SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS012
ARLS012 Phase 3D Launch Delayed

ZCZC AS12  
QST de W1AW  
Space Bulletin 012  ARLS012
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington, CT  October 11, 2000
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS012
ARLS012 Phase 3D Launch Delayed

AMSAT News Service reports the launch of the next-generation Phase
3D Amateur Radio satellite has been delayed until mid-November. The
launch agency, Arianespace, had tentatively planned to launch Phase
3D and three other payloads on or about October 31 aboard an Ariane
5 rocket. A new tentative launch date for Ariane Flight 135 has not
been announced.

AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, has
indicated to ANS that one of the payloads scheduled to travel into
space with Phase 3D has not yet arrived at the European Spaceport in
Kourou, French Guiana, but was due to be there ''very shortly.'' Once
on-site, the payload still must undergo a detailed launch
preparation campaign similar to the one Phase 3D now is completing.
In addition to Phase 3D, the Ariane 5 will attempt to orbit the
PanAmSat PAS 1R communications satellite and two British Space
Technology Research Vehicle microsatellites, STRV 1C and STRV 1D.
ANS did not indicate which of the other payloads was delayed.

Guelzow reports that Phase 3D's fueling operations now are complete.
Earlier, Phase 3D team members checked out the RF, computer,
electronic, and mechanical systems for the satellite before
buttoning it up for the last time prior to launch. Phase 3D's solar
cells were fitted and tested using high-intensity lights to verify
electrical output and battery charging capabilities. In addition,
the satellite was fitted into the support bearing structure--or
SBS--that will cradle Phase 3D on its ride into space.

Phase 3D soon will be moved into the final assembly building at the
European Spaceport, where the satellite will be mated to the Ariane
5 launch vehicle.

For more information, visit the Phase 3D launch team's Web site,
http://www.amsat-dl.org/launch/ . For more information about Phase
3D, visit the AMSAT-NA Web site, http://www.amsat.org/.
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