[amsat-bb] AMSAT-NA solution: DX (HEO) to attract more interest and revenue

[Clayton Coleman W5PFG]

Hello Dave KJ9I,

"Everyone:
Solution/recommendation:
HEO ASAP (yes I am aware of GOLF) to make DX possible and bring in a new
'market' (revenue) and interest level to AMSAT."

It may come as a surprise to many that there are no objections anywhere 
within AMSAT leadership about pursuing HEO opportunities as soon as 
possible (ASAP.)

The emphasis on "possible" is where things get tricky. The current board 
members, with whom I have shared the pleasure of serving AMSAT, support 
and encourage technologies and launch opportunities to push us beyond LEO.

It takes resources across many disciplines to make things happen: 
engineering volunteers, project leadership, money, and economical launch 
opportunities, to name a few. There are many great ideas (HEO, MEO, 
Digital, 3U & 6U Cubesats) but ultimately decisions must be made to 
deliver AMSAT missions. Sometimes it involves risk. The long and short 
term track record of AMSAT is good, especially when you consider the 
periodic, multi-million dollar failures of the commercial world.

One more comment on the word "market:" Amateur radio satellites are not 
pay-to-play for obvious legal reasons. Like most amateur radio 
infrastructure, such as repeaters, costs are mostly borne by a generous 
few -- not the multitude of users. Ask anyone who operates an amateur 
radio resource, even websites like QRZ.com, and they will tell you that 
the masses do not contribute. I do not believe popularity of a satellite 
directly affects revenue. It has yet to be proven. Historically AMSAT 
has seen small increases in membership after missions but this does not 
come close to funding projects.

Bottom line - it is purely a myth that AMSAT doesn't pursue or endeavor 
to provide amateur transponders with greater coverage and DX 
opportunities. When and how we get there requires a combination of 
dedicated volunteers and generous benefactors.

73,
Clayton
W5PFG