Discussions continue for new AMSAT lab site

AMSAT President, Barry Baines, WD4ASW discussed an opportunity under serious discussions with the University of Florida, Gainesville to locate AMSAT's satellite laboratory on campus.

Among discussions over the past 12 months, AMSAT has had conversations with several universities concerning a potential relationship.

This opportunity arose out of an amateur radio talk given at The Villages ARC by Dave, AA4KN and Drew, KO4MA in April. This lead to contact with UF's Dr. Norman Fitz-Coy.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted and is currently under review by legal teams. At this time there is no timeframe for bringing about a formal conclusion
as the MOU discussions continue and internal UF approval still needed.

Relocating the AMSAT Lab from the 'Eastern Shore' to 'The Swamp' offers significant potential:

• Location on a major university campus in a state-of-the-art building

• Integrated into a facility focused on small satellite development with clean room installation at the host's expense (not AMSAT)

• Potential for student projects focused on AMSAT needs

• Broadening of AMSAT's presence in the wider university community

• Potential research/development opportunities for AMSAT and AMSAT members

• Establishing a program that offers significant traction for
education outreach

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