Hello all,
This "moon" thread has prompted some interesting thoughts. Perhaps some of you might like to channel that talk into action.
I chair the AMSAT Engineering Task Force (ETF), of which Drew Glasbrenner is a member. He has already noted the need for volunteers. I'm going to comment on one of the current ETF tasks that can use your support.
For the past two years we have defined the satellite features we should have for a HEO (high earth orbit) launch opportunity. We stand prepared to embark on that project "IF" the funds (more than $8 million) are made available to us. Well folks - we're no closer to landing $8 mil plus today then we were two years ago. The situation is no different then the financial problems facing the P3E project.
So, the revised Mission Vision resulting from the October 2008 Board meeting tasked us to prepare a strategy to get us ready for "ANY LAUNCH" opportunity that we uncover(yes - that includes LEOs). Our satellite sub-system module development program is making good progress to meet that object.
That said - we are starting to define the "features" we'd like to see on our next "realistic and attainable" satellite project. Assuming it could be a LEO launch, possibly a 1X to 3X CubeSat style satellite, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON BOARD, by way of communication, science experiments, etc.
Let's see how creative you can be, but let's temper our desires with realism.
Send me your list (off line preferably). I'll sort the responses and report back to the -bb, and the Board, with what you folks are thinking about. If there is an aspect of satellite design or a project you're keen on doing, let me know that too. If your a students with an idea that didn't make it on you're school's CubeSat project or the project is going too slow for you - I'd like to hear from you too.
I know we keep trying to get your inputs and make you part of the solution and it usually doesn't succeed. Will this solicitation be any different??
Regards...Bill - N6GHz
Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
Why don't AMSAT folks do a business/grant/ plan and go after seed money, with the goal of collecting the $20 million. It's just sitting there, from Google, waiting for geniuses like we already have to go after it. No free money; just available to those who want it bad enough.
So what's stopping you?
Seriously folks, AMSAT is not some big monolith that you send all your prayers to and wait for them to happen. We are AMSAT. If you feel strongly about a project, put together a plan and a team and bring it to the BOD prepared to describe how you are going to accomplish it. The problem is AMSAT is chronically short of those who want to really help. We have three empty officer positions. We only had enough BOD candidates to fill the seats available and the alternate. We have a list in every Journal of jobs we need help with, but very few have stepped forward to actually help. We need folks with skills in:
Marketing Sales Software Engineering Hardware Engineering PC Based Software Design Web design and maintenance Project Management Documentation Hardware Testing Software Testing Hardware Prototyping Specific Area Web site information maintenance Video Recording, digital conversion and editing Writing Technical or Instructional Material Educational Activities Promoting AMSAT as an Area Coordinator
...and whatever else you think might help.
See Page 19 of the last AMSAT Journal. If you don't get the Journal, join AMSAT so you can have a say in what we do by whom you elect to the BOD. Arguing about it on the internet is one thing, but doing something about it takes another level of commitment.
73, Drew KO4MA
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