AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-053
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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* Satellite News From AMSAT-India
* AMSAT Awards
* KiwiSAT News from New Zealand
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 16, 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.01
Satellite News From AMSAT-India
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 22, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-053.01
AMSAT-India Project Manager for the U/V HAMSAT-II Linear Transponder
project, Prathap Kumar, VU2POP provided technical details of this new
Amateur Radio transponder in the February, 2009 issue of the AMSAT-
India Newsletter:
Type: Linear (Mode B) Transponder
Uplink: 434-438 MHz PLL controlled 50 KHz steps.
Downlink: 144-146 MHz PLL controlled 25 KHz steps.
IF: 21.4 MHz
RF Power: 1-3 Watts PEP.
Bandwidth: 50 KHz
Communication: CW/SSB/FM
Dimensions: 165mm x 115mm x 30mm
Power supply: 12V @400mA, 20V@50mA for PA
Photos and other news in the AMSAT-India Newsletter can be found
on-line at: http://www.amsatindia.org/Newsletter
In other amateur satellite news from India word has been received
that Anna University in Chennai, India is working with the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop a micro-satellite
named ANUSAT.
This satellite will be a cube 600mm on each side. The Amateur Radio
payload is planned to include a digital store and forward mode with
a VHF uplink and UHF down link operating in the amateur frequency
bands. Telemetry downlink from the primary scientific payloads is
planned to be transmitted around 137 MHz using PCM/FSK/AM at 256
bits/sec. Additional information can be found on-line at:
http://beswaminathan.googlepages.com/anusat - and -
http://beswaminathan.googlepages.com/Anusat.pdf
Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL along with Ralph Wallio, W0RPK provided
information of the next ISRO launch which will carry Amateur
Radio satellites:
Launch : 25Apr2009 (Maybe postponed)
Vehicle: PSLV C12
Site : ISRO Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota India
Main Payload: Oceansat-2
Satellite Country Downlink Mode
----------- ----------- -------- ------------------
BeeSat Germany 436.000 GMSK 9600/4800bps
UWE-2 Germany 437.385 CW, AFSK
ITU-pSat Turkey 437.325 CW, High speed TLM
SwissCube-1 Switzerland 437.505 CW, AFSK 1200bps
Additional information can be found at:
http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/CubeSat.htmhttp://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/finished.asp?order=sat
[ANS thanks AMSAT-India, Mineo JE9PEL, and Ralph W0RPK for the
above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.02
AMSAT Awards
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 22, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-053.02
AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce KK5DO reported the past
few weeks have been real busy for AMSAT Awards.
We have a lot of new satellite operators to welcome to the hobby.
These have made their first satellite contact and are now members
of the AMSAT Satellite Communicators Club:
+ John Hengel, W0JPH
+ Andrew Schmidt, N2FTR
+ Tom Deeble, KA6SIP
+ Robert Warshel, KG6MGE
+ Harry Strahlendorf, KC2OJN
+ Bruce Pendleton, KD8DQ
+ Rodney Waln, KC0ZHF
The following have earned the AMSAT Satellite Communications
Achievement Award:
+ Peter Nintzel, KB9ZLK #480
+ Douglas Anoman, KC9MLN #481
+ Gary Lockhart, AB3ID #482
The following have earned the AMSAT South Africa Satellite
Communications Achievement Award:
+ Douglas Anoman, KC9MLN #US130
The following have upgraded their AMSAT W4AMI Satellitie
Communication Achievement Award:
+ Wilse Morgan, WX7P from 1,000 to 2,000
+ Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK from 3,000 to 4,000
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK earned the AMSAT W4AMI 5,000 Satellite
Communication Achievement Award #21.
To see all the awards visit http://www.amsat.org.
[ANS thanks Bruce, KK5DO for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.03
KiwiSAT News from New Zealand
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 22, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-053.03
The KiwiSAT linear flight transponder is now "on air" in New Zealand
from the Whangaparaoa area with beam antennas pointing South. It
features:
Transponder: Inverting type (Orbital Doppler shift compensation)
Transmit Power: 2 Watts PEP.
Beacon frequency: 145.885 MHz
Uplink: 435.265 to 435.235 MHZ LSB
Down link: 145.850 to 145.880 MHz USB
The team says they are currently looking to ISC Kosmatras for a DNEPR
launch in mid to late 2009. Full details can found on-line at:
http://www.kiwisat.org.nz/index.html
[ANS thanks the KiwiSAT team for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.04
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 22, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-053.04
+ From Japan Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL reports that PRISM satellite
team at Tokyo University have seen first light with the Wide
Angle Camera. Data from this first test will be used to calibrate
the camera and future photos are expected to be less overexposed.
This picture was taken when the PRISM satellite was over Hokkaido,
Japan. The first photograph can be at: http://tinyurl.com/ag7way
+ A video re-creation of the Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 Collision
can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/ap3ydx (UniverseToday.com)
+ Winter is turning to spring in Mars' southern hemisphere. Photos
taken by the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/bwu4wv. An entertaining video
named "Springtime on Mars 2020" is on-line at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjiGH9QNiU0
(via UniverseToday.com)
+ The second repeater aboard AO-51 (Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM /Downlink:
435.150 MHz FM) remains ready for use by the K5D Desecheo Island 2009
DXpedition when the satellite is within range of the island (near
Puerto Rico). When AO-51 is not within range of Desecheo Island this
repeater is open for general use following the QRP guidelines. The
transmitter power on both repeaters is ~800 mW. If you use circular
polarization on the UHF downlink 435.150 is LHCP, and 435.300 is RHCP.
Watch the blog at http://www.kp5.us/ for hints at satellite
operation and other operating plans.
+ Registration is now open for the 35th Eastern VHF/UHF Conference on
on April 17-19, 2009 in Enfield, Ct. Papers for the Proceedings are
due March 10, 2009. More info at: http://www.newsvhf.com/vhfconf.html
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-053.05
ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 16, 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 053.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 22, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-053.05
1. School Contacts
An ARISS contact was completed with South Park Elementary Center
in South Park, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, February 17 via telebridge
station K6DUE in Maryland. Students participated in a contest to
determine which questions will be asked of astronaut Mike Fincke,
KE5AIT. They learned about astronauts, shuttles and NASA and created
posters or wrote essays (depending on grade level) about space
related topics.
Salluit Schools in Salluit, Quebec, Canada completed an ARISS contact
on Thursday, February 19 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California.
Approximately 400 students from Kindergarten through Secondary are
enrolled in the schools located in a remote North-West Quebec Inuit
community. Teachers have included space related topics in their curri-
culum. All students have created artwork for the event and have sub-
mitted questions to ask the astronaut. During morning announcements,
a "cool space fact of the day" has been announced daily.
An ARISS contact with Erie Planetarium in Erie, Pennsylvania took place
on Saturday, February 21 via telebridge station W6SRJ in California.
The Planetarium offers astronomy programs, interactive stations and
science experiments throughout the year.
2. Italian Students Contact ISS
On Tuesday, February 10, students from Istituto Comprensivo Pietra-
santa1-Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado "Padre Eugenio Barsanti" partici-
pated in a successful ARISS contact. Students posed 12 questions to
Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, in front of an audience of 350. Contact video
was streamed live on the Web and was seen in 14 countries and in more
than 36 different towns around the world. Local television stations
and newspapers covered the event. Video of the contact has been posted
to the OndaForte TV Web site.
See: http://www.ondaforte.tv/eventi/ariss_school_contact/index.php
3. Greek Contact Successful
On Wednesday, February 11, an ARISS contact took place with students
from Alexandroupolis School of Special Education and 11th Alexandrou-
polis Primary School in Greece. Students asked 20 questions of Sandra
Magnus, KE5FYE, in front of an audience of approximately 200. Another
700 students from four schools listened to the contact in the garden.
A representative of the Greek Minister of Telecommunications and the
Director of Education of Evros also attended. Three television stations,
two radio stations and newspapers covered the event.
4. ARISS Presentation at MACUL Conference
The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) will
host its 33rd annual conference in Detroit, Michigan on March 18-20.
MACUL aims to bring educators together to share knowledge about edu-
cational uses of computers and technology. ARISS member Steve Michalski,
KB9UPS, will participate in the conference and give a talk on the ARISS
program, showing clips of the Martin Luther King Academy (Mount Clemens,
Michigan) ARISS contact which took place in September 2007. The MACUL
conference draws 3,000 educators annually.
5. Photos of German Contact Posted
Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
participated in an ARISS contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, on Saturday,
February 7. Photos of the contact have been posted on the Web. See:
http://picasaweb.google.de/Rueliman/ARISSContact?feat=directlink#
6. ARRL QST Covers ARISS News
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) published two ARISS news items
in its March 2009 issue of QST.
Under "Media Hits" (page 12) is an item on the Ohio Department of Edu-
cation Web story about the September 2008 ARISS contact with students
at the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County in Toledo. Also listed
is the Ann Arbor Chronicle article about the Ann Arbor, Michigan Hands
On Museum contact.
The ARRL monthly journal has a circulation of 150,000.
7. ARISS Member Dieter Schliemann Dies
ARISS team member Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y, passed away on Monday,
February 9. Dieter had been responsible for coordinating and expanding
the educational outreach of ARISS through the use of Voice over the
Internet Protocol (VoIP) with Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) and
EchoLink. As his health deteriorated, Dieter continued his support, making
sure that others would carry on in his absence. He will be sorely missed.
Dieter was a member of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and
the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). ARRL posted an article on his
contributions: https://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/02/12/10647/?nc=1
[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. And, with that
keep in mind that you know you are getting older if you and your teeth
don't sleep together.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
K9JKM at amsat dot org
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-046
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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* Scratch 2 Satellites
* Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK
* DX Expedition to Desecheo
* Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite
* ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.01
Scratch 2 Satellites
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-046.01
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Two big communications satellites collided in the
first-ever crash of two intact spacecraft in orbit, shooting out a pair
of massive debris clouds and posing a slight risk to the international
space station.
NASA said it will take weeks to determine the full magnitude of the
crash, which occurred nearly 500 miles over Siberia on Tuesday.
"We knew this was going to happen eventually," said Mark Matney, an
orbital debris scientist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA believes any risk to the space station and its three astronauts is
low. It orbits about 270 miles below the collision course. There also
should be no danger to the space shuttle set to launch with seven
astronauts on Feb. 22, officials said, but that will be re-evaluated in
the coming days.
The collision involved an Iridium commercial satellite, which was
launched in 1997, and a Russian satellite launched in 1993 and believed
to be nonfunctioning. The Russian satellite was out of control, Matney said.
The Iridium craft weighed 1,235 pounds, and the Russian craft nearly a ton.
No one has any idea yet how many pieces were generated or how big they
might be.
"Right now, they're definitely counting dozens," Matney said. "I would
suspect that they'll be counting hundreds when the counting is done."
[ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.02
Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-046.02
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO wrote on behalf of the Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) program, "It is with great
sadness that I announce the passing of Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y."
Frank continued, "Those that knew Dieter recognized that he was
a 'class act', a great gentleman and colleague who will be sorely
missed by all. Dieter was instrumental in leading and supporting
many key activities in AMSAT and on the ARISS program."
For ARISS, Dieter led the school contact IRLP/Echolink initiative.
Through this amateur radio VOIP system, Dieter and his team substan-
tially extended the reach of the school contacts. And through his
efforts, tens of thousands of school students and ham radio operators,
world-wide, could listen to other school contacts, enhancing education
and giving all a better understanding of what it is like to live and
work on the ISS.
Frank remembers, "Dieter's diplomacy, teambuilding skills and atten-
tion to the details were impeccable and were well respected within
the team. He rose to the challenge when I asked him to lead the IRLP/
Echolink team. At the time, there were strong, divergent opinions on
the use of IRLP and Echolink on ARISS. He singlehandedly developed
a cohesive team that is producing great results and are enjoying
working together.
Over the past couple of years, Dieter fought a long and courageous
battle with cancer. A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road
to recovery. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Through it all,
Dieter remained the gentle, caring person that we all have grown to
love. And during his illness, he remained dedicated to his AMSAT and
ARISS causes and responsibilities. When he received the surprising
news from the doctors that he had only two weeks to live and despite
being weak from a long hospitalization, Dieter got on the e-mail and
worked a transition plan to ensure the IRLP/Echolink capabilities on
ARISS continues. What a great, compassionate, and loving human being!"
Frank first met Dieter behind the AMSAT Booth at Dayton, where he was
one of the mainstay individuals supporting AMSAT efforts at the Ham-
vention. Reflecting on Dieter's support to AMSAT, AMSAT Board Member
Gould Smith, WA4SXM, stated, "Two years ago Dieter told me that the
only reason he came to Dayton was to work in the AMSAT booth and to
talk with people about AMSAT". And he supported AMSAT in many other
ways, including his efforts as an Area Coordinator, where he mentored
a countless number of satellite enthusiasts. We are eternally grateful
for all Dieter has done for AMSAT and the ARISS program. And we will
miss him dearly."
AMSAT 20 Meter Net Control, Keith Pugh, W5IU remininsced, "My memories
of Dieter started during the AO-10 and AO-13 heyday. Dieter was an
excellent example of the ideal contributor to our marvelous hobby. He
constantly provided positive ideas and assistance for every phase of
the AMSAT and ARISS efforts. Never complaining, always jumping in and
doing what he suggested - not saying 'why don't you do this.' He will
be truly missed by everyone and deserves a special place in Amateur
Radio Heaven."
Frank concluded, "On behalf of the ARISS and AMSAT teams, we wish to
express our deepest sympathy to the Schliemann family and friends.
We think of especially his wife Tina and his good friend Ron Arsenault,
N1NYR, who helped Dieter and the Schliemann family throughout Dieter's
long illness."
Alan Sieg WB5RMG went to the visitation and described his experience,
"This evening I introduced myself to Dieter's wife Tina. We had never
met. When she saw my AMSAT badge she grabbed onto my hand and held it
for at least 10 minutes, like we were long-lost friends. She said she
was so glad that AMSAT could come to the visitation, and went on to
tell me about all the wonderful email and phone calls she has received
from all over the world. She understood what AMSAT meant to Dieter, and
was so proud that the people of AMSAT recognized what a good man he was.
She asked me to let everyone know how thankful she was that Dieter had
so many wonderful friends ... Thank You All" from Tina"
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of North Alabama,
LLC, 311 Bob Wallace Ave., Ste. 101, Huntsville, AL 35805 or to your
favorite charity.
[ANS thanks Frank KA3HDO, Gould WA4SXM, Keith W5IU for the above
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.03
DX Expedition to Desecheo
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-046.03
Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now
on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the
support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow
antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would
like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard,
WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future
DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance.
Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of
the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second
repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th
and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the
island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS
voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder
satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo,
users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules.
These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or
handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will
occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not
in range of Desecheo.
Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition
does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow
more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as
most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO.
Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many
prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with
satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions.
Good Luck on working a new one on satellite!
73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations
[ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.04
Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-046.04
Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite
The KAGAYAKI satellite has not been heard since it was launched
with Japan's January 23 GOSAT satellite. KAGAYAKI was to transmit
morse code on FM after separation from the H-2A booster.
If operational KAGAYAKI should be tranmitting morse code on FM
or 9600bps packet at 437.375MHz. The command team thinks the sat-
ellite'soutput power may very low because the antenna or solar
panel has not extended properly. Ground controllers have been
searching for a downlink signal using a spectrum analyzer.
Object D is thought to be KAGAYAKI:
OBJECT D
1 33495U 09002D 09036.75334341 -.00000021 00000-0 46489-5 0 433
2 33495 098.0277 148.2199 0008919 016.5422 343.6081 14.70127932 1978
Please monitor for KAGAYAKI. If heard please send your report to Masa,
JN1GKZ (m-arai(a)a.email.ne.jp) and he will relay the information to the
command station.
English web site is available.
http://www.sorun.co.jp/e_kagayaki/top.html
[ANS thanks Masa, JN1GKZ for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.05
ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-046.05
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report
February 9, 2009
1. Upcoming School Contacts
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was
planned & completed for Istituto Comprensivo Pietrasanta1-Scuola
Secondaria 1° Grado "Padre Eugenio Barsanti" in Pietrasanta, Lucca,
Italy on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:24 UTC. Students have been learning
about the planets, planetary systems, rocket technology and radio
communications. They have applied their knowledge of English in writing
and rehearsing space related questions for the astronaut. They have
studied the history of spaceflight and have written essays on space
related topics. They have also learned about world geography and have
developed cooperation and teamwork skills.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was
scheduled with Alexandroupolis School of Special Education and 11th
Alexandroupolis Primary School in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The contact
took place on Wednesday, February 11 at 07:43 UTC. Astronomy and amateur
radio lectures were given in preparation for the event. Special
attention has been given to the role of humanity and science and to the
every day life of an astronaut. The ISS courses have been based on ESA's
education tool "ISS Education Kit."
2. Canadian Contact Successful
On Monday, February 2, students from Humber College Institute of
Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada participated
in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact.
Approximately 100 students gathered in the lab where the radio gear was
built and watched as students posed 12 questions to Sandra Magnus,
KE5FYE. There was national coverage of the event and it was broadcasted
on morning television and radio - Canada AM (CTV Network). The Toronto
Star and Toronto Sun were also present. The audience reached in Toronto
was estimated to be over 3,000,000.
To view the Toronto Sun article, go to:
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/02/02/8237126.html
Toronto Star's story may be found at:
http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/581309
For CTV coverage, see:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/students_space…
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) network carried a 14 minute
piece on the Humber College contact that included an 8 minute interview
with one of the lead students, followed by a 6 minute clip of the
students and Sandy. The story also ran on the show "As it Happens,"
which is part of CBC's national network program feed and airs coast to
coast beginning at 18:30 in each respective time zone. It was then
posted on the Web:
http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (The interview
starts at approximately 16:50 in part one. Contact audio runs from 21:30
to 24:00.)
The February 3 issue of the American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics' (AIAA) Daily Launch also picked up on the news. It posted
a summary, "College Students Contact ISS with Home Built Antenna,"
citing and providing a link to the CBC article:
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/02/02/students-iss.html
3. UK Students Radio ISS
Students attending Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon,
England experienced a successful Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, February 6. Sandra Magnus,
KE5FYE answered 20 questions posed to her by ten children as an audience
of approximately 260 students and guests looked on. Two newspapers
covered the event. The contact video is available for viewing. Go to:
http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/pilton.aspx
4. ARISS Contact with German School, a Success
On Saturday, February 7, Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in North
Rhine-Westphalia, Germany participated in an Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT.
Students were able to have 18 questions answered before the ISS went
over the horizon. Approximately 350 students, teachers and parents were
in attendance. The national television channel WDR, two radio stations
WDR-Radio and Radio Aachen, and a few local newspapers covered the
event. The audio was also fed into the EchoLink AMSAT server. The
Aachener Zeitung article (in German) may be found here:
http://www.az-web.de/lokales/nordkreis-detail-az/803788/
Funk-AG-des-Gymnasiums-Herzogenrath-spricht-live-mit-der-ISS
5. Assam, India Students Speak with Mike Fincke
The College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphal,
Assam, India took part in a successful Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Sunday, February 8 via
telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. Fourteen of the 16 questions
prepared for the contact were answered by Mike Fincke, KE5AIT.
The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and
received 9 connections from 6 countries. An article ran in the Morung
Express. See: http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/13605.html
6. Article Posted on Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya Contact
On January 7, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) contact was conducted between Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Axam
Jatiya Vidyalaya students in Guwahati, India. The Assam Tribune
published an article on the event in its February 7 Horizon supplement.
See: http://www.assamtribune.com/feb0709/horizon.html
7. Ellis Elementary School Contact Video
On December 8, 2008, Ellis Elementary School in Belleville, Illinois
experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
contact with Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. St. Louis public television KETC
featured the contact on its "Living St. Louis" program. The video has
been posted to YouTube. See:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http://livingstlouis.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video
-ham-radio/&feature=player_embedded
----
[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
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-039
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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor(a)amsat.org
In this edition:
* AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate
* Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference
* George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
* ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.01
AMSAT India Sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.01
Nitin, VU3TYG announced AMSAT India will issue a certificate for
Amateur Radio operators who establish two way contact thru VO-52
between January 26, 2009 until May 5, 2009.
The first fifty certificates have been sponsored by a well-wisher
which includes postage. After the 50 certificates have been issued
a fee will apply. AMSAT India will announce these details when the
information is available.
Please send your QSL card containing the details of the QSO on VO-52
AMSAT India at the following address:
AMSAT India (Regd.)
No. 201, 2nd Main Road,
Mahalakshmi Layout,
Bangalore 560086
India.
Also include your mailing address where you would like to have the
certificate sent to.
[ANS thanks Nitin, VU3TYG for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.02
Volunteers Needed for AMSAT-DC Spring Conference
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.02
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.02
Maryland-DC AMSAT Area Coordinator, Pat Kilroy, N8PK will kick off
planning sessions for the next AMSAT-DC gathering. If you would
like to help with this event please send Pat an RSVP e-mail soon
to n8pk(a)amsat.org. Pat will send you the call-in telephone number
for the planning conference calls.
Pat says, "Our first planning session conference call will take place
during the week of February 8-14, most likely on Thursday evening at
7:00 PM EST. The first agenda item will be to discuss the location
and date of the all-day event."
Pat is proposing individuals and groups of Amateur Radio operators
form teams who compete at this AMSAT-DC workshop to create and
operate a simulated satellite mission. The first groups will build a
PICetSat II flight module from a kit of electronic parts on a small
printed circuit board. The second groups will set up simple satellite
ground stations. The third groups will be in charge of setting up and
loading software in the computers at the ground stations to decode
the telemetry and to analyze it according to a set of instructions.
This event will be perfect for beginners and advanced satellite
users alike, all ultimately working together to "launch" the flight
module, receive the downlink, and decode the telemetry. Instructions
will be provided in advance of the event to enhance preparation.
More details will follow as planning commences!
[ANS thanks Pat Kilroy, N8PK for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.03
George Caswell, W1ME Silent Key
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.03
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.03
AMSAT received the sad news that George Caswell, W1ME died peace-
fully at the Maine Veterans Home on February 3rd after a lengthy
illness.
George was a very active AMSAT Area Coordinator in Northern New
England. For a number of years, George conducted a weekly AMSAT
net on a number of linked repeaters stretching from Rhode Island
to Maine (including one on top of Mt. Washington).
AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW reflected, "He brought
enthusiasm, knowledge and a sense of humor to these nets which
attracted check-ins. Needless to say, those 'wide area' nets
attracted numerous newcomers to what we do, not to mention gen-
erating countless new AMSAT memberships as a direct result. George
enjoyed awarding 'Certificates of Recognition' to those that
participated in these nets since he knew that 'wall paper' was
one way to foster continued interest. I still have the 'Certificate
of Recognition' signed by George in 1996 which he gave me when I
visited him and participated in one of his nets."
George served as a recruiter for AMSAT's Field Operations Team,
encouraging AMSAT members to become area coordinators and to
establish an AMSAT presence in their local areas. A number of
area coordinators in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
and Maine were recruited and encouraged by George. He also repre-
sented AMSAT at various hamfests in Northern New England.
George and his wife Caroline, W1MRE brought AMSAT to Maine as
they teamed up to organize the 18th AMSAT Space Symposium that
was held in Portland, ME October, 2000. At this event people
outside of New England and the Field Ops team got to know George.
George set up and operated the first ISS school contact to take
place in Maine. In February, 2005, he set up his radio station at
the Rockland, ME high school as part of a PenBay radio club activity
and contacted the International Space Station, allowing high school
students to communicate with the astronauts aboard. It was one of
the highlights of his amateur radio involvement.
Barry sums it up, "For many of us, George Caswell, W1ME was the face
of AMSAT in New England. His kindness, gracious outlook on life,
infectious enthusiasm for satellite operations and amateur radio in
general touched many people and made a difference in their lives."
Donations in George's Memory may be made to:
Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 170 US Route 1, Suite 250
Falmouth, ME 04105.
[ANS thanks Barry Baines, WD4ASW for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.04
Satellite Shorts From All Over
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.04
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.04
+ YouTube video of the ARISS contact with Ellis Elementary School
in Belleville, Illinois, is available on-line at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http://livingstlouis.
wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video-ham-radio/&feature=
player_embedded (watch line wrap on very long URL).
+ Audio and video from the Humber College, Toronto contact with the
ISS is available at:
http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (audio)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.
wvspacestation0202/VideoStory/Technology/home?pid=RTGAM.20090202.
wcollegeradio0202 (watch the line wrap).
+ Paul Willmott, VP9MU released an updated Reference Manual for the
General Astrodynamics Library (GAL) at:
http://homepage.mac.com/pclwillmott/GAL/index.html
+ Listen for Andy, W5ACM/MM between February 8 and February 14 via
AO-51. He hopes to put some new grids on the air while we are out
on the water between Galveston, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roi Tan.
Radio will be a a DJ-580Ts with several LiPo battery packs.
+ A video tour of the Altair Lunar Lander is available at:
http://tinyurl.com/d5btqx (via UniverseToday).
+ NASA and Google announced the release of a new Mars mode in Google
Earth that brings to everyone's desktop a high-resolution, three-
dimensional view of the Red Planet. Additional information is on-
line at http://tinyurl.com/b567u9 (Via MarsDaily).
+ An interesting article about a planned 500 meter diameter radio
telescope in China is available on-line at: http://tinyurl.com/b8sv2k
In contrast the radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico
is 305 meters in diameter (via UniverseToday).
[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-039.05
ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 2, 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 039.05
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 8, 2009
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-039.05
1. School Contacts
Humber College Institute of Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada completed an ARISS contact on Monday, February 2. It
has assembled the primary ground station right on the main campus, and
it is hoped that it will inspire future students in conducting similar
studies.
Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon, England completed
an ARISS contact on Friday, February 6. The school has planned an event
with the theme "Our Home in Space - The Final Frontier," in which stu-
dents learn about Earth as part of the wider universe.
Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in Herzogenrath, North Rhine-West-
phalia, Germany completed an ARISS contact on Saturday, February 7. The
school has an amateur radio club whose members initiated the ARISS
contact.
College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphhal,
Assam, India has been scheduled for an ARISS contact on Sunday,
February 8 at 10:06 UTC via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia.
2. Russian Students Radio ISS
Students attending the Palace of Children's and Youth's Creativity
in Tver, Russia experienced a successful ARISS contact on Tuesday,
January 27. The children prepared 9 questions to ask cosmonaut Yuri
Lonchakov, RA3DT. Approximately 300 people attended the event including
cosmonaut S. Treshchev and ARISS delegate Sergey Samburov. The Governor
of Tver Region, Dmitry Vadimovich Zelenin was also invited. The contact
was made possible through the Amateur Radio Club, "Club-22," and its
chairman, Sergey Kemov, RA3IS.
3. Successful Canadian Elementary School Contact
On Tuesday, January 27, Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, participated in an ARISS
contact with students attending Castor Valley Elementary School in
Greely, Ontario, Canada. He answered all 16 questions posed to him by
the youth as an audience of 750 students, parents and guests looked
on. The students initiated the contact, thanked Mike for the contact
midway through the session, and finished the rest of the questions.
Media covered the event and the school was featured on the CTV 6
o'clock news.
4. French University Contact Successful
Students attending CERAM EAI in Sophia Antipolis, France participated
in an ARISS contact on Thursday, January 29 via telebridge station
VK4KHZ in Australia. Students were able to ask 15 questions of Mike
Fincke, KE5AIT, before interference made the downlink unreadable.
Approximately 50 students, faculty members and guests witnessed the
event which was covered by the media. The audio was fed into the
EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 11 connections from
9 different countries. A short write up and contact audio have been
posted to the ARISS-Europe Web site.
See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_30.htm
5. French School Contact Successful
Youth attending Ecole & Collège Jean XXIII, a private primary &
secondary school in Pamiers, France, experienced an ARISS contact
on Friday, January 30. Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, answered 18 questions
prepared for him by the students as 150 people gathered to watch.
Media coverage included La Gazette Ariegeoise, Le Petit Journal,
France 3 and Ariege News. The event is also expected to be reported
by La Depeche du Midi, Radio Transparence, Radio Montaillou and Sud
Radio. A summary with audio has been posted to the ARISS-Europe Web
site. See: http://www.ariss-eu.org/2009_01_31.htm
6. General Radio Operations
Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Yuri Lonchakov, RA3DT made general voice
contacts over the last week. Among those contacted were stations
in the U.S., Canada, Russia and Brazil. They also had the radio
running in packet mode and crossband repeater mode and transmitted
several Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images.
7. ARISS International Team Meeting Held
The ARISS team held its monthly teleconference on January 27. Among
the agenda items discussed were the ARISS Face to Face Meeting to be
held in the Netherlands in June, Richard Garriott's mission and
SuitSat-2 status. Minutes have been posted. See:
https://www.rac.ca/ariss/arisstel2009-01-27.htm
8. K6DUE Replaces NN1SS
K6DUE, callsign of the late Roy Neal, will now be used for the Inter-
national Space Station Amateur Radio Club, replacing the Greenbelt,
Maryland telebridge ground station callsign, NN1SS. Neal was instrum-
ental in persuading NASA to fly amateur radio on the space shuttle
and helped establish the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX)
working group, which ultimately led to the internationally-based
ARISS program. The story was reported on the Amateur Radio Newsline.
[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. With that keep
in mind if you show me a piano falling down a mine shaft I'll show you
A-flat miner.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM
K9JKM at amsat dot org