I was very sorry to hear of the final Loss of AO-51 (Echo) as it was the Last satellite developed by Amsat-NA and launched in 2005. As I recall much of the work was carried out by Mark Kanawati, Jim White, chuck Green (who accompanied the satellite to the Launch site) and Rick Hambly. My thanks to all. 73 Robin Haighton
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Andrew Glasbrenner Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 2:56 PM To: amsat-bb; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [Advisors] AO-51 end of mission
It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding to commands. The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative. Initial tests with the S band transmitter were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where i f voltages climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard.
The command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friend while illuminated. Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch, command, and operate AO-51. It's 7 year mission has been extraordinary. Please support AMSAT's Fox-1 project, and other AMSAT projects worldwide with your time and money.
For the AO-51 Command Team,
73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations
_______________________________________________ Via the Advisors mailing list at AMSAT.ORG courtesy of AMSAT-NA http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/advisors