[amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 end of mission

[Andy Kellner]

Yes, I think thanks are in order for you and the operations team who provided us with many years of enjoyment on countless AO-51 QSO's. Job well done from start to finish.
RIP little satellite. May your solar panels always been shone on ;) Look up and see what your grand-daddy, AO-07, has done and maybe you can draw the inspiration to come back to life in a decade or so.
 
Andreas, VK4HHH
AMSAT-VK Member


________________________________
From: Andrew Glasbrenner <glasbrenner at mindspring.com>
To: amsat-bb <amsat-bb at amsat.org>; ans-editor at amsat.org; bod at amsat.org; senior-officers at amsat.org; advisors at amsat.org 
Sent: Wednesday, 30 November 2011 5:56 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] AO-51 end of mission

It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding to commands. The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative.  Initial tests with the S band transmitter were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where if voltages climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard.

The command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friend while illuminated. Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch, command, and operate AO-51.  It's 7 year mission has been extraordinary. Please support AMSAT's Fox-1 project, and other AMSAT projects worldwide with your time and money.

For the AO-51 Command Team,

73, Drew KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations




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