[amsat-bb] HEO and EMCOMM

[Les Rayburn]

One application for a geostationary satellite that should not be discounted would be emergency communications. During Hurricane Michael in the panhandle of Florida last year, amateur radio (HF) was critical despite scores of temporary cell towers being deployed into the area. 

We were on the ground, embedded with law enforcement for over a week in Panama City, and saw first-hand the communication difficulties. 

Problems with IP routing prevented many of these temporary cell sites from working properly, forcing amateur radio back into the forefront. 

Ditto Hurricane Maria, where the island location made communications difficult. 

Having a geostationary amateur satellite available 24/7 would greatly increase the ability of amateur radio to provide EMCOMM on a backup basis to served agencies when needed. 

This is a mission that would appeal to DoD, Congress, and many other stakeholders. AMSAT should discuss these possibilities with the ARRL and begin lobbying our contacts on the Hill to find a ride for this mission. 


73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL 
EM63nf
AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member