[amsat-bb] First impressions of Fox-1A/AO-85/Grace2

[Tom Schuessler]

>From EM12 Oct 8-9, 2015; 
2348 UTC pass 2.8 degrees max elevation. HT and Arrow antenna, Satellite
showed up on time and could be heard despite low elevation and obstacles.
0124 UTC pass 60 degrees.  HT and Elk antenna, Signal went from full
quieting to lots of noise.

Limited observation is that the spin/tumble rate must be rather fast.  I am
sure it will take a bit for the magnetic stabilization to get a hold of the
magnetic lines of force and stabilize the cube.

First impression is the deep fades will be reminiscent of working
LituanicaSat-1/LO-78 which had deep nulls.  

The pre-launch Keps seemed pretty accurate at least close enough for FM
work.  Looking forward to the real thing.

Just curious and so I can characterize the orbit to some folks who expressed
interest, What level of inclination does AO-85 have?  It seems by just
looking at a depiction on a map of over 80 degrees or am I observing wrong.

Anyway, big congrats to Barry, Jerry and the whole Fox design/implementation
team for a wonderful job well done.  Fox has got me reinvigorated.

Tom Schuessler, N5HYP