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WG3K > ANS 16.11.24 01:42l 44 Lines 2384 Bytes #53 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS315.5
Read: GAST
Subj: MO-122 Telemetry Beacon Level and Update - November 9, 2024
Path: DB0FFL<OE2XZR<OE6XPE<DB0ERF<IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<GB7CIP<VK2RZ<KC9UHI<KA1VSC<
WG3K
Sent: 241116/0034Z 10018@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
Your continued collection of telemetry data for MO-122/MESAT1 is always
appreciated. For the next couple of days the telemetry beacon on MO-122 will
remain at its lowest power level. This puts the signal down a couple of
dB, and it's noticeable from the ground. The low signal is a
great opportunity to work on improving the sensitivity of our receiving
stations! The transponder power remains the same--it's strong, thanks to
AMSAT's LTM (Linear Transponder Module)!
The satellite remains in good health. Since launch in early July, eclipse
periods have increased a good deal, going from about 15 mins to nearly 29
mins. At the same time, the orbit has precessed so the bird appears over
populated areas where the transponder gets more use while in eclipse.
These conditions mean the battery is getting used more with less time to
fully recharge.
We keep a watchful eye on the battery and its reported capacity, and when
there is an apparent decline it seems prudent to turn off the transponder
for a couple of days to allow recovery. The low beacon for the next couple
of days will allow us to see how much "relief" that gives to the power
budget; it won't be much, but we can watch and learn. Managing a
satellite's power budget is a balancing act of sorts.
The good news is that by the end of February it looks like eclipse periods
will drop back to around 17 mins. At the same time, the battery will be 4
months older--and have gone through a lot of orbits. Some fun math- from
today until the end of February, there are 112 days. There are 1440
minutes per day, and MO-122 orbits about every 95 mins. 1440 min/day / 95
min/orbit is about 15 orbits per day. So, 15 orbits / day X 122 days means
almost 1700 orbit and discharge/recharge cycles will occur before the end
of February! Do that with your power drill battery pack ;)
Hopefully my update will help provide an answer to the logical question,
"why is the transponder being turned off and on?" As the guest payload on
UMaine's satellite, we are doing our best to be good stewards of an
important resource, while also learning about LTM, lithium batteries, and
powerbudgets---all of which is helpful to our engineering teams as they
work on new birds like Fox-Plus and the GOLF family.
Enjoy the bird!
*[ANS thanks Mark Hammond, N8MH, AMSAT Director and Command Station, for
the above information]*
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