Fox-1 Satellite Project Team Completes Preliminary Design Review
The Fox Project completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) over three nights, 24-26 April 2012. Mechanical, RF, control, power, and related issues were reviewed.
The current status was evaluated, and the needed development for various systems was refined. AMSAT Engineering Vice President Tony Monteiro, AA2TX, characterized the review as very productive.
Fox-1 Targets Launch in 2013
Project ELaNa, NASA's "Educational Launch of NanoSat" managed by the Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center, announced on February 10 that the AMSAT Fox-1 cubesat has been selected to join the program. AMSAT is working with NASA in a collaborative agreement where NASA will cover the integration and launch costs. Fox-1 was selected to join the NASA ELaNa program on merit in support of NASA strategic and educational goals.
AMSAT's Fox-1 project timeline is based on targeting a launch in the second half of 2013. NASA will determine on which flight each of the Project ELaNa CubeSats are launched.
Highlights of the Fox-1 design include:
Fox-1 is designed as the immediate replacement for AO-51. Its U/V FM transponder with a VHF downlink will be easier to hear with small antennas.
The same radio equipment used for AO-51 (HT + handheld beam) can be used for Fox-1.
Fox-1 sends telemetry in a sub-audible band on the downlink allowing simultaneous voice contacts with telemetry decode. AMSAT will provide free sound-card PC software.
Includes science experiment using MEMS gyros being developed by Penn State students.
A copy of the annual President's Report from the 2011 AMSAT Symposium and General Meeting is available here. AMSAT Field Day Rules in PDF and MS-Word format.
Updated: 01 May, 12
AMSAT-NA 2012 Board of Directors Nominations Now Open
It is time to submit nominations for the upcoming open seats on the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors. A valid nomination requires either one current Member Society, or five current individual members in good standing, to nominate an AMSAT-NA member for the position.
Three directors have terms expiring this year:
Tom Clark, K3IO
Lou McFadin, W5DID
Gould Smith, WA4SXM
Alternate director seats open for election:
Mark Hammond, N8MH
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK.
The three nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be seated as regular board members with two year terms. The two nominees receiving the next highest number of votes will be seated as alternates for one year.
Written nominations, consisting of names, calls and individual signatures, should be mailed to:
They must be received no later than June 15th. No other action is required.
Nominations may also be made by electronic means including e-mail, FAX, or electronic image of a petition. Electronic petitions should be sent to MARTHA@AMSAT.ORG or faxed to 301-608-3410, and also must be received by June 15th. If using any electronic submission, there is a second, verifying step:
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT THIS SECOND, WRITTEN VERIFICATION ARE NOT VALID UNDER THE EXISTING AMSAT-NA BYLAWS.
A verifying traditional written petition MUST be received at the AMSAT-NA office at the above address within 7 days following the close of nominations.
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The Fox Project completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) over three nights, 24-26 April 2012. Mechanical, RF, control, power, and related issues were reviewed. .jpg)
It is time to submit nominations for the upcoming open seats on the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors. A valid nomination requires either one current Member Society, or five current individual members in good standing, to nominate an AMSAT-NA member for the position.
