[amsat-bb] Just finished the survey

[Michael Tondee]

I have to say I'm in agreement with some of the comments already expressed  here. I found some of the answer choices too limiting. For instance I'm like everone else in that I'd like to see an HEO launched, or a GEO if it's at all within the relam of possibility but I wonder if there shouldn't be a parallel pursuit of an LEO linear transponder bird. I just have this fear of putting all our eggs in one basket with an HEO only to find we will never be able to find a launch for it.
 I've already expressed the opinion that P3E will be finished at the end of this year and then languish in storage for God knows how long before a launch can be found.
I do sincerely hope I'm wrong but suppose I'm right. What is the fallback plan?
FO-29 is gone as far as North America is concerned and the venerable AO-7 probably can't sustain it's wonderful ressurection forever. That leaves VO-52 and Delfi -C3 when it comes to linear transponders. Tell me if I'm missing one.
 Unlike some here, I am one that enjoys the FM birds but doesn't AMSAT-NA need to be at least considering a linear transponder LEO? It may very well be the best we can do.
73,
Michael, W4HIJ