Finally, a truism that probably bears repeating, though not addressing the two comments quoted above: if we call cubesats 'not amateur radio', then we should tar OSCAR 1 with that same brush.
73, Bruce VE9QRP _______________________________________________ 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-bb
Bruce...that is really not fair.
Oscar 1 (and 2) were "first time" for a lot of things and had at their heart the goal of building amateur radio communications platforms...that is why Oscar "X" (I think that is what they call it...a repeat of Oscar 1 and 2) was shelved in favor of Oscar III a communications platform.
Both Oscar 1 and II lasted until their batteries ran out...indeed I think Number 1 lasted until it decayed..Oscar V tested communications technology from spacecraft stabilization to command systems etc. and it lasted until its batteries ran out
.that is far longer sat life then most of the cubesats have. which mostly have nothing to do with amateur radio
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