Clint,
AO-51 has been in many ways like a faithful old dog. Almost always there, and one you can trust with the kids. Every now and then it runs off for a few days, starts yapping and bothers the neighbors, or makes a mess on the rug. Still, just when you start to get annoyed, it gives you a big, wet kiss and all is forgiven. Sadly Dog Years and Satellite Years are about the same, and AO-51 is getting along. Others have lived longer, such as SO-50, and of course the magical AO-7, but few have given so much pleasure to so many with such simple equipment. Heck, even the critics have enjoyed grousing about "Gridsats." I know I have. ;)
When we finally lose an old dog, we mourn, but eventually we find a frisky new furry friend whom we learn to love, and eventually regard their quirks with affection, if not exactly delight. So it is with satellites. The Fox Project is getting into high gear, with a laundry list of lessons learned going into the engineering blender. Much like laws and sausage, the process is messy, but out will come a new, challenging satellite. We even have a new Fox PayPal contribution button on the AMSAT Fox page for you to exercise. ;) So lets remember AO-51 with affection, but look forward to the future. There is room there for LEO, MEO, HEO, and GSO.
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Clint Bradford Sent: Friday, May 06, 2011 4:50 PM To: AMSAT BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 Data
... you can't ... shouldn't ... don't go out any buy anything just for
this ...
Heavy sigh.
It's just that this has been such a good friend ...
Guess I picked the wrong week to stop drinking Pina Coladas.
Long live AO-51. I have a 67 degree elevation pass coming up in 30 mins ...
Clint, K6LCS _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb