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Re: CQ on satellites?
by Dave Skarbowski 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

I'm just an amateur... Dave kx3dx On Mon, Dec 18, 2023, 12:55 PM Alex Krist via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > This is starting to sound like the same bickering that happened in the > past after every HF RTTY contest where folks are admonishing each other for > have a space character too many in an exchange, are IDing too much, or what > have you, because “precious time is wasted”. > > > > Everyone will come up with some scenario where one or the other behavior > is warranted, and in the end nothing changes. In a few months the same > discussion will ensue. Rinse and repeat. 😊 > > > > 73, > > --Alex KR1ST > > > > > > *From:* Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > *Sent:* Monday, December 18, 2023 2:45 PM > *To:* Andy Brian <briaandy(a)gmail.com> > *Cc:* AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> > *Subject:* [AMSAT-BB] Re: CQ on satellites? > > > > Go back and read my first paragraph again carefully, Andy. Yes, as you > say, " You need to send CQ or call somebody." I'm just saying that, when > there are already dozens of people on the satellite, it's better to call > somebody than to keep throwing out CQs. > > -- > > Mark D. Johns, KØJM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > > ----------------------------------------------- > > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > > ---Mark Twain > > > > > > On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 1:36 PM Andy Brian <briaandy(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > How do you know which station is QRV on the pass if never send packet over > IO-117? You need to send CQ or call somebody > > but you need to see station to call him....the problem on sat is if > station calling CQ every 10seconds > > > > Without CQ stationA will call blind and wait if the stationB will reply > or maybe station B is not active at the moment and other will send more > packets to > > stations which are not active at the moment. It seems CQ is better then > blind call... > > > > On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 5:34 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < > amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > Isn't it time that we banned calling CQ on IO-117? Sure, if the satellite > is dead, and there is absolutely no traffic, put your CQ out there. But > when the bird is over North America, Japan, or Western Europe (and > especially when all three are in the footprint at once), there are > generally 50 or more stations all competing for the resource to complete > contacts. How difficult is it to pick one of those you'd like to work and > give them a call? By doing so, you've also announced your presence, and > anyone else interested in working you will give you a call in return. > Taking up time on the digipeater to call CQ when the bird is active and > crowded is simply a waste of the scarce resource. > > > > Similarly, on FM satellites, while a few newbies actually call CQ, I > constantly hear stations putting out their callsign and grid to no one in > particular. Again, great if the repeater has been silent for a while. But > on some passes you'll hear two or three stations putting out their call, > and none of them actually makes a contact! If one would listen and then > actually call the other station, they'd both have a QSO in the log. But if > everyone just keeps throwing calls around, it never happens. > > > > On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so long > as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. > > > > We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the > satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources calling > to no one in particular. > > -- > > Mark D. Johns, KØJM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > > ----------------------------------------------- > > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > > ---Mark Twain > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at > https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at > https://mailman.amsat.org > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at > https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at > https://mailman.amsat.org

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Re: CQ on satellites?
by alex＠kr1st.com 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

This is starting to sound like the same bickering that happened in the past after every HF RTTY contest where folks are admonishing each other for have a space character too many in an exchange, are IDing too much, or what have you, because “precious time is wasted”. Everyone will come up with some scenario where one or the other behavior is warranted, and in the end nothing changes. In a few months the same discussion will ensue. Rinse and repeat. 😊 73, --Alex KR1ST From: Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:45 PM To: Andy Brian <briaandy(a)gmail.com> Cc: AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> Subject: [AMSAT-BB] Re: CQ on satellites? Go back and read my first paragraph again carefully, Andy. Yes, as you say, " You need to send CQ or call somebody." I'm just saying that, when there are already dozens of people on the satellite, it's better to call somebody than to keep throwing out CQs. -- Mark D. Johns, KØJM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 1:36 PM Andy Brian <briaandy(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: How do you know which station is QRV on the pass if never send packet over IO-117? You need to send CQ or call somebody but you need to see station to call him....the problem on sat is if station calling CQ every 10seconds Without CQ stationA will call blind and wait if the stationB will reply or maybe station B is not active at the moment and other will send more packets to stations which are not active at the moment. It seems CQ is better then blind call... On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 5:34 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org <mailto:[email protected]> > wrote: Isn't it time that we banned calling CQ on IO-117? Sure, if the satellite is dead, and there is absolutely no traffic, put your CQ out there. But when the bird is over North America, Japan, or Western Europe (and especially when all three are in the footprint at once), there are generally 50 or more stations all competing for the resource to complete contacts. How difficult is it to pick one of those you'd like to work and give them a call? By doing so, you've also announced your presence, and anyone else interested in working you will give you a call in return. Taking up time on the digipeater to call CQ when the bird is active and crowded is simply a waste of the scarce resource. Similarly, on FM satellites, while a few newbies actually call CQ, I constantly hear stations putting out their callsign and grid to no one in particular. Again, great if the repeater has been silent for a while. But on some passes you'll hear two or three stations putting out their call, and none of them actually makes a contact! If one would listen and then actually call the other station, they'd both have a QSO in the log. But if everyone just keeps throwing calls around, it never happens. On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so long as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources calling to no one in particular. -- Mark D. Johns, KØJM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain ----------------------------------------------------------- Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org <http://amsat.org> . AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org <http://amsat.org> Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org

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Re: CQ on satellites?
by Andy Brian 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

How do you know which station is QRV on the pass if never send packet over IO-117? You need to send CQ or call somebody but you need to see station to call him....the problem on sat is if station calling CQ every 10seconds Without CQ stationA will call blind and wait if the stationB will reply or maybe station B is not active at the moment and other will send more packets to stations which are not active at the moment. It seems CQ is better then blind call... On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 5:34 PM Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > Isn't it time that we banned calling CQ on IO-117? Sure, if the satellite > is dead, and there is absolutely no traffic, put your CQ out there. But > when the bird is over North America, Japan, or Western Europe (and > especially when all three are in the footprint at once), there are > generally 50 or more stations all competing for the resource to complete > contacts. How difficult is it to pick one of those you'd like to work and > give them a call? By doing so, you've also announced your presence, and > anyone else interested in working you will give you a call in return. > Taking up time on the digipeater to call CQ when the bird is active and > crowded is simply a waste of the scarce resource. > > Similarly, on FM satellites, while a few newbies actually call CQ, I > constantly hear stations putting out their callsign and grid to no one in > particular. Again, great if the repeater has been silent for a while. But > on some passes you'll hear two or three stations putting out their call, > and none of them actually makes a contact! If one would listen and then > actually call the other station, they'd both have a QSO in the log. But if > everyone just keeps throwing calls around, it never happens. > > On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so long > as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. > > We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the > satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources calling > to no one in particular. > -- > Mark D. Johns, KØJM > AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor > Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd > ----------------------------------------------- > "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, > you would stay out and your dog would go in." > ---Mark Twain > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at > https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at > https://mailman.amsat.org

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Re: CQ on satellites?
by Mark Johns, K0JM 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

No issue calling CQ on linear satellites. Plenty of space, plenty of time. It's unfortunate when there are only two stations in the passband and both are calling CQ, but I understand that not everyone has a band scope to see other signals. And on most passes, the passband will soon be populated. My concern is primarily with the single channel satellites, both FM and digital. -- Mark D. Johns, KØJM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain On Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 1:25 PM Zach Metzinger via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > On 12/18/23 10:35, Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB wrote: > > On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so > > long as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. > > > > We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the > > satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources > > calling to no one in particular. > > A reminder: Some stations are dealing with limited resources and finding > one's own signal can be difficult on the linear sats with fading/etc. > Those with more limited resources may prefer to call CQ and let the "big > guns" find them, rather than going hunting for the other signals and > then trying to get synced up on the uplink. > > Yes, I'm aware that computer software, or dedicated hardware boxes, > makes this easier, but sometimes that doesn't work as well as promised > or isn't available at all. Linear sats provide a wonderful swath of > translated spectrum for everyone to enjoy doing their own thing. > > --- Zach > N0ZGO > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available > to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions > expressed > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of > AMSAT-NA. > Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at > https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/ > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org > Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at > https://mailman.amsat.org >

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Re: CQ on satellites?
by Zach Metzinger 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

On 12/18/23 10:35, Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB wrote: > On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so > long as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. > > We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the > satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources > calling to no one in particular. A reminder: Some stations are dealing with limited resources and finding one's own signal can be difficult on the linear sats with fading/etc. Those with more limited resources may prefer to call CQ and let the "big guns" find them, rather than going hunting for the other signals and then trying to get synced up on the uplink. Yes, I'm aware that computer software, or dedicated hardware boxes, makes this easier, but sometimes that doesn't work as well as promised or isn't available at all. Linear sats provide a wonderful swath of translated spectrum for everyone to enjoy doing their own thing. --- Zach N0ZGO

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Re: CQ on satellites?
by Clint Bradford 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

Well, no AMSAT Ambassador is teaching that ... does anyone know of a Web site that does? If so, I will gladly (and gently) contact them. OR, if your anyone here has a club Web site needs some "tuning up," YOU could take the lead! Clint K6LCS Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 18, 2023, at 08:35, Mark Johns, K0JM via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb(a)amsat.org> wrote: > > > Isn't it time that we banned calling CQ ...

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CQ on satellites?
by Mark Johns, K0JM 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

Isn't it time that we banned calling CQ on IO-117? Sure, if the satellite is dead, and there is absolutely no traffic, put your CQ out there. But when the bird is over North America, Japan, or Western Europe (and especially when all three are in the footprint at once), there are generally 50 or more stations all competing for the resource to complete contacts. How difficult is it to pick one of those you'd like to work and give them a call? By doing so, you've also announced your presence, and anyone else interested in working you will give you a call in return. Taking up time on the digipeater to call CQ when the bird is active and crowded is simply a waste of the scarce resource. Similarly, on FM satellites, while a few newbies actually call CQ, I constantly hear stations putting out their callsign and grid to no one in particular. Again, great if the repeater has been silent for a while. But on some passes you'll hear two or three stations putting out their call, and none of them actually makes a contact! If one would listen and then actually call the other station, they'd both have a QSO in the log. But if everyone just keeps throwing calls around, it never happens. On a linear satellite, like RS-44, a CQ can actually make sense -- so long as there isn't someone just up the passband doing the same thing. We'd all be much better off listening for the stations already on the satellite and calling one of them instead of wasting our resources calling to no one in particular. -- Mark D. Johns, KØJM AMSAT Ambassador & News Service Editor Brooklyn Park, MN USA EN35hd ----------------------------------------------- "Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ---Mark Twain

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Clark sat-1 from ISS/KIBO, Dec 18 (Mon) at 435.130MHz CW beacon
by Masanobu Tsuji 17 Dec '23

17 Dec '23

Dear folks, Clark sat-1 of the Clark Memorial International High School in Tokyo, Japan is scheduled to be deployed from ISS/Kibo on December 18 (Mon.) at 10:15 UTC. Clark sat-1 is a 1U CubeSat and its call sign is JS1YLT. It will start CW beacon after 30 minutes from the deployment. The CW beacon will be transmitted every two minutes. If you receive the downlink signal from Clark sat-1, send a report to "clarksat-1(a)clark.ed.jp", please. We appreciate your reports very much. IARU coordination: https://iaru.amsat-uk.org/finished_detail.php?serialnum=852 Clark sat-1 operation status: X account (@sat1_AMBITIOUS) https://twitter.com/sat1_AMBITIOUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedt… 73 de Masanobu Tsuji, JA1DAO Clark sat-1 team

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ANS-351 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Mitch Ahrenstorff (AD0HJ) 17 Dec '23

17 Dec '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-351 In this edition: * ARISS Marks 40th Anniversary of STS-9 with Special Slow Scan Television Event * HADES-D Satellite: Successful Telecommand Response and FM Repeater Tests Ongoing * WRC-23 Reaches Acceptable Conclusion on 23-Centimeter Issue * How the 18th Space Defense Squadron Averts Catastrophe at 17,000 Miles Per Hour * CubeSat Technology and 3D Printing Combine for Emergency Broadband in Disaster Zones * Satellite Top 100 Rovers December 2023 Rankings * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 15, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-351 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 Dec 17 ARISS Marks 40th Anniversary of STS-9 with Special Slow Scan Television Event In a collaborative effort spanning ARISS teams worldwide, a special Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is currently underway to mark the 40th Anniversary of NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-9. SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station (ISS) are being broadcast on 145.800 MHz using the PD120 format. The scheduled times for the event are from December 16 at 10:15 UTC | 5:15 AM ET through December 19 around 1800 UTC | 1:00 PM ET. On November 28, 1983, the Space Shuttle Columbia carried Owen Garriott, W5LFL (SK), into orbit. He was equipped with a specially customized Motorola MX-340 two-meter handheld radio and an antenna attached to the shuttle's window. The first amateur radio contact from space took place shortly before crossing the west coast on December 1, 1983, when Columbia executed a roll maneuver exposing the antenna toward Earth. W5LFL began calling CQ, and at 02:38 UTC, Lance Collister, WA1JXN, in Frenchtown, MT, answered the call, marking the first amateur radio QSO with a human in space. A flurry of QSOs followed over the next several days before Columbia returned to Earth on December 8th. Notable amateur operators in the log included Senator Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, and King Hussein of Jordan, JY1. Slow Scan Television has also been an integral part of Amateur Radio in Human Spaceflight since its early days, with Tony England, WØORE, paving the way by sending ten images via Slow Scan Television on Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51F in the summer of 1985. Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about this ISS Slow Scan Television Event, such as how to decode SSTV images and track the ISS, can be found at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/faq.php. You can apply for the ARISS SSTV Award by uploading your decoded image and completing the Application Form using the information provided at https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv. Don't forget that you can receive a QSL Card from the International Space Station by receiving and decoding a SSTV image. More information about how to obtain a QSL Card can be found at https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html. ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) hopes that you can participate in another exciting International Space Station SSTV event. This is a great opportunity to share the magic of amateur radio with your friends and family. Watch for event updates to be posted on X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com/ARISS_Intl. Remember to have fun and best of luck with your SSTV image decoding attempts! [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- HADES-D Satellite: Successful Telecommand Response and FM Repeater Tests Ongoing The HADES-D satellite, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-9 (TR-9) mission on November 11, 2023, has successfully completed a month in orbit. AMSAT-EA reports that, following its separation from the ION SCV-013 Orbital Transfer Vehicle two weeks ago, HADES-D is responding well to telecommands from the ground control station. Current tests on the FM voice repeater show promising results, demonstrating its effectiveness. However, adjustments to the squelch level are under consideration due to the current configuration requiring increased power for activation. HADES-D's health status has been confirmed through telemetry, CW, and FM voice beacon receptions from various Earth locations. Telemetry signals in FSK, CW, and FM voice beacon, operating at 436.666 MHz downlink, transmit to Earth at 0.25 Watts. Demodulation and decoding software for satellite telemetry are available on AMSAT-EA's website under the Project tab (https://www.amsat-ea.org/proyectos). The FM repeater, with a 40mW power output, may require a robust antenna for optimal receive performance. Developed alongside the URESAT Antonio de Nebrija, both utilizing the pocketQubes 1.5P platform, HADES-D features advanced solar panels and increased processing capacity. These advancements enable the satellite to transmit telemetry and repeat signals at higher speeds. The incorporation of an FM transponder for voice communications also allows for message retransmission in FSK. Efforts are ongoing to confirm the final Two-Line Elements for streamlined operations. [ANS thanks AMSAT-EA for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ WRC-23 Reaches Acceptable Conclusion on 23-Centimeter Issue The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) continues through December 15, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)'s primary effort focused on Agenda Item 9.1 topic b to address amateur use of the 23-centimeter band and co-frequency use by several radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) systems in the 1240 - 1300 MHz band. IARU's work that began four years ago with a preparatory study in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) to address this agenda item has finally come to a close. Our concerted engagement in the ITU-R working parties, study groups, and WRC preparatory meetings ensured that the amateur services were properly represented during the development of two published ITU-R reports: M.2513 and M.2532. An ITU-R Recommendation, M.2164, followed these, which formed the basis for the discussions at WRC-23. During the WRC-23 deliberations, strong positions were expressed by all parties involved. The result is a well-supported compromise for a footnote in the Radio Regulations regarding amateur and amateur satellite service operation in the 1240 -1300 MHz range. The footnote reminds administrations and amateurs of the need to protect the primary RNSS from interference, and it provides guidance for administrations to allow both services to continue to operate in this portion of the spectrum. Administrations are the bodies that govern amateur radio in their respective countries, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The Conference Plenary compromise was formally adopted on December 8 and is not subject to further consideration during the final week of WRC-23. The IARU team continues its work on other WRC issues, including developing agendas for future conferences. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, noted, "This is a very good result for the amateur services. The decision reached at WRC-23 on this agenda item makes no change to the table of allocations nor incorporates by reference M.2164 into the Radio Regulations. The addition of a footnote that provides guidance to administrations in the event of interference to the RNSS is a good regulatory outcome for amateurs and the primary users of this band." The WRC also agreed to suppress Resolution 774, which closes the issue and satisfies the agenda item. Read more in ARRL News at https://www.arrl.org/news/wrc-23-reaches-acceptable-conclusion-on-23-centim… [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- How the 18th Space Defense Squadron Averts Catastrophe at 17,000 Miles Per Hour In the vast expanse of space, where countless manmade objects hurtle through Low Earth Orbit at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour, a dedicated group of guardians stands watch to prevent potential collisions that could disrupt crucial communication, navigation, and scientific satellites. The 18th Space Defense Squadron (SDS), part of the Space Force, operates from its headquarters at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, employing advanced technology and surveillance systems to track and identify potential collision risks in real-time. The 18th SDS, often referred to as the "lighthouse of space," utilizes the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) to monitor over 45,000 objects in Earth's orbit. Ground-based sensors, including the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System, capture rapid digital photos of the night sky, revealing satellites as tiny streaks. Computers analyze these streaks to calculate the satellites' positions, providing vital data for collision risk assessments, as explained in a recent press release from the Space Operations Command. Key components of the SSN include ground-based radar systems such as the AN/FPS-85 and AN/FYS-3 Phased Array Radars, capable of tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously. The 'Space Fence,' located in the Marshall Islands, employs an array system that broadcasts constant bands of energy, tracking objects passing through its coverage. On-orbit platforms like the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite ensure year-round tracking above earthly obstructions like weather and daylight. Maintaining an ever-growing catalog of space objects on Space-Track.org, the 18th SDS collaborates with its counterpart, the 19th SDS, to predict satellite trajectories and avert potential collisions. In the crowded expanse of low Earth orbit, the squadron remains vigilant, recognizing the heightened risk posed by unexpected satellite fragments that could lead to disastrous collisions. Space Operations Command (SpOC) recently outlined four categories of fragmentation events: anomalous debris-causing events, breakup events, collisions, and mission-related events. Anomalous events occur due to factors like corrosion or fatigue, leading to slow-speed fragment dispersal. Breakup events, generating large amounts of rapidly spreading debris, can be unintentional or intentional, as seen in anti-satellite missile tests. Collisions, exemplified by the 2009 incident involving a Russian military satellite and a commercial Iridium satellite, prompt heightened awareness and response. Mission-related events involve the fragmentation of payloads or unintentional separation of non-payload components. Members of the 18th SDS remain vigilant for changes in orbital parameters, indicators of potential satellite stress or gas release, which could precede fragmentation events. Specialized software assists in tracking satellite trajectories and determining the origin and trajectory of debris in case of fragmentation. Timely warnings to affected satellite operators enable them to make necessary adjustments, minimizing collision risks. Despite the 18th SDS's capabilities, over a million objects under 10 cm remain untrackable but pose significant collision threats. The act of maneuvering to avoid collisions consumes satellite fuel and shortens their lifespan. Recognizing the limitations, a recent call by the research group RAND advocates for an international space traffic management system (STM) to enhance coordination and communication among satellite operators. The current state of managing space objects is described by RAND researchers as "informal, ad hoc, and often ill-coordinated," approaching a tipping point. Urging proactive governance structures, the researchers emphasize the need for the space community to build systems ensuring the safety and sustainability of critical space assets, services, and activities before a crisis necessitates action. [ANS thanks David Roza, Senior Editor, Air & Space Forces Magazine for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- CubeSat Technology and 3D Printing Combine for Emergency Broadband in Disaster Zones Researchers from the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), the University of Luxembourg, and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) have developed a nanosatellite technology aimed at delivering swift emergency broadband connectivity to disaster-stricken regions. This innovative solution combines CubeSat technology with 3D printing, allowing for rapid deployment to enhance communication for emergency services in complex situations. Professor Carlos Monzo Sánchez of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya emphasizes the project's significance, stating, "Our project provides a solution that means a communications network to provide help in emergency situations can be established quickly." The core technology is the CubeSat standard for nanosatellites, known for their cost-effectiveness and small size, manufactured on a 3D printer in just 90 minutes. The CubeSats are then elevated above disaster zones using balloons, utilizing LoRa (low-power long-range radio) communication with the ground. Raúl Parada, a researcher at CTTC and the paper's first author, explains, "Our solution enables communication over long distances and provides a scalable system for a large number of users that is reusable anywhere and at any time." The team's prototypes leverage the Semtech SX1278 LoRa transceiver, connected to a simple metal ruler antenna. The 1U CubeSat, housing the transceiver, is equipped with a sensor package comprising a Bosch Sensortec BME280 environmental sensor, a TDK InvenSense MPU-9250 inertial measurement unit (IMU), a Hanwei MQ-135 air quality sensor, and a Roithner LaserTechnik GUVA-S12SD ultraviolet light sensor. These sensors are linked to an Arduino Nano microcontroller, with a GPS receiver added later to facilitate satellite recovery. Emphasizing the practicality of their design, Monzo explains, "Our solution is designed to provide a rapid service in complex scenarios, and as such, we have prioritized its ease of deployment over its use as a telecommunications solution in normal situations." The researchers aim to refine the infrastructure further, focusing on minimizing deployment times and ensuring adaptability to a wide range of situations. The team's work has been published in the journal Aerospace under open-access terms, marking a significant stride in leveraging technology to enhance emergency response capabilities in disaster-stricken areas. [ANS thanks Gareth Halfacree, Technical Author, writing for hackster.io, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Top 100 Rovers December 2023 Rankings The December 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data. Updated: 2023-12-12 1 ND9M 26 K8BL 51 F4DXV 76 DF2ET 2 NJ7H 27 KE4AL 52 KE9AJ 77 WA9JBQ 3 N5UC 28 LU5ILA 53 JL3RNZ 78 W8LR 4 JA9KRO 29 DL2GRC 54 VE1CWJ 79 K0FFY 5 DL6AP 30 KI7UNJ 55 KM4LAO 80 VE3GOP 6 WI7P 31 VE3HLS 56 PA3GAN 81 OE3SEU 7 HA3FOK 32 KB5FHK 57 VK5DG 82 KJ7NDY 8 N9IP 33 LA9XGA 58 N4UFO 83 KB2YSI 9 N6UA 34 N7AGF 59 SM3NRY 84 CU2ZG 10 WY7AA 35 F4BKV 60 KI7QEK 85 N0TEL 11 AD0DX 36 XE3DX 61 VA7LM 86 DL4EA 12 W5PFG 37 N6DNM 62 N8RO 87 VE6WK 13 K5ZM 38 KE0PBR 63 PT2AP 88 VE7PTN 14 DP0POL 39 KE0WPA 64 W1AW 89 AF5CC 15 AK8CW 40 JO2ASQ 65 XE1ET 90 HB9GWJ 16 UT1FG 41 K7TAB 66 AA8CH 91 PT9ST 17 AD0HJ 42 AC0RA 67 M1DDD 92 DK9JC 18 WD9EWK 43 W7WGC 68 VE1VOX 93 JM1CAX 19 ON4AUC 44 PR8KW 69 VA3VGR 94 KG4AKV 20 KG5CCI 45 JK2XXK 70 FJ8OJ 95 VO2AC 21 KX9X 46 EA4NF 71 PT9BM 96 LW2DAF 22 ND0C 47 SP5XSD 72 KI7UXT 97 KI0KB 23 N5BO 48 AA5PK 73 LU4JVE 98 KC7JPC 24 DJ8MS 49 AD7AB 74 N4DCW 99 AB5SS 25 F5VMJ 50 EB1AO 75 YU0W 100 N6UTC [ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 15, 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/. This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution. [ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Recently Completed Harbor Creek School, Harborcreek, PA, direct via KC3SGV The ISS callsign was NA1SS The scheduled crewmember was Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ The ARISS mentor is KD8COJ Contact was successful: Mon 2023-12-11 13:45:04 UTC Congratulations to the Harbor Creek School students, Andreas, and mentor KD8COJ! Primary School of Zipari Kos, Zipari, Greece, direct via SV5BYR The ISS callsign was OR4ISS The scheduled crewmember was Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ The ARISS mentor is IKØWGF Contact was successful: Thu 2023-12-14 13:17:31 UTC Watch the Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzRrMguN-VI + Upcoming Contacts No upcoming school contacts are scheduled. The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. The packet system is listed as temporarily stowed. Look for SSTV transmissions on 145.800 MHz between December 16th through December 19th. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Jonathan N4AKV will be operating FM, linear, and GreenCube satellite passes in maidenhead grids EM75/76/85/86 (Tennessee) from December 18th through December 20th. Check for passes listed on http://hams.at and watch Jonathan's Twitter feed for any updates (https://twitter.com/N4AKV_). A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Positive Impact of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight Thursday February 22nd through Saturday February 24th, 2024 Center for Space Education: Astronauts Memorial Foundation Kennedy Space Center, M6-306 405 State Road, FL 32899 https://www.ariss.org/overview.html [ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AO-73 (FUNcube-1), managed by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL, has reactivated its transponder after a meticulous year of battery management. Launched a decade ago, the satellite faced challenges with its battery struggling to reach the nominal 8.3V charge. Recent efforts, including strategic transmitter shutdowns during eclipse periods, have improved the situation. The battery voltage now varies between 8.13V in sunlight and 7.8V at the end of an eclipse, a significant improvement. AO-73 is currently transmitting low-power BPSK telemetry on 145.935MHz, featuring an inverting mode U/V transponder uplink ranging from 435.130 to 435.150 MHz, with a downlink set at 145.970 to 145.950 MHz. The satellite maintains a high spin rate of approximately 30 rpm, requiring manual tuning for the 70 cm input due to the receiver's temperature drift. This development reopens exciting opportunities for radio operators interested in exploring AO-73's capabilities after its temporary hiatus. (ANS thanks David Bowan, G0MRF, AMSAT-UK for the above information) + NASA's Voyager 1 probe, now in interstellar space, is experiencing a communication glitch, preventing the transmission of scientific or systems data. The 46-year-old spacecraft can receive commands, but its flight data system (FDS) is no longer communicating as expected with the telecommunications unit (TMU). The FDS compiles data into a package for transmission, but it's currently stuck in a repeating pattern of ones and zeros. Voyager's engineering team is investigating, but a solution may take weeks. The spacecraft's age and technology from the 1970s present unique challenges, and previous malfunctions required creative software workarounds. Despite past issues, finding solutions for Voyager's challenges is a slow process, involving consultation of decades-old documents. (ANS thanks Josh Dinner, Content Manager & Writer, Space.com, for the above information) + Blue Origin is set to resume New Shepard suborbital launches no earlier than December 18th, marking the vehicle's first potential flight in over 15 months. The uncrewed mission, NS-24, will follow a mishap in September 2022 when a structural failure in the BE-3PM engine led to a capsule landing safely while the propulsion module crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration closed its investigation in September 2023, outlining 21 corrective actions for Blue Origin, including technical modifications and organizational changes. The delay in resuming flights prompted speculation about the company's priorities, but it has since won a NASA contract for a lunar lander, introduced an orbital transfer vehicle, and progressed with the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle and Orbital Reef space station projects. During this hiatus, Virgin Galactic began commercial service with its SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, but announced plans to shift to quarterly flights in 2024 and eventually halt operations to focus on new suborbital vehicles. (ANS thanks Jeff Foust, writing for SpaceNews, for the above information) + NASA astronaut Frank Rubio grew tomatoes in space using hydroponic techniques to demonstrate space agricultural methods on the International Space Station (ISS). After harvesting one of the first tomatoes grown in space, Rubio misplaced it during a public event with school kids, sparking a humorous search on the ISS. In the microgravity environment, anything unanchored can float away, and despite spending hours searching, Rubio never found the tomato. The mystery ended when the remaining ISS crew announced they had located the tomato, clearing Rubio of suspicions that he had eaten it. Rubio's historic mission on the ISS, lasting over a year, set a record for the longest a US astronaut has spent in microgravity, initially planned for six months. (ANS thanks Jackie Wattles, Space & Science Writer, CNN, for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ ad0hj [at] amsat.org

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ARISS News Release No. 23-66
by David Jordan 16 Dec '23

16 Dec '23

ARISS News Release No. 23-66 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn(a)amsat.org FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE ARISS 40th AnniversarySSTV Event Scheduled for December 16 – 19, 2023 EVENT UPDATE December16, 2023 — The ARISS 40th Anniversary SSTV Event is currentlyexperiencing technical difficulties. We have received a number of reportsstating that no images have been received during passes. The problem is beinginvestigated and we will continue to provide updates of changes in the operationstatus as they occur. Please refer to our social media listings below for thelatest updates. AboutARISS: Amateur Radio on the InternationalSpace Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radiosocieties and the space agencies that support the International Space Station(ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the American Radio Relay League(ARRL), Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), Radio Amateur SatelliteCorporation (AMSAT), NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program (SCaN)and the ISS National Lab—Space Station Explorers. The primary goal of ARISS isto promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematicstopics. ARISS does this by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radiobetween crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radiocontacts, students, educators, parents, and communities take part in hands-onlearning activities tied to space, space technologies, and amateur radio. Formore information, see http://www.ariss.org . MediaContact: DaveJordan, AA4KN ARISSPR Findus on social media at: Twitter:ARISS_Intl Facebook:facebook.com/ARISSIntl Instagram:ariss_intl Mastodon:[email protected] Checkout ARISS on Youtube.com.

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