Amateur satellites

John Schilling :

In article , Joe Strout
says...

In article . com,
wrote:

Considering that last year amateurs launched a rocket to 70 miles, what
would you think the probability of them launching an amateur satellite
within 5 yrs?

Well, considering that the first amateur satellite (OSCAR 1) was
launched in 1961, with dozens more launched since then, I think the odds
are pretty good.

The first amateur satellite, and all amateur satellites to date, were
built by amateurs but launched by professionals.

An actual launch by amateurs within five years would probably be feasible,
but would require a strong effort starting about now. I'm not aware of
anything that would qualify, though some of the amateur X-prize contenders
could retask their vehicles as the first stage of a microsat launcher if
they were so inclined.

ERPS does has that aim. But the speed of thier progress suggests it would be
ten years not five before they will be ready to try.

Earl Colby Pottinger

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wrote:

Considering that last year amateurs launched a rocket to 70 miles, what
would you think the probability of them launching an amateur satellite
within 5 yrs?

Amateur satellites were orbited more than forty years ago.