26931 - PCSAT

PCSAT (Prototype Communications SATellite) is to act as a relay for amateur radio transmissions. It was built by the midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. It will augment the existing worldwide Amateur Radio Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS). (For launch details, see STARSHINE 3.) The initial orbital parameters of the circular orbit were period 101 min, altitude 794 km, and inclination 67 deg.

Alternate Names

OSCAR 44
Prototype Communications SATellite

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2001-09-30
Launch Vehicle: Athena 1
Launch Site: Kodiak Launch Complex, United States