This morning, 24 October 1993, less than one month from the launch from Kourou, the BBS & file system have been activated on ITAMSAT Oscar-26. Five years of hard work from the ITAMSAT team have finally got the long dream results! I would like to thank individually all the friends who worked hard, spending time, money and loosing a lot of sleep.
I2PZB Oscar worked nearly full time on the satellite for the last 5 years. Donated a lot of hardware, the lab and his company services. Spent more than a month overseas and the full launch campaign in Kourou. We know his heart now beats inside ITAMSAT.
IW2CTJ Carlo endlessly worked for years often until sunrise in the morning. Many technical solutions are his work. Spent many weeks around the world and the launch campaign in Kourou. Every single wire in ITAMSAT bear the touch of his fingers.
IK2OYD Stefano had the fix for any problem. Built the receivers and debug the first CPU design. Some of the experiments onboard are his design as well.
I2JDQ Maurizio designed and debug some CPU modules as well as the 9600 baud modems. Always available with his experience and suggestions.
I2HQZ Franco built all the mechanical parts and offered invaluable support through his company. Without his help, ITAMSAT couldn't be a reality.
I2AYL Leonardo was the glue to keep the team together during these years. He found most of the sponsors and had an invaluable diplomatic job.
IK2OVV Luca was one of the three that originally conceived the project. Traveled overseas and helped in many ways. Back from the U.S. is one of the Command team.
IK2VOO Gianluigi support was invaluable in the post-launch operations as he never miss an orbit. He is one of the Command team.
I2VFK Francesco offered his skill for some critical mechanical tasks.
IW3QBN Paolo designed many PCBs and built most of the TX module components. He is the leader of the Trieste TSteam that helped in most of the project tasks.
The financial help of our sponsors made our dreams a reality, and I want to remember the names of their managers: I2MQP Mario, I2FAR Antonio and IK2HKS Gilbert.
Many friends outside Italy were invaluable for the good success of the project: W3IWI Tom, N4HY Bob, NK6K Harold, G0/K8KA Jeff, G3YJO Martin, G3AAJ Ron, N4TPY Mark, WA7GXD Lyle, AMSAT-NA BoD, Interferometrics team, Arianespace and C.S.G. teams.
If I miss somebody, please excuse me, since in my heart I will never forget any of you.
Alberto I2KBD
ITAMSAT Mission Director
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