Re: [amsat-bb] Special Bulletin ANS-063.02 BOD Meeting

[John Rice <k9ij@xxxxxxx>]

At 19:12 3/7/01 -0600, Estes Wayne-W10191 wrote:
>David Tipton wrote:
>
>Did I read that correctly to say they are going to try and put one in GEO
>orbit?  Or merely place in Geo Transfer orbit?
>
>Wayne replies:
>
>They said Geo Transfer orbit.  I interpret that to mean NO propulsion 
>system on the satellite.  I think that's a good thing for several reasons:
>
>1. The satellite is much cheaper without propulsion.
>2. The satellite can be built much faster without propulsion.
>3. The satellite is much lighter, so there are more launch opportunities.
>4. The project is more likely to achieve its intended goals.  AMSAT has a 
>one in three success rate with propulsion systems (AO-10 malfunctioned, 
>AO-13 was okay, AO-40 malfunctioned).  Propulsion is the most costly but 
>least reliable part of our Phase3 satellites.
>
>I would like to see the Board of Directors' decision clarified.  Does the 
>proposed 100 kg satellite have any propulsion?  My guess is no, and I 
>think it's a good decision.  Learning from the Phase 3D project, we can 
>expect a better "payback" if we pursue multiple projects with simpler 
>objectives.


It's discussed in depth in the current issue of Amsat Journal, which 
arrived here this week.

John - K9IJ


-

k9ij@vx5.com
Webmaster, Network Admin, Janitor
http://www.suhfars.org


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