Original AO-40 sculpture to help launch of AO-ECHO.

This beautifully made, original sculpture of AO-40 will be given to the person donating the most toward the AMSAT AO-ECHO launch campaign in an E-bay auction.

This bronze is the artist's proof, one of only four pieces, created by long time AMSAT member Floyd Thorn, N5SVP(SK). It has been donated to AMSAT by his family, to support the AO-ECHO launch campaign. The piece measures 11� x 4� and weighs just over 1 lb. The wood base bears a brass plaque with the sculptor's name and callsign.

Floyd Thorn, PhD, was a physicist with interests in astronomy, space communications, amateur radio, and jewelry making. A long time member of AMSAT, Floyd flew F4F's and PBY's in WWII and developed a business providing cathodic protection systems to the petroleum industry.

The Sculpture will be auctioned on e-bay starting January 21.

Visit http://www.amsat.org for details, and to link to the auction.

The AO-ECHO satellite's planned launch window runs from March to May of this year. ECHO will enable satellite voice communications using simple handheld FM transceivers, along with other interesting modes.

AMSAT-NA welcomes your support. AMSAT is a 501(3)C organization, and donations may be tax deductible for US amateurs. Consult your tax advisor.