[amsat-bb] PSAT3 launch coming in Mid March

[Robert Bruninga]

PSAT3 launch coming in Mid March.  Delvery due next week!

It will be in a 98 degree 450 km orbit with access times at most nominal
latitudes of a pair of passes twice a day separated by about 12 hours.

It is nearly identical to PSAT2 but without the PSK31 transponder and
without the stupid voltage error on the VHF xmtr that killed VHF on PSAT2.
Functions are DTMF-to-VOICE/APRS downlink, (DTMF for grids and special
messages) so any radio with a DTMF memory can be used.  It will also have
an SSTV camera (also on VHF).  It can also Speak APRS uplinked messages.

It will last less than a year as it remains attached to the rocket body
and is not deployed.  It is built into a PPOD shaped box and bolted to the
front of the rocket body.  Attitude is uncontrolled (as weill be
temepratures... fingers crossed).

See: http://aprs.org/psat3.html

This is my last, as I will retire in June.

Bob, WB4APR