Just out of curiosity, have any of the command stations tried to open the solar panels to give AO-40 another chance at life? I mean, if the "event" caused some damage to the satellite with the solar panels retracted, what's to say that opening the panels wouldn't possibly provide just enough power to the CPU to get some telemetry flowing (if the commands could be received, and the panels aren't damaged)? What else do we have to lose - she's been off for how many years now without any signs of coming back? If the command stations were to try something, might I suggest announcing a date first so the big stations ( if any are left) can possibly assist in listening for any type of signal?
Just a thought I've had for some time now, and thought this might be an appropriate time / thread to finally say something. 73's ...Larry N1MIW