There will be a launch to 300+ km of an APRS payload on a sounding rocket out of Wallops Island VA, this fall. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but they said I could give this heads up. They will post details when available.
It is only 300 milliiwatts and will be on the National APRS frequency 144.39 to make sure everyone can track it. The total mission duration is on the order of 10 minutes from launch to re-entry.
AMSAT stations with beams in the mid-atlantic states will be valuable.
APRS stations with Igates with beams will be even better so the student builders half way across the country can get their packets live via the APRS-IS (internet)...
OMNI antennas in quiet locations should be able to hear the packets direct, so nearby Igates with omni's probably need no enhancement.
WB4APR, Bob