Yes! Let's don't overlook the fact that designing and building an
EasySat CubeSat also gives us the opportunity to explore, learn, and try
out new technologies that can be later used for higher satellites when
the opportunity comes, and expanded functionality on LEOs as well. I
don't think AMSAT-NA is stuck in a dumbing down, or a "good old days"
mentality, I think we're taking the lemons we have (although I don't for
a minute consider ANY opportunity to build a satellite as lemons) and
making lemonade, if you will. The art is still advancing. The fact is,
it has advanced so far that it seems so EASY to many people (as did the
Space Shuttle) that it appeared not much of a feat to send one up a few
times a year. A handheld radio and a handheld antenna... "old timers"
(and I'm one of them) would never have dreamed that they could reliably
communicate over a 2000 mile path through a satellite with such ease and
such simple gear, 50 years ago!
By the way, 50 years ago Oscar 1 was launched and it was an amazing
feat. Just 4 years after the first satellite ever was launched, hams
were in space! We do this voluntarily, we do it because we love it, we
do it "because it's there". That's what makes Amateur Radio so fun!
73,
Jerry
N0JY
On 10/23/2011 4:27 AM, Luc Leblanc wrote:
Words of Wisdom!
Life is too short to waste it in the past. Unfortunately, too many are
trapped in their "good old days" mentality. What a pitty and waste.
Stefan, VE4NSA
As in any society there is always conflicting relationship between ages group.
For one some are too old and they are living in the past,
and for others they are too young inexperienced claiming their way is the way
to go.
Acquiring and gaining experience take's time and patience but today we want immediate
results "Plug and play era" discarding others past
experiences.
It's not a question of skills and competence it's a question of minding and
learning. Taking short cuts to achieved lower goals can only
lead after couple years to disappointments and lack of interest. That's why
those who where lucky to work on HEO satellite says it's the
only one way to go if we want to create a sustainable critical mass of skilled
amateur satellite operator.
It's the very true nature of Ham radio to communicate over the greatest distance
"DX" those who are satisfied by the fact they can reach a
space cube are in a learning process. That's why those cube sat should be
considered an entry class satellite. Exponentially increasing
entry class satellite does not provided on the long term any viable solution
aside of saving the furniture.IMHO.
Lets say the better than nothing minding who should be considered as a way to
deal with exception is now a standard.
If we want to know where to go we should always also know where we come from!
If finding an affordable HEO launcher is an obstacle trying
to avoid instead of facing the obstacle is not a solution its'a more a lack of
courage and faith than anything else that's why AMSAT-DL are
still engaged toward P3E and Mars. It takes time and patience.
Ask those who are working EME why they spent a lot of time and money to
achieved their goals? they will all tell you this the only way to
go if we want to be able to work the moon HT'S and rubber duckies and tape
measure antenna are not enough to reach the far distant moon and
the ultimate "DX" contact. If you just bear in mind this you will be able to understand why
those "old" operators wants for you "increased
your range of communication in time and distance" they only wished that you can
also enjoyed world-wide communication through satellites.
The chosen words are not always what they should be but bottom line they are
only want the best for you.
"-"
Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
HTTP://www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
DSTAR urcall VE2DWE
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE
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