jim@beeson.cc wrote:
I am curious at the thoughts of current satellite users. As I read the AMSAT Journal and see the progress of the Eagle Project, it reminds me of a few years ago when another "do it all" satellite was being planned - AO40. Amateurs are pumping thousands of dollars and time into this project. I remember I followed AO40 with great excitement, not to mention spending a few grand upgrading my station to be ready for this "super bird". And after all the things that went wrong after the launch, I thought - never again.
So my question is basic: why spend all this money and wait years for something that might end up another catastrophe? Why do we have to try and design a bird that does it all? We all know the more complex the bird the more room for failure. Why not just pop out another AO13 - or similar? I can't tell you how many hours of fun I had with RS10/11. And with the way things are in amateur radio now, who knows if there will be anybody even interested in this by the time Echo finally is useable.
We are. It is called Phase 3E.
Just a thought. I would like to hear yours now please.
Jim Beeson WA5QAP
Bob N4HY