AMSAT-NA has announced a third-quarter 2015 launch opportunity for its Fox-1C CubeSat and has kicked off a fund drive to cover the costs of putting the Amateur Radio satellite into space. AMSAT reports that it has teamed with Spaceflight Inc for integration and launch services utilizing Spaceflight’s SHERPA system to put Fox-1C into a sun-synchronous orbit. Spaceflight describes SHERPA as an “in-space tug, which is dedicated to hosting and deploying small and secondary payloads.” Fox-1C is the third of four Fox-1 series satellites under development. Fox-1A and RadFXsat/Fox-1B will launch without cost to AMSAT through NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program.

The Phase 1 Fox satellites are 1-Unit CubeSats, each including an analog FM repeater that will permit simple ground stations using a hand-held transceiver and antenna to make contacts through the satellite. The Phase 1 CubeSats also offer high-speed digital mode data communication capability. AMSAT said it plans to release further details on the Fox-1C satellite and the 2015 launch as they become available.

At this point, AMSAT said, it has an immediate need to raise funds to cover the cost of the launch contract and additional Fox-1C construction and testing materials.

“We have set a fundraising goal of $125,000 to cover these expenses over the next 12 months,” AMSAT said in a July 18 bulletin, “and allow us to continue to keep Amateur Radio in space.”

AMSAT said contributors may donate via the AMSAT website, or by calling the AMSAT office toll-free, (888) 322-6728, or by sending donations to the AMSAT-NA office, 10605 Concord St, Kensington, MD 20895. AMSAT has suggested a recurring, club, or corporate donation “to maximize our chance of success with this mission.”

AMSAT is an IRS 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and donations may be tax-deductible. — AMSAT News Service, AMSAT website