Hi All,
Just a quick update about the SSETI GTO satellite project.
It is still on track for a launch from Kourou in Nov 2008.
The planned AMSAT-UK U/S linear transponder is still on the manifest. (We do not have any opportunity to change from this frequency selection)
The transponder is expected to have: an approx 50kHz bandwidth 10 watts of RF output Selectable DSP/SDX and analogue signal paths a 400bps beacon linear antennas with not much more than zero gain
The satellite may not have good, long term, attitude control therefore: the antennas are being designed to work well even if the satellite is tumbling the link budget is not as good as AO40 was nor as P3E will be:( circular polarisation of ground segment antennas will be needed.
Before we operate the system as an amateur transponder, it will be used as the initial main communications package for the reception of telecommands to, and for the transmission of telemetry and mission data from, the satellite - so it is quite important for the whole project:)
The Preliminary Design Review will be completed during next month and an engineering model of the satellite should be under construction early next year. Hopefully this process will be visible using the same webcam system as we were able to engineer during the SSETI Express construction.
The website http://www.sseti.net/ has lots of info about the SSETI program(me). Click on "missions" and ESEO for more details about their plans for their GTO satellite.
A full report on the SSETI Express launch last year, the SSETI ESEO project with the DSP transponder, and their SSETI ESMO (moon orbiter!) project will be provided at the upcoming AMSAT-NA Symposium.
73
Graham G3VZV