[amsat-bb] AO73/FUNcube-1 Mode changes

[Graham Shirville]

As reported by a number of users, the transponder on AO73/FUNcube-1 
appears to be being affected by its many months in continuous sunlight. 
The transponder is presently not working as intended and will therefore 
not be activated again for the time being.

We believe that the problem has occurred due to the higher than 
anticipated on-board temperatures. We anticipate that the situation may 
be resolved when the spacecraft starts to experience eclipses again at 
the end of April.

The spacecraft will therefore remain in education mode until that time 
with the usual high-power telemetry downlink active.

In addition to the telemetry, Fitter messages also remain available. Any 
schools or colleges that would like to have their message transmitted 
from space should contact operations at funcube.org.uk 
<mailto:operations at funcube.org.uk> with their request, giving at least 
two weeks’ notice.

73

Graham G3VZV