- AMSAT-BB - mailman.amsat.org

ARISS News Release No. 22-14
by David Jordan 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

ARISS News Release No.22-14 Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn(a)amsat.org FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE ARISSContact is Scheduled with Youth Members of Kids Star Club Sayama, Sayama, Japan March15, 2022—Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has receivedschedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact between astronauts on-boardthe International Space Station (ISS) and Japan youth members of the Kids StarClub Sayama in Sayama, Japan. ARISSconducts 60-80 of these special amateur radio contacts each year betweenstudents around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on-board theISS. Prior to this ARISS event, the Kids Star Club has held anamateur radio licensing seminar for the youth members, as well as lessons aboutradio waves, electricity, and space. Those successfully licensed youth willparticipate in the Q&A portion of the ARISS event. English will be thelanguage used for this contact. This will be a direct contact via Amateur Radio allowing these youth to take turns asking theirquestions of Astronaut Mark Vande Hei, amateur radio call sign KG5GNP. LocalCovid-19 protocols are adhered to as applicable for each ARISS contact. Thedownlink frequency for this contact is 145.800 MHZ and may be heard bylisteners that are within the ISS-footprint that also encompasses the ground station. Kids Star Club youth members in Sayama, Japanwill use the amateur radio ground station with call sign 8J1KSC to contact the ISSfor this ARISS contact. TheARISS radio contact is scheduled for March 17, 2022 at 7:21:47 pm JST (JPN) (10:21:47UTC, 6:21 am EDT, 5:21 am CDT, 4:21 am MDT, 3:21am PDT). _______________________________ Astime allows, students will ask these questions: 1.What is the most beautiful constellation that you can see from the ISS? 2.What was your job before becoming an astronaut and how does it influence yourjob now? 3.Did you see a lot of space debris from the ISS? 4.What food do you like to eat while in space? 5.What is the most unusual phenomenon that can be seen from space? What kind ofphenomenon is it? 6.How does a paper airplane "fly" in the space station? 7.Can analog clocks work in space? 8.Do you think humans can really live in space? 9.How did you first feel when you got into space? 10.What do you want to do first when you return to Earth? 11.What do you enjoy the most in space? 12.How do you brush your teeth in space? 13.Which is easier, life with gravity or life without gravity? 14.How is the view of the sun rise from the ISS? 15.Is there any space food that can only be eaten in space? 16.What's the hardest thing you have ever done in space and how did you overcomethat? 17.How do you feel when you look at Earth from space? About ARISS: 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 Radio Amateur SatelliteCorporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS NationalLab-Space Station Explorers, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) andNASA’s Space communications and Navigation program. The primary goal of ARISSis to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, andmathematics topics. ARISS does this by organizing scheduled contacts viaamateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before andduring these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities takepart in hands-on learning activities tied to space, space technologies, andamateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. MediaContact: DaveJordan, AA4KN ARISSPR Likeus on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Search on Amateur Radio on the ISS and@ARISS_status. Checkout ARISS on Youtube.com.

1 0

EM01/EM02/EM03 rove tomorrow (3/15)
by John Geiger 14 Mar '22

14 Mar '22

Planning to rove to EM03/EM02/EM01 tomorrow. WIll try to be to EM02 for the 1734 AO91 pass, and hit a pass or 2 from EM03 on the way down. THen plan to be EM01 for the 0033Z RS-44 pass and 0105Z FO29 pass. WIll hit more EM02 and EM03 passes on the way home from that. Hope to see everyone who needs those grids. It looks like AO7 will be in Mode A so I wont be on it, but will be trying the other active SSB/FM satellites. 73 John AF5CC

1 0

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2022-03-14 16:30 UTC
by aj9n＠aol.com 14 Mar '22

14 Mar '22

Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2022-03-14 16:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Kids Star Club Sayama, Sayama, Japan, direct via 8J1KSC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is go for: Thu 2022-03-17 10:21:47 UTC 51 deg Toyonaka High School, Toyonaka, Japan, direct via 8J3THS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Barron KI5LAL (***) Contact is go for: Mon 2022-03-21 08:46:32 UTC 68 deg (***) 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 ######################################################################################################################################## A multi-point telebridge contact means that each student will be on the telebridge from their own home. **************************************************************************************************************************************** ARISS is very aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on schools and the public in general. As such, we may have last minute cancellations or postponements of school contacts. As always, I will try to provide everyone with near-real-time updates. Watch for future COVID-19 related announcements at https://www.ariss.org/ The following schools have now been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19: Postponed: No new schools Cancelled: No new schools **************************************************************************************************************************************** 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. All dates and times listed follow International Standard ISO 8601 date and time format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS The complete schedule page has been updated as of 2022-03-14 16:30 UTC. (***) Here you will find a listing of all scheduled school contacts, and questions, other ISS related websites, IRLP and Echolink websites, and instructions for any contact that may be streamed live. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.rtf https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/arissnews.txt The successful school list has been updated as of 2022-02-28 16:30 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/Successful_ARISS_schools.rtf The ARISS webpage is at https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. The main page for Applying to Host a Scheduled Contact may be found at https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS Contact Applications (United States) Call for Proposals New Proposal Window is February 21, 2022, to March 31, 2022 February 16, 2022 — The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. The deadline to submit a proposal is March 31, 2022. Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form can be found at https://ariss-usa.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-usa/. An ARISS Introductory Webinar session will be held on March 3, 2022, at 8 PM ET. The Eventbrite link to sign up is: https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2022.eventbrite.com. The Opportunity Crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in scheduled Amateur Radio contacts. These radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session. An ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science. Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in dates and times of the radio contact. Amateur Radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe present educational organizations with this opportunity. The ham radio organizations’ volunteer efforts provide the equipment and operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world using Amateur Radio. Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education(a)gmail.com. For future proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and proposal form, and dates and times of Information Webinars, go to www.ariss.org. About ARISS: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEAM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS Contact Applications (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) Schools and Youth organizations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application from September to October and from February to April. Please refer to details and the application form at www.ariss-eu.org/school-contacts. Applications should be addressed by email to: school.selection.manager(a)ariss-eu.org ARISS Contact Applications (Canada, Central and South America, Asia and Australia and Russia) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Organizations outside the United States can apply for an ARISS contact by filling out an application. Please direct questions to the appropriate regional representative listed below. If your country is not specifically listed, send your questions to the nearest ARISS Region listed. If you are unsure which address to use, please send your question to the ARISS-Canada representative; they will forward your question to the appropriate coordinator. For the application, go to: https://www.ariss.org/ariss-application.html. ARISS-Canada and the Americas, except USA: Steve McFarlane, VE3TBD email to: ve3tbd(a)gmail.com ARISS-Japan, Asia, Pacific and Australia: Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ email to: ariss(a)iaru-r3.org, Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) https://www.jarl.org/ ARISS-Russia: Soyuz Radioljubitelei Rossii (SRR) https://srr.ru/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ARISS is always glad to receive listener reports for the above contacts. ARISS thanks everyone in advance for their assistance. Feel free to send your reports to aj9n(a)amsat.org or aj9n(a)aol.com. Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* All ARISS contacts are made via the Kenwood radio unless otherwise noted. ******************************************************************************* Several of you have sent me emails asking about the RAC ARISS website and not being able to get in. That has now been changed to https://www.ariss.org/ Note that there are links to other ARISS websites from this site. **************************************************************************** Looking for something new to do? How about receiving DATV from the ISS? Please note that the HamTV system has been brought back to earth for troubleshooting. Please monitor ARISS-EU or ARISS-ON for the very latest news on the troubleshooting efforts. If interested, then please go to the ARISS-EU website for complete details. Look for the buttons indicating Ham Video. http://www.ariss-eu.org/ If you need some assistance, ARISS mentor Kerry N6IZW, might be able to provide some insight. Contact Kerry at kbanke(a)sbcglobal.net The HamTV webpage: https://www.amsat-on.be/hamtv-summary/ **************************************************************************** ARISS congratulates the following mentors who have now mentored over 100 schools: Sergey RV3DR with 161 Satoshi 7M3TJZ with 144 Francesco IKØWGF with 141 Gaston ON4WF with 124 Peter IN3GHZ with 112 **************************************************************************** The webpages listed below were all reviewed for accuracy. Out of date webpages were removed, and new ones have been added. If there are additional ARISS websites I need to know about, please let me know. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school events is 1502. Each school counts as 1 event. Total number of ARISS ISS to earth school contacts is 1427. Each contact may have multiple schools sharing the same time slot. Total number of ARISS supported terrestrial contacts is 48. Please feel free to contact me if more detailed statistics are needed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The following US states and entities have never had an ARISS contact: South Dakota, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and the Virgin Islands. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QSL information may be found at: https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html ISS callsigns: DPØISS, FXØISS, GB1SS, IRØISS, NA1SS, OR4ISS, RSØISS **************************************************************************** Frequency chart for packet, voice, and crossband repeater modes showing Doppler correction as of 2005-07-29 04:00 UTC https://www.amsat.org/amsat/ariss/news/ISS_frequencies_and_Doppler_correcti… Check out the Zoho reports of the ARISS contacts https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?DBID=412218000000020415 **************************************************************************** Exp. 64 on orbit Pyotr Dubrov Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Exp. 65 on orbit Anton Shkaplerov SpaceX Crew-3 on orbit Raja Chari KI5LIU Thomas Marshburn KE5HOC Matthias Maurer KI5KFH Kayla Barron KI5LAL **************************************************************************** 73, Charlie Sufana AJ9N One of the ARISS operation team mentors

1 0

MIR-SAT 1 (MO-112)
by Jean Marc Momple 14 Mar '22

14 Mar '22

Dear all, FYI This week-end MO-112 digipeater trial has been a success, thanks to all who contributed, the 3B8 team really appreciate your efforts and numerous feedbacks. Thus today the operational team decided to keep the digipeater active for HAM’s worldwide except when over 3B8 region (mainly 3B8, FR and ZS concerned, not to interfere with software changes and optimization going on, it will also be available in the region per a schedule which will be circulated today and I appeal to all in the region to respect it so that the rest of the world may enjoy the digipeater when outside our region. Enjoy the bird and your feedback (as usual) would be really appreciated. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

1 0

MIR-SAT 1 (MO-112) Digipeater news
by Jean Marc Momple 13 Mar '22

13 Mar '22

Dear All, The first QSO was reported on Twitter between Christy (KB6LTY) and Ryan (AI6DO), congratulations to them. Also many reported successful digipeats through the bird, so its seems working well and this is very encouraging. The digipeater will remain open until tomorrow 14/03/2022 until around 11:00 Hrs GMT and will be reactivated next Friday. Thanks for all the reports sent. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

1 0

Re: MIR-SAT 1
by Jean Marc Momple 12 Mar '22

12 Mar '22

@ Dave, Sorry I should have used the AMSAT name which is MO112. @ Joan; To note that the PACSAT Broadcast in spite showing active is not working for the moment except for the Directory download, this was broken when correcting issues with the digipeater and will be corrected asap by the operational team. To digipeat you may wish to use UISS (by ON6MU) https://www.qsl.net/on6mu/uissdownload.htm The digipeater callsign is 3B8MIR-1 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU) > On Mar 12, 2022, at 11:34 PM, David Jordan <n4csitwo(a)bellsouth.net> wrote: > > Jean Marc, > I've checked at several satellite tracking sites including the satellite website, but can't see where to go to track it's location. > Where do I go to see what days and times it will be passing over my home in Orlando, FL? > > Thank you, > Dave, AA4KN > > > > On Saturday, March 12, 2022, 12:31:04 PM EST, Jean Marc Momple <jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > > Dear All, > > Below a Tweet I sent a few minutes ago: > > "Any successful 2 way-QSO with MIR-SAT 1 digipeater? > I will personally send 2 MIR-SAT 1 first day cover to the first parties reporting a QSO, some value to the HAM community I believe as it is quite rare that a HAM satellite is recognize by having by a national stamp. > 73 Jean Marc” > > It would be really a great news for me to have a confirmation that at least one 2-way QSO has been made through MIR-SAT 1 thus confirming it fully as a real HAM bird. > > Your help is again important to achieve this important milestone, making the mission a full success. > > Unfortunately, I cannot do it right now as so far I am the only station capable to digipeat trough LEO’s in the region but working with 3B8 and FR OM's these days to make it possible as I personally will really like to make a 2-way QSO through MIR-SAT 1. > > 73 > > > > Jean Marc (3B8DU) > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > 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/ <https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/> > > View archives of this mailing list at > https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected] <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 <https://mailman.amsat.org/>

1 0

ANS-072 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Mar. 13
by Mark Johns, K0JM 12 Mar '22

12 Mar '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-072 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 http://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/ In this edition: * January/February 2022 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available * AMSAT Discord Server Open to All * Study: Rapid Development of Satellite Mega-Constellations Risks Tragedies of the Commons * Successful QO-100 Ham Radio Emergency Communications Exercise * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 10 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-072 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2022 Mar 13 January/February 2022 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available The January/February 2022 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal at https://launch.amsat.org/The_AMSAT_Journal The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world. Inside the Current Issue: * Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL * Educational Relations Update - Alan Johnston, KU2Y * Engineering Update - Jerry Buxton, N0JY * Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, SK - Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK * Space Weather for the Satellite Operator with Dr. Tamitha Skov - Paul Graveline, K1YUB * An EZNEC Model for the Lindenblad Antenna - Grant Zehr, AA9LC Not an AMSAT member? Join at https://launch.amsat.org/ [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Discord Server Open to All AMSAT is pleased to announce the availability of a Discord server for the amateur satellite community. Discord is a text, voice, and video client that has become very popular in recent years. Discord will provide the amateur satellite community with an additional option to communicate amongst each other, in real-time. Discord provides several neat features, including the following: * Ability to create channels, to organize different conversation topics * Hosting of events, that can include voice and or video chat * For satellite launch parties! * Use of bots to automate useful actions -Try typing /tle AO-92 -More commands are in development! * Notification of Twitter posts of interest -Currently only following @AMSAT Twitter account A special section of the server is reserved for AMSAT members. If you are a current member, please send a message in the #request-roles channel once you join the server, indicating whether you are a member or life member. Once the member role is granted, you will be able to post in the “Members Only” category. If you are not yet an AMSAT member, join today at https://launch.amsat.org/ The link below can be used to join the server. See you in Discord! https://discord.gg/xbTXcPJHyt [ANS thanks AMSAT 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Study: Rapid Development of Satellite Mega-Constellations Risks Tragedies of the Commons A study reported in Nature, “Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth,” in Scientific Reports (May 2021) by Aaron C. Boley and Michael Byers, says the rapid development of mega-constellations risks multiple tragedies of the commons. That could include tragedies to ground-based astronomy, Earth orbit, and Earth’s upper atmosphere. The study asserts that international cooperation is urgently needed, along with a regulatory system that takes into account the effects of tens of thousands of satellites. “[T]he connections between the Earth and space environments are inadequately taken into account by the adoption of a consumer electronic model applied to space assets,” the authors said. “For example, we point out that satellite re-entries from the Starlink mega-constellation alone could deposit more aluminum into Earth’s upper atmosphere than what is done through meteoroids; they could thus become the dominant source of high-altitude alumina.” The authors say their study shows that untracked debris will lead to potentially dangerous on-orbit collisions on a regular basis due to the large number of satellites within mega-constellation orbital shells. The total cross-section of satellites in these constellations also greatly increases the risk of impacts due to meteoroids. De facto orbit occupation by single actors, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the possibility of free-riding exacerbate these risks. According to Boley and Byers, in 2 years, the number of active and defunct satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) has increased by over 50%. “SpaceX alone is on track to add 11,000 more as it builds its Starlink mega-constellation and has already filed for permission for another 30,000 satellites with the [FCC].” More than 12,000 trackable debris pieces are already in low-Earth orbit, typically 10 centimeters in diameter or larger, the study asserts. Including sizes down to 1 centimeter would raise the debris count to about a million inferred debris pieces that could threaten satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts due to their orbits crisscrossing at high relative speeds. Simulations of the long-term evolution of debris suggest that LEO is already in the protracted initial stages of a mushrooming collision scenario, but that this could be managed through active debris removal. The addition of satellite mega-constellations and the general proliferation of low-cost satellites in LEO stresses the environment further, the study posits. [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Successful QO-100 Ham Radio Emergency Communications Exercise On February 26, 22 stations representing 14 countries in IARU Region 1 took part in a short notice exercise using the geostationary satellite QO-100 amateur radio transponder IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Co-Ordinator Greg Mossop G0DUB has posted: This was the first of a number of smaller exercises, tests and meetings to be held by IARU Region 1 throughout the year, building on the earlier Global Simulated Emergency Tests to cover as many aspects of emergency communications as possible. The intention is to bring emergency communicators together more frequently to demonstrate how the Amateur Radio Service can work together as a global community and develop a common understanding of each others’ capabilities. The exercise on QO-100 was felt to be a success with a number of formal messages being passed between stations along with some learning from the inevitable challenges of equipment failures, language barriers and co-ordination of an exercise whose coverage area covered from South Africa to the United Kingdom. Once all the exercise feedback is received, the next test on that system is planned to take place in October this year. QO-100 brings another asset to the emergency communications toolbox in Region 1 and its presence is much appreciated. Source IARU Region 1: https://iaru-r1.org/ QO-100 information: https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geo/eshail-2/ [ANS thanks Southgate ARC for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 10 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 Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The following satellite names have been corrected to their assigned AMSAT OSCAR designations. EASAT-2 (Cat ID 51081) has been corrected to SO-114. Hades (Cat ID 51080) has been corrected to SO-115. Thanks to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, for a heads up on this correction. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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. Kids Star Club Sayama, Sayama, Japan, direct via 8J1KSC. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP. Contact is go for: Thu 2022-03-17 10:21:47 UTC 51 deg. Current mode set to cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down) * Radio to be powered OFF to support US EVA on March 15. * Radio to be powered OFF to support Soyuz docking on March 18. * Radio to be powered OFF to support US EVA on March 23. 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] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations N4DCW: EM85/86 Saturday and Sunday (March 12&13). Watch Twitter for details. WL7T: BP54/BP64: Sunday, March 13. Start at 15:30 and go to 02:00. KB2YSI: FN22 Monday, March 14, will be done by 17:00. M1DDD/P: Currently active from IO93 with possible gridline operation on March 17. Watch Twitter for details. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, 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. N4HF will be at the Raleigh NC Hamfest (info table and demos; possible forum, but not likely at this point) April 16, 2022 Jim Graham Building – NC State Fairgrounds 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 https://www.rarsfest.org/ (Virtual event) CubeSat Developers Workshop April 26–28, 2022 San Luis Obispo, CA https://www.cubesatdw.org/ Hamvention May 20-22, 2022 Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center 120 Fairgrounds Road Xenia, OH 45385 https://www.hamvention.org 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention Friday, October 7th, 2022 to Sunday, October 9th, 2022 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations to Christy (KB6LTY) and Gustavo (PR8KW) successfully digipeat on MIR-SAT 1 during testing and debugging of the digipeater. The Digipeater has been enabled on the satellite and will be opened throughout this weekend, that is Saturday 12th March and Sunday 13th March 2022. It will close on Monday 14th March 2022. The digipeater Callsign is 3B8MIR-1. Operators would really appreciate it if you could please provide some feedback on the BB, on Twitter @3b8DU or to my personal address ( jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com), it may be useful to identify any issues and take necessary actions. If all goes well MIR-SAT 1 the digipeater will be open every week-end (as a minimum) until reentry. (ANS thanks Jean Marc Momple, 3B8DU, for the above information) + Current operating schedules for IO-86 are being posted on Facebook. Follow the group "Creflo T S" for regular images of the schedule grid. (ANS thanks AMSAT-ID for the above information) + After at least seven years hurtling through space, a 3-ton (2.7 metric tons) discarded rocket stage probably smashed into the moon on March 4 at a blistering 5,771 mph (9,288 km/h). The discarded rocket stage was projected to land at Hertzsprung crater on the moon's far side at 7:25 a.m. EST (1225 GMT). This is the first time that space junk has accidentally collided with the lunar surface. But because the collision occurred on the moon's far side, it could take scientists months to find the crater and confirm the impact. Many experts believe that the junk is the spent upper stage of a rocket launched during one of China's first forays to the moon, in 2014. But Chinese officials disagree. (ANS thanks LiveScience for the above information) + The BIRDS-5 satellite, operating APRS on 145.825 MHz, as well as CW and 4k8 GMSK AX25 telemetry on 435.375 MHz, is scheduled to be deployed from the International Space Station this week. There seems to be some confusion as to the exact date and time of deployment, so watch for further information. (ANS thanks Tetsu Satou, JA0CAW, for the above information) + Astronaut Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP, who holds the ongoing record for longest space flight, is set to end his 355 days in space in just three weeks. The plan is for him to land in Kazakhstan with two Russian cosmonauts on a Russian spacecraft. But on Feb. 26, Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia's Space Agency and a close ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin, posted a video in Russian that threatened to leave Vande Hei behind in space and detach Russia's segment of the space station altogether. NASA has remained silent on Rogozin's threats. (ANS thanks abcnews.go.com 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, Mark Johns, K0JM k0jm at amsat dot org

1 0

MIR-SAT 1
by Jean Marc Momple 12 Mar '22

12 Mar '22

Dear All, Below a Tweet I sent a few minutes ago: "Any successful 2 way-QSO with MIR-SAT 1 digipeater? I will personally send 2 MIR-SAT 1 first day cover to the first parties reporting a QSO, some value to the HAM community I believe as it is quite rare that a HAM satellite is recognize by having by a national stamp. 73 Jean Marc” It would be really a great news for me to have a confirmation that at least one 2-way QSO has been made through MIR-SAT 1 thus confirming it fully as a real HAM bird. Your help is again important to achieve this important milestone, making the mission a full success. Unfortunately, I cannot do it right now as so far I am the only station capable to digipeat trough LEO’s in the region but working with 3B8 and FR OM's these days to make it possible as I personally will really like to make a 2-way QSO through MIR-SAT 1. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

1 0

UVSQsat : transponder open Saturday 12 March 2022 from 12:00 UTC to 23:00 UTC
by christophe.mcr 12 Mar '22

12 Mar '22

Dear all The LATMOS team should activate the UVSQsat transponder on Saturday 12 March 2022 from 12:00 UTC to 23:00 UTC Frequencies used : Telemetry : 437.020 MHz - BPSK - GR3UH 9k6 FM transponder : Climb frequency: 145.905 MHz Downlink frequency: 437.020 MHz More information on the satellite: UVSQsat (amsat-f.org) -- *Christophe Mercier* *Président AMSAT-Francophone* *https://www.amsat-f.org <https://www.amsat-f.org>*

1 0

MIR-SAT 1 digipeater open
by Jean Marc Momple 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

Dear All, The Digipeater has been Enabled on the satellite and will be opened throughout this weekend, that is Saturday 12th March and Sunday 13th March 2022. We shall close them on Monday 14th March 2022. The digipeater Callsign is 3B8MIR-1. To note that Christy ((KB6LTY), Gustavo (PR8KW) and myself (3B8DU) were successful to digipeat through 3B8MIR during tests a few days ago. Would really appreciate if you could please provide some feedback on the BB, on Twitter @3b8DU or to my personal address (jean.marc.momple(a)gmail.com), it may be useful to identify any issues and take necessary actions. If all goes well MIR-SAT 1 the digipeater will be open every week-end (as a minimum) until reentry. Good luck. 73 Jean Marc (3B8DU)

3 2