Commercial Application of EYESAT

With the continued growth in geosynchronous satellite communications transponders today, why could anyone consider using a low earth orbit, low data rate, limited availability satellite? Several factors have proven to be important as our experience with small, low earth orbit satellites increases: user priority, simple access, low investment cost, portability, global reach, and flexibility in meeting specialized requirements. The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the potential commercial applications of the AMSAT Microsatellite. Four of these spacecrafts are currently in sun-synchronous orbit, being tested and used by amateur radio operators around the world. Interferometrics Inc. of Vienna, VA has been licensed by AMSAT to commercialize the Microsat technology. Several system concepts using the basic Microsat bus have been developed to meet user requirements. The combination of a small, proven, inexpensive satellite; affordable launch costs; portable, user-friendly ground terminals; and simple, on-orbit operations make these concepts extremely attractive to a number of potential customers.