MESAT1 remains in good health, according to a November 9 command station report shared through AMSAT News Service bulletin number 315. The station also reported that power from the critical on-board radio remains strong.
The satellite requires tending to balance its power consumption with its ability to recharge its batteries through solar panels.
MESAT1 completes about 15 orbits a day, each taking about 95 minutes. For part of that time, the satellite travels in darkness, where its solar panels cannot recharge the batteries. The command station reported that the length of these eclipse periods has almost doubled since launch. Command stations have been adjusting operations when the power budget gets askew.
The report mentions eclipse periods will shorten again in a few months, giving more flexibility to operators managing the power.