[amsat-bb] Re: [AMSAT-BB] ISS, what the heck happened?

[KM9U]

>> So I think everyone read the announcement ARRL made before FD.  Now
>> that FD weekend is at an end, can someone explain to me why NASA
>> couldn't let the astronauts have 10 minutes on the radio for one pass?
>>  I mean were they having issues with the radio itself?

During Expedition 24/25, Col. Wheelock made many contacts from the ISS  in 
the evenings and on weekends during his free time. This was not because he 
was "scheduled" to be the radio, but rather because he enjoyed doing it.
I don't believe we can blame NASA for the current crew members obvious lack 
of interest in Amateur Radio. Had Col. Wheelock (or someone as enthustiastic 
as he) been aboard the ISS on FD, NA1SS would likely not have been silent.

> Have you never make a calculation or an estimation on how it costs a 10
> minutes of an astronaut activity all costs including on board of the ISS ?

This brings up an interesting thought. The astronauts receive monetary 
compensation for performing their duties while employed by NASA. So, if 
their employer schedules them to operate amateur radio as part of their job 
assignment, would this not violate Part 97.113 (Prohibited transmissions) 
which specifically prohibits "Communications in which the station licensee 
or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on 
behalf of an employer".
Now, DON'T GET YOUR PANTIES IN A WAD! It is just a question.

Chuck, KM9U