What most HEO users never fully realized (including me) was that they were the recipients of charity. Now that launches are commercial operations, the AMSATs have to pay the same as everyone else and HEOs are vastly more expensive than LEOs. The energy requirements are much larger and you can't just use a surplus SS-18 as a launch vehicle.
73,
John KD6OZH
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Tondee" mat_62@netcommander.com To: "Jim Danehy" jdanehy@cinci.rr.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 22:34 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AMSAT NA
It's been going on since I got here a couple of years ago Jim. For sure, everyone is anxious to see an HEO launched but some people feel the need to get online and constantly whine about why we don't have one. I think there are a few folks on here that need to get a dictionary and look up the word "volunteer". People better start to realize that there are no guarantees. I would say that at the current rate of apparent progress that the AMSAT NA mission statement looks all wet. Prospects don't seem to be much better on P3E either. What good will it do to have a fully built satellite without the funds to launch it? I just try to enjoy what we've got up there and hope for the best in the future. In the end that's all we can really do isn't it? All the whining in the world and the backhanded comments about AO-51 and the other FM sats aren't going to get the HEO birds up there any faster. 73, Michael W4HIJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Danehy" jdanehy@cinci.rr.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 4:27 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT NA
I have been off the satellites for 25 years. I just spent a bunch of money for antennas and rotors to get back on. After listening to all of the belly aching I wonder if I should join AMSAT (again). Maybe I should try EME . . . . the moon will be there long after I am gone. I have listened on AO 7 and VO 52 to test my 2 mtr yagis. I should be QRV soon. Belly aching just looks bad even if it is warranted. I am not sure if it accomplishes much other than venting for the vanquished. Human nature ugh. Lighten up folks.
Jim W9VNE Cincinnati, Ohio em79
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