Without getting into the issue too much. I would remind the project managers that their constituency (and contributors or potenitial contributors) rely on periodic progress reports on developing satellite projects. This complaint is not new to amsat-bb (we heard it for AO-40), so it should not be news to project managers.
We all realize that the builders and creators are working hard and puting in many volunteer hours, but for the greater satellite community to keep interested and supporting they need to hear what is happening (fairly frequently). That does take some time and effort away from direct project work but is very neccessary for a volunteer run organization.
When looking for news on P3E I can find little on-line that is recent (most dates two years old), or is only in german language (which I do not read/speak). Even if things are at a full standstill the supporting membership is owed an occassional update. That may generate a few "grousing remarks" from a few but that goes with the task.
Amsat Journal does attempt this to a degree, but I think the summary remarks should be given either on Amsat-bb or ANS which is available to all. Regular news tells the general satellite community that the leadership cares about their support.
It would be good if P3E were to share on Amsat-bb or at least post more regular reports to Amsat-DL website. As an Amsat-NA field op I get questions that I am not able to answer...that should not happen very often. Certainly the basic stuff like how are the new satellite projects coming and when can we expect them to be launched.
Since AO-10/13 there has been a long wait for the next full HEO sat. AO-40 did not last long enough and it has been a few years since then! A lot of folks are trying to be patient and need some words to help them keep the faith.
***************************************************** 73, Ed - KL7UW BP40iq, 6m - 3cm 144-EME: FT-847, mgf-1801, 4x-xp20, 185w http://www.kl7uw.com AK VHF-Up Group NA Rep. for DUBUS: dubususa@hotmail.com *****************************************************