[amsat-bb] Re: 13 Satellite are not amateur satellites

["H. Paul Shuch, N6TX" <n6tx@xxxxxxxxx>]

> Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2006 01:54:28 +0200
> From: "hans" <hans@intekom.co.za>
> Subject: [amsat-bb] 13 Satellite are not amateur satellites
> 
> Hi all
> 
> I have seen some debate on the AMSAT BB following a mail that said that 13
> Amateur satellites are being launched in June.
> 
> These are strictly speaking not amateur satellites but cubesats built by
> Universities in the USA and elsewhere in the world. These satellites will
> operate on amateur frequencies and can  indeed be of interest to radio
> amateurs.

	In all due respect to my good friend Hans, I must disagree with part of 
his statement. Under certain circumstances, a CubeSat CAN AND SHOULD BE 
considered an amateur radio satellite.  If you read the AMSAT mission 
statement on our website, you will note that education is a major part 
of what justifies our existence.  Satellites designed and built by 
students can help us to fulfill that mission.  I remind you all of the 
numerous early OSCARs that were built by students in Melbourne, Surrey, 
Marburg, Weber State, Japan, and elsewhere.  All were true ham 
satellites, even those that only carried beacons.  Of course, AMSAT 
members enjoy QSOs relayed via satellite -- but that's only one aspect 
of amateur satellites.  Another is encouraging the next generation of 
hams/technologists.  With proper guidance from their mentors/advisors 
(most of whom are hams), the students who build the CubeSats can be the 
leaders of that generation.  And with encouragement from you, the AMSAT 
membership, many of them will also become hams, and AMSAT members, and 
staunch supporters.  Considering their efforts worthy to be called 
amateur satellites is an easy way to encourage their progress.  It costs 
AMSAT nothing, and can only benefit amateur radio.
	BTW, OSCAR I would not fit the definition that many today apply to 
amateur satellites.  But it motivated a whole generation of students to 
get involved in amateur radio, and space science.  I know -- I was one 
of them.
	73, Paul N6TX

-- 
Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX
AMSAT Director of Education
n6tx@amsat.org    www.qsl.net/n6tx
Grid Square  FN11lh
----
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