Gordon,
Some of the new players may well be sources of affordable launches. They will be looking to build credibility as a launch provider, and will probably be willing to take payloads on a Good Will basis.
From an American standpoint, most of the new guys are on prohibited lists, and will remain so even
when the new ITAR rules are promulgated. The situation is little better for non-US AMSATs. Iran, and the Norks, are on similar international lists, so it is not just us. In some cases, there are significant penalties for dealing with them, now. Depending on world events, that may be some time in changing. :)
73s,
Alan WA4SCA
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Gordon JC Pearce Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:03 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: High orbit satellites?
On Thu, Aug 29, 2013 at 09:34:41AM -0500, Joe wrote:
Iknow kinda radical, but how about working with one of the radical new guys on the orbital block, Like the Chinese? or in a few years once they get all the bugs worked out, even the North Koreans?
Hey a ride is a ride if they can do it for cheap I don't care.
I said ages ago we should be looking at Iran for inexpensive rides to LEO at least today, maybe HEO tomorrow. They've actually managed to successfully fly a couple of sats, unlike North Korea.