In Memories of Kurt - from a friend at Thaicom

02/09/2006

Through business relationship with Hughes (now Boeing) and SS/L, it is my honor to have met and become friend of both of the Harms brothers, Greg and Kurt.  I just recently learned from Greg of the sudden departure of Kurt which saddened me.  As I looked through the photo gallery in his memorial, I discovered a picture taken in August 1993 with Kurt teaching a group of would-be satellite engineers / orbital analyst at Thaicom (Shin Satellite Plc).  I had a rush of memories and flashbacks of our time back in those days as I was among those would-be satellite engineer trying to gain as much knowledge as possible to prepare for the launch and the operation of our first communications satellite for Thailand, Thaicom-1.

I would think that Kurt would be pleased to know that Thaicom-1 satellite, the robust HS-376 satellite, is still working well and it will be a few more years before we decommission it.  Kurt would also be pleased to know that his students, although only few remaining with Shin Satellite, are still grateful for his contribution to Thaicom-1 program.  Farewell to a good friend…and a good teacher!

Paiboon