As AMSAT embarks on the Fox-1 Project, here is an opportunity to
literally put your callsign on the Fox hardware.
AMSAT is looking for
major donations to help underwrite the cost of solar cells/ panels, one
of the more significant expenses of the project. These solar cells are
needed for the flight unit as well as for the a flight spare. As Fox-1
will have solar cells on all six sides of the spacecraft and given the
relatively small surface area available on each side (at most 4" by 4"
per side), AMSAT will invest in high efficiency solar cells to gain as
much power as possible to operate the spacecraft.
Complete details on how you can donate are posted on the web: http://www.amsat.org - the top news item.
AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, said, "We highlighted at the
recent 2011 Symposium that AMSAT is actively developing Fox-1, a new
spacecraft that is designed to replace AO-51. Fox-1 development now
takes on a great sense of urgency."
AMSAT Vice-President of Engineering, Tony Monteiro, AA2TX says,
"Fox-1 will advance single-channel FM repeater satellite operation
beyond the experience of AO-51. It will advance AMSAT to the next
generation of AO-51 class satellites."
Fox-1 is designed for longer operational life with these features:
• Fox-1 is designed to operate in sunlight without batteries once
the battery system fails. This applies lessons learned from AO-51
and ARISSat-1 operations.
• In case of IHU failure Fox-1 will continue to operate its FM
repeater in a basic, 'zombie sat' mode, so that the repeater
remains on-the-air.
• Fox-1 is designed as the immediate replacement for AO-51. Its U/V
(Mode B) transponder will make it even easier to work with modest
equipment.
• From the ground user's perspective, the same FM amateur radio
equipment used for AO-51 may be used for Fox-1.
• Extending the design, Fox-2 will benefit from the development work
of Fox-1 by adding more sophisticated power management and Software
Defined Transponder (SDX) communications systems.
Barry concluded, "AMSAT's ability to provide a replacement spacecraft
and get it launched is dependent upon the active support of donors who
wish to see Fox-1 fly."
Several opportunities to make your donation to keep amateur radio in
space include:
• Return the form sent with the letter to reply with your donation
for the Fox-1 Project.
- All donations over $40 will receive a Fox pin.
- Donations of $120 or more qualify you for AMSAT President's Club
