand that! > >>What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been >>launched -- from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more >shuttles...Mr. >>Obama gave them all away. :( > > --- > > > Hello, > > Nothing like an AO-40 discussion to liven up the mail list. > Not to get into politics, but the above statement is incorrect. > > Jan. 14, 2004, President Bush gave a speech on America's new vision > for space exploration, In part he said... > > "...The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to > help finish assembly of the International Space Station. In 2010, the > Space Shuttle -- after nearly 30 years of duty -- will be retired from service..." > > The shuttle last flight was July 8,2011, after the current > administration approved the flight of STS-135, using the last flight ready SRB's and external tank. > > Transcript of the speech can be found at: > > http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf > > 73 Armando, N8IGJ > > > ___ > 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 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement
You would definitely want a PL tone. :) 73s, Alan WA4SCA -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Muenzler Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 5:05 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement Can you imagine a 34/94 repeater on the moon? Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE Grid EL09uf Eagle Creek Observatory http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org I have not yet begun to procrastinate! -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Mark L. Hammond Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 4:02 PM To: Armando Mercado Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-40 Replacement Reading on a bit in that transcript... "Our second goal is to develop and test a new spacecraft, the crew exploration vehicle, by 2008, and to conduct the first manned mission no later than 2014. The crew exploration vehicle will be capable of ferrying astronauts and scientists to the space station after the shuttle is retired. But the main purpose of this spacecraft will be to carry astronauts beyond our orbit to other worlds. This will be the first spacecraft of its kind since the Apollo command module. Our third goal is to return to the moon by 2020, as the launching point for missions beyond." So where do we stand on those goals, and to whom is credit/blame placed? This is almost fun ;) Mark N8MH On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 4:49 PM, Armando Mercado wrote: >>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:15:35 -0500 >>From: "Kevin Muenzler" >>To: >>Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO40 replacement !!! >>Message-ID: <003101cd8b81$ae8e3610$0baaa230$@org> > > >>I can understand that! > >>What I meant was that it could be launched as so many have been >>launched -- from the shuttle cargo bay. But, no more >shuttles...Mr. >>Obama gave them all away. :( > > --- > > > Hello, > > Nothing like an AO-40 discussion to liven up the mail list. > Not to get into politics, but the above statement is incorrect. > > Jan. 14, 2004, President Bush gave a speech on America's new vision > for space exploration, In part he said... > > "...The Shuttle's chief purpose over the next several years will be to > help finish assembly of the International Space Station. In 2010, the > Space Shuttle -- after nearly 30 years of duty -- will be retired from service..." > > The shuttle last flight was July 8,2011, after the current > administration approved the flight of STS-135, using the last flight ready SRB's and external tank. > > Transcript of the speech can be found at: > > http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/54868main_bush_trans.pdf > > 73 Armando, N8IGJ > > > ___ > 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 -- Mark L. Hammond [N8MH] ___ 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 ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Sept. VHF Contest - EM35
Hi All, Our contest group is heading out to Mt. Nebo, AR (EM35) tomorrow morning to work the Sept. VHF contest, or as we like to call it, "the Mt. Nebo eating contest with a little ham radio." I will be using our contest call NE5BO from Thursday evening until Monday morning. I only plan to work the FM birds, but have taken over one of the TS-2000 radios and the beam antenna's for an SSB contact in the past. If you want to work this grid, you can contact me by email on my cell phone. wa4...@gmail.com We don't have wifi on the mountain. Also, if we work and you need a card, just email me and I will get it in the mail next week, no card needed from you. Also, we would appreciate any contacts during the contest. 73, Rick WA4NVM ___ 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
[amsat-bb] KL7AA BP51 operational
Happy to report the Anchorage ARC's Earth Station at BP51be is operational. The M2 VHF/UHF antennas are on a Glen Martin tower with non-penetrating roof mount and pads. The Yaesu G-5500 az/el is driven by a ST-2 Sat Tracker by various Software including SatPC32. The main rig in use is the ICOM IC-910H with a MicroHAM MK2 interface. Next to be integrated is a KPC3+. This station is available to members of the club and guests. We will also participate with the genso.org project. www.kl7aa.net -- Rich Gillin - *AL4S* 907.884.1404 skype/ooVoo: rich.gillin ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Kennedy Space Center Visit
Does anyone have any further details on the visit to the Kennedy Space Center planned for the Monday following the Symposium? Martha is away for the holiday and unavailable. I'm trying to make plans for that weekend and am trying to figure out whether it's at all practical to try to pick a late return flight on Monday. I'd like to take the tour, but I currently have only half the vacation time that I had in my last two jobs. I'd rather not have to spend an extra day traveling (and the extra hotel night and meals). Even knowing that the bus will (probably) be back to the hotel at 6, that just doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for the logistics of retrieving baggage left at the hotel and then taking a shuttle to the airport, getting checked in and through airport security in a comfortable time. Larry K8MU ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Fwd: [CubeSat] NASA RFI for CubeSat Launch Requirements
Hi, I'm forwarding this note for encouraging input and generating wider interest. Samudra N3RDX George Washington University samu...@gwu.edu -- Forwarded message -- From: Jeremy Straub Date: Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM Subject: [CubeSat] NASA RFI for CubeSat Launch Requirements To: cube...@cubesat.org Cc: larry.p.coo...@nasa.gov Hi All, NASA is currently soliciting input regarding the launch services needs of the CubeSat/small satellite community. This was discussed briefly at a presentation at the end of the Small Sat Conference. As I had not seen anything about this go out to this mailing list, I wanted to make sure that everyone that might be interested had an opportunity to respond. Given the stated topic of the presentation and the fact that it occurred as the conference was wrapping up (after lunch on the last day), many of those that might have otherwise been interested were not in attendance. The RFI (which is located at the URL below), Dr. Larry Cooper (Program Executive for Centennial Challenges) mentioned, will be utilized to shape future competitions aimed at creating lower-cost, higher-frequency CubeSat launch opportunities (including, possibly, propulsion-system-friendly ones). Given this, it seems that maximizing community input (to ensure a proper balance with launch service provider/vendor needs/etc.) is highly desirable. http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/sol.cgi?acqid=153002#Other%2001 Thanks, Jeremy Straub Ph.D. Student University of North Dakota ___ CubeSat mailing list cube...@cubesat.org http://lists.cubesat.org/mailman/listinfo/cubesat ___ 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
[amsat-bb] HamsatDroid - Choices
Hi, To keep all the HSD users in the loop I'm looking at what the basic / paid release should be so that we can get the better navigation / API functions. The problem occurs when it comes to phone v tablet For phone, Android v2.3.3 is recommended For tablet, Android v4.0.3 (or v4.1) to get the richness especially with the release of the Nexus 7. I'm tempted by the 4.0.3 for the paid version and upgrade from 1.5 to 2.3.3 for the base version. What do you think? replies here or hamsatdr...@g4dpz.me.uk 73 - Dave, G4DPZ ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: satellite activity and future sats...
Despite my callsign, I am a relatively new hamand I am very, very new to the birds. I'm also new to the reflector, so please forgive any naïvete I exhibit. I wonder if what you're seeing is a generational shift, or at least a shift in the direction by which new hams are finding their way into the hobby (and the skills and interests they bring to the table), because there are plenty of new hams out there. Many of the new hams I've run into have either gotten involved in the hobby for emcomm purposes, or at least found emcomm early on their path (the latter is true for me). Some of them expand on from emcomm as they are introduced to other aspects of the hobby. I fell into satellite work by starting out playing with APRS and Winlink-over-packet. Then I learned about the ISS digipeater...and I realized that the challenge of trying to complete a contact during an 8-minute pass is kind of fun, and didn't require any equipment that I didn't already have. Then at Field Day, I got to see a demonstration of working AO-27. That looked like fun, so I got an Elk, plugged it into my spare HT, and a few minutes later heard an XE station calling as SO-50 rose above the horizon. That was cool, even if the neighbors think I looked nuts standing in the driveway, juggling an antenna, mic, and voice recorder, with an HT over-filling a shirt pocket. I suspect that a sizeable proportion of the new ham population would be considered "appliance operators", or at least they assemble and operate their stations with more of a hacker's mentality, rather than following the classic homebrew path. Personally, my fabrication skills suck, but I love finding new ways to use/abuse computers and equipment that I find. Building a tape-measure beam is certainly within my skillset, but building a complete setup of satellite antennas, with az/el rotor...it wouldn't be impossible for me, but I'd need a really strong incentive to do so (and even then, I'd probably keep an eye out, looking to see if I could buy, rather than build). When I look through what I'd need to do to be able to move beyond AO-27, SO-50, and the ISS...it seems like a lot of work (or expense), without too many opportunities to enjoy the effort. I'll probably do it someday, assuming the satellites are still operational, but there are plenty of items that are on my "to try" list that have a better ratio of (probable fun):(erg of effort or dollar of expense). Also, I trust you're aware of what transceivers are on the market. While shack-in-the-boxes are not uncommon, there are only a couple of rigs being sold new that look really good for non-FM satellite work, neither of which really mesh well into the other-interests/budget decision-making process. I dislike the TS-2000 for various reasons, and the IC-9100 is a lot of money for the limited additional utility I'd get out of it. My starter rig was an IC-7000, which does have VHF and UHF sideband, but it's full-duplex machine, and working uplink-and-downlink doppler adjustments on it is a pain. I think other entry-level VHF/UHF sideband capable rigs are similarly challenged. I occasionally look around to see what's available usedbut here too the "how much will I have to spend, and what additional fun will I get out of it" factor comes into play. I'm sure the major manufacturers (or even some not-so-major manufacturers) would put new gear on the market if there were demand...but where's the demand? Add in the other complications at my location (an inconveniently-placed hill, lots of trees, an XYL who has opinions about aesthetics), and I percieve a big hurdle to move beyond the FM birds. So; why do I mention all this? First, count me among the "they" in "build it and they will come". None of my station challenges are insurmountable; I just haven't had enough motivation to tackle those challenges. Get a few more satellites up and have activity on them, or put up something in a molniya orbit, and my motivation level will increase significantly. I suspect other potentially interested folks have similar views. Second, consider the learning curve some of us new guys face, especially those of us who (for better or worse) don't have the homebrew skills that were more common in the past. There's plenty of simple, accessible information available for getting initiated into working the FM birds, but from the outside graduating to other satellite work seems daunting.Or, when building "it", consider what equipment is commonly available these days for "them" to come with. Perhaps this, in addition to the economics, is influencing the direction being set for future birds. Third, has someone considered putting together (as an example) a "VO-52 for dummies" set of videos for online consumption; something that would show the assembly of a minimally-suitable station, and working the satellite? I'd love to be proven wrong about how much I'd need to do to be able to work the linear birds. I plan
[amsat-bb] Thursday 9/6 from BL02 - late addition
Aloha, Due to a change in schedule I will be able to operate on two passes on Thursday. Sorry for the late notice. Thursday 9/6/12 FO-29 2215-2220Z 12:15-12:20 HAST AO-27 2225-2232Z 12:25-12:32 HAST 73's - Tom Tom Deeble - KA6SIP Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club Membership Chairman ka6...@aol.com PACIFICON - ARRL National Convention Oct 12-14 ___ 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
