OSCAR 51

AMSAT-Echo / OSCAR 51
Type:	Amateur radio satellite
Country:	United States
COSPAR-ID :	2004-025K
Mission dates
Dimensions:	11.14 kg
Size:	25 cm × 25 cm × 25 cm
Begin:	June 29, 2004
Starting place:	Baikonur
Launcher:	Dnepr
Status:	inactive
Orbit data
Rotation time :	99.97 min
Orbit inclination :	98.2 °
Apogee height :	817 km
Perigee height :	697 km

OSCAR 51 is an amateur radio satellite of AMSAT . Before the start of the satellite as was AMSAT-Echo or AMSAT OSCAR E known.

AMSAT-Echo has a cubic structure with an edge length of 25 cm. The sides of the cube are covered with solar cells that ensure the satellite's energy supply. It has no drive, but a reversible magnetic stabilization , no position sensors and thus no position control . Due to the magnetic stabilization, the satellite was approximately aimed at the nadir to optimize the transmission power over the northern hemisphere, and vice versa over the southern hemisphere. A reversal of the orientation was possible by reversing the magnetization. There are four VHF receivers and two UHF transmitters on board.

The satellite was launched on June 29, 2004 with a Dnepr rocket in Baikonur and placed in a 697 × 815 km orbit. The inclination is 98.2 °. In addition to data connections, the satellite also enabled FM voice radio connections, often also intercontinental, due to the height of its orbit. The transponder was in operation until November 2011.

Its COSPAR designation is 2004-025K.

literature

• Steve Ford: The ARRL Satellite Handbook. American Radio Relay League, Newington CT 2008.

Web links

• Website at AMSAT

Individual evidence

1. ↑ AMSAT website
2. ↑ AMSAT: The Echo FAQ
3. ↑ DK3WN: AMSAT OSCAR-E AO-51
4. ↑ AMSAT Announces End of OSCAR 51 Mission