Hi all, I have followed this thread and "we" seem to have the same scenario in common. We were spoiled with the HEO birds of the past. The LEO birds are fun and have their place and fill a void we feel. Others enjoy LEO's just fine and they are certainly entertaining to the Ham community in themselves. I don't believe that AMSAT has abandoned any thought and engineering towards an HEO or MEO bird. We have inherited the present monetary and financial situations in assembly and "launching" of future birds. If you read past editorials about our future, it might seem grim, however, the talks that are behind the scenes and agreements that are being hammered out could lead to a fruitful experience for AMSAT. Reading these posts, beginning with W7LRD, it sure is positive that he feels the way most of us do that on a continuing basis in supporting AMSAT providing a presence in the Amateur Radio Community as the catalyst for providing satellites to be launched as opportunities arise. This is not something to be taken lightly. ITAR has restricted us inconveniently in the Ham community since hams have always shared thoughts on construction techniques and designs in radios since Ham frequencies have stirred with QSO's. I have attended many Symposiums and had discussions with all the major players and they need us to support them with both financial and volunteer efforts to let them know what directions we want them to take with this organization. Somehow, if you remember, we forget this VOLUNTEER organization (one paid staff, Martha) has provided this hobby with many years of satellite activity & adventures. It has only happened with excited members doing all sorts of things to assist with assembling and funding satellites. The thoughts jotted down by these threads, again, seem to ring familiar with our group. Those that have volunteered recently and in the past, need to keep hamsats alive by representing our thoughts as we are presently doing and realize the hierarchy of AMSAT "IS" listening and hears us as efforts in the directions we want it to go are alive and well. 73, Dee, NB2F AMSAT Co-ordinator (NJ) Please renew your membership, have your club join, or send in your membership application now!