Satgen 442 No Ariane502 for P3D by GM4IHJ (BID SGEN442) 13Sep 97 As expected, the need for structural strengthening to the Phase 3D satellite, to meet the recently revised launch criteria for Ariane 502, has proved to be a task too far, for Amsats valiant builders, given the very short period of time allowed. So for the time being, it is wait and see whether we can get a later launch for Phase 3D. Meanwhile Amsat operations continue. We have no shortage at the moment of other satelites, ready for anyone to use , what ever their preference - Anlog SSB/CW, Digital , and Remoter Imaging. But where do we go from here? We will soon need replacement Low Earth orbit Analog birds for both beginners and the devotees of HF/VHF satellite DX. We also need something in a higher orbit , featuring Analog SSB/CW , when as it eventually must Oscar Ten fades away for good. It is at times like these that the French Arsene project comes back to mind. It had everything in relatively simple form, plus high altitude = good DX potential. Unfortunately it failed after a few hours in orbit. It would be very useful to have it now. Is it possible that this type of satellite might be available for launch from somewhere other than overtaxed Amsat DL and NA. Presumably the plans and circuit diagrams still exist together with the construction schedule. With an Arsene high altitude near equatorial orbiter, the launch opportunities might be more numerous that the more sophisticated requirements posed by geostationary , geosynchronous or Molniya type orbits. For we certainly need a long range analog SSB/CW bird for the next decade. In the past Oscar 10 and Oscar 13 have rarely if ever been optimum for southern hemisphere stations. So perhaps someone other than Amsats DL and NA who have provided all the high altitude birds up until now, could consider building something simple, robust and cheap for Amsat near future. Yes it is possible that Amsat Phase 3D will eventually get a launch with its truly fascinating array of something for almost every band and every mode , on board. But simply keeping Phase 3D ready for launch , will be expensive. So we must be careful that we do not aim too high in respect of other possibilities, and finish up getting nothing at all. Meanwhile, lets all give a large vote of thanks to all those who have worked so hard to get Phase 3D ready. The phrase " Circumstances beyond our control " seems most appropriate at this time. The next few months will be difficult ones for Amsat, and are likely to test the strength of the organisation severely . But survivors of that ghastly day in May 1980 when Phase 3A dropped into the Atlantic , will be aware that we have survived worse crises than this present one.