AMSAT UPDATE
By
Dee Interdonato, NB2F

Hi to all the BARA Gang!

I just came back from the AMSAT Annual Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pa, and I had a great time getting re-acquainted with some of the AMSAT people and gathering information to pass along. One of the hot topics was the ability to put out some previous classified information with regards to a project AMSAT was looking into. Intelsat is in negotiations with us to give us space and power on one of their upcoming Geostationary missions. Now this is something that we have previously said might never happen- a Geostationary Satellite for hams. The engineering involved has now shrunk to a manageable level for AMSAT having only to provide a communications package and leaving satellite orbit and power to Intelsat. They indicate a provision for 400watts of power during the 15 year life expectancy of the satellite.

We have already enough engineering in one of these packages to begin a build out for this adventure and still continue with our efforts for Phase 3 E and Eagle. The Phase IV Lite approach that was presented at the Symposium by VP of engineering Bob McGwier, N4HY, hits all the high spots needed to be overcome and assembled for this new opportunity for amateur radio. Geostationary orbits allow 24/7/365 access to a communications satellite. Behind the scenes, VP Lee McLamb, has attended small satellite symposiums that Intelsat has attended and come away with contacts for future negotiations to happen. The immediate impact on ham radios ability to provide disaster communications once this occurs will be significant.

The Symposium included many reports on Eagle and Phase 3 E and all are on track to being ready in 2008 providing launches are negotiated. Educational plans for future “Teacher mini courses” were discussed and a better way to assist in ARISS contacts lineups will be offered. The complete AMSAT 2007 Pittsburgh Symposium proceedings are offered at the AMSAT website for a small donation.

73,

Dee Interdonato, NB2F
NJ AMSAT Coordinator
"I work for Donations!"


	AMSAT UPDATE By Dee Interdonato, NB2F
Hi to all the BARA Gang! I just came back from the AMSAT Annual Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pa, and I had a great time getting re-acquainted with some of the AMSAT people and gathering information to pass along. One of the hot topics was the ability to put out some previous classified information with regards to a project AMSAT was looking into. Intelsat is in negotiations with us to give us space and power on one of their upcoming Geostationary missions. Now this is something that we have previously said might never happen- a Geostationary Satellite for hams. The engineering involved has now shrunk to a manageable level for AMSAT having only to provide a communications package and leaving satellite orbit and power to Intelsat. They indicate a provision for 400watts of power during the 15 year life expectancy of the satellite. We have already enough engineering in one of these packages to begin a build out for this adventure and still continue with our efforts for Phase 3 E and Eagle. The Phase IV Lite approach that was presented at the Symposium by VP of engineering Bob McGwier, N4HY, hits all the high spots needed to be overcome and assembled for this new opportunity for amateur radio. Geostationary orbits allow 24/7/365 access to a communications satellite. Behind the scenes, VP Lee McLamb, has attended small satellite symposiums that Intelsat has attended and come away with contacts for future negotiations to happen. The immediate impact on ham radios ability to provide disaster communications once this occurs will be significant. The Symposium included many reports on Eagle and Phase 3 E and all are on track to being ready in 2008 providing launches are negotiated. Educational plans for future “Teacher mini courses” were discussed and a better way to assist in ARISS contacts lineups will be offered. The complete AMSAT 2007 Pittsburgh Symposium proceedings are offered at the AMSAT website for a small donation. 73,

Dee Interdonato, NB2F NJ AMSAT Coordinator "I work for Donations!"