The cost of a launch has been a problem since day one of our space program and will remain a problem until there are many paradigm shifts. But the longer it is business as usual, the cost to orbit a satellite will remain high. Not but a few months ago we were celebrating on the blog so many birds being launched and they were - and they are in orbit (in operational).
For all of us now and for everyone in the past that want to communicate with OSCARs it is a long slow path to routine. But if it was routine we would find ourselves taking OSCAR communications for granted just like 20 meters.
Who on the blog has an idea for cheaper launch and think about HEO too?
How about you BJ?
Rich W4BUE
----- Original Message ----- From: "B J" [email protected] To: "M5AKA" [email protected] Cc: "AMSAT BB" [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 8:51 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] New Low-cost Launcher For Satellites
On 7/29/14, M5AKA [email protected] wrote:
It's another company that has yet to demonstrate it can actually achieve successful satellite launches, there must be about half a dozen such companies by now. But I guess there's a good chance some of them may succeed in launching a satellite in the next 5 or so years. The more launch capacity the better.
Getting launches at under $100,000 per kilo is hard which is why even unproven companies can attract interest from sat groups desperate to launch.
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I know of one such company. Its booster is several years behind schedule and has yet to fly. Its launch facility has still under construction, as far as I know. However, I also know of someone looking to put a bird into orbit and it appears that this company will put it there for them. From what I understand, the price offered to that client was, relatively speaking, dirt cheap. I guess someone's desperate for business.
Personally, if I was doing something like that, I'd rather pay a higher cost but know that I'm dealing with a launch service that has a proven track record.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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