I like going round and round in circles as much as the next guy. Now we seem to be getting to the crux of the issue. Perhaps it's just the feeling I get from reading the messages, predominantly from those across the pond from the USA. It seems that the bashing and complaining is mostly directed at AMSAT-NA as if everyone expects the US version of AMSAT to fund, build and launch everything. There is AMSAT-UK, -DL, -Italia, - India, - South Africa, -China (CAMSAT) and Brazil. I'm sure I missed a few. So rather than expect -NA to do it all perhaps those AMSAT organizations not held under the thumb of ITAR ( or maybe that are too ) should band together, like the international partners of the ISS have and build one giant bird for all of us.
John, AG9D
On Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 7:28 PM, Gus 8P6SM 8p6sm@anjo.com wrote:
On 09/24/2012 08:07 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
As it turns out there IS no launch fund for any HEO satellite for me to
contribute to.
Incorrect.
http://www.amsat-dl.org/index.**php/spendendonations-topmenu-**125http://www.amsat-dl.org/index.php/spendendonations-topmenu-125
I've given to AMSAT-NA, -DL, and -UK, and am members of -NA and -UK. I'd be a member of -DL, but my wife gets tired of me asking what this and that means in Deutsch.
73, Drew KO4MA
I will admit, I was speaking about AMSAT-NA specifically, but failed to say so. I have also hesitated to join AMSAT-DL simply because I can't understand the language. I've previously been a member of AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-UK.
I am not averse to rejoining AMSAT-NA (because NA is closer to me than UK) but frankly, I am not convinced that the policies being followed will result in more/better/any satellites that I can actually use. As has been pointed out here very recently, the new AMSAT-NA mission statement does not even mention the word "communications".
-- 73, de Gus 8P6SM The Easternmost Isle ______________________________**_________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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-bbhttp://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb