Curiosity - VK1ALR Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex Interview
The Operations Manager at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex VK1ALR was interviewed by the Canberra Times newspaper, see
See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9407
N8MH to speak at AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium, Guildford, Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9388
73 Trevor M5AKA ----
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has a UHF transponder “MELACOM” (401-437 MHz) and 2 patch antennas to communicate with any landed asset on Mars surface supporting the CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol.
Read the paper Mars Express and the NASA landers and rovers on Mars - Sustaining a backup relay in an interplanetary network http://www.spaceops2012.org/proceedings/documents/id1295328-Paper-003.pdf
73 Trevor M5AKA
--- On Mon, 6/8/12, Trevor . m5aka@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
The Operations Manager at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex VK1ALR was interviewed by the Canberra Times newspaper, see
See http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9407
N8MH to speak at AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium, Guildford, Sept. 15-16 http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=9388
My thanks to someone who emailed me earlier this evening.
Curiosity transmits around 401 MHz but the transponder on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has a CCSDS Forward Frequency in the 437 MHz Amateur-Satellite Service band.
We well know that 435-438 MHz is shared with the Military but 432-438 MHz is of course a Space SAR Band, and I understand general Space usage extends beyond that.
This paper describes the operation of the MRO (see page 34 onwards) http://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/DPSummary/MRO_092106.pdf
73 Trevor M5AKA
73/all.
Many (maybe not that many) years ago I became interested in LEO sats, it was about the time of AO40. I didn't have much VHF and no UHF equipment since I was mostly an HF guy. I purchased an FT-290 from a friend and a small (150w) amp and stared working RS-12/13 and RS-15 in Mode A. It was fast paced and almost like a contest on every pass. Well, as we know these guys are long gone so we are "left" with mostly FM and UHF/VHF splits. I found an FT-790 on line and purchased it rather than buying an entire new HF/VHF/UHF rig. I couldn't justify that since I had just picked up an FT-950.
I guess my question is, other than antennas, what do I need to work most of the LEO sats these days? I can work AO-7 occasionally but it seems a bit frail and I rarely hear anyone on it anyway. If I use more than a few watts it FMs severely. I guess that's because it's running completely on solar power.
I'd love any input.
Thanks and 73/s
Kevin Muenzler, WB5RUE Eagle Creek Observatory http://www.eaglecreekobservatory.org I'm not weird, I'm Limited Edition.
participants (3)
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Kevin Muenzler -
Trevor . -
Zilvinas, LY2SS