SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS015
ARLS015 P3D launch set back

ZCZC AS94  
QST de W1AW  
Space Bulletin 015  ARLS015
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington, CT  October 4, 1995
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS015
ARLS015 P3D launch set back

The launch of the Phase 3D Amateur Radio satellite has been set back
from May 1996 to September, according to the Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation (AMSAT).

The satellite is manifested on the European Space Agency's Ariane-5
Flight 502.  The agency reported that tests on the launcher's
cryogenic main stage have been under way in Kourou, French Guyana,
and were to have ended shortly, but problems have called for changes
that will delay upcoming launches 501 and 502.

AMSAT-North America President Bill Tynan, W3XO, said he was
disappointed at the news, but that these things can often be
expected in any development program.  ''Ariane 5 is a very ambitious
development program, but one which I am confident will result in
great success for ESA-- both technically and commercially,'' Tynan
said.

Tynan also said that the Phase 3D team will use the extra time to
good advantage to construct an even better and more thoroughly
tested spacecraft.

A story about the P3D satellite appeared in May 1995 QST.
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