I wouldn't call Eagle another AO-40. Eagle has an AO-13-like linear transponder plus a new transponder that will allow the use of smaller ground station antennas. AO-40 attempted to solve the antenna problem by making a higher power 1980-technology linear transponder whose transmitters then failed. Eagle is much more conservative by using linear transponder power levels more similar to AO-13. The new transponder will make use of modern PC technology in the ground station to allow the use of lower RF power levels.
The explosion of the AO-40 rocket engine was due to procedure rather than technology. AO-10 and AO-13 had the same engines. The same human error won't be made again.
73,
John KD6OZH
----- Original Message ----- From: jim@beeson.cc To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2007 18:07 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] Eagle and AO40
I am curious at the thoughts of current satellite users. As I read the AMSAT Journal and see the progress of the Eagle Project, it reminds me of a few years ago when another "do it all" satellite was being planned - AO40. Amateurs are pumping thousands of dollars and time into this project. I remember I followed AO40 with great excitement, not to mention spending a few grand upgrading my station to be ready for this "super bird". And after all the things that went wrong after the launch, I thought - never again.
So my question is basic: why spend all this money and wait years for something that might end up another catastrophe? Why do we have to try and design a bird that does it all? We all know the more complex the bird the more room for failure. Why not just pop out another AO13 - or similar? I can't tell you how many hours of fun I had with RS10/11. And with the way things are in amateur radio now, who knows if there will be anybody even interested in this by the time Echo finally is useable.
Just a thought. I would like to hear yours now please.
Jim Beeson WA5QAP
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