Ulysses Satellite Ride
 

The Ulysses satellite was shut down on 30 June, after 18 years orbiting around the sun. On Saturday 19th September, Canberra branch rode to the tracking station at Tidbinbilla to hear a little about its travels through our solar system and what has come of it.

The ride started at the Caltex Servo, Watson & after a pleasant ride through the “Cotter” we arrived at Tidbinbilla to hear Glen Nagle from the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex give an entertaining presentation on the complex, the technical capabilities of the site, some of the very interesting history, and of course the saga of the voyages of the Ulysses Satellite.

Lunch was provided by the Moon Rock Café and there was much discussed over the meal. The usual mischief ensued and when Jen commented that we only become quiet when eating, Gary Saunders was heard to offer Jen another helping - perhaps a few of us should have seconds :-)

The weather and riding was great, and enjoyed by everone there - thanks again to the organisers!
 

NASA JPL - NASA are pretty proud of Ulysses

From the NASA website: an artists impression of the First North Polar Pass ­ 19 June 1995