AMSAT

Encyclopedia : A : AM : AMS : AMSAT

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AMSAT is both a generic name for amateur radio satellite organisations world-wide, but in particular is the name of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation of North America (AMSAT-NA) with headquarters at Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington DC.

Other national organisations exist, such as AMSAT Germany (AMSAT-DL), AMSAT Japan, etc. [link]

AMSAT organisations design, build, arrange launches for, and then operate (command) the OSCAR series of satellites.

AMSAT-DL has project managed and built several amateur radio satellites, notably AO-40.

Phase system

Amsat set up some time ago a series of 5 phases of amateur satellites. Each of them takes a step further than the previous to benefiting mankind through amateur radio. These 5 phases are:

• Phase 1- Build a simple satellite, with no solar cells, to simply prove the technology. Must be able to orbit to be classified as a satellite
• Phase 2- Build a satellite with solar cells, and place into Low Earth Orbit.
• Phase 3- Build a satellite that orbits in a Highly Eliptical Orbit, generally a Molniya orbit, fully able to function for several years. Usually the initial orbit is a Geostationary transfer orbit. These satellites are capable of staying over a specific area for large periods of time, ideal for Amateur communications satellites.
• Phase 4- Build a satellite that orbits in Geosynchronous orbit.
• Phase 5- Send a spacecraft to the moon, Mars, or anywhere in the inner solar system. Orbit is not necessary.
• The Phase system stops here, but one could imagine a Phase 6 to the outer solar system, Phase 7 beyond Pluto, etc.

Amsat has currently built a large fleet of Phase 2 satellites, a few phase 3, and is planning 2 major Phase 3 satellites and a Phase 5. Phase 4 has never had much interest, due to the fact that never more than half of the globe could use such a satellite.

Current projects

AMSAT is currently building the P3-E and Eagle Satellites (Both Phase 3, see above), and has be instrumental in developing the AMSAT Widget, a device used to communicate from one device to another using as few wires as possible. It works over the CAN interface, over a special protocol AMSAT developed called the CAN-DO interface.

Amsat also is planning to build the P5A spacecraft. (Phase 5a, spelled fully out). Its plan is to be launched to Mars.

Currently operating missions

• On the 29th of June 2004, AMSAT-NA launched a new microsat-class satellite, designated AO-51.

See also

OSCAR

External links

• [AMSAT-NA] - North America [history]
• [AMSAT-DL] - Germany
• [AMSAT-UK] - United Kingdom

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