As reported by a number of users, the transponder on AO73/FUNcube-1 appears to be being affected by its many months in continuous sunlight. The transponder is presently not working as intended and will therefore not be activated again for the time being.

We believe that the problem has occurred due to the higher than anticipated on-board temperatures. We anticipate that the situation may be resolved when the spacecraft starts to experience eclipses again at the end of April.

The spacecraft will therefore remain in education mode until that time with the usual high-power telemetry downlink active.

In addition to the telemetry, Fitter messages also remain available. Any schools or colleges that would like to have their message transmitted from space should contact operations@funcube.org.uk mailto:operations@funcube.org.uk with their request, giving at least two weeks’ notice.

73

Graham G3VZV