[amsat-bb] Re: Bob's Message

[Rick Hambly (W2GPS)]

Jeff,

Just to clarify two points in your message. A cheap launch may cost over
$6M, not just $1M.

The Phase 4 rideshare opportunity is a simplified Eagle, not a new project.
Thus it is easier to build than Eagle and the only effect on the Eagle
project is a realignment of project priorities, putting an emphasis on the
communications modules. The overall Eagle project could still continue if we
so desire.

Rick
W2GPS
AMSAT President
 

-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Jeff Davis
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 3:37 PM
To: amsat
Subject: [amsat-bb] Bob's Message

Friends,

We've had little information about the P4 opportunity since the 
Symposium. But reading between the lines and reading N4HY's message of 
today it seems that most of us are missing what they are trying to 
tell us ...

There aren't **any** easy/cheap/free rides to HEO to be had. That ship 
has sailed and everything that we ever knew about the launch business
has changed.

I'm not trying to put words in anyone's mouth here, but I take it from 
Bob's message and the solicitation letter from President Hambly that 
there is really no apparent option to launch Eagle without doing 
something radically different.

Assuming that we could pay for even a cheap launch, it might cost a 
million dollars if we were just paying customers. Think about that -- 
a MILLION dollars. Maybe more. After two years of raising money for 
Eagle we are up to what, $70K?

At this rate it would take a decade or more to raise enough funds to 
launch Eagle if AMSAT continues on the published path. This isn't 
about digging a little deeper -- this is about reality.

I get the impression that if some agreement isn't worked out with 
someone -- like is being discussed with the P4 opportunity -- we won't 
get back to HEO. Ever. Unless the satellite business changes.

Those who think that the option is to EITHER finish Eagle and launch 
it, OR work on P4 seem to be missing the point -- the first option may
now be more dream than a viable option.

I would be pleased to learn that I am reading this all wrong because 
my *only* satellite interest is in a high-orbit bird and my hopes for 
seeing another in my lifetime are beginning to fade.

It's now been over 11 years since we had AO-13 and it's becoming a fond,
distant memory...

-- 
73 de Jeff
AMSAT-NA
AMSAT-DL

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