FROM AMSAT-NA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA reported today:
“It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased trans-
mission and is not responding to commands.”
Drew wrote, “The last telemetry data indicated that the third of
six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations
indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the
UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative. Initial
tests with the S-band transmitter were also not positive, although
more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in
an expected state where if voltages climb high enough, the 435.150
transmitter may possibly be heard.”
