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CX2SA > SAT 30.12.07 23:23l 56 Lines 2531 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS-364.03
Read: GUEST
Subj: KiwiSAT Status Update From New Zealand
Path: IZ3LSV<IW2OAZ<F4BWT<I0TVL<DK0WUE<CE8FGC<CX2SA
Sent: 071230/0241Z @:CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA #:29076 [Minas] FBB7.00e $:ANS-364.03
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SAT@AMSAT
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 364.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
December 30, 2007
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-364.03
This week Terry, ZL3QL, President AMSAT-ZL, provided AMSAT members
with a summary of the New Zealand KiwiSAT project.
KiwiSAT is a Microsat scheduled for launch into a LEO, will carry FM
and Linear transponders with inputs on 70 cm & 23 cm - outputting on
2 meters. A unique feature will be the on-board Small Satellite Attitude
Control scientific experiment. It will also carry a special environmental
global warming scientific unit.
Over the years AMSAT-ZL has contributed some $10,000 to Phase 3 and
UoSAT programs. Now they are getting on with completing KiwiSAT for
your amateur radio enjoyment. ( See http://www.kiwisat.org )
Terry says, "We want this to be a truly radio amateur satellite and
while we could get some extra sponsorship, which we will do for the
launch, the satellite itself needs to be completed using amateur radio
resources and amateur radio money. So far our investment is some
US$15,000 cash and perhaps US$100,000 in time and effort. We have a
further US$12,000 in the bank reserved towards the cost of the solar
cells which are estimated to cost US$30,000."
The KiwiSAT team spends a lot of time looking for economy without
engineering compromise thus this is a real cost effective satellite.
They have abandoned purchasing ready made modules and opted for self
design and construction. In some areas we have had to use professional
services such as SMD handing which is limited by our standard ham-
shack tools and techniques. However we have made much of the test
equipment ourselves - including the thermal vacuum chamber.
To finish the satellite to flight-ready status, (less solar cells) KiwiSAT
needs to raise about $10,000, which is about what we have given to other
projects. So if you agree that its pay-back time, and you like what they
are doing, perhaps you might like to contribute to this venture into space.
You can contribute large or small, direct or via PayPal, just visit our
informative website at http://www.kiwisat.org, all help is greatly
appreciated. Be assured your contribution will be thankfully received
and faithfully applied.
Terry concludes,"Our grateful thanks to those who have already made a
commitment to supporting this project. What a great time to help and what
a great Yuletide gift to a worthy cause."
[ANS thanks Terry, ZL3QL for the above information]
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