AMSAT-UK Presentation

Last Saturday we were invited to present at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium in Guildford. We had a fantastic day, starting out with a brilliant tour around the Surrey Space Centre. Who knew the UK was so advanced in space satellite technology!? Very impressive stuff - wish I lived closer (any job offers welcome ;)).

AMSAT-UK, for those who aren't familiar, is the UK arm of the worldwide AMSAT organisation who specialise in radio amateur satellites. The great group of guys (and ladies) there use their radio knowledge to either build satellites that get launched with other rockets and payloads, or use their equipment at home to track them.

We were asked if we would like to present at the Colloquium and after some initial worries, we decided to go for it! We knew it would be a tight schedule in terms of preparation, because of the house move - but it was such a amazing opportunity to meet experts and dedicated specialists from across the world.

We were so glad when the actual presentation was well received and thanks to all those at AMSAT who were very kind and welcoming. The presentation was aimed at all audiences so we included as much of a range as we could, covering the basics as well as getting in some project background, coding, payload construction, tracking information and an insight into recovery (inc. the sheep from STRATODEAN Two)! It was quite the task trying to pitch it right but hopefully there's something to interest everyone.



The weekend included a full programme of presentations and talks by representatives of the British Interplanetary Society, UK Space Agency and European Space Agency, to name but a few. Please find information and the videos provided by the British Amateur Television Club (BATC) here.

STRATODEAN Update

Admittedly all has been slightly quiet on the blog front but we don't want you thinking we've been resting on our laurels! Instead we've been busy planning STRATODEAN Three, so here's a sneaky peak of the custom circuit board we've designed and had made.

Early aims/ideas for STRATODEAN Three include a upwards facing camera to capture the moment of balloon burst and the inclusion of rotating servos.

A lot of time has also been taken up with a STRATODEAN HQ move. That's right, we have a new abode complete with faster internet - yippee! On the right is a photo of Mark putting up some curtains to act as proof of the move.

We're also very excited to be speaking at this weekend's AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium, further information can be found here. To anyone attending the talk but visiting our blog ahead of the day:

"Hello! Hope you find our project interesting but no watching our STRATODEAN Two video as we'll be showing it on Saturday!"