That can't be quite right. A gain antenna can be put on the moon but its half power beam width will be limited by libration. If we put a 2.401 GHz dish on the thing we could easily stay inside the HPBW and likely not need much power for a decent signal into a small dish on the earth.
The problem is what to do with the things in the dark when it is truly cold and similarly hot when in the sun.
I suggest no battery and nearly as dumb as a rock linear transponder. It probably isn't an earth satellite so it doesn't need much in the way of control.
Interesting to say the least.
Bob On Jun 1, 2012 8:05 PM, "Daniel Schultz" n8fgv@usa.net wrote:
Keep in mind that any ham radio transponder on the moon will not be an "easy sat". You will need an EME class station to work it.
If we build a lunar transponder, we can expect to see many, many postings on Amsat-BB about how Amsat only cares about elite hams and is not interested in building satellites for the common ham.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be fun to have a transponder on the moon, and we in the USA might even be able to help you build it if they get ITAR fixed in time, but we better put on the flame proof trousers when we announce the project to the masses.
Dan Schultz N8FGV
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