First German Mars Mission makes sidestep to Venus, Ground station in Bochum generated echoes from Venus
The
team of German Space Agency AMSAT-DL reached another milestone on the
way to send a spacecraft to Mars on 25 March 2009. From ground mission
control station in Bochum (located in the observatory IUZ Sternwarte)
radio frequency signals were sent to Venus.
After nearly 100 million kilometres of track and approximately five
minute’s term they came back again as echoes from Venus surface and
were received in Bochum. This was the first German success to receive
echoes of other planets. The transmitter technology for the planned
Mars mission of AMSAT-DL was the last key component tested and fulfils
its baptism of fire.
The AMSAT-DL prepares the first privately
financed flight to Mars for the next possible launch window. This
spacecraft is intended as a scientific and communication platform. In
the last few years the largely honorary researcher of the AMSAT-DL
developed and tested all essential components for this spacecraft. Many
technical elements were successfully on satellites in earth orbits.
With reception of its own echoes from Venus the ground commando station
is ready for lift-off and the AMSAT-DL team is waiting in the wings to
construct the spacecraft.
Development, design and construction of
this first German Mars mission have been achieved through own work by
the AMSAT- DL and its partner organizations. Already a third of the
total project costs were performed. More own work shall follow during
the mission. To finance the specific construction costs and the launch
costs the AMSAT-DL tries to get financial support of the DLR (Deutsches
Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt). There is a need for finance of 20
millions Euros. The AMSAT would like to demonstrate that their
approaches to low-cost space missions are feasible. For comparison,
these days the ESA and NASA missions to Mars have cost ten times as
much.
The Mars mission is obliged to the open source principle.
Private donors can contribute to the mission. A website was set up for
Mars tickets http://www.ticket-to-mars.org. Anyone can buy his ticket
to Mars up 50 EUR. Through the open source principle it allows everyone
to receive the mission live data during the flight to Mars. This is
possible by using amateur radio frequencies and an own receiver with a
dish with 1 meter diameter. If such equipment is not available then it
is also possible to get a live stream via Internet. All necessary
information will be disclosed before the mission.
Background information
The
AMSAT-DL is an association of engineers, technicians, scientists,
amateur radio and space enthusiasts who have over 30 years experience
of satellite development, building and operation.
AMSAT-DL, P5A Project Management
Heike Straube
Phone: +49 (0)6421-684112, Fax: +49 (0)6421-684168
email:
Heike.Straube@amsat-dl.org