SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-333.01 AO-51 End of Mission
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 331.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
November 27, 2011 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-331.01
AMSAT-NA VP Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA reported today, "It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased trans- mission and is not responding to commands."
Drew wrote, "The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative. Initial tests with the S-band transmitter were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where if voltages climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard."
The command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friend while illuminated. Thanks to all who helped fund, des- ign, build, launch, command, and operate AO-51. It's 7 year mission has been extraordinary.
Please support AMSAT's Fox-1 project, and other AMSAT projects world- wide with your time and money.
[ANS thanks the AO-51 Command Team for the above information]
/EX