April 2019 - ANS - mailman.amsat.org

ANS-118 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by E.Mike McCardel 27 Apr '19

27 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-118 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, 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. In this edition: * AMSAT 50th Anniversary Issue of AMSAT Journal Available For All * PHL-Microsat Issues Diwata-2 Amateur Radio Unit Service Announcement * Coronation Station HS10KING/mm On Geostationary Satellite * SatNOGS Satellite Ground Station Article in HackSpace Magazine * AMSAT South Africa Developing AfriCUBE SDR-based CubeSat * Interview with Peter Gülzow, AMSAT-DL President * PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.01 ANS-118 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 118.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. April 28, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-118.01 AMSAT 50th Anniversary Issue of AMSAT Journal Available For All We have made our special 50th Anniversary Edition of The AMSAT Journal available to all. If you enjoy this issue, please consider joining AMSAT today! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-Journal [ANS thanks AMSAT-NA Office for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PHL-Microsat Issues Diwata-2 Amateur Radio Unit Service Announcement On April 26 Philippines PHL-Microsat announced that Diwata-2's ARU or ham radio is now ready for service. While Diwata-2 is classified as an Earth-observing microsatellite - with 4 optical payloads or cameras tasked to gather data from space in the form of satellite images - it also carries an Amateur Radio Unit (ARU). The ARU introduced in Diwata-2 is a spaceborne module designed and manufactured in the Philippines. It is targeted for amateur radio communication, emergency and disaster response, and wireless experi- mentation and training. Operating modes will include: + FM voice repeater Uplink: 437.500 MHz FM (CTCSS 141.3) Downlink: 145.900 MHz FM + APRS message digipeater Uplink: 437.500 MHz 1K2 AFSK Downlink: 145.900 MHz 1K2 AFSK Callsign: DW4TA-1 By default, the ARU will operate as an APRS digipeater once a week on Sunday and can be changed as necessary via command link. + Morse-based beacon Downlink: 145.900 MHz + APRS-based beacon Downlink: 145.900 MHz 1K2 AFSK The ARU will send different beacon formats according to its scheduled/ announced operation. Morse-coded CW beacons are sent when ARU operates as FM voice repeater. Morse-coded CW beacons will be transmitted on a 2 minute cycle with 1 minute of transmission followed by a 1 minute pause. APRS beacons are sent when it operates as APRS digipeater. APRS beacon packets will be transmitted every 30 seconds, with a packet duration of 1-2 seconds. For schedule updates, follow @Diwata2PH on Twitter or via the publicly accessible web page at: https://twitter.com/Diwata2PH On April 11, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) desig- nated Diwata-2 as Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101). For more info on Diwata-2 ARU usage and schedules, follow us on Twitter: @Diwata2PH -or- follow their blog on-line at: https://blog.phl-microsat.upd.edu.ph/tagged/amateur-radio http://phl-microsat.upd.edu.ph/diwata2 [ANS thanks PHL-Microsat and the Diwata-2 Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Coronation Station HS10KING/mm On Geostationary Satellite To mark the Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X) from May 4-6, 2019 the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King will be operating a special event station The station will be operated from the Royal Thai Navy aircraft carrier, the Chakri Narubet, in the Gulf of Thailand from May 3-6 using the callsign HS10KING/mm. This station will be making QSOs in the 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre HF bands, on 2 metres VHF and also using amateur radio satellites, including the Es’hail-2 / QO-100 satellite. Consequently, the May meeting of RAST will be postponed to the second Sunday of the month, and will take place on Sunday May 12 at Sena Place Hotel when applications to take the upcoming Intermediate Class examination will be available As usual all RAST members are welcome to attend this meeting and hopefully they will be able to have a QSO with HS10KING/mm. [ANS thanks Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX via AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SatNOGS Satellite Ground Station Article in HackSpace Magazine The May edition of HackSpace magazine, issue 18, featuring articles by radio amateur Jo Hinchliffe MW6CYK is available as a free PDF. On pages 34-47 is his special feature on Space, which explains how you can build a SatNOGS satellite ground station to receive amateur radio satellites. Jo’s article Make a Slim Jim Antenna appears on pages 110-111. Also in the magazine, on pages 96-99, Ben Everard explains how to build an ISS count-down timer. You can download the free HackSpace magazine PDF from https://hackspace.raspberrypi.org/issues/18 Direct link to the PDF https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-HackSpace [ANS thanks Jo Hinchliffe MW6CYK via AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT South Africa Developing AfriCUBE SDR-based CubeSat AMSAT SA has announced that parallel to its analogue Kletskous Cube- Sat, the group is working on a digital project featuring a Software defined transponder. Called AfriCUBE, the CubeSat will use the same space frame as KLETSKOUS. Anton Janovsky is current building a proto- type transponder. AMSATSA is inviting persons interested in becoming part of the development team to send their details to: admin(a)amsatsa.org.za. Meanwhile the development and final construction of the AMSAT SA KLETSKOUS is plagued by electronic component obsolescence. This forces unwanted design changes to be made to ensure that when the time comes to construct the final launch unit, the main components are still available. The KLETSKOUS team decided to freeze the design of KLETSKOUS and pur- chase a quantity of devices to proactively mitigate future obsolesce. This decision will also speed up the process of putting a final satel- lite on the table. "Every time we change designs to mitigate for the discontinued components, it is like starting the design a fresh, often creating new problems that have to be solved", Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP said. "By freezing the design, in other words making a final decision on the main specialised devices to be used, we will be able to speed up the process of putting a flight ready unit on the table." KLETSKOUS is not a textbook design. Most of the sub-components that will make up KLETSKOUS are designed and being built by the volunteer team. "We do not have the finances to go out and purchase sub-units and simply wire them up.", Coetzee said. Access the original posting, with photo, at: http://www.amsatsa.org.za/ [ANS thanks AMSAT South Africa for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Interview with Peter Gülzow, AMSAT-DL President On the occasion of the 4th Radio Day in Kassel, which is organized by DARC for the fourth time, an interview was conducted by the video portal Fascination Amateur Radio with Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, President of AMSAT Deutschland e.V., on the topic of QO-100/Es´hail-2. The video which is in German can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS118-ON4WF AMSAT-UK suggests doing the following to support Closed Caption of this German Piece: "Select Closed Caption (CC) then in Settings Auto-Translate->English " [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America In a recent email via the AMSAT-BB Bob Bruninga wrote: PSAT2, ISS Sat Gate needed in Central America. See the coverage map for the APRS satellites on 145.825. There is a hole in Central America where the telemetry from these satellites can go for almost three full orbits and not be captured. All the rest of the world is covered. Coverage Map: http://aprs.org/psat2.html We'd like to fill that hole! Contact wb4apr (at) amsat.org [ANS Thanks Bob, WB4APR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations Isles of Scilly (IN69) – April 20-27, 2019 A team consisting G4EDG, G4ELZ and G4GSA will be active from St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly EU-011 as GB5SM during April 20-27, 2019. QRV on HF bands, CW/SSB/Digi. Possible satellite activity too. QSL via LZ1JZ. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW & Club Log Vera Cruze State, Mexico (EK19) – April 25-28, 2019 Ismael, XE1AY, will activate Veracruz State, grid EK19wc, from 25 to 28 April. This will be a portable FM-only activation. Central and Northern Maine (FN53, FN54, FN55, FN56, FN57, FN65, FN66, FN67) – POSTPONED Join Matt, W1PY and Sean, KX9X as they team up for a weekend of ham radio through the Pine Tree State! Follow them as they activate the Potato Field grids of central and northern Maine for the satellite community, and hit some state parks on HF for the Parks on the Air and WWFF communities. There will also be spontaneous activations of curious roadside attractions as they roll through. Grids to be activated on satellite: FN53 – 54 – 55 – 56 – 57 – 65 - 66 – 67. A special effort will be made to activate the grid intersection of FN56-57-66-67 in the potato field north of Caribou. Detailed satellite operations schedule to be announced ASAP. For more information, check out https://t.co/2irvAUBvAu and keep an eye on Sean’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/SeanKutzko. EM61 – April 26 or 27, 2019 Jeff (WE4B), Marissa (W4AQT) and “Little Sister” will make a quick run to EM61 sometime during the weekend of April 26th/27th for anyone who needs the grid. Watch for specific date/pass announcements on Jeff’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/WE4Bravo Parque Estadual Canions do Rio Poty (Grid GI94) – April, 26 to 28, 2019 DXPedition ZV8FF will be active April 26th to 28th. Operators PS8RV, PS8ACM, PS8NF, and PS8BR announce HF bands in SSB, CW, FT8. In addition there is the possibility of Satellites FM, SSB and CW, so stay tuned. California (DM15) – April 27, 2019 Dave, AD7DB, will be in DM15 in the high desert town of North Edwards CA, just outside Edwards AFB. Planned passes are AO-91, AO- 92 and SO-50. More exact details on Twitter https://twitter.com/ad7db as the time approaches. Northern MI+ (EN84, EN92, EN93 – April 27-28, 2019 AA8CH and WW8W will be activating EN84 for the afternoon/evening of Saturday April 27th tentatively starting 1800UTC, then EN92/EN93 Sunday April 28th morning/early afternoon (AO7 looking for EU at 1700UTC). FM an linears. Watch Twitter feed for further updates https://twitter.com/charliehotel10. Waco, TX (EM11) – April 28, 2019 Brian, KG5GJT, will be visiting Waco, TX on Sunday, April 28th, and possibly Saturday night. No planned passes at this time, but keep an eye on Brian’s Twitter feed for further announcements https://twitter.com/KG5GJT. Northern Border Security Check (Minnesota to Washington) – April 29 to May 4 or 5th, 2019 Alex, N7AGF, is all set for his semiannual rover trip to activate rare and somewhat rare grids, from April 29th to May 4th or 5th (or longer depending on how things go). Alex will fly into Minneapolis and drive back to his home grid CN88, activating as many ENx8,ENx7,DNx8,and DNx7 grids as possible along the route. The hope is to hit many corners and lines. Alex will be on both linear and FM birds. As always, activations and route details will be posted to his Twitter @N7AGF at https://twitter.com/N7AGF . Alex will also be on APRS at https://aprs.fi/N7AGF-10 . In areas of limited cell service, he’ll be using inReach. Email or hit Alex on twitter with grid requests, route suggestions, or hot tourist attractions in Minot. Northeast North Dakota (EN06/EN07/EN08/EN16/EN17/EN18) – May 2-5, 2019 Mitch, AD0HJ, is heading out to the Grand Forks, ND Hamfest on May 4th, but also just goofing off for a few days in the general area. Mitch will be limited to working the FM Satellites only (SO-50, AO- 91, AO-92). Plans are to work EN17/18 on May 2, EN07/08 on May 3, EN17/18 again on May 4 (day of hamfest), and then EN06/16 on May 5. A full pass schedule will be viewable on the Twitter announcement https://twitter.com/KE4ALabama/status/1116524856781230080, and up-to- date pass info on Mitch’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/AD0HJ. Upstate NY (FN14, FN24) – May 3, 2019 Robert, KE2QI, activating the FN14/24 gridline Friday evening, May 3rd. Watch for updates on Rober’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/skyguydx Pennsylvania (FN11,FN21) – May 5, 2019 Steve, NS3L, will activate the FN11/FN21 gridline mid-morning to early afternoon of May 5th. In addition, he might go to FN12 afterward. FM & SSB Linear birds. Note, fair weather trip only. If heavy rain is forecast, he might postpone & reschedule. During the trip, Steve will be beaconing on APRS NS3L-9. See Steve’s Twitter feed for further updates https://twitter.com/NS3L FN13/FN14 Gridline – May 11-12, 2019 Michael, K2MTS will be in FN13/14 May 11-12, 2019, operating holiday style. Keep an eye on Michael’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/k2mts for specific pass announcements. Pennsylvania (FN00) – May 13-15, 2019 Tanner, W9TWJ, will be back in FN00 May 13th-15th, if anyone still needs it. Possible he will also do the 15th in EN90 again. FM evening passes. Will look into FN01 to see if it’s possible. Watch Tanner’s Twitter feed for pass details https://twitter.com/twjones85. Southwest South Dakota (DN83++) – May 19-23, 2019 Clayton, W5PFG, will be operating from DN83 on all FM/SSB satellites holiday-style , May 19-23. Open to schedules with EU. In the days proceeding he’ll be on from DN91 and in the days following from DN74, DN71, potentially DN70, and lastly DM99. Twitter @w5pfg Texas (EM13, EM22, EM23) – May 19-21, 2019 Ryan, AI6DO, has an upcoming business trip for fried pies and a satellite rove: Planning EM13 5/20 & 5/21, EM22/23 grid line 0000- 0300 5/20 & 5/22 UTC (5/19 & 5/21 local). Probably FM & APRS only. Updates via Twitter https://twitter.com/AI6DO Point Pelee National Park, Canada (EN81, EN82) – May 25, 2019 KM4LAO, Ruth, will head north of the border to activate Point Pelee National Park in Ontario EN81, Saturday, May 25th. Ruth may also do a pass or two from EN82 as time allows. Plan is for FM and linear satellite passes, as well at QRP HF. Call sign for this activation and subsequent LoTW upload will be KM4LAO/VE3. This will also be a CNPOTA activation, so please upload your log to the CNPOTA website https://cnpota.ca/. Further announcements will be posted on Ruth’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/KM4Ruth as we get closer to the activation date. Pacific Northwest (CN85, CN83/CN84, CN76/CN86) – May 31 to June 2, 2019 Casey, KI7UNJ, will be on in CN83/84 Friday, May 31st, CN85 Saturday, June 1st, and CN76/86 Sunday, June 2nd. Pass list to come in next few weeks. Iceland (HP95 IP15 IP25 IP03 HP03) – July 13-19, 2019 Adam, K0FFY, is taking his family (and his radios) to Iceland. Tentative schedule is HP95 July 13, IP13 and IP15 July 14-15, IP25 July 16, IP03 or HP93 July 17-18, and HP94 July 19. There’s a lot to see, so passes will be best effort and announced on Twitter shortly prior. https://twitter.com/K0FFY_Radio Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) amsat.org Updated April 26, 2019 See https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ [ANS thanks Robert KE4AL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Recent successful ARISS Contacts + 2019-04-24 17:46 UTC between David St-Jacques KG5FYI, using ISS callsign NA1SS and Hidden Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake, MN, USA Contact was direct via N9CHA. ARISS Mentor was Ryan W4NTR. + 2019-04-18 18:04 UTC between David St-Jacques KG5FYI using ISS callsign NA1SS and École internationale de Saint-Sacrement, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Contact was direct via VE2GHO. ARISS Mentor was Steve VE3TBD. Editor's Note: Hidden Oaks Middle School ARISS contact with David Saint-Jacques aboard the International Space Station, April 24, 2019. This video highlights the conversation and efforts of the teachers and ham radio operators who shared the excitement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEf7yURjZg8&feature=player_embedded [ANS thanks Greg N9CHA for the above information.] Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule Quick list of scheduled contacts and events as of 2019-04-26 20:30 UTC: Observatorio Astronómico de Mallorca (OAM), Costitx (Mallorca-Islas Baleares-España), Spain, telebridge via W6SRJ Participating schools: Colegio San José Obrero, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain and Colegio Luis Vives, Palma de Mallorca(Islas Baleares-España), Spain The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Nick Hague KG5TMV Contact is go for: Mon 2019-04-29 11:48:40 UTC Watch for live stream at https://www.youtube.com/user/LuisVivesTV/live Mildred Hall School, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, telebridge via LU8YY The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Fri 2019-05-03 18:32:19 UTC [ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Shorts From All Over + F5UII documents receiving the 10 GHz downlink from Qatar Oscar 100 with SDR Console: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-118-F5UII [ANS thanks F5UII via Twitter for the above information) + What Are CubeSats? Space Daily present a look at the brief history of Cube Sats. Access here: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/What_Are_CubeSats_999.html [ANS thanks Space Daily 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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 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 stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, AA8EM aa8em at amsat dot org

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ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 13 Apr '19

13 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-104 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT North America, 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://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 dot org. In this edition: * TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Speaker Announced * Seats Still Available for AMSAT Academy * AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 * N8HM to Appear on Ham Talk Live April 18th * Last Chance to Bid in ARISS Auction * ARISS SSTV Event Continues Through 18:00 UTC April 14th * Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101) * March/April 2019 Edition of Apogee View Posted * How to Support AMSAT * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Satellite Shorts from All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-104.01 ANS-104 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 104.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. April 14, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-104.01 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT relies on your donations to Keep Amateur Radio in Space Please consider a one-time or recurring donation today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Speaker Announced TAPR has announced that the after-dinner speaker at this year's TAPR/AMSAT Banquet on Friday, May 17th will be Dr. P. J. Erickson, W1PJE, from the MIT Haystack Observatory. Dr. Erickson will will give a presentation entitled “New Frontiers in Human Understanding of Geospace: Radio Explorations of Near-Earth Space from Top to Bottom Through Joint Amateur – Scientist Partnerships.” Tickets for the 2019 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet are $40 and can be purchased at https://www.amsat.org/p…/tapramsat-joint-hamvention-banquet/ Tickets must be purchased by 18:00 EDT / 22:00 UTC on May 14th. [ANS thanks TAPR for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Seats Still Available for AMSAT Academy Come join us the day before Hamvention for AMSAT Academy – a unique opportunity to learn all about amateur radio in space and working the FM, linear transponder, and digital satellites currently in orbit. AMSAT Academy will be held Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, at the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) Clubhouse, located at 6619 Bellefontaine Rd, Dayton, Ohio. Registration Fee includes: +Full day of instruction, designed for both beginners and advanced amateur radio satellite operators, and taught by some of the most accomplished AMSAT operators. +Digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites, 2019 Edition ($15 value) +One-Year, AMSAT Basic Membership ($44 value) +Pizza Buffet Lunch +Invitation to the Thursday night AMSAT get together at Ticket Pub and Eatery in Fairborn AMSAT Academy 2019 Registration Fee: $85.00. Registration closes May 10, 2019. No sign ups at the door. No refunds, No cancellations. Registration may be purchased on the AMSAT Store. https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-academy-registration/ [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 For a complete list of AMSAT activities at the 2019 Hamvention, see www.amsat.org/other-events/amsat-activities-at-hamvention-2019/ Below, two of these activities are highlighted: AMSAT Forum, Forum Room 2 Saturday, 18 May 2019, 12:10 – 13:40 EDT Moderated by Robert Bankston KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President–User Services AMSAT Status Report – Joseph Spier, K6WAO, AMSAT President, will high- light recent activities within AMSAT and discuss some of our challenges, accomplishments, projects, and any late breaking news. AMSAT Engineering – Jerry Buxton, N0JY, AMSAT Vice President– Engineering, will talk about the Fox-1 and Golf (Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint) Projects. AMSAT Education – Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President– Educational Relations will introduce the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator. AMSAT User Services – Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President– User Services, will discuss AMSAT’s 50th Anniversary Operating Event and the new AMSAT Ambassadors Program. Amateur Satellite Demonstrations Outside Main Entrance – Maxim Hall (Building 1) Friday, Saturday, Sunday 16 – 19 May 2019, 08:00 – 16:30 EDT Amateur Satellite operation demonstrations will be held outside the main Maxim Hall (Building 1 or E1) entrance. Every day, AMSAT will be demonstrating actual contacts with the operational amateur satellites. We especially want to invite youth to make a contact via an amateur satellite. All are invited to observe, participate and ask questions. Satellite pass times will be posted at the AMSAT booth (1007-1010 & 1107-1110) and in the demo area. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- N8HM to Appear on Ham Talk Live April 18th It's almost time for the Dayton Hamvention! Be sure to tune in at HamTalkLive.com for a preview each week until Hamvention! On Thursday, April 18th, AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, will appear on the show to discuss the AMSAT Academy and the other exciting activities AMSAT has planned for the 2019 Hamvention. Ham Talk Live! is live every Thursday night at 9 pm EDT, and on your favorite podcast app or on demand at HamTalkLive.com. And, HTL! is rebroadcast on Saturdays on WTWW 5085 AM at about 6:30 pm EDT. [ANS thanks Ham Talk Live for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2019 marks AMSAT’s 50th Anniversary of Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. To help celebrate, we are sponsoring the AMSAT 50th Anniversary Awards Program. Full details are available at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-50th-anniversary-awards-program/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Chance to Bid in ARISS Auction Bidding continues in the ARISS Auction! Bidders are moving fast hoping to garner a special astronaut signed brand new JVC Kenwood TS-890S! Visit http://www.ebay.com/itm/323770952171 to bid on the TS-890S. Bidding ends at 13:22 UTC on Monday, April 15th. A special astronaut signed 6-volume boxed set 2019 ARRL Handbook is also up for bid. Visit http://www.ebay.com/itm/323770952890 to bid on the ARRL Hand- book. Bidding ends at 13:23 UTC on Monday, April 15th. Thanks to JVC Kenwood and ARRL, proceeds from the on-line auction will benefit ARISS in its quest to launch a new custom-built higher- power radio system in late 2019 with its voice repeater and improved packet APRS and SSTV capability that thousands of hams can enjoy. The new system will replace the aging, problematic units currently on the ISS. ARISS also needs funding to keep introducing ham radio to thousands of students, teachers, parents, and whole communities — and inspiring students about STEM and radio. Kenwood has been a super supporter of ARISS for years, and it was the company’s idea for this special radio to be an exclusive for one ham to own. The limited edition boxed set 2019 ARRL Handbook sold out fast last fall but ARRL saved one set for ARISS's fundraiser. AMSAT, ARISS's sponsoring 501(c)(3) corporation, provided the auction infrastructure. If auctions aren't your thing, please consider a one-time or recurring donation to ARISS at https://www.amsat.org/donations/ariss-donations/ [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ CLOSEOUT 2018 Symposium Proceedings and Getting Started Guides, now $15 + Shipping on the AMSAT Store while supplies last. https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-books-and-dvds/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS SSTV Event Continues Through 18:00 UTC April 14th In commemoration of human spaceflight, the ISS is currently transmitting SSTV pictures in PD-120 format. The event is scheduled to continue until 18:00 UTC on April 14th. The downlink frequency is 145.800 MHz FM. Any standard SSTV program for computers or smartphones should be able to decode the PD-120 transmissions. Participants may share their received pictures at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php Participants may also receive a special award for participating. See https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv/ for details. [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101) On October 29, 2018, the Diwata-2 microsatellite was launched on a H-IIA launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center, Tanegashima, Japan. Diwata-2 was developed by the University of the Philippines Dillman (UPD) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI) under the PHL- Microsat program (now succeeded by the STAMINA4Space program), and in cooperation with Tohoku University and Hokkaido University. The project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). The satellite carries an amateur radio payload that has been tested and is now ready for service. At the request of the STAMINA4Space program, AMSAT hereby designates Diwata-2 as Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101). We congratulate the owners and operators of PO-101, thank them for their contribution to the amateur satellite community, and wish them continued success on this and future projects. 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator PO-101 frequency information can be found at at https://www.amsat.org/fm-satellite-frequency-summary/ Stay tuned to ANS and the AMSAT-BB for operational information. [ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront. 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- March/April 2019 Edition of Apogee View Posted The March/April 2019 edition of Apogee View, a comprehensive update on AMSAT's activities from AMSAT President Joe Spier, K6WAO, has been posted to the AMSAT website. https://www.amsat.org/apogeeview/ [ANS thanks AMSAT the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT and ARISS are currently supporting a FundRazr campaign to raise $150,000 for critical radio infrastructure upgrades on ISS. The upgrades are necessary to enable students to continue to talk to astronauts in space via Amateur Radio. We have reached a great milestone with $24,045 raised or about 16% towards our goal. This would not have been possible without your outstanding generosity!! For more information and to DONATE TODAY visit: https://fundrazr.com/arissnextgen?ref=ab_e7Htwa_ab_47IcJ9 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ --------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Support AMSAT AMSAT relies on the support of our members and the amateur radio community to Keep Amateur Radio in Space. How can you help? *Join AMSAT Both you and AMSAT will benefit when you join. You get the AMSAT Journal bimonthly and support from AMSAT Ambassadors. Member dues and donations provide AMSAT’s primary support. Join today at https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-membership/ *Become a Life Member Becoming a Life Member has never been easier. Now you can become a Life Member with 12 monthly payments of $74 through our online store. See https://www.amsat.org/product/lifetime-membership/ for details. *Donate to AMSAT Make a one time or recurring donation to AMSAT today. Even as little as one dollar a month can make a difference! Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ *Purchase AMSAT gear on our Zazzle storefront. AMSAT receives 25% of the price of each sale on AMSAT logo merchandise from our Zazzle storefront located at https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear *Volunteer for AMSAT AMSAT relies on volunteers for nearly all of our activities. If you have an idea for how to help, please let us know, Details on volunteering can be found at https://www.amsat.org/volunteer-for-amsat/ [ANS thanks the AMSAT office for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations +Utah (DM48, DM58) – April 14-19, 2019 Bob, N6REK, will be roving in Utah from April 13 to the 19th. He plans to be on from DM58 from April 14-17, and then DM48 from April 17-19. Bob will be FM satellites only, using the call sign N6REK/7, and he will post the specific passes on the amsat-bb when we get closer to those dates. +Liechtenstein (JN47) – April 17-19, 2019 Phillippe, EA4NF, is off on another DXpedition. This time, he is heading to HB0/Lichtenstein. Phillippe will operate under the callsign HB0/EA4NF from Leichtenstein and HB9/EA4NF from Switzerland (JN47s, on both FM and SSB satellites. QSL via LoTW. Updated info & Pass announcements (Time+Frequencies) available on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EA4NF_SAT +Arizona to West Virginia – April 18-21, 2019 Chris. K7TAB, is heading towards WV April 18th to 21st, a 2200-mile sprint. The priority is to cover distance, but he’ll need to take some breaks to rotate coffee and work satellite passes. Grids along I-40 in AZ/NM/TX/OK, I-44 in OK/MO, I-70 in IL/IN/OH/PA are all fair game! FM + Linears. Chris has a nice grid map with his route posted on his Twitter feed and will post pass availability when he can. https://twitter.com/K7TABravo +Central and Northern Maine (FN53, FN54, FN55, FN56, FN57, FN65, FN66, FN67) – April 26-28, 2019 Join Matt, W1PY and Sean, KX9X as they team up for a weekend of ham radio through the Pine Tree State! Follow them as they activate the Potato Field grids of central and northern Maine for the satellite community, and hit some state parks on HF for the Parks on the Air and WWFF communities. There will also be spontaneous activations of curious roadside attractions as they roll through. Grids to be activated on satellite: FN53 – 54 – 55 – 56 – 57 – 65 – 66 – 67. A special effort will be made to activate the grid intersection of FN56-57-66-67 in the potato field north of Caribou. Detailed satellite operations schedule to be announced ASAP. For more information, check out https://t.co/2irvAUBvAu and keep an eye on Sean’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/SeanKutzko. +California (DM15) – April 27, 2019 Dave, AD7DB, will be in DM15 in the high desert town of North Edwards, CA, just outside Edwards AFB. Planned passes are AO-91, AO-92 and SO-50. More exact details on Twitter https://twitter.com/ad7db as the time approaches. +Northern Border Security Check (Minnesota to Washington) – April 29 to May 4 or 5th, 2019 Alex, N7AGF, is all set for his semiannual rover trip to activate rare and somewhat rare grids, from April 29th to May 4th or 5th (or longer depending on how things go). Alex will fly into Minneapolis and drive back to my home grid CN88, activating as many ENx8,ENx7,DNx8,and DNx7 grids as possible along the route. The hope is to hit many corners and lines. Alex will be on both linear and FM birds. As always, activations and route details will be posted to his Twitter @N7AGF at https://twitter.com/N7AGF . Alex will also be on APRS at https://aprs.fi/N7AGF-10. In areas of limited cell service, he’ll be using inReach. Email or hit Alex on twitter with grid requests, route suggestions, or hot tourist attractions in Minot. +Northeast North Dakota (EN06/EN07/EN08/EN16/EN17/EN18) – May 2-5, 2019 Mitch, AD0HJ, is heading out to the Grand Forks, ND Hamfest on May 4th , but also just goofing off for a few days in the general area. Mitch will be limited to working the FM Satellites only (SO-50, AO-91, AO-92). Plans are to work EN17/18 on May 2, EN07/08 on May 3, EN17/18 again on May 4 (day of hamfest), and then EN06/16 on May 5. A full pass schedule will be viewable on the Twitter announcement https://twitter.com/KE4ALabama/status/1116524856781230080, and up-to-date pass info on Mitch’s Twitter feed https://twitter.com/AD0HJ. +Southwest South Dakota (DN83++) – May 19-23, 2019 Clayton, W5PFG, will be operating from DN83 on all FM/SSB satellites holiday-style , May 19-23. Open to schedules with EU. In the days proceeding he’ll be on from DN91 and in the days following from DN74, DN71, potentially DN70, and lastly DM99. Twitter @w5pfg +Pacific Northwest (CN85, CN83/CN84, CN76/CN86) – May 31 to June 2, 2019 Casey, KI7UNJ, will be on in CN83/84 Friday, May 31st, CN85 Saturday, June 1st, and CN76/86 Sunday, June 2nd. Pass list to come in next few weeks. +Iceland (HP95 IP15 IP25 IP03 HP03) – July 13-19, 2019 Adam, K0FFY, is taking his family (and his radios) to Iceland. Tentative schedule is HP95 July 13, IP13 and IP15 July 14-15, IP25 July 16, IP03 or HP93 July 17-18, and HP94 July 19. There’s a lot to see, so passes will be best effort and announced on Twitter shortly prior. https://twitter.com/K0FFY_Radio [ANS Thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts from All Over + FUNcube on ESEO Payload Activated On April 12th, the FUNcube on ESEO 145.895 MHz 1k2 BPSK beacon was briefly activated, confirming the functionality of the payload. The FUNcube on ESEO payload consists of a 1k2/4k8 BPSK telemetry beacon and an L/v FM repeater with an uplink of 1263.500 MHz and a downlink of 145.895 MHz. Stay tuned for further information. (ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information) + FO-99 (NEXUS) Twitter The Nihon University Ground Station twitter account (@GsNihonuniv) is now posting operational updates for FO-99 in English. Check https://twitter.com/GsNihonuniv for FO-99 operational information. + AO-85 Keplerian Elements No Longer Restricted 18 Space Control Squadron has removed the NEA status for an additional 43 objects, including AO-85. This means entities other than AMSAT, including Celestrak, may distribute the Keplerian elements for AO-85. They should appear in Celestrak's amateur.txt file shortly (ANS thanks T.S. Kelso of Celestrak for the above information) + Australian CubeSat to use 76 GHz Amateur Satellite Band An Australian CubeSat, CUAVA-1, is expcted to include a downlink on 76 GHz. Details at https://amsat-uk.org/2019/04/12/australian-cubesat-to-use-76-ghz/ (ANS thanks the IARU Satellite Coordination Panel and AMSAT-UK) + The Orbital Index The Orbital Index is a newsletter written by Andrew Cantino and Ben Lachman. We strive to keep it focused, technical, and enjoyable. Basically you should be able to read it over lunch and learn something you didn’t know before. Subscribe or check out the archives at http://orbitalindex.com/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + AD0DX Completes Satellite WAS Congratulations to AD0DX on receiving Satellite Worked All States #377. His last QSO for WAS was with N8HM in Washington, DC. For WAS, the District of Columbia counts as Maryland. (ANS thanks AD0DX and N8HM for the above information) (Editor's note - while DC is definitely not Maryland, I am happy to assist anyone who needs MD for WAS while this rule remains in place) --------------------------------------------------------------------- /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. 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 six post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT office for additional student membership information. 73, This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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ANS-101 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101)
by Paul Stoetzer 11 Apr '19

11 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN ANS-101.01 In this Special Bulletin: * Diwata-2 Designated Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101) SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-101.01 ANS-101 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin 101.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD DATE April 11, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-101.01 On October 29, 2018, the Diwata-2 microsatellite was launched on a H-2A launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center, Tanegashima, Japan. Diwata-2 was developed by the PHL-Microsat program now succeeded by the STAMINA4Space program, and in cooperation with Tohoku University and Hokkaido University. The satellite carries an amateur radio payload that has been tested and is now ready for service. At the request of the STAMINA4Space program, AMSAT hereby designates Diwata-2 as Philippines-OSCAR 101 (PO-101). We congratulate the owners and operators of PO-101, thank them for their contribution to the amateur satellite community, and wish them continued success on this and future projects. 73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator [ANS thanks AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, for the above information.] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers life memberships, and sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 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. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73 and Remember to help keep Amateur Radio in space, This week's ANS Contributing Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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ANS-096 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Mark D. Johns 06 Apr '19

06 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-096 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, 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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans In this edition: * AMSAT India AISAT APRS Payload Operational on 145.825 MHz * Upcoming Satellite Operations * UT1FG/MM QSL Procedure Announced * Hamvention Booth Announcement * AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 * The Case of the Unknown Satellites * Upcoming ARISS Contacts * International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for March 2019 * Raspberry Pi magazine MagPi Features Ham Radio * Satellite Shorts From All Over SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-096.01 ANS-096 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins AMSAT News Service Bulletin 096.01 >From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD. DATE YYY To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-096.01 AMSAT India AISAT APRS Payload Operational on 145.825 MHz An APRS payload from AMSAT INDIA was successfully launched on April 1, 2019 at 03:57 GMT on the PSLV-C45 mission. The payload was powered up on schedule over Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Moscow. AMSAT India requested stations at these locations to report the first signals on 145.825 MHz from the payload. The first beacon from AISAT-1 was received by R4UAB and DK3WN was able to digipeat through the satellite. Mike posted information on his blog at: http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?p=94180 AMSAT India requests that the Amateur Radio fraternity worldwide use the payload and Satgates to feed the traffic. More details about this unique project as well as the pre-launch TLE are available at http://www.amsatindia.org/ Their twitter feed is at https://twitter.com/amsatindia AMSAT Argentina's web-based satellite pass page passes at http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=aisa1 provides use- ful tracking information based on the pre-launch TLE. The 4th stage of the PSLV rocket (PS4) will become an orbital plat- form in a 485 km orbit hosting three payloads: + Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) digipeater from AMSAT INDIA + Automatic Identification System (AIS) from ISRO + Advanced Retarding Potential Analyzer for Ionospheric Studies (ARIS) from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/pslv-c45-emisat-mission [ANS thanks Nitin, VU3TYG, Secretary, AMSAT INDIA for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT relies on your donations to Keep Amateur Radio in Space. Please consider a donation to the AMSAT General Fund, the GOLF Program, or ARISS today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations Defrosting Trip (EM90, EL99) – April 7-9, 2019 Paul, KE0PBR, has plans to escape the Land of the 10,000 Frozen Lakes and head down to Florida, to enjoy a little Global Warming. Will most likely be FM only, and holiday style. Paul will post announcements on his Twitter account: https://twitter.com/KE0PBR Utah (DM37, DM48, DM58) – April 13-19, 2019 Bob, N6REK, will be roving in Utah from April 13 to the 19th. He plans to be in DM37 April 13, DM58 from April 14-17, and then DM48 from April 17-19. Bob will be FM satellites only, and he will post the specific passes on the amsat-bb when we get closer to those dates. Liechtenstein (JN47) – April 17-19, 2019 Phillippe, EA4NF, is off on another DXpedition. This time, he is heading to HB0/Lichtenstein. Phillippe will operate under the call sign HB0/EA4NF from Leichtenstein and HB9/EA4NF from Switzerland (JN47s, on both FM and SSB satellites. QSL via LoTW. Updated info & Pass announcements (Time+Frequencies) available on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EA4NF_SAT Northern Border Security Check (Minnesota to Washington) – April 29 to May 4 or 5th, 2019 Alex, N7AGF, is all set for his semiannual rover trip to activate rare and somewhat rare grids, from April 29th to May 4th or 5th (or longer depending on how things go). Alex will fly into Minneapolis and drive back to my home grid CN88, activating as many ENx8,ENx7,DNx8,and DNx7 grids as possible along the route. The hope is to hit many corners and lines. Alex will be on both linear and FM birds. As always, activations and route details will be posted to his Twitter @N7AGF at https://twitter.com/N7AGF Alex will also be on APRS at https://aprs.fi/N7AGF-10 In areas of limited cell service, he’ll be using inReach. Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) amsat.org [ANS thanks KE4AL for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- UT1FG/MM QSL Procedure Announced Yuri, UT1FG/mm, is headed to Kalningrad (UA2) and according to marinetraffic.com, he will be there around 16April. Yuri will leave the ship there and go on vacation until next season. Yuri would like those who want to confirm their contacts, to do so by following the procedure to create a .pdf file that he can print, confirm and mail out from Kaliningrad. Instructions for creating the .pdf file are on papays.com/sat Please do not forget to include your mailing address in the header per the example. He would like to receive the qsl logsheets about one week before he arrives in port. You can send them to me later than that, but he may not have time to process them as he approaches port. That decision is up to you. I will forward them to Yuri as long as he is still underway. Send your logsheets to my qrz.com email address. Yuri was in HL90 on the 1818z 04April pass of AO-7. [ANS thanks John Papay, K8YSE for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamvention Booth Announcement Join us as AMSAT celebrates our Golden Jubilee at the 2019 Hamvention with a 1969 theme and an "OSCAR Park" display. The satellite lineup includes appearances by OSCAR-1, AO-7, Phase-3A, ARISSat, Fox, and GOLF. Join up or renew your AMSAT membership. Updated for 2019, AMSAT's book, "Getting Started With Amateur Satellites" is available. Get one-on-one guidance on setting up your satellite station and making contacts at our "Beginner's Corner". Participate in live demon- strations of contacts through FM and linear satellites with station and operating tips from some of the best satellite operators in the country. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Hamvention Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Activities at Hamvention 2019 For a complete list of AMSAT activities at the 2019 Hamvention, see www.amsat.org/other-events/amsat-activities-at-hamvention-2019/ Below, two of these activities are highlighted: AMSAT Forum, Forum Room 2 Saturday, 18 May 2019, 12:10 – 13:40 EDT Moderated by Robert Bankston KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President–User Services AMSAT Status Report – Joseph Spier, K6WAO, AMSAT President, will high- light recent activities within AMSAT and discuss some of our challenges, accomplishments, projects, and any late breaking news. AMSAT Engineering – Jerry Buxton, N0JY, AMSAT Vice President– Engineering, will talk about the Fox-1 and Golf (Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint) Projects. AMSAT Education – Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President–Education- al Relations will introduce the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator. AMSAT User Services – Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President– User Services, will discuss AMSAT’s 50th Anniversary Operating Event and the new AMSAT Ambassadors Program. Amateur Satellite Demonstrations Outside Main Entrance – Maxim Hall (Building 1) Friday, Saturday, Sunday 16 – 19 May 2019, 08:00 – 16:30 EDT Amateur Satellite operation demonstrations will be held outside the main Maxim Hall (Building 1 or E1) entrance. Every day, AMSAT will be demonstrating actual contacts with the operational amateur satellites. We especially want to invite youth to make a contact via an amateur satellite. All are invited to observe, participate and ask questions. Satellite pass times will be posted at the AMSAT booth (1007-1010 & 1107-1110) and in the demo area. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Case of the Unknown Satellites On December 3, 2018, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took off from California, lofting the largest haul of individual satellites the vehicle had ever transported. All 64 satellites deployed into space as designed. But nearly four months later, more than a dozen satellites from the launch have yet to be identified in space. We know that they’re up there, and where they are, but it’s unclear which satellites belong to which satellite operator on the ground. They are, truly, unidentified flying objects. An article by Loren Grush details the difficulties presented to the Air Force in sorting out objects from multiple launches. To read the full article, see https://tinyurl.com/y6rgkfn6 [ANS thanks The Verge for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming ARISS Contacts 58th Hamilton Scout Group, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, direct via VE3DC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Sat 2019-04-06 18:31:06 UTC 38 deg Shaftesbury High School, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, telebridge via VK6MJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Wed 2019-04-10 15:57:13 UTC 37 deg École des Charmilles, Thyez, France, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled astronaut is David St-Jacques KG5FYI Contact is go for: Thu 2019-04-11 12:55:18 UTC 64 deg Listen for the ISS on the downlink of 145.8Ø MHz. 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. [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals from April 1, through May 15, 2019, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program's goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio. Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, "Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact." Educators are setting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students' interest. ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite communications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM- related questions. ARISS will help educational organizations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for students. The proposal window opens April 1, 2019 and the proposal deadline is May 15, 2019. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered April 11, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern Time and April 16, 2019 at 9 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to https://ariss-proposal-webinar-spring-2019.eventbrite.com [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Awards-Endorsements for March 2019 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period March 1, 2019 through April 1, 2019. Congratula- tions to all those who made the list this month! CALL 01 Mar 01 Apr WI7P 835 858 N4UFO 729 730 AA8CH 451 500 N3GS 370 409 K9UO 225 265 N6RFM 201 226 WW8W 152 181 PU8RFL 151 157 PS8MT 150 156 K5CIS New 150 K4RGK 133 145 LW2DAF 115 120 KF0QS New 115 KJ4EU 100 101 PP2CC New 101 AD7DB New 100 N7AME New 100 [ANS thanks Ron Parsons, W5RKN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Raspberry Pi magazine MagPi Features Ham Radio The Raspberry Pi magazine MagPi issue 80 is an Amateur Radio Special that features articles by Dave Honess M6DNT and Rob Zwetsloot. The PDF is available free. The amateur radio articles appear on pages 62-75: . Pictures from Space via Ham Radio - Have you ever wanted to receive a radio signal from space? It's fun and a lot easier than you might think! . What is Ham Radio? . Using Ham Radio with Raspberry Pi . Amazing Ham Radio Projects - 7 projects Download the Free MagPi magazine issue 80 PDF at https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/issues/80/ The MagPi editorial team say - Got an amazing ham radio project of your own? Tweet us your photos! @TheMagPi Previous issues of MagPi are at https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/issues/ [ANS thanks raspberrypi.org for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AMSAT has filed comments in the FCC Orbital Debris Mitigation Pro- ceeding. For details, see ANS special bulletin 095 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/yywq5jyt + From precision GPS to batteries for one of the world’s first com- mercial all-electric airplanes, NASA technology turns up in nearly every corner of modern life. The latest edition of NASA’s Spinoff publication features dozens of commercial technologies that were developed or improved by the agency’s space program and benefit people everywhere. The publication provides nearly 50 examples of how NASA benefits various industries and people around the world. Print and digital versions of the latest issue of Spinoff are avail- able at: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/index.html (ANS thanks NASA HQ News for the above information) + XLGTa is a new Excel app which can calculate the antenna Gain/Temper- ature ratio, similar to the TANT program but with many more features. It can read 3D pattern data generated by EZNEC, AutoEZ, 4nec2, A.M. (Teri Software Antenna Model), or MMANA-GAL. In addition to G/Ta the app will calculate Average Gain, RDF (aka Directivity), and DMF (aka Rear Hemisphere Mean Sidelobe Level). XLGTa is free but requires Excel 2000 or later. For complete details and downloads see: https://ac6la.com/xlgta.html (ANS thanks Dan, AC6LA, for the above information) + Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted the R3D2 satellite for DARPA from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula at 23:27, March 28th UTC (12:27, 29 March NZDT). The mission launched a prototype reflect array antenna to orbit for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. (ANS thanks satmagazine.com for the above information) + Lockheed Martin has announced a new generation of space technology that will launch this year that will allow satellites to change their missions in orbit. This new tech, called SmartSat, is a software-defined satellite architecture that will boost capability for payloads on several testbed satellites. (ANS thanks satmagazine.com for the above information) + The Northern Arizona DX Association will celebrate the 50th anniversary of landing men on the moon with the special callsign K7M from various locations including the the "Meteor Crater National Natural Landmark" where astronaut training took place. http://www.nadxa.com/ (ANS thanks DX Newsletter for the above information) + Congratulations to Mike, W8LID for completing his Worked All States Satellite with his AO-91 contact with RJ, WY7AA roving in South Dakota. (W8LID via Twitter) + Former NASA astronauts Jim Buchli and Janet Kavandi were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2019 during a ceremony on April 6, 2019, inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. They unveiled their plaques, which will be placed in the Hall of Fame at the visitor complex. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information) + After a long process of testing and judging experiments, the Euro- pean Space Agency and Raspberry Pi Foundation are happy to announce that a record number of 135 teams have been granted ‘flight status’ for Mission Space Lab 2018/2019! Full release at: https://tinyurl.com/y3bdqwp3 (ANS thanks the European Space Agency 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 addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 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 stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73 and Remember to help keep amateur radio in space, This week's ANS Editor, K0JM at amsat dot org

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ANS-095 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - AMSAT Files Comments in FCC Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding
by Paul Stoetzer 05 Apr '19

05 Apr '19

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN ANS-095.01 In this Special Bulletin: * AMSAT Files Comments in FCC Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-095.01 ANS-095 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin 333.01 From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD DATE April 5, 2019 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-095.01 AMSAT Files Comments in FCC Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding The Federal Communications Commission has proposed several rules changes related to the amateur satellite service as part of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to the mitigation of orbital debris. AMSAT believes several of these rule changes would have an extremely detrimental affect on the amateur satellite service and AMSAT's ability to launch and operate new satellites, including AMSAT's upcoming GOLF satellites. Today, AMSAT filed comments on the proposed rulemaking. In the comments, AMSAT argues that amateur satellites often have longer mission lifespans than other small satellite missions and that the Commission should take a mission duration of 5 to 10 years into account when determining whether or not an amateur satellite will meet the orbital debris regulations by transferring to a parking orbit or re-entering the atmosphere within 25 years of mission completion. The current practice is to assume a "zero year" mission and to require that amateur satellites either transfer to a parking orbit or re-enter within 25 years following launch. AMSAT also urged the Commission to consider alternatives to a proposed rule that would restrict satellites in Low Earth Orbit that plan to meet the orbital debris mitigation guidelines through atmospheric re-entry to altitudes of 650 km or less. AMSAT noted that, had this rule been in place, AO-85 and AO-91 would not have been able to be deployed in their current ellipitcal orbits with apogees of approximately 800 km, despite the fact that both of these satellites will re-enter within 25 years due to their low perigees. Additionally, AMSAT noted that current plans for the GOLF-1 satellite are to meet orbital debris mitigation guidelines through atmospheric re-entry by deploying a drag device that will ensure re-entry within 25 years despite deployment at an altitude of above 1,000 km. This proposed rule would prohibit GOLF-1's deployment at that altitude. The Commission's proposed rules would also require that amateur satellite licensees indemnify the government against any claims made against the United States due to the operation of the satellite. AMSAT believes this proposal would end the ability of AMSAT, or any other entity in the United States, to launch and operate amateur satellites and urges the Commission to consider alternatives, such as establishing a fund to pay any such claims, noting that the likelihood of such a claim is low. For amateur satellites with propulsion, the Commission proposes a rule that would require any command links as well as satellite telemetry be encrypted. While AMSAT understands and agrees that a satellite carrying a propulsion system must have an encrypted command link, the proposal to require all satellite telemetry be encrypted is unnecessary and counter to the spirit of the amateur service. AMSAT notes that open access to telemetry is expected of amateur satellites and is critical to the educational component of amateur radio satellites. Finally, AMSAT proposes that the Commission exempt amateur space stations co-located on other spacecraft from the orbital debris mitigation regulations, including any indemnification rule. Noting that AMSAT has pursued opportunities to fly a payload as a rideshare aboard government or commercial satellites, AMSAT argues that, as the satellite's owner will need to meet orbital debris mitigation requirements to obtain the license in the primary mission's service, requiring the amateur licensee to meet the orbital debris mitigation requirements as well is redundant. AMSAT proposes that Part 97 be amended to state that amateur space stations co-located on spacecraft with space stations authorized under Part 25 of the Commission's regulations (for commercial spacecraft) or by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) (for government spacecraft) are exempt from these regulations. AMSAT's comments as filed may be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-095-Comments The NPRM is International Bureau Docket #18-313 and is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-18-159A1.pdf Interested parties may file reply comments by May 5th at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ [ANS thanks AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, for the above information] /EX In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers life memberships, and sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office. 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. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information. 73 and Remember to help keep Amateur Radio in space, This week's ANS Contributing Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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