BREAKING NEWS FROM THE AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE(tm)
FRANK BAUER, KA3HDO, STEPS DOWN FROM AMSAT AND ARISS POSITIONS

By Mark Abramowicz NT3V
Amateur Radio Newsline - East Coast Bureau
Philadelphia PA.

Frank Bauer KA3HDO today (Tuesday, March 24, 2009) announced his
resignation from all of his duties with the Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station program, including work with NASA education
office as ARISS program leader, support as the ARISS international chair,
responsibilities as ARISS US delegate, and AMSAT VP of human space flight.

Bauer made the stunning announcement during an hour-long international
conference call at about 7:20 a.m. EDT.

Bauer said a number of factors entered into his decision including family
health issues and increasing responsibilities in his job at NASA related to
the International Space Station and exploration.

He thanked several members of the ARISS international community and AMSAT
for their dedication to the program.

He expressed appreciation for the support and friendship of the
international ARISS team and urged them not to lose sight of the goal of
inspiring the next generation of young students to get involved in space,
ham radio and math and science technology.

Bauer said he simply had to step away completely, but has high hopes there
will be a seamless transition.

He announced that AMSAT's Will Marchant, KC6ROL, will succeed him as the
new AMSAT vice president for human space flight. Marchant also will become
the new AMSAT USA delegate for the ARISS international working group.

(Much on the announcement, including Frank Bauer's own words explaining his
decision to step down, on the next edition of Amateur Radio Newsline to be
posted on Friday, March 28, 2009.)

ARNewsline (tm)