AMSAT is not a production service, it is a platform for experimentation. Several amateur satellites support or will support S-band operation. I have been with the program long enough (OSCAR III) to have heard the screams about abandoning mode A then mode J. There were lots of arguments against going to S-band, and now the voices are saying please do not abandon S-band. Well S-band is not being abandoned. The proposed new satellite will be pushing us to explore 5.6 GHz. I look forward to the challenge and will still continue to monitor the UHF, L-band, and S-band transmissions from AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-DL, and whoever else has the foresight, volunteers, and resources to orbit these exciting satellites. I vote with my donations (far above and beyond subscriptions), and I have donated to many birds, including Eagle.
John WA4WDL #10211