Aihnss.607
net.columbia
utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!ihnss!karn
Tue Dec 8 21:32:09 1981
Amsat Information
AMSAT net information, 12/9/81 0200-0300UTC, 3850 Khz
de KA9Q
Soviet Amateur Radio Satellites
-------------------------------
Launch of the three new RS satellites (RS-C, -D and -E) are expected
this week. Word is that SIX satellites in all have been
constructed, and that the first three are in the hands of the Soviet
launch authorities.
The orbits for the new amateur satellites are expected to resemble
that of RS-1: a period of 120.4 min, somewhat higher than Oscar-7,
with an inclination of 82 degrees.
Fourth Ariane Test Launch On Schedule
-------------------------------------
19 Dec 1981, 0200-0300 UTC is the launch window for Ariane L04, the
fourth test launch of the European Space Agency's Ariane launcher.
Although no amateur satellite will be aboard L04, a success here is
essential to guarantee the 6 July 1982 launch of L7, which will be
carrying AMSAT Phase III-B.
Phase III-B
-----------
Work on Phase III-B is progressing rapidly. The battery charge
regulator has been delivered to the West German AMSAT group from the
Technical University of Budapest, the sensor electronics assembly is
also in Germany undergoing tests, and the spacecraft structure
itself is rapidly taking shape in the American AMSAT lab at Goddard
Space Flight Center.
Bright New Launch Opportunity
-----------------------------
An exciting new opportunity for AMSAT may be taking shape. There
will be a US military launch, circa 1984, which will
fly one spacecraft on a launch vehicle designed to carry two.
The original plan is to carry a "mass simulator" (a military term for
lead bricks) in place of the second spacecraft. AMSAT has asked
about the possibility of flying a spacecraft of our own in its
place, and "We haven't been told no."
The interesting thing about this launch is that the orbit is either
GEOSTATIONARY or nearly so. A flight qualification model of the
military spacecraft would be available for our use; this would include the
spaceframe, etc, while AMSAT would provide the electronics
(repeaters, computers, power supplies, etc). Weight and space do not
seem to be limiting factors when compared to all our other launch
opportunities.
Since the stationkeeping effort required to maintain the exact position
of a geostationary spacecraft is probably outside of AMSAT's resources,
they are studying (and request comments) on a semi-geostationary orbit.
This would provide, for example, a given station a 1-week window in
which to access the satellite, followed by 2 weeks of no visibility
as the spacecraft drifted around the earth.
Comments and "new blood" to explore and support this effort are
greatly needed. I will be happy to summarize replies and
forward them to AMSAT.
73,
Phil Karn, KA9Q
ucbvax!ihnss!karn
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