I realize this is still very early in the dreaming stage but it would be nice to start seeing some realistic proposals soon. How about starting with a blank worksheet that outlines the desirements and requirements. This would give folks some specifics to address.
*LUNAR System* Modulation type: Mode: Power source: Lunar transmitter (type, output power and band): Lunar TX antenna (type and gain): Lunar receiver (type and band): Lunar RX antenna (type and gain): Lunar controller (type and capability):
Delivery deadline for flight certified hardware to be launched: Length of time the system is expected to operate: Periods that the system is expected to be available for use:
Once you have some general ideas as to what the items are then you will have a good idea of the total weight, size and what it will cost to buy, build and certify for spaceflight. It would also be nice to know what sort of station equipment would be needed to use this lunar system.
*EARTH Station* Description of minimal Earth station capable of operation through above mentioned lunar system: Transmitter (type, output power and band): TX antenna (type and gain): Receiver (type and band): RX antenna (type and gain): Antenna tracking system:
The above should allow for a realistic guess at the number of users willing to and capable of operating through the system.
Kenneth ________________________________________ From: [email protected] [[email protected]] On Behalf Of MM [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 8:14 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Moon can cost less than HEO/GEO
High orbit launch prices
It is hard to find exact values for the price per kilo to a geo-stationery orbit. I did find a few old numbers on the web suggesting that around the year 2000 prices were approximately 25,000 to 35,000 USD per kilo. I can only assume it will cost more today’s 2009 dollars. If we were to build our own Geo-stationary satellite and were able to keep the weight down to the same weight of AO-40 (244 kilos), that would only cost us $8.5 USD million in launching fees (plus inflation). That is not including the cost of the satellite. A ballpark Geo-stationary amateur radio satellite and launching fees would be in the 20-40 million-dollar range per satellite (SWAG).
If you have an extra 40 million kicking around then go ahead and build us a Geo satellite. Or if you work at Huges and can talk them into attaching a Micro Satellite to the next geo satellite for Free great, go for it.
I can’t afford that and I do not know anyone at Huges, so I am looking into the piggyback options. Let some other company pay the big bucks for the flight and navigation and just tag along for the ride.
In this case NASA wants to send Un-manned Landers to the Moon. All we need to do is convince them to let us attached a 1-2 kilo micro-satellite to the moon lander and use some of their power and antennas, etc.
Just look at the Huge Savings $$$ No navigation system (we have never had much luck at building our own rocket motors (AO-10- damaged satellite, AO-13 Miss fired and caused a premature reentry and AO-40 Kaboom)
No command and control RF links (just command between the Microsat and existing command and control system)
NASA will pay for the rocket (we hope)
Assuming a good landing, there will not be any need for periodic orbital changes.
It’s true that our resources for building new satellites are very limited. I believe that Putting the effort into building a Moon qualified micro satellite seems to be the most economical path to take. And will provide the greatest return on our investment.
Sincerely
Miles WF1F MarexMG.org
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