KiwiSAT status update from New Zealand

This week Terry, ZL3QL, President AMSAT-ZL, provided AMSAT members with a summary of the New Zealand KiwiSAT project.

KiwiSAT is a Microsat scheduled for launch into a LEO, will carry FM and Linear transponders with inputs on 70 cm and 23 cm - outputting on 2 meters. A unique feature will be the on-board Small Satellite Attitude Control scientific experiment. It will also carry a special environmental global warming scientific unit.

Over the years AMSAT-ZL has contributed some $10,000 to Phase 3 and UoSAT programs. Now they are getting on with completing KiwiSAT for your amateur radio enjoyment.
(See http://www.kiwisat.org)

Terry says, "We want this to be a truly radio amateur satellite and while we could get some extra sponsorship, which we will do for the launch, the satellite itself needs to be completed using amateur radio resources and amateur radio money.

So far our investment is some US$15,000 cash and perhaps US$100,000 in time and effort. We have a further US$12,000 in the bank reserved towards the cost of the solar cells which are estimated to cost US$30,000."

The KiwiSAT team spends a lot of time looking for economy without engineering compromise thus this is a real cost effective satellite. They have abandoned purchasing ready made modules and opted for self design and construction. In some areas we have had to use professional services such as SMD handing which is limited by our standard ham-shack tools and techniques. However we have made much of the test equipment ourselves - including the thermal vacuum chamber.

To finish the satellite to flight-ready status, (less solar cells) KiwiSAT needs to raise about $10,000, which is about what we have given to other projects. So if you agree that its pay-back time, and you like what they are doing, perhaps you might like to contribute to this venture into space.

You can contribute large or small, direct or via PayPal, just visit our informative website at http://www.kiwisat.org, all help is greatly appreciated. Be assured your contribution will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.

Terry concludes,"Our grateful thanks to those who have already made a commitment to supporting this project. What a great time to help and what a great Yuletide gift to a worthy cause."

Terry, ZL3QL