[amsat-bb] Re: LEO to HEO

[Gus 8P6SM]

On 10/18/2012 06:16 PM, STeve Andre' wrote:
> It absolutely could be done -- with the right amount of money.
> I'm not sure that a kick motor would ultimately be cheaper
> than a flight designed to get something into HEO, nor as safe.

I think the problem with traditional kick motors is that they're big and
heavy.  Pretty much mandating a Fridge-Sat, not a Rubik-Sat.  Other
propulsion systems may be better suited to a small format.

I wonder what would happen if you electrically detonated a large
firearms cartridge in a small satellite.  I mean, exactly how much of a
'kick' do you need to get a small satellite up to a reasonable height?
Perhaps this is an experiment some university should conduct.

-- 
73, de Gus 8P6SM
The Easternmost Isle