Quoting Robert McGwier rwmcgwier@gmail.com:
Howard:
Thank you very much for this. This is inspirational to say the least and it has me wanting to make a suggestion. I think everyone understands the impact this has on the kids. But they are so rehearsed
and nervous typically that they stand at ATTENTION, etc. Don't get me wrong. They are very excited and the after reviews are universally positive.
However, if want wants to see the impact in the raw, we could use a camera or two looking at the family and friends and peers of these kids.
I have seen people almost jump out of their clothes and parents literally break down and cry at the excitement or joy they feel. Anyone
who ever goes to one of these and cannot see, hear, feel, almost taste the emotional impact this is having on the audience, is without senses and a heart. I would rather the voted out of office in AMSAT rather than ever fail to support the continuation of this program.
Many do not realize just how small the cadre of solid volunteers are available to the AMSAT's of the world. If we inspire one or two people
at each of these to get interested and a few of them come back later to
help us, it is a huge deal. This is an investment, we can and will, no
MUST make.
73's Bob N4HY
It might be added that a similar amount of excitement can be generated and felt when an informed group of students are able to acquire the signal from one of our satellites. I think we should be preparing, individually and collectively, for the educational opportunity of SuitSat2, which I believe is planned for a Feb. 'launch'. SuitSat2 is especially exciting because it showcases and provides a test platform for amateur work which is truly cutting-edge and will be integrated into our next generation of HEO's.
Perhaps some of us could collaborate on a set of PowerPoint slides that set the scene. For the gr. 5-8 group that I've been presenting to, I think the story of the last SuitSat is a good starting place: that a world-wide team of amateurs like us saved its b(e)acon by being able to receive and decode a mW-level signal; that this time they've tricked 'Mr. Smith' out with a solar panel and a transponder. Additionally, perhaps those closer to the SDX effort could make a set of slides regarding it that would be of use to people making presentations at clubs or in universities. KA3HDO's slides at http://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/Presentations/Dayton%20Hamvention/Dayton%20... are a good introduction.
This time of year is ideal for contacting school administrators and teachers about doing such an in-class presentation. They are back in the saddle and excited about making the up-coming year as engaging and interesting as possible.
73, Bruce VE9QRP