I am very honored that AMSAT had the vision years ago to fly the AMSAT/NASA GPS experiment on AO-40. Another "experiment relating to the radio technique." Without that opportunity, we would not have validated that GPS could be employed above the GPS constellation and beyond GEO. Program managers would not have the confidence to use GPS at GEO and beyond.
Today, by employing GPS on the GEO orbit GOES weather satellites, those living in the Western Hemisphere are benefitting from significantly improved severe weather forecasting (hurricanes, flash floods, wild fire locations, etc). GPS is also employed on four space weather spacecraft flying 50% of the way to the moon. Its use on and around the moon is currently in the works.
And, if you did not know, in 2006, the GPS program modified its specification to ensure this capability would be available for all space users in the future.
What magnificent fruit from one little amateur radio space experiment!! Thanks, AMSAT!! What pathfinders you are!
Can you imagine what the future holds for the experiment below?
73, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
-----Original Message----- From: Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 4:44 PM To: Zach Metzinger zmetzing@pobox.com Cc: Amsat amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Vega rocket (VV16) launch expected 2nd september : 3 Satellites with hamradio payload
AmicalSat's space weather observation is, in my mind, and apparently in the IARU Satellite Advisor's mind, an "experiment relating to the radio technique" which means it meets the definition of amateur. It is important to remember that, while a great many of us got interested in this aspect of the hobby due to the two-way communications aspect, the amateur satellite service is broader. There are certainly satellites up there transmitting on the amateur bands that should not be in our bands, but I believe AmicalSat does fit.
As for the manufacturer of the satellite? While, I don't feel that's relevant. I transmit on the amateur bands all the time with radios built for me by Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft, and Alinco. A satellite is best thought of as simply a piece of amateur station equipment, though one that's a bit more expensive and specialized than a commercial transceiver, and travelling faster and higher.
73,
Paul, N8HM
On Tue, Sep 1, 2020 at 3:47 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
On 09/01/20 14:33, Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL) wrote:
While I agree in part a lot of the telemetry satellites launched using ham freqs don't seem that relevant but in the case of Amicalsat it's highly relevant with it's science payload.
Is "Amicalsat" a satellite manufactured by the for-profit "SatRevolution S.A" company for csug.fr?
https://satrevolution.com/company/careers/
If so, it's even _less_ relevant to the mission of non-profit amateur radio. If the two aren't related, then I'm mistaken.
In any case, it appears to be a space weather satellite to send pictures down to earth. Do they even have an amateur callsign that will be transmitted? This one-way transmission, without much benefit to those outside the project, isn't furthering two-way amateur communications.
I respectfully disagree with you on its relevance in any way to amateur radio.
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