Re: [amsat-bb] where does our money go?

[joseph Murray <k0vty@xxxxxxxx>]

Robert 

A few simple questions, maybe not so simple an answer,  please

AO-13 had each of the main components needed to operate as a Ham
transponder in space
Question # 1
Why was it necessary to build all the new components ? ( not counting the
added capability )
Question # 2
What can't the plans for AO-13 be re constructed .
Question #
Why does it seem that the only way for the next bird is redesign .
I know that we learn as we go and it logical to improve systems .
At funding times like we current seem to have why can't we just fall back
on what we know worked.

Joe  K0VTY
=================================
On Fri, 11 Jul 2003 13:36:25 -0000 "Robert McGwier"
<rwmcgwier@comcast.net> writes:
> Jeff:
> 
> They have external funding we are unable to tap and have
> easier access to the launch authority than we do.  The
> Deutschland government supports several of the principles
> to do the work as part of their every day jobs. AMSAT-DL
> arranged for ALL Phase III bird launches. I would hazard
> a guess, and would even put my $1000 part where my mouth
> is.  If we got a launch, we could do Eagle.  I think if
> we do not get a ride to Molniya on a Russian launch, it
> is not likely to happen.  However, without a transponder
> designer and builder, it pretty much is a moot point.
> Again, if you think you have the skills, or know someone
> with the skills who would love to get in on this hootenanny
> identify yourself or that person (with their permission)
> and someone will beat a path to your (their) door.
> 
> As to the other implication in your question, we (AMSAT-NA)
> have a credibility/perception problem.  People think the
> P3E project and its leaders are more credible would be
> my guess.  But let me shout, that THIS IS ONLY AN
> EDUCATED GUESS to answer your question.  I also believe
> in Field Of Dreams (if you build it. . .) so my opinion
> counts for very little would be my estimation.
> 
> As to redesigning the wheel, no one wants to redesign the
> wheel. Every group, to survive, needs an identity and
> a goal or purpose.  We have chosen two it seems to me:
> To promote the use of space for amateur radio communications
> and education and to BUILD our own thing.  Having been
> a part of the building community here in AMSAT-NA no one
> ever says we do not want to take hand me down plans but it
> is implicit.  There is a natural competition to build
> widgets and to do your own design.  There is no reason
> for us not to borrow useful ideas and indeed we are
> sharing technology with AMSAT-DL.  It is no accident that
> Microsats (including Echo) and UOSAT's are all based on
> the "module is the frame" concept. As an example that
> has already been pointed out here, the very first person
> who ever mentioned the words CAN-BUS to me was Peter
> Guelzow back in 1989! Apparently CAN-BUS is the spacecraft
> bus design for Eagle.  The CPU being considered for
> Eagle is the same CPU that Lyle and people working with
> him are designing for Karl's Mars mission.  It is
> my understanding that a mechanical, electrical,
> etc. satellite design exists for Eagle on paper and if we
> had transponders we could even build it, given the
> money.  Our group needs money and a couple talented
> folks in the RF picture and a launch.  Outside of those
> small details, we could have Eagle tomorrow ;-).
> 
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org [mailto:owner-AMSAT-BB@AMSAT.Org]On
> Behalf Of Jeff Davis
> Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 11:47
> To: Amsat Bulletin Board
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] where does our money go?
> 
> >>>  my crap has been snipped
> 
> Bob,
> 
> You are 100% correct.
> 
> But lost in this discussion is the fact that the membership of 
> AMSAT-DL has not significantly diminished since the demise of AO-13. 
> 
> 
> They are planning P3E which is the kind of bird that half (according 
> 
> to Robin Haighton) of us are asking for. They seem to be confident 
> that 
> they can not only build the spacecraft (transponders and all) but 
> get a 
> ride for it to GTO.
> 
> Perhaps we should be raising funds for P3E or perhaps we could just 
> get 
> the plans from them and build a duplicate for a later launch? 
> 
> Why must every new project begin with redesinging the wheel?
> 
> Why is it that AMSAT-DL thinks they can do something that many here
> don't believe possible?
> 
> Why?
> 
> -- 
> Jeff, Ke9v
> ----
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> ----
> Sent via amsat-bb@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the 
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> 

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