Hi all, A very interesting set of exchanges indeed.
I nearly fell out of my chair--and not because of old age--reading some of Rick's comments, viz. Amsat will move ahead with Eagle IF WE SO DESIRE! Wow. There has been a very significant change in direction that we have not been informed of. My understanding has been that Phase 4 (Intelsat) would be pursued in tamdem with Eagle. This is much more than a change in tone.
Please tell us directly: Has the Board made the judgment that Eagle can't be done because of a lack of affordable launch opportunities?
If that is the case, it's a great shame, but we'll have to accept it. The development work apparently can be exploited for Phase 4.
Given a choice between Eagle and Phase 4, my vote would go to Eagle. But, again, please tell us directly: Has the Board made the judgment that it is highly unlikely we will have both? If that is the case, then the Board should spell out the likely costs of each, both development and launch costs, and also spell out their current reading regarding the likelihood that each can be launched, and WHEN. With that information, the members could inform the Board of their opinions.
A firm decision should be made, and, from the sound of some of the exchanges here, made soon. We need more information than we have if we are to advise the Board of our choices.
73, Tony, N2UN, LM-183