[amsat-bb] Re: Sats after dark

[Alan P. Biddle]

Dominic,

Welcome!  Actually, most satellites start out operating continuously.  They
run on batteries when they are in the dark.  Normally the batteries over
time lose capacity.  Then, various techniques are implemented to conserve
power so that they can continue to operate when in darkness.  Recently there
have been a few satellites designed to operate only when illuminated, such
as DO-64.  Generally the ones which require illumination are old satellites
such as AO-7 and NO-44 which no longer have functioning batteries or control
systems.  Fortunately satellites are usually, but not always, illuminated
even when the area below is dark. 

Alan
WA4SCA


-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Dominic Hawken
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 7:29 AM
To: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Sats after dark

Probably a dumb question and still new to this - apologies in advance. 
Am I right in thinking the amateur sats switch comms off when not in 
sight of the sun? Are there any that continue to run in darkness?

Best,

Dominic G6NQO

_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb