Fox-1 Z Axis Solar Panels Approved

The AMSAT Fox engineering team has completed the design of the printed circuit boards for the satellite's "Z" solar panels. Each of these printed circuit boards (PCBs) will accommodate two Boeing/Spectrolab UTJ solar cells. There is a hole in the panel for the lens of the Camera module that is being developed by  Virginia Tech. A sample PCB was fabricated and sent to our partner SpaceQuest who approved it for manufacturing into our solar panels.

The AMSAT Fox engineering team has completed the design of the printed circuit boards for the satellite’s “Z” axis solar panels. Each of these printed circuit boards (PCBs) will accommodate two Boeing/Spectrolab UTJ solar cells.There is a hole in the panel for the lens of the Camera module that is being developed by Virginia Tech. A sample PCB was fabricated and sent to our partner SpaceQuest who approved it for manufacturing into our solar panels.

[ANS thanks Tony Monteiro, AA2TX, VP for Engineering for the above information]

AMSAT Submits Comments to the US Government on ITAR Transition

On May 24, 2013 the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) released proposed changes to the US Munitions List (USML) Category XV (“Spacecraft Systems and Related Articles”), redefining what constitutes satellites that would remain under the USML. Satellites removed from USML will be transferred to the Department of Commerce’s Commerce Control List (CCL).  Consequently, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) also released proposed changes on May 24, 2013 regarding modifications to the Commerce Control List, creating a separate category for satellites that were formerly controlled under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).

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Categories ANS

2013 AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Ballot In The Mail

This year there are eight candidates running for the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors.  The four candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be seated as voting Board Members with two year terms.  The two candidates receiving the next highest number of votes will be non-voting Alternate Board Members with terms of one year.  Please vote for no more than four candidates.

Ballots will be mailed to members in good standing by July 15th, and must be returned to the AMSAT-NA office no later than the close of business on September 15th, 2013. If you have not received your ballot by August 5th, please contact the AMSAT Office. Ballots sent to members outside North America are automatically sent via air mail.  It is suggested that they be returned the same way.

AMSAT-NA Board candidates in alphabetical order by last name:

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
Steve Coy, K8UD
Frank Griffin, K4FEG
Mark Hammond, N8MH
Brian Klofas, KF6ZEO
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
Tony Monteiro, AA2TX

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]

Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, Named AMSAT’s Director of Field Operations

patrick
Patrick, WD9EWK (left), discusses his dual FT-817 travel setup with Wyatt, AC0RA (right). Photo: www.w5pfg.us.

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW has announced the appointment of Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK as AMSAT’s new Director of Field Operations. In his new capacity, Patrick is responsible for managing AMSAT’s corps of Area Coordinators (AC) who represent AMSAT in their local areas. Area Coordinators serve as the “Ambassadors of AMSAT” which includes such activities as manning an AMSAT booth at hamfests, giving local/regional club presentations on AMSAT and satellite operations, and serving as “Elmers” to those looking for information about operating through satellites. ACs are also known to establish local nets and assist with Field Day satellite activities.

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