Okay, usually I don't comment on the hot topics on AMSAT-BB. I prefer to comment on the technical questions and issues. Maybe work has me feeling feisty this morning, so here it comes :)
Why not a HEO? I can think of about 15 million reasons...that's a reference to money, if you didn't catch it.
A good debate can be enjoyable. I'm okay if the outcome is that we disagree as topics are discussed. But regarding another HEO, it's quite simple, as I see it:
1) We all want a HEO.
2) It doesn't look like we're going to be able to afford a HEO.
Our best chance is for somebody to hit a $300M lottery and lay out the cash in one big chunk. Or, somebody hits the "launch lottery" such that we get a free ride (probability is about the same these days...)
If you don't like the FM bids, vote with your radio's power button. And play the lottery!
See? I told you it was simple ;)
Mark L. Hammond [N8MH]
--- On Fri, 4/2/11, Mark L. Hammond marklhammond@gmail.com wrote:
- It doesn't look like we're going to be able to afford a
HEO.
Hi Mark,
But the cost for a 3U CubeSat to GTO might just be feasable. Trouble is the path loss with simple omni antennas, although the path loss would be considerably lower if we used bands like 50 and 29MHz.
Snag also is how do you generate enough solar power to get a decent amount of RF output for something in HEO ? I reckon one of the great things about AMSAT-NA's FOX project is that they are experimenting with foldout panels. Never been done on a CubeSat so it's pioneering work. But that's what 1U CubeSat's are great for, a chance to experiment with new ideas at what is in Space Terms a very low cost.
Looks like we are going to need to devise new ways of getting more power and functionality in smaller packages. FOX is a great step in that direction.
73 Trevor M5AKA
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Mark L. Hammond -
Trevor .