I use money to acquire things that I don't have the personal skill, tools, contacts, influence, energy, etc. to get any other way. Let's shift gears...
Let's focus on what needs to be accomplished in order to get a "highly elliptical" satellite flying. Ask ourselves, "Item-by-item, step-by-step, "What does it take to put one "up there" and managed?"" Then, ask ourselves, "What do we already have in place or available 'for the asking'?" Once that is identified, we focus on the stuff that is left. We *actively* and publicly solicit help to close that gap by transparently and openly telling everyone what is needed to be successful. Then, the power of "the crowd" kicks in. People will have/have-access-to/know someone and fill in many of the "holes". Whatever remains becomes a targeted public funding campaign with a concrete cost and known outcome.
Hey...this approach worked for AO-40, if you'll remember.
Ev, W2EV
On Monday, July 29, 2019, 11:49:18 AM EDT, Roy Dean via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
What needs to be donated? Technical expertise? Parts? Ground transportation? Meeting rooms? Negotiation skill? Political contacts? Clean room time? Payload space? Everyone always thinks "money". (As much) money isn't needed if "what money buys" is available for negotiation, barter, or "in the store house awaiting donation". What are the top barriers? Inquiringly yours, Ev, W2EV
I think, in this case, the top barrier, by FAR, is MONEY. The ride to geostationary or HEO is the biggest barrier. The way I see it, there are two solutions: Buy a ride, or mooch a ride. So again, it's down to money or some amazing negotiating skills.
Somebody more in tuned with this endeavor will correct me if I'm wrong (and I often am).
--Roy K3RLD _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb