[amsat-bb] Re: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?

[Greg D.]

The thing is, running the spacecraft with the panels open only works if the satellite is fully stabilized so that the panels continually point towards the sun.  Stabilization only works if lots of things, pretty much everything in fact, is working on the spacecraft.  I'd say that we've pretty much determined that is not the case.

Let's follow the first rule of medicine (and spacecraft management), and "do no harm", until something changes and we know more about what's going on up there.  I, too, am anxiously awaiting that magic day when AO-07 gets a sibling.

Greg  KO6TH


> From: n1miw at cox.net
> To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:26:36 -0400
> Subject: [amsat-bb]   Re: Can we get them to fix AO-40 first then?
> 
>    I would want to take the "chance" of trying to open those 4 solar panels,
> even if it was to "see what happens". I don't know the exact layout of the
> equipment on board, but opening those panels just might trigger something
> good to happen. At this point, there really isn't anything to lose. Who
> knows? Opening the panels might expose the batteries to more heat from the
> sun, which could possibly cause them to "open" quicker, or if the
> orientation of AO-40 is off, the extra panels might receive enough light to
> get that IHU working again. Or if there's a short due to the "event", moving
> the panels may remove the short (or fix an open). Do any of the command
> stations want to elaborate on why the panels have remained retracted? Has
> this been discussed? Of course, this is all depending on if the receiver
> will accept the command in the first place...
> 
>    I would wonder about the sensors picking up light inside the spacecraft
> too. Doesn't sound possible that telemetry would still be able to report
> this if there's holes in the craft.
> 
>    I'm only questioning opening the panels because it seems like it's the
> only possible thing left to try to resurrect the bird, but nobody wants to
> make the decision - "just in case", which is understandable too. But I'd say
> go for it since there's nothing else to try & she's been silent for a while
> now.
> 
> Just my 2 cents worth. Keeping my fingers crossed that AO-40 comes back!...
> Larry
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> >Four of the solar panels are retractable but not released. Please see some
> >old pictures.
> >As the orientation of AO-40 is not known it is better that the panels are
> >kept around the satellite. If they still exists...
> >There is enough power from a single panel to run IHU and some beacon if
> >the bus wires and electronics are not damaged. Some sensors indicated that
> >sun is shining into the satellite so there may be big hole(s) in it.
> >Not sure about that raport though. Have to check out that.
> >The beacons were loud with the omnis and data was easily received with
> >rubber duck and hand held radio. Miss that fine telemetry sound.
> >
> >I have allways said that the world would be different if AO-40 were alive.
> >
> >Jari, OH3UW
> 
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