FUNCUBE, SATELLITE AO-73, MARKS 12 YEARS IN SPACE

The FunCube CubeSat known as AO-73, is not quite a teenager - but it's getting there. It just marked 12 years in space. Launched from Russia in November of 2013, the small satellite carries a full-time UHF to VHF linear transponder with an output of 300 mW PEP. Hams have been making good use of the FunCube for both CW and SSB. Its orbit takes it over the British Isles and Europe six times a day - with three passes each in the morning and evening.

According to AMSAT News Service, more than 11,631,536 frames of telemetry have been collected by ground stations - in many cases, schools - since the satellite first went into service. Happy birthday, FunCube!