Keep in mind that it’s not just the $10-$15 million estimated launch cost that is an obstacle. A molniya orbit passes through the GPS belt altitude and potentially through both the protected LEO and GEO altitudes depending on perigee/apogee of the orbit. A future HEO will need an orbital debris mitigation plan acceptable to the government the satellite is licensed by.

73,

Paul, N8HM

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 19:08 Nicholas Mahr KE8AKW via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:

Hi Greg, That is hard to say exactly for sure as it actually has not been done yet. Maybe somebody else out there knows? I do know AO-10/13 was around 140kg at launch with fuel and is 90kg without fuel. So it would be significantly less as the fuel does weigh a lot (50kg?). Also a quick search shows that a 400N motor weights around 9.5 pounds, so minus that.Unfortunately that launch opportunity for the direct launch to a Molniya type orbit was scrapped. Hopefully AMSAT find some sort of a affordable launch opportunity for it here soon in the up coming years. It is difficult enough now a days just to get a 1-2kg cubesat into LEO unfortunately.

73 - Nick KE8AKW _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb