As a long-time member of AMSAT-NA starting with AO-6, I can agree with the point that I hope the existing projects maintain their momentum toward launch. Both P3E and Eagle should be seen into orbit according to their project schedule, whether or not P4 happens.

They should be seen as the fulfillment of the mission since OSCAR-1. Certainly, they will offer a great resource to the world's amateur satellite community. P5A is a German government funded project (as I understand it) and is a great opportunity to extend the amateur satellite experience off-world into interplanetary space. Already many hams are building (DSN) receivers and antennas that are successfully copying government space probes out beyond the local earth orbit. P5A will present a big challenge to us satellite users that may eventually become a practical lesson for establishing amateur radio on or near the Moon or beyond.

Ultimately, P4 offers a major asset to ham radio, and I hope it also comes into full existence. Each mission offers its unique benefits that do not detract from the whole. Small Cubesats (and other Leos) will probably be continued best built by the Universities and other organizations that can secure launch space. We need to support each as much as we are able, since in the end these all are benefiting ham radio in some degree or manner.

This is a big vision! Certainly, we need to keep project management(s) on course for each. AMSAT members and the satellite community at large should continue to overview the directions they go. After all we are the ultimate users for much of the missions. I hope we are major supporters, as well. That can take many forms, and I will not bore you by listing them.

Best wishes for the future of Satellite Ham Radio...its looking good!

73 Ed - KL7UW AMSAT Field Op in Alaska member #3212

At 04:36 AM 12/11/2007, John Marranca, Jr wrote:

Drew:

Point taken. I have seen it on the AMSAT-DL website. One can only wonder why.

As a VP of AMSAT-NA, what are your feelings about it? I'm not trying to be a trouble-maker. I'm sure any of these projects has valuable technical merit. It just seems as though a satellite organization would place an emphasis on building satellites to communicate.

If I offended you, I apologize whole-heartedly.

John KB2HSH

-- _______________________________

John Marranca, Jr PBX Technician/Shop Steward CWA Local 1122 BN Systems, Inc Orchard Park, NY (716)972-2006 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

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