FO-29 Status

Toyo Komatsu, JA0CQP provided an update on behalf of JARL in regards to the status of the FO-29 satellite.
JARL is the agency responsible for FO-29 operation.

While command and control and some transponder operation has been recovered over Japan, JARL notes at this time
FO-29 is not in condition to offer worldwide service with control stations around the world.

The satellites power budget is a key issue. Although power from the solar cells is just adequate for operation, the inner impedance of the Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries is increasing. They cannot support operation of the transmitter approximately 10 minutes after entering eclipse.

The PCU (Power Control Unit) has failed and the satellite's trans- mitter does not automatically recover, requiring intervention by the ground control station in Tokyo.

JARL will continue to monitor the situation aboard FO-29 and preserve its functionality for as many as users around the world as possible.

This situation may continue for up to 2 years until FO-29 enters a no-eclipse period in 2010.

Toyo Komatsu, JA0CQP