AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-088

ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.

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In this edition: * Venus Bounce?? * Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, to Step Down from ARISS and AMSAT Duties * Will Marchant, KC6ROL, Appointed AMSAT’s VP-Human Space Flight * AMSAT Booth Volunteers Needed for Dayton 2009 * ARISS Status - 23 March 2009

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-088.01 Venus Bounce??

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 088.01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 29, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-088.01

On March 25th, 2009 a team from the German space organisation AMSAT-DL reached another milestone on its way to an own interplanetary probe towards planet Mars. The ground station at the Bochum observatory transmitted radio signals to Venus. After traveling almost 100 million kilometers and a round trip delay of about 5 minutes, they were clearly received as echoes from the surface of Venus. Receiving planetary echoes is a première in Germany and Europe. In addition, this is the farthest distance crossed by radio amateurs, over 100 times further than echoes from the moon (EME reflexions).

For receiving the EVE (Earth-Venus-Earth) reflections, an FFT analysis with an integration time of 5 minutes was used. After integrating for 2 minutes only, the reflected signals were clearly visible in the display. Despite the bad weather, signals from Venus could be detected from 1038UT on until the planet reached the local horizon.

The high power amplifier which is described in the current AMSAT-DL journal has therefore passed this crucial test as a final key component for the planned P5-A Mars mission. By receiving generated echoes from Venus, the ground and command station for the Mars probe has been cleared for operational use and the AMSAT-Team is now gearing up for building the P5-A space probe. For financing the actual construction and launch, AMSAT-DL is currently in negotiation with the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) among others, to obtain financial support for the remaining budget of 20 Mill EUR.

AMSAT-DL wants to show that low-budget interplanetary exploration is possible with its approach.

More information and the link to the official press release:

http://www.amsat-dl.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1...

The EVE experiment was repeated on Thursday, March 26th for several hours with good echoes from Venus. Morse code was used to transmit the well known „HI“ signature known from the AMSAT OSCAR satellites.

73s de DB2OS

Peter Guelzow President AMSAT-DL

[ANS thanks Peter, DB2OS, for the above information]

/EX

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-088.02 Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO to Step Down from ARISS and AMSAT Duties

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 088.02 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 29, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-088.02

Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, announced today that, effective immediately(3/24/09), he will be stepping down from all his Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) duties. This includes his contributions to NASA Education as the ARISS program leader, his support as the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International Working Group Chair, his appointment as one of two ARISS USA delegates, and as the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation’s (AMSAT) Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs.

Mr. Bauer cited personal and professional reasons for his departure. He is currently the Chief Engineer for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. This directorate is developing the next generation human spaceflight vehicles that will take NASA to the International Space Station and then to the Moon, Mars and beyond. He is also providing some backup support to the Space Operations Chief Engineer who supports the Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs. “Work responsibilities, which have increased substantially over the past couple of years, coupled with some recent health issues within my immediate family, led me to the conclusion that I could not continue to provide the leadership and passion that has been characteristic of my past support to these amateur radio endeavors,” Mr. Bauer said. “This was a very hard decision. I will certainly miss the phenomenal ARISS international team and our mission to inspire the next generation of space explorers using ham radio as our platform. But I thought it would be best to step down at this juncture,” Bauer explained. KA3HDO continues, “Over the past 12 years, we have developed, mentored and matured an outstanding volunteer team with a wide breadth and depth. I am fully confident that they will keep the ARISS program running smoothly without missing a beat.”

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, has tapped Will Marchant, KC6ROL, to become the next AMSAT Vice President for Human Spaceflight Programs and the AMSAT USA delegate of the ARISS International Working Group. Barry Baines stated that “AMSAT is fortunate that we have a very capable leader in Will Marchant who is intimately familiar with ARISS, our extensive human spaceflight program, and is well respected internationally.” Barry observed, “Frank’s leadership has left a significant mark on the overall ARISS program and the cooperative relationship between amateur radio, NASA and other governmental space agencies. However, Frank also ensured that his team evolved to the point where the work that he pioneered will be carried on by those that he mentored and encouraged to take on greater responsibility.”

In his new role, Will Marchant will work with the other ARISS USA delegate, Rosalie White, K1STO, from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the other ARISS International Delegates and the ISS Space Agencies to coordinate the development and operations of the amateur radio systems onboard the ISS. Rosalie stated that “I look forward to working with Will in his new role. He has provided outstanding leadership and support to ARISS from its very beginning, most recently as an Operations team leader. And he helped pioneer the school group mentor role as part of the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) program in the early 1990’s.” She continued, “Frank will be missed tremendously. It is incredible how much volunteer time and effort he put into ARISS educational activities; it was easy to see it was his passion.”

With Mr. Bauer stepping down from the ARISS International Chairman role, the ARISS International Vice Chair, Mr. Gaston Bertels, ON4WF will become the ARISS International Chairman effective immediately. Mr. Bertels has been a leader of ARISS from its inception and serves as the Chairman of the ARISS-Europe team. Mr. Bertels has established a close relationship between ARISS and ESA, the European Space Agency. This resulted in the development and the installation of ARISS L- and S-band antennas on the nadir of Columbus, the European Space Laboratory. Mr. Bertels also chairs the ARSPEX (Amateur Radio Space Exploration) working group of the International Amateur Radio Union, Region 1. Mr. Bertels stated: "We can understand the reasons of Frank Bauer's resignation, but we also feel how difficult this decision has been. Frank has inspired a worldwide group of passionate radio amateurs, working together to a common goal. Now it is up to us to continue in the same direction and with the same spirit. That's the best farewell present we can offer Frank".

Mr. Bauer’s departure today represents the culmination of over 25 years of leadership and support to amateur radio activities on human spaceflight vehicles, including NASA sponsored ham radio activities on the Shuttle, Space Station Mir, and the International Space Station. Starting in 1983, he led the Goddard Amateur Radio Club team that provided around-the clock Space Shuttle retransmissions from the WA3NAN club station. These retransmissions provided the international ham radio community up-to-the-minute information during the flight of Owen Garriott, W5LFL on STS-9 and subsequent SAREX flights. These real-time bulletins and frequent orbital element updates could only be obtained through amateur radio in the days prior to the internet. In 1991, AMSAT then President Bill Tynan, W3XO tapped Frank to be the AMSAT VP for Human Spaceflight, a position he has held until today.

In 1996, when the International Space Station design development was well underway, NASA Headquarters Education Office executive Pam Bacon (Mountjoy) requested that the amateur radio community form a single, international team to provide one voice for all ham radio development and operations on the ISS. The SAREX Working Group, led by Roy Neal, K6DUE, was tapped to turn this vision into reality. In November 1996, Roy (ARRL), with the other SAREX working group members Frank Bauer, KA3HDO (NASA/AMSAT), Rosalie White K1STO (ARRL), and Matt Bordelon, KC5BTL, (NASA) organized a joint NASA-international amateur radio meeting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This led to the formulation of the ARISS International Working Group of delegates representing Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the USA—and the rest is history.

Since those austere beginnings, the ARISS team of volunteers has developed and deployed ham radio equipment that resides in three modules of the ISS---the Service Module, the FGB and the Columbus Module as well as having deployed a short duration satellite in a space suit called SuitSat-1/Radiosskaf/AO-54. These systems enable the ARISS team to inspire over 15,000 students each year, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through amateur radio communications with the ISS on-orbit crew. It also introduces these students and millions from the worldwide general public to the fun, exciting, multi-faceted world of amateur radio.

The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), is an educational, not-for-profit corporation founded 40 years ago and is based in Silver Spring, MD. Its primary objective is to foster Amateur Radio’s participation in space research, communications, and education through the development and operation of amateur radio satellites in space. To date, there are over 60 amateur radio satellites that have been built by volunteers around the world and flown in space.

[ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW, for the above information]

/EX

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-088.03 Will Marchant, KC6ROL Appointed AMSAT’s VP-Human Space Flight

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 088.03 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 29, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-088.03 Will Marchant, KC6ROL Appointed AMSAT’s VP-Human Space Flight

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW has appointed Will Marchant, KC6ROL of Marshall, VA as VP-Human Space Flight and to serve as the AMSAT USA delegate to the ARISS International Working Group. These appointments follow the resignation of Frank Bauer, KA3HDO that was announced on Tuesday morning, 24 March due to family and professional reasons. “AMSAT is fortunate that we have a very capable leader in Will Marchant who is intimately familiar with ARISS, our extensive human spaceflight program, and is well respected internationally.” Barry observed, “Frank’s leadership has left a significant mark on the overall ARISS program and the cooperative relationship between amateur radio, NASA and other governmental space agencies. Frank has also ensured that his team evolved to the point where the work that he pioneered will be carried on by those that he mentored and encouraged to take on greater responsibility.” Will Marchant, KC6ROL was first licensed in 1990 when he was assisting search and rescue organizations in California and wanted to use amateur radio as a backup to local law enforcement communications. One of his early activities as an amateur radio operator was to track and listen for the space shuttle and MIR. Will increased his participation in amateur radio in space in 1992 with the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX). At that time, he managed a shuttle contact with Lawrence Hall of Science of the University of California, Berkeley, CA with STS-57. From that point on, Will increased his activities in the SAREX program following his relocation from Berkeley to Virginia in 1994. He served as a mentor for various school contacts and was appointed to serve as Operations Manager for SAREX in 1995. As SAREX Operations Manager Will coordinated both school contacts and ‘family & friends’ contacts for four years, spending time at Mission Control in Houston during SAREX missions managing these contacts. When the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International Working Group was established in 1996, Will was involved under Frank Bauer’s leadership. The first International Space Station module was sent into orbit in 1998 and has been continuously manned since 2000. Over the past nine years (with two years ‘off’ from SAREX and ARISS to complete a Master’s Degree in Space Sciences), Will has been heavily involved with ARISS Telebridge operations, School Technical Support, and training of personnel for amateur radio operations in Space. For example, Will worked extensively with Richard Garriott, W5KWQ prior to his ‘space tourist’ trip to the ISS in Fall 2008 to help him prepare for his amateur radio operations from space. Rosalie White, K1STO of the ARRL is the other US Delegate to the ARISS International Working Group. She commented, “Will and I have worked closely together on a number of SAREX and ARISS projects over the years, and we 'click.' A hard worker, he believes strongly in the use of ARISS by teachers as an educational tool. I will absolutely miss Frank in our work as US ARISS delegates and ARISS International Officers, but having Will step up is the consolation." In response to his appointments, Will noted, “I’m excited about assuming responsibility as AMSAT’s VP-Human Space Flight as well as serving as the AMSAT USA delegate to the ARISS International Working Group. ARISS continues to play a significant role in science education as well as providing an opportunity for AMSAT to participate in human activities in space. I look forward to working with an outstanding team that Frank created, encouraging greater educational outreach by AMSAT as well as working as AMSAT’s delegate within ARISS International Working Group.” Currently based in Virginia, Will is employed by the University of California Berkeley as a senior programmer and is involved with several space science missions.

[ANS thanks Barry, WD4ASW, for the above information]

/EX

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-088.04 AMSAT Booth Volunteers for Dayton 2009

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 088.04 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 29, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-088.04

AMSAT Booth Volunteers for Dayton 2009

I am looking for volunteers to help in the AMSAT booth during the 2009 Dayton Hamvention, May 15-17. I would like people to volunteer for 2 hour shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Multiple shifts are welcome. I also need help with booth setup and take down on Thursday May 14 and Sunday May 17. With enough people we have been able to setup and take down the booth in 3 - 4 hours ( or less). Please volunteer to Gould, WA4SXM at wa4sxm@amsat.org. This is a great opportunity to give back to AMSAT and to have an enjoyable time talking with other AMSAT members and future members. Please visit the AMSAT website and follow the Hamvention information to find out the latest details on AMSAT activities at Dayton. Don't forget to order your banquet tickets via the website too.

[ANS thanks Gould, WA4SXM, for the above information]

/EX

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-088.05 ARISS Status - 23 March 2009

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 088.05 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD. March 29, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-088.05

1. Upcoming School Contacts

An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Cotswold School in Christchurch, New Zealand. The contact took place on Thursday, March 26 at 23:52 UTC via telebridge station VK5ZAI in Australia. Cotswold is a primary school which has an enrollment of 500 children, ages 5 to 11. The ARISS contact has been integrated into the school’s science curriculum which covers the solar system and space exploration. Students have learned what the requirements are to become an astronaut and about life in space. The school is in the process of setting up an amateur radio station; ten children have joined the amateur radio club. These students have also learned about sound waves, the history of radio communication, and basic circuit building.

St. Joseph High School in Nepean, Ontario, Canada QSO has been accomplished with the International Space Station (ARISS) on Friday, March 27 at 13:38 UTC. This was a telebridge contact via LU1CGB in Argentina.

An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with the Istituto Comprensivo Statale “Alessandro Volta,” in Mandello Del Lario, Lecco, Italy happened Friday, March 27 at 14:03 UTC. This was a direct and telebridge contact via stations I2JRY and IZ2PBM. The ARISS contact will be integrated into the school curriculum as students are taught lessons in radio, astronautics, astronomy and English.

Parkside Community College in Parkside, Cambridge, U.K. has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Monday, March 30 at 17:00 UTC. Station GB4FUN will handle the connection.

The Girl’s Middle School (GMS) in Mountain View, California has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Monday, March 30 at 18:22 UTC via telebridge station K6DUE in Maryland. The contact is planned with spaceflight participant Charles Simonyi, KE7KDP/HA5SIK. GMS is a small, independent school for girls in 6th - 8th grade. The school’s mission is to nurture and empower girls during this pivotal time in their lives. It looks for non-traditional educational opportunities to help girls expand their horizons.

An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact has been scheduled for Marcelino Canino Canino Middle School in Dorado, Puerto Rico. The contact will take place on Tuesday, March 31 at 15:36 UTC. The student body is made up of 577 students of which approximately 77% live under the poverty level. 100% of the students receive Title I services and over 100 students receive special education services. A Microsatellite Student Program has been implemented where students design, construct, build and launch microsatellites which are then tracked and recovered with the help of amateur radio operators. The coordinating teacher has prepared a NASA Explorer Schools proposal and other science oriented proposals in the school to help motivate its largely underprivileged population to become competitive professionals in the global economy. Two contests have been held at the school – one for an activity logo and another for an essay. Scientists, state government functionaries, Department of Education representatives, and students from other grade levels in elementary and high school have been invited to attend the event. Of major interest to the students is the fact that Joseph Acaba, the first astronaut of Puerto Rican descent, flew to the ISS on STS-119. The school is planning its own press releases and expects media coverage.

Milwee Middle School in Longwood, Florida has been scheduled for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, April 1 at 17:55 UTC via telebridge station ON4ISS in Belgium.

Carl Sandburg Elementary in the Lake Washington School district in Kirkland, Washington has been approved for an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. The contact is slated for Thursday, April 2 at 19:35 UTC, assisted by telebridge station W6SRJ in California.

2. Article on Hampton Bays Contact

Hampton Bays Middle School students participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Wednesday, February 25. The Southampton Press published a news story on the event. See: http://www.27east.com/story_detail.cfm?id=197658 Video is also available: http://www.27east.com/video.cfm?video=98

3. General Radio Contacts

STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba, KE5DAR, made voice contacts over Puerto Rico on March 20. Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, made general contacts last weekend as ground stations wished him a happy birthday.

4. ARISS Team Meeting to be Held

The next ARISS International Team meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24 at 11:15 UTC.

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[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI, for the above information]

/EX

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office.

73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org