Phase 3D Launch Update

de AMSAT-NA

Arianespace flight 135 being assembled for launch.

A new era in Amateur Radio communications is about to be ushered in as Amateur Radio satellite operators worldwide await the upcoming launch of the Phase 3D satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The anticipated date and time of launch for Arianespace Flight 135, on which P3D will fly, is confirmed for 01:07 UTC, Wednesday, November 15, 2000.

P3D will be launched with three other satellites - the large PAS-1R communications satellite and the smaller STVR-1C and 1D satellites, all to be placed into a geostationary transfer orbit.

As of Monday, November 13th, the AR-507 launcher was rolled-out to the Launch Zone. Peter, DB2OS, reported to ANS ``the spacecraft is still in perfect shape and everything looks very well. Tonight they will start filling the helium tank, and tomorrow at they will start filling the cryogenic main stage with LOX and LH2. In the morning, I will be attending a press conference and I will then be in the Jupiter control center before launch.''

This Ariane 5 flight will prove to be a record setting mission, marking the first use of the ASAP-5 platform. The ASAP-5 enables the launcher to carry auxiliary micro and mini satellite payloads. If successful, this launch will place into orbit the largest commercial communications satellite ever built (PAS-1R) - and the largest Amateur Radio satellite ever built (P3D). P3D will be ejected from the launcher by three spring-loaded arms pushing on the bottom of the satellite. As it now sits ready for launch, the satellite is being restrained from this happening by explosive nuts attached to bolts holding P3D in place. The Ariane 5 launcher will be spinning at the time of separation (which in turn means) P3D will also be spinning when it is ejected.

The complete Phase 3D frequency band plan is available at http://www.amsat-dl.org/p3dqrg.html