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ANS-304 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Oct. 31
by Mark Johns, K0JM 30 Oct '21

30 Oct '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-304 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * AMSAT Board of Directors Meets, Officers Elected * AMSAT Board of Directors Hears Various Reports * AMSAT Board of Directors Considers Various Proposals * 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium a Success * New Version of WSJT-X Available * FO-29 operation schedule for Nov. 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-304 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Oct 31 AMSAT Board of Directors Meets, Officers Elected The AMSAT Board of Directors, including newly elected Board members, met via Zoom on Friday, Oct. 29. The day-long meeting included the election of officers for the 2022 year. Elected were: * President, Robert Bankston, KE4AL * Executive Vice President, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM * Vice-President Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY * Vice-President Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA * Vice-President of User Services, vacant * Vice-President Educational Relations, Alan Johnston, KU2Y * Vice-President Development, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW * Secretary, vacant * Treasurer, Steve Belter, N9IP The Board Meeting was livestreamed on YouTube and open to public view. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Board of Directors Hears Various Reports The AMSAT Board of Directors, including newly elected Board members, met via Zoom on Friday, Oct. 29. The day-long meeting included hearing reports on a vast array of projects and initiatives from officers and team leaders: * President Robert Bankston, KE4EL, reported that membersip numbers are holding strong, and that recent administrative modernization has reduced overhead costs by more than 30%. * Treasurer Steve Belter, N9IP, affirmed the good news about finances. AMSAT is operating "in the black," and new electronic systems for handling transactions are working well. * VP Development, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, noted that, despite AMSAT's solid financial standing, additional funds are needed to design, build, and launch satellites. Thus, an effort to apply for grants from philanthropic organizations and corporate sponsors is underway. He also updated plans for the AMSAT Youth Initiative to launch in early 2022. * VP Educational Relations, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, reported on the CubeSat Simulator and High Altitude Balloon projects that have been utilized in classrooms and school amateur radio clubs. Volunteers are being sought to develop lesson plans and curriculum for junior high and high school students. * David Taylor, W8AAS, AMSAT Delegate to ARISS-International, updated the Board on ARISS school contacts, classroom lessons and hardware kits, as well as the on-board equipment on the space station. * Executive Vice President, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, reported on regulatory issues, including loss of the 3.3-3.5 GHz band and new leadership at the FCC. * Vice-President Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, provided a recap of current AMSAT satellites and their status. It was noted that AO-91 and AO-92 are in the "end of life" mode, and users are implored to avoid accessing these satellites during eclipse. * Following a recess for lunch, AMSAT Journal editor, Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK, previewed ong-range plans to move the Journal from Adobe Acrobat format to a fully digital format that would allow live links to resources both on and beyond the member portal. * Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Website and IT Manager, updated the Board on the past year's transition to a new email platform and highlighted the demands for more expertise as web and IT services become more critical to the organization. * AMSAT Contests and Awards, and the AMSAT Store, are both managed by Bruce Paige, KK5DO. Ways of promoting awards and store items were discussed. * VP Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, reported on future satellite projects: - Linear Transponder Module currently being provided to the University of Maine for their MESAT1 to be launched next year. - GOLF-TEE is under construction and has been added to a launch manifest, tentatively for summer of 2022. Supply chain issues are impacting construction. - GOLF-1 is planned for delivery one year after completion of GOLF-TEE. Much about this and future GOLF satellites will depend on what is learned from GOLF-TEE. - Orbital Debris Assessment Regulations (ODAR) complicate the design and licensing of the GOLF 3-U platforms. NASA/FCC assessments assume a worst-case scenario in which everything fails. If everything works, the service life of the satellite is drastically reduced. - Current projects are stretching the available human resources, and additional volunteers are needed to assist in the building of satellite hardware. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT Board of Directors Considers Proposals At an online Zoom meeting held on Friday, Oct. 29, the AMSAT Board of Directors considered a list of proposals. Adopted were... * Resolved, that the Board of Directors authorizes the senior officers to acquire a commercially-built FM satellite, including a launch, contingent on funding being received from external sources covering at least 90% of the total cost. * To authorize the creation of a working group to evaluate opportunities for a flight to a High Earth Orbit / Highly Elliptical Orbit. * That the President be instructed to create an ITAR/EAR/Open Source policy and that he be authorized to expend up to $10,000 for the retention of legal counsel to assist in the effort. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium a Success The AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium a Success was held online on Saturday, Oct. 30. Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, AMSAT changed plans for its 39th Annual Symposium and General Meeting from an in-person event to a virtual event. Additionally, the 2021 AMSAT 39th Annual Space Symposium and General Meeting was renamed in honor of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO (SK), Director Emeritus and President Emeritus of AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellite pioneer. Clark died on September 28th. He was 82. Highlights of the event included * Bob McGwier, N4HY, presented a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO * Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, with Mark Hammond, N8MH, presented a summary of the efforts to recover AO-109 * Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T/NB2T, IARU Satellite Advisor, provided an update on the work of the IARU Satellite Panel * Mike Parker, KT7D, University of Arizona, gave a briefing on the CatSat project * Nick Pugh, K5QXJ, presented on the University of Louisiana CAPE satellite program * Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, presented on Open Source Flight Software Frameworks from NASA * Bob McGwier, N4HY, presented a paper on OREKIT software * Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Jim McLaughlin, KI6ZUM, and David White, WD6DRI provided a briefing on the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator and CubeSatSim Lite * David White, WD6DRI, Jim McLaughlin, KI6ZUM, Bernadette Lally, and Alan Johnston, KU2Y presented on the use of high-altitude balloon transponders as tools for STEM education * Dave Taylor, W8AAS, and Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, provided an overview and update on ARISS * VP Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, provided updates on the Fox and GOLF programs The day ended with the AMSAT Annual General Meeting, at which public announcement was made of some of the proposals approved by the AMSAT Board of Directors the previous day. The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be available to the general public on AMSAT's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0 at no cost. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New Version of WSJT-X Available The WSJT-X development team has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65 to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the general availability release of version 2.5.0. A complete listing of changes is available in the Release Notes. Links to WSJT-X 2.5.1 installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac are available. [Amateurs using FT4 or other digital modes on linear satellites are reminded to reduce power to the absolute minimum necessary for communication in order to avoid taxing the transponder power budget. In FT4, it is seldom necessary to run more than a watt or so to achieve perfect copy through RS-44 or other satellites.] [ANS thanks ARRL for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ FO-29 operation schedule for Nov. 2021 The FO-29 transponder will be switched on as the satellite passes over Japan on the following dates and times. It will remain on until the onboard low voltage safety circuit triggers shutdown. Thus, the satellite may or may not be active when passing over areas in eclipse. All dates and times are UTC: 6th 00:05- 10:23- 23:10- 7th 11:12- 13th 00:40- 10:58- 23:45- 14th 11:47- 19th 23:30- 20th 11:32- 21st 00:20- 10:35- 27th 00:05- 10:21- 23:10- Source: https://www.jarl.org/Japanese/3_Fuji/fuji3-202110.htm Also, schedules for FO-99 are published periodically at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=1627 [ANS thanks Hideo Kambayashi, JH3XCU, and JAMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. A successful school contact was completed on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 18:31z between astronaut Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, and Tarwater Elementary School, Chandler, AZ, using a multi-point telebridge via W7MRF. Congratulations to the Tarwater Elementary School students and Shane! The contact was livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPilOdNyB3F9NG8F8TTK_Bw The next schedule contact is with Ural State University of Railways and Communications, Yekaterinburg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS and the scheduled astronaut is Pyotr Dubrov. Contact is go for 2021-11-11 at 16 00 UTC. The next ARISS mode change is expected to occur at the end of October. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Galapagos Islands: HD8, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Members of the Tifariti Gang/DX Friends will be active as HD8R from Galapagos Islands (SA-004) between October 26th and November 7th. Operators mentioned are Toni/EA5RM (Team Leader), Alberto/EA1SA, Gen/EA5EL, Raul/EA5KA, Javier/EA5KM, Manuel/EA7R, Jose Ramón/EA7X, Flo/F5CWU, Jean Jacques/F5NKX, Tony/F8ATS, Fausto/HC5VF, Faber/HK6F, Simone/IK5RUN and Fabrizio/IN3ZNR. The pilot station will be Tony, EC7ZK. Activity will be on 160-6 meters, including 60m, using CW, SSB, the Digital modes and low orbit satellites, with at least 4 stations that include Spiderbeams, verticals, Inverted “Ls” and beverages. Check with K9JKM for details. NA-008. (Zone 2) After being silent for 18 months, operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station this October. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The VY0ERC team (VE1RUS and VE3KTB) is now in preparation to be active from the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory between October 12th and November 22nd, (time and weather conditions permitting). They plan to participate in CQWW DX SSB and the ARRL Sweepstakes Contests. Outside of the contests, the suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see:https://twitter.com/vy0erc [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. None currently scheduled. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + A video of the talks given at the 36th annual AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium on October 24, 2021, is now available on YouTube, see https://amsat-uk.org/2021/10/25/video-of-amsat-uk-space-colloquium-talks/ (ANS thanks Trevor Essex, M5AKA, and AMSAT-UK for the above information) + The Philippines’ second microsatellite, Diwata-2, marked its third year in space on Thursday, Oct. 29. The 57-kilogram satellite was launched into space on Oct. 29, 2018 hitching a ride via H-IIA F4 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan at 04:08z, and started orbiting in space at 04:51. (ANS thanks the Manila Bulletin for the above information) + A distance record has been claimed on AO-109. K8YSE in EN91dh reported completing a CW QSO with AA5PK in DM91sk on 26-Oct-2021 at 01:22 UTC. Also, a new distance record has been set on PO-101 (@Diwata2PH ). F4DXV in JN04or70cl and A65GC in LL74el99hm completed a 5,256 km QSO on 10-Oct-2021. Congratulations to all! Distance records for all satellites are recorded at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP, for the above information) + Due to weather, lift off for SpaceX’s newest Dragon spaceship “Endurance” has been postponed to Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 05:10z. The launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will carry Raja Chari, KI5LIU, Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC, Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, and Kayla Barron, KI5LAL. Watch continuous coverage of their entire ride on NASA TV at https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information) + A TV meteorologist in Louisville, KY, Bryce Jones, did a Halloween feature story on "Zombie Satellites." You can read his spooky story at https://bit.ly/314td61 (ANS thanks WDRB.com for the above information) + AMSAT's December 2020 Financial Review has been posted to the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Financial_Statem… + The minutes of the June 1, 2021 AMSAT Board of Directors Teleconference have been posted to the AMSAT website at https://bit.ly/2ZzCvGm --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * 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. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Mark Johns, K0JM k0jm at amsat dot org

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ANS-297 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 23 Oct '21

23 Oct '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-297 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * Virtual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting – October 30, 2021 * AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium - October 24, 2021 - October 24, 2021 * ASRTU-1 With V/u FM Transponder Submitted for IARU Coordination * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-297 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Oct 24 Virtual AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting – October 30, 2021 Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, AMSAT has changed plans for its 39th Annual Symposium and General Meeting from an in-person event to a virtual event. Additionally, the event has been renamed in honor of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO (SK), Director Emeritus and President Emeritus of AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellite pioneer. Clark died on September 28th. He was 82. This is a chance for “Amateur Radio in Space” enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to learn more about AMSAT’s Strategic Plan, GOLF program, CubeSat Simulator and other exciting developments taking place in the amateur satellite world. AMSAT will host its 2021 AMSAT Virtual Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting on Zoom for its members on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00am CDT – 5:00pm CDT (UTC-5). The event will be a combination of pre-recorded video segments along with live question and answer sessions. Registration for members is required and is available on AMSAT’s Member Portal, launch.amsat.org. Registration is free and registered attendees will receive a digital copy of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings, entered into the Symposium prize drawings, and be able to participate in discussions during each question and answer session. The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark K3IO Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be available to the general public on AMSAT’s YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0 at no cost. Tentative Schedule 9:00am CDT – Opening Remarks 9:15am CDT – 1:00 pm CDT – General Presentations 1:00pm CDT - 2:00 pm CDT - ARISS Update 2:00pm CDT – 3:00 pm CDT – AMSAT Education / CubeSat Simulator 3:00pm CDT – 4:00 pm CDT – AMSAT Engineering 4:00pm CDT – 5:00 pm CDT – 2021 AMSAT Annual General Meeting Questions regarding the Symposium can be directed to info at amsat dot org. [ANS thanks the Symposium organizers for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium - October 24, 2021 The AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held as an online Zoom Webinar on Sunday the 24th October 2021. You don’t have to be a member of AMSAT-UK to attend, and the event is free. The Colloquium will run from 10.45 BST to approximately 16.00 BST (0945-1500 GMT). A full programme of the event is available at programme-for-amsatuk-20211014 This year’s colloquium will be in the form of a Zoom Webinar. It’s easy to use, simply register at the address below, and follow the instructions which will arrive by email. Please register before the 24th , or join live at https://tinyurl.com/AMSATUK2021Colloquium The 2021 colloquium will also be streamed via YouTube. Our channel is at https://www.youtube.com/user/AMSATUK The event will be hosted by members of AMSAT-UK and formally opened by our Chairman, Martin Sweeting, G3YJO. Each presentation will be followed by a 5 minute Q+A session, which will allow those viewing via Zoom, to pose questions to the speakers. The 2021 colloquium will be followed by the AMSAT-UK AGM and after a short break there will be an informal evening discussion session on ‘All things satellite.’ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ASRTU-1 With V/u FM Transponder Submitted for IARU Coordination The Harbin Institute of Technology has applied for IARU Coordination of ASRTU-1. Among other capabilities, the satellite will provide a V/u FM Transponder. ASRTU-1 is a 12U Cubesat mission designed by Russian and Chinese university students for education and amateur radio. The amateur radio station onboard ASRTU-1 will provide telecommand uplink and telemetry / digital image downlink. Harbin Institute of Technology has successfully developed several amateur radio satellites, including LilacSat-2 (CAS-3H), LilacSat-1 (LO-90), DSLWP-A (LO-93) and DSLWP-B (LO-94). A new SDR based transceiver was developed for ASRTU-1 to provide communication and experiment resources to radio amateurs, including a V/u FM transponder, a UHF telemetry downlink and a 10.5G image downlink. The satellite will also provide an open telecommand to allow radio amateurs to send commands to control the satellite to take and download images. Proposing 9k6 BPSK telemetry and NBFM repeater downlinks on UHF and 1 Mbps/10mbps QSPK downlink on X Band for image downloads. The repeater uplink will be on VHF using a 67Hz PL. Planning a Roscosmos launch from Vostochny in Q4 2022 into a 530km SSO. [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS News Tarwater Elementary School, Chandler, AZ, multi-point telebridge via W7MRF The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled astronaut is Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD Contact is go for: Thu 2021-10-28 17:44:11 UTC 76 deg Watch for livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPilOdNyB3F9NG8F8TTK_Bw (***) The next mode change is expected to occur at the end of October. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Galapagos Islands: HD8, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Members of the Tifariti Gang/DX Friends will be active as HD8R from Galapagos Islands (SA-004) between October 26th and November 7th. Operators mentioned are Toni/EA5RM (Team Leader), Alberto/EA1SA, Gen/EA5EL, Raul/EA5KA, Javier/EA5KM, Manuel/EA7R, Jose Ramón/EA7X, Flo/F5CWU, Jean Jacques/F5NKX, Tony/F8ATS, Fausto/HC5VF, Faber/HK6F, Simone/IK5RUN and Fabrizio/IN3ZNR. The pilot station will be Tony, EC7ZK. Activity will be on 160-6 meters, including 60m, using CW, SSB, the Digital modes and low orbit satellites, with at least 4 stations that include Spiderbeams, verticals, Inverted “Ls” and beverages. Check with K9JKM for details. NA-008. (Zone 2) After being silent for 18 months, operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station this October. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The VY0ERC team (VE1RUS and VE3KTB) is now in preparation to be active from the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory between October 12th and November 22nd, (time and weather conditions permitting). They plan to participate in CQWW DX SSB and the ARRL Sweepstakes Contests. Outside of the contests, the suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see:https://twitter.com/vy0erc [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. No events are currently scheduled. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + On October 10th, F4DXV and A65GC set a new distance record on PO-101 - commpleting a 5,256 km QSO between JN04or70cl in France and LL74el99hm in Abu Dhabi at 12:21 UTC. https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ + UVSQ-SAT's FM transponder will be active from 1200 UTC to 2300 UTC on Sunday, October 24th. The uplink is 145.905 MHz and the downlink is 437.020 MHz. Log QSOs to LoTW using "UVSQ" --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * 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. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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ANS-290 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 16 Oct '21

16 Oct '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-290 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * Virtual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting - October 30, 2021 * AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium to be held on Zoom 24 Oct 2021 * New APRS Satellites are now functioning * PSAT2 (NO-104) enabled for APRS-2-Voice * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution as of October 14, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-290 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Oct 17 Virtual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting - October 30, 2021 Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, AMSAT has changed plans for its 39th Annual Symposium and General Meeting from an in-person event to a virtual event. This is a chance for "Amateur Radio in Space" enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to learn more about AMSAT's Strategic Plan, GOLF program, CubeSat Simulator and other exciting developments taking place in the amateur satellite world. AMSAT will host its 2021 AMSAT Virtual Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting on Zoom for its members on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00am CDT – 5:00pm CDT (UTC-5). The event will be a combination of pre-recorded video segments along with live question and answer sessions. Registration for members is required and is available on AMSAT's Member Portal, launch.amsat.org. Registration is free and registered attendees will receive a digital copy of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings, entered into the Symposium prize drawings, and be able to participate in discussions during each question and answer session. The 2021 AMSAT Virtual Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be available to the general public on AMSAT's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0 at no cost. Final papers for the Symposium Proceedings must be submitted by October 18, 2021 to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, n8fgv at usa dot net. Symposium presentations should be limited to 15 minutes of pre- recorded video. Video presentations must be submitted by October 18, 2021 to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, n8hm at arrl dot net. We ask that presenters be available to take questions via Zoom following the airing of their pre-recorded video. Tentative Schedule 9:00am CDT - Opening Remarks 9:15am CDT – 2:00 pm CDT - General Presentations 2:00pm CDT – 3:00 pm CDT - AMSAT Education / CubeSat Simulator 3:00pm CDT – 4:00 pm CDT - AMSAT Engineering 4:00pm CDT – 5:00 pm CDT - 2020 AMSAT Annual General Meeting Questions regarding the Symposium can be directed to info at amsat dot org. [ANS thanks the Symposium organizers for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held as an online Zoom Webinar on the 24th October 2021 The Colloquium will run from 09.45 UTC to approximately 15.00 UTC. A full programme of the event is available at www.amsat-uk.org/colloquium You don’t have to be a member of AMSAT-UK to attend, and the event is free of charge. This year’s colloquium will be in the form of a Zoom Webinar. It’s easy to use, simply register at the address below, and follow the instructions which will arrive by email. Please register before the 24th , or join live at https://tinyurl.com/AMSATUK2021Colloquium The 2021 colloquium will also be streamed via YouTube. Our channel is at https://www.youtube.com/user/AMSATUK The event will be hosted by members of AMSAT-UK and formally opened by our Chairman, Martin Sweeting, G3YJO. Each presentation will be followed by a 5 minute Q+A session, which will allow those viewing via Zoom, to pose questions to the speakers. The 2021 colloquium will be followed by the AMSAT-UK AGM and after a short break there will be an informal evening discussion session on ‘All things satellite.’ [ANS thanks David Bowman G0MRF - AMSAT-UK for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ New APRS Satellites are now functioning: KE4AZZ McKinley Henson reports a new APRS satellite was heard on 145.825. BEACON: DX4MYA To APTT4 Via WIDE1-1:Mabuhay! This is the APRS-DP of Maya-4. But it appears to use DX3MYA callsign substitution when digipeating because on the next pass he sent a few beacons with wide1-1. He was digi’d several times but the following made it into the network. KE4AZZ>APRS,DX3MYA*,WIDE1*,qAR,KD8THX-6: >121508z[224] KE4AZZ EL87 KE4AZZ>APRS,DX3MYA*,WIDE1*,qAR,KD8THX6: =2702.06N/08209.93W`KE4AZZ EL87 Robert MacHale, KE6BLR comments on the two new APRS satellites added to the APRS constellation: "They are in an approximate ISS orbit from which they were deployed a week or so ago. They also use the alias of ARISS making operations easy." Christy Hunter KB8LTY reports: "I got 6 beacons digi'd thru MAYA-3 today (10/13/21). (never heard MAYA-4 beacons although heard it yesterday) I used 2 separate paths, ARISS, and DX3MYA, both were successful.I used TLEs (named from SatNOgs using Celestrak):" maya-3 1 49273U 98067SS 21285.96953269 .00027554 00000-0 48953-3 0 9997 2 49273 51.6413 120.2941 0005565 120.1632 239.9909 15.49963282 1115 maya-4 1 49274U 98067ST 21286.09863284 .00026959 00000-0 47967-3 0 9992 2 49274 51.6413 119.6562 0005462 119.5971 240.5562 15.49933665 1138 See all APRS sats on http://aprs.org/sats.html (ANS thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, Robert MacHale, KE6BLR, and Christy Hunter, KB6LTY for the above information. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ PSAT2 (NO-104) enabled for APRS-2-Voice Bob Bruninga reports: "We are enabling PSAT2 for users (including APRS2Voice)" "Here is how to use it (The status bits should show 01001110) 1) Use 145.825 for digipeater (along with other APRS satellites) 2) For digipeating use one of these paths: APRSAT, ARISS, etc 3) For APRS2voice send an APRS message to PSAT-SAY 4) Begin the first 10 chars of the message with "CCCCCC sez ..." 5) Followed by the text to be spoken.(no quotes) 6) CCCCCC is your callsign right-padded to 6 with spaces." "The satellite should ACK the packet uplink and then speak the text.APRS-to-Voice is enabled if the status bit is enabled: 01001110. showing that: Reserved bit always on (01xxxxxx) PDK31 is disabled (xxxx1xxx) Digipeater is enabled (xxxxx1xx APRS2voice is enabled (xxxxxx1x) PSAT2 Voltage telemetry has failed so we will turn the PSAT2 user modes on as long as they work. Live telemetry on http://aprs.org/psat2.html" [ANS thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution as of October 14, 2021 The following two cubesats (added last week) have been identified and the names have changed as follows: Maya-3 - NORAD Cat ID 49273 (was listed as OBJECT SS). Maya-4 - NORAD Cat ID 49274 (was listed as OBJECT ST). Thanks to Christy, KB6LTY for the identifications. The following satellite has been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE Distribution: IT-SPINS – NORAD Cat ID 49017 Thanks to David Klumpar,KD7MFJ for requesting this addition [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2021-09-15 15:30 UTC Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Jean Alloitteau School, Vinça, France, direct via F1MOJ. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html. The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG. Contact is go for: Mon 2021-10-18 08:06:12 UTC 38 deg Next mode changes as of 12 October: Columbus Module radios: +IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Supporting packet operation (145.825 MHz up & down). Next planned mode change is to cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down) around first part of November. +Power down for upcoming Soyuz undocking on Oct. 17. Turning OFF Oct. 16 about 15:20 UTC. Back ON Oct. 18 about 07:55 UTC +Power down for upcoming Progress relocate on Oct. 21-22. Turning OFF Oct. 20 about 18:00 UTC. Back ON Oct. 22 about 17:55 UTC. +Power down for upcoming Progress docking on Oct. 30. +Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E – STATUS - Radio usually off. +Power down for upcoming Soyuz undocking on Oct. 17. Turning OFF Oct. 17 about 15:20 UTC. +Power down for upcoming Progress relocate on Oct. 21-22. Turning OFF Oct. 20 about 18:00 UTC. +Power down for upcoming Progress docking on Oct. 30. +Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: WA8ZID: I hope to get some passes in OCT 14-18 on FM birds for the 60th Anniversary of the West Valley ARC in DM33. Not a rare grid but it is a rare call. We will be on HF as well but I do want to get some satellite stations for the 5 days we are authorized with W7V callsign. A certificate is available for those who are interested. Major Roves: Galapagos Islands: HD8, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Members of the Tifariti Gang/DX Friends will be active as HD8R from Galapagos Islands (SA-004) between October 26th and November 7th. Operators mentioned are Toni/EA5RM (Team Leader), Alberto/EA1SA, Gen/EA5EL, Raul/EA5KA, Javier/EA5KM, Manuel/EA7R, Jose Ramón/EA7X, Flo/F5CWU, Jean Jacques/F5NKX, Tony/F8ATS, Fausto/HC5VF, Faber/HK6F, Simone/IK5RUN and Fabrizio/IN3ZNR. The pilot station will be Tony, EC7ZK. Activity will be on 160-6 meters, including 60m, using CW, SSB, the Digital modes and low orbit satellites, with at least 4 stations that include Spiderbeams, verticals, Inverted “Ls” and beverages. Check with K9JKM for details. NA-008. (Zone 2) After being silent for 18 months, operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station this October. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The VY0ERC team (VE1RUS and VE3KTB) is now in preparation to be active from the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory between October 12th and November 22nd, (time and weather conditions permitting). They plan to participate in CQWW DX SSB and the ARRL Sweepstakes Contests. Outside of the contests, the suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see:https://twitter.com/vy0erc [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT will host its 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting on Zoom for its members on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00am CDT – 5:00pm CDT (UTC-5). The event will be a combination of pre-recorded video segments along with live question and answer sessions. Registration for members is required and is available on AMSAT’s Member Portal for the 39th AMSAT Virtual Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting. Go to: https://launch.amsat.org/Events. You will need to log in to access the registration page. Updates may be found at: https://www.amsat.org/other-events/ AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. From Clint Bradford,K6CLS, AMSAT Ambassador: "Pulled off a doubleheader last Monday: I performed two satellite shows back-to-back - one in Ohio and one in Portland. Found out ARRL Director Dale WA8EFK was going to be in attendance in Ohio. Oh my gosh - should I take off my crazy Buzz Aldrin Collection shirt and get something more conservative on? Naw ... (grin) We each had prepared a "salute" to the club for winning a prestigious award for their outstanding club newsletter. And I received this the next day in my In Box - ------------------ Hi Clint, Your presentation was a real hoot! It was fun being your "target" and I think we all enjoyed it. I really like your presentation style, it is so relaxed, personal and really moves along. Oh, and one thing more, I learned a lot! Thanks 73, Dale R. Williams WA8EFK Director Great Lakes Division AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, makes online presentations to Amateur Radio clubs and other interested organizations. Contact Clint at http://www.work-sat.com or by phone at 909-999-SATS (7287) to arrange a presentation. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, and Clint Bradford, K6CLS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The latest AMSAT Rover Award goes to Richard Nolet, VA3VGR. Richard is awardee #61. The AMSAT Rover award is earned by those who acheive a score of 25 points by meeting the crieteria that is described on the AMSAT Rover Award page: https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/ (ANS thanks Bruce KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests & Awards for the above information.) + Using IC-705 with SDR-Console v3 for satellite QSOs: Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU has posted some additional "how to" information for IC-705 users: "I have made a small update for my guide about using the IC-705 for satellite QSO with the SDR-Console as control software and receiver. https://www.amsat.se/2021/01/01/working-satellites-with-ic-705-pstrotator-s… 73, Lars SM0TGU" Lars has posted a number of good "how-to" blogs on the AMSAT-SM website. (ANS thanks Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU, Webmaster, AMSAT-SM for the above information.) + UVSQ-SAT: Transponder active on October 17, 2021 from 12 p.m. UTC to 11 p.m. UTC. The LATMOS team has programmed the UVSQ-SAT satellite to go into transponder mode on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 12 p.m. UTC. The transponder will be active for 11 consecutive hours. From October 16 at 12:00 UTC, an ASCII message will be broadcast to announce that transponder mode will be activated. More information on the satellite: UVSQsat (amsat-f.org)(ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, for the above information.) + Adapter structure with 10 CubeSats installed on top of Artemis moon rocket. Workers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center have lifted the Orion Stage Adapter on top of the Space Launch System moon rocket, adding the structure housing 10 CubeSat rideshare payloads heading into deep space on the Artemis 1 mission. But three of the CubeSat missions missed their opportunity to fly on the first SLS mission. NASA has not announced a target launch date for the mission, known as Artemis 1, but it is expected to fly some time in early 2022. The test flight will pave the way for the next SLS/Orion mission, Artemis 2, to carry four astronauts to lunar orbit as soon as 2023. More information available at : https://bit.ly/3FETY0P (ANS thanks Stephen Clark of Spaceflight Now for the above information.) + Orbiting between Mars and Jupiter lies a large asteroid, averaging 225 km in diameter (and shaped like a potato! 🥔) and made largely (30-60%) of metal—its size and composition make it unique in our solar system. This is Psyche, a mysterious world full of questions. How was it created? What is the connection between it and the other planets? What does a metal-rich surface look like? Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton at Arizona State University, principal investigator of the Psyche mission, leads a team that’s aiming to solve the mystery of how Psyche was created. Scientists suspect that Psyche is a stripped core of a planetesimal: a metal core left floating in space after collisions stripped at least some of the rocky mantle surrounding it. The Psyche mission was selected along with its sister mission Lucy as the 14th mission in NASA’s Discovery program. The Psyche spacecraft is jointly built; its body, the Solar Electric Propulsion chassis, comes from Maxar Technologies, but its brains, the main computer and software, come from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. More at https://bit.ly/3aA7V1G (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.) + AMSAT-EA is already working on the mission of what will be the first satellite of URE (Spain's national amateur radio society), URESAT-1. The URESAT satellite are based on the experience of the previous GENESIS missions, with the GENESIS-N and GENESIS-L satellites (which were lost due to rocket failure in September), and EASAT-2 and Hades, which are scheduled to launch with SpaceX on January 10 from Cape Canaveral. It is expected that said satellite will incorporate an FM voice repeater, FSK transmissions and some type of on-board experiment, which could be a camera with SSDV transmissions or some type of propellant. (ANS thanks Southgate ARC and Union Radioaficionados Espanoles for the above information) + The astronauts who will ride SpaceX’s newest Dragon spaceship into orbit later this month have named their spacecraft “Endurance” as a tribute to the human spirit and a historic sailing vessel used by Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. The new spacecraft, previously known by serial number “Capsule 210,” is scheduled to launch to the ISS on Oct. 30 carrying Raja Chari, KI5LIU, Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC, Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, and Kayla Barron, KI5LAL. SpaceX’s first two crew-rated Dragon spaceships were named "Endeavour" and "Resilience" by the astronauts who first flew on them. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * 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. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ kd4iz at frawg dot org

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ANS-283 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by n1uw＠gokarns.com 09 Oct '21

09 Oct '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-283 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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(a)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: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * Four CubeSats Deployed from ISS * Notice of the AMSAT-UK 2021 Annual General Meeting * CubeSat Offers Developers Training Course * ARRL Continues Preservation Efforts for 3 GHz Band * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 7, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-283 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 OCT 10 Four CubeSats Deployed from ISS JAXA announced four CubeSats deploy from ISS on October 6 with J-SSOD. The satellites are Binar-1, Maya-3, Maya-4 and CUAVA-1. All four satellites operate in Amateur Radio bands. The four CubeSats launched and their descriptions are as follows: Binar-1 1U CubeSat Country of Origin: Australia Downlink: 437.292MHz, 435.810MHz 19k2 GMSK Uplink: 435.810MHz http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=730 https://www.binarspace.com/ Maya-3, Maya-4 1U CubeSat Country of Origin: Philippines (Part of the BIRDS Project) Downlink: 145.825MHz APRS, 437.375MHz CW, 4k8 GMSK http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=711 http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=712 https://stamina4space.upd.edu.ph/upcoming-satellites/maya-3and4/ CUAVA-1 3U CubeSat Country of Origin: Australia Downlink: 437.075MHz 9k6 GMSK, 2440.000MHz, 5840.000MHz, 76.750GHz high speed Uplink: 145.875MHz, 2404.000MHz, 5660.000MHz, 76.750MHz http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=671 https://www.cuava.com.au/projects/cuava-1/ [ANS thanks Masahiro Asai, JN1GKZ for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Notice of the AMSAT-UK 2021 Annual General Meeting There will not be an in-person AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium this year. Instead they will be holding an Online Event on Sunday, October 24, 2021. The AMSAT-UK convention will run from 11am BST/10:00 GMT to approximately 5:00pm, with a break for lunch and several short breaks during the day. Persons do not have to be a member of AMSAT-UK to attend, and the event is free of charge. The event will be in the form of a Zoom Webinar. There is no special software to install - a browser plug-in issued by Zoom. The event will be formally opened by AMSAT-UK Chairman, Martin Sweeting, G3YJO. The complete meeting agenda is as follows: - Welcome by the Chairman of AMSAT-UK - Apologies for Absence - Minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting to be read and agreed as a true record - Chairman's Report - Honorable Secretary's Report - Treasurer's Report - Election of the 2021/2022 Committee - Any Other Business Details of the Zoom link will be published on the colloquium web page: https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- CubeSat Offers Developers Training Course Cal Poly CubeSat Laboratory offers a training course that is intended for new CubeSat developers primarily focused on providing participants with a general understanding of a CubeSatâ€™s parts and functions, an introduction to CubeSat design trades, systems engineering processes and basic knowledge of CubeSat testing. Participants learn about: - Choosing the correct components for the mission - Performing trade studies - Reviewing, understanding, and creating requirements - Project management - Necessary licensing - The different types of launch providers and opportunities - Typical functional and space environment testing In addition to advising students in technical engineering work, staff members work closely with the students to teach best practices with regard to project management, as well as general laboratory management. The staff provides continuity for laboratory operations, allowing for smooth transition of institutional knowledge in an environment that has high turnover in the student workforce. Over the course of their careers, CPCL staff members have integrated over 160 CubeSats on 25 missions and 12 different launch vehicles . Interested parties should contact cubesat(a)calpoly.edu for more information and to schedule a training session for their group. [ANS thanks Cubesat.org for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARRL Continues Preservation Efforts for 3 GHz Band ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, in a written statement on the newly filed H.R.5378 before the US House Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee on Wednesday, urged Congress to direct the FCC to preserve amateur radioâ€™s secondary use of the 3-GHz band. Approximately 10 days ago, ARRL became aware of a provision in the $3.5 Billion Budget Reconciliation Bill that would have required that approximately 200 MHz of the 3.1 â€“ 3.45-GHz band be reallocated to the use of 5G vendors. President Roderick pointed out that in earlier proceedings, the FCC adopted methods to ensure unencumbered spectrum access by primary users while accommodating secondary users on a non-interference basis. â€œThese methods work well and remain effective without complaint in other frequency bands, and also should be applied to the 3 GHz band,â€ he said. Primary commercial users â€œwould rarely use all of their licensed spectrum throughout their entire licensed service areas,â€ President Roderick said. In its recent 3 GHz proceeding, however, the FCC â€œwent beyond merely prohibiting amateur operations in areas and at times when primary Commission licensees might use the spectrum,â€ ruling instead that all amateur operation in the subband being auctioned must terminate within 90 days of the auctionâ€™s close. President Roderick told the FCC that it is not logical for the Commission to leave spectrum unused before licensees start using it. For the complete story go to tinyurl.com/ANS-283-3GHZ. [ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 7, 2021 Four new cubesats have been deployed from the ISS on October 6. CUAVA-1 has been identified as NORAD Cat ID 49275. The other three remain to be identified. Therefore, the following satellites have been added to this week's AMSAT TLE Distribution: OBJECT SR - NORAD Cat ID 49272 (To be identified) OBJECT SS - NORAD Cat ID 49273 (To be identified) OBJECT ST - NORAD Cat ID 49274 (To be identified) CUAVA-1 - NORAD Cat ID 49275 Thanks to Space-Track and Celestrak for the identifications. Additionally, four additional cubesats are waiting suitable weather conditions to be placed in orbit by JAXA Epsilon rocket in Japan. The next opportunity will be Friday morning. The satellites are TeikyoSat-4, Z-Sat, KOSEN-1, and NanoDragon. The following satellites have decayed from orbit and have been removed from the AMSAT TLE Distribution: Raavana-1 - NORAD Cat ID 44329 (Decay Epoch 10-03-2021) Uguisu - NORAD Cat ID 44330 (Decay Epoch 10-07-2021) NepliSat-1 - NORAD Cat ID 44331 (Decay Epoch 10-03-2021) [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE â€“ a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Upcoming Contacts Mary Hare School, Newbury, UK, direct via GB4MHN The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled astronaut is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP. Contact is go for Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 11:12:33 UTC. Watch for a livestream at: https://live.ariss.org Ecole Louis Armand, Carquefou, France, Institut Universitaire de Technologie, Carquefou, France, CollÃ¨ge Les Sables D'Or, Thouare Sur Loire, France; direct via F5KEQ/P The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXÃ˜ISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG. Contact is go for Wednesday, October 13 at 13:39:19 UTC. + Completed Contacts LycÃ©e Pierre Paul Riquet, St Orens De Gameville, France and CSUT University Space Center of Toulouse, Toulouse, France, Multi-point telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign was FXÃ˜ISS. The downlink frequency was 145.800 MHz. The astronaut was Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact was successful on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 12:40:14 UTC. Congratulations to the LycÃ©e Pierre Paul Riquet and CSUT University Space Center of Toulouse students and Thomas! The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations + DM33; October 14-18, 2021 WA8ZID hopes to get some passes on FM birds for the 60th Anniversary of the West Valley ARC in DM33. Not a rare grid but it is a rare call with W7V callsign. A certificate is available for those who are interested. + Galapagos Islands; October 26-November 7, 2021 Members of the Tifariti Gang/DX Friends will be active as HD8R from Galapagos Islands (SA-004) between October 26 and November 7, 2021. Activity will include low orbit satellites. Check with K9JKM for details. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events + 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, AMSAT has changed plans for its 39th Annual Symposium and General Meeting from an in-person event to a virtual event. Additionally, the 2021 AMSAT 39th Annual Space Symposium and General Meeting has been renamed in honor of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO (SK), Director Emeritus and President Emeritus of AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellite pioneer. Clark died on September 28, 2021. He was 82. This is a chance for â€œAmateur Radio in Spaceâ€ enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to learn more about AMSATâ€™s Strategic Plan, GOLF program, CubeSat Simulator and other exciting developments taking place in the amateur satellite world. AMSAT will host the 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting on Zoom for its members on Saturday, October 30,2021 from 9:00am CDT â€“ 5:00pm CDT (UTC-5). The event will be a combination of pre-recorded video segments along with live question and answer sessions. Registration for members is required and is available on AMSATâ€™s Member Portal, launch.amsat.org. Registration is free and registered attendees will receive a digital copy of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings, entered into the Symposium prize drawings, and be able to participate in discussions during each question and answer session. The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be available to the general public on AMSATâ€™s YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0 at no cost. Final papers for the Symposium Proceedings must be submitted by October 18, 2021 to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, n8fgv at usa dot net. Symposium presentations should be limited to 15 minutes of pre- recorded video. Video presentations must be submitted by October 18, 2021 to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, n8hm at arrl dot net. We ask that presenters be available to take questions via Zoom following the airing of their pre-recorded video. Tentative Schedule 9:00am CDT â€“ Opening Remarks 9:15am CDT â€“ 2:00 pm CDT â€“ General Presentations 2:00pm CDT â€“ 3:00 pm CDT â€“ AMSAT Education / CubeSat Simulator 3:00pm CDT â€“ 4:00 pm CDT â€“ AMSAT Engineering 4:00pm CDT â€“ 5:00 pm CDT â€“ 2020 AMSAT Annual General Meeting Questions regarding the Symposium can be directed to info at amsat dot org. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + UoSAT-OSCAR-9 (UoSAT-1), developed at the University of Surrey by Martin Sweeting G3YJO and his team, was launched into orbit 40 years ago on October 6, 1981. UoSAT-1 was the first modern microsatellite with in-orbit re-programmable computers and its signals were decoded and analyzed by thousands of radio amateurs, schools & universities around the world. Find out about the audacious favors Sir Martin Sweeting G3YJO called in to get UoSAT-1 off the ground in 1981, and the ingenious hack he used to vibration test it using a car and Guildford High Street! Read the UoSAT-1 story at: https://www.sstl.co.uk/media-hub/latest-news/2021/the-story-of-uosat-1-inge… [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] + In June this year (2021) the antenna control of the 20-meter antenna at the observatory Bochum was damaged by a heavy lightning strike and had to be repaired. The system was successfully recommissioned at the end of August, including a new fine calibration. On behalf of DLR, the Bochum Observatory and AMSAT-DL are now again supplying space weather data from the STEREO-A spacecraft to NASA and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). The successful repair is also due to the team of volunteers of AMSAT-DL and Observatory Bochum. Especially mentioned are Mario DL5MLO, James G3RUH, Thilo DJ5YM, Jens DH6BB, Ralf HÃ¶hinghaus and Peter DB2OS. [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.] + Satellite swarms are threatening the night sky. Is low-Earth orbit the next great crucible of environmental conflict? Almost overnight, a new arena of environmental conflict has opened up. Astronomers arenâ€™t the only ones who see an existential threat. Environmentalists, amateur stargazers, and Indigenous leaders are working to revive astronomical traditions and see an affront to the planetâ€™s dwindling dark skies, an act as vandalistic as carving initials into a tree trunkâ€”in front of the whole world. Read the entire article, The Fault in Our Stars in Science magazine at tinyurl.com/ANS-283-Stars [ANS thanks Science.org for the above information.] + NOAA announced the appointment of 15 non-government members to the new Space Weather Advisory Group (SWAG). The SWAG was established by Public Law 116-181, the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow Act of 2020, also known as the PROSWIFT Act. The members were chosen to provide a range of views that represent the span of the space weather community and end-user sectors. The SWAG will receive advice from the academic community, the commercial space weather sector, and nongovernmental space weather end-users to inform the National Science and Technology Councilâ€™s Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Interagency Working Group (IWG). Read the entire article at tinyurl.com/ANS-283-Space-Weather. [ANS thanks NASA and QRZ.com for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * 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. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW n1uw at amsat dot org Cheers, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW Vice President, Development Radio Amateur Satellite Corp. (AMSAT) 712 H Street NE, Ste 1653 Washington DC 20002 info(a)amsat.org Direct Contact 3670 E. Kingler Spring Pl. Tucson, AZ 85718 (612) 644-9174 n1uw(a)gokarns.com

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ANS-276 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 02 Oct '21

02 Oct '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-276 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * Past AMSAT President and Director, and Amateur Satellite Pioneer Tom Clark, K3IO, SK * 2021 AMSAT Space Symposium to Honor the Late Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for October 1, 2021 * Call for Papers for the AMSAT Space Symposium * October 1st JAXA Epsilon Launch Carrying Amateur Radio Payloads Scrubbed, Launch Now October 3rd * Apogee View - From the July/August 2021 AMSAT Journal * Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for September 30, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-276 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Oct 3 Past AMSAT President and Director, and Amateur Satellite Pioneer Tom Clark, K3IO, SK AMSAT-NA Past President and ham radio satellite and digital pioneer Tom Clark, K3IO (ex-W3IWI), of Columbia, Maryland, died on September 28 after a short illness and hospital stay. An ARRL Life Member, he was 82. Clark’s accomplishments are legendary, and he left a lasting footprint in the worlds of amateur radio satellites and digital techniques. “His long-time technical achievements, mentoring to others, and technical leadership will be missed by his many peers and friends the world over,” said Bob McGwier, N4HY. To honor Clark, AMSAT has rebranded its upcoming annual gathering as the 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting. It will take place on October 30 via Zoom. (AMSAT members may register to attend via AMSAT’s Membership and Event portal.) The event will be livestreamed on AMSAT’s YouTube channel. A founding member of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR), Clark was a co-founder of the TAPR/AMSAT DSP Project, which led to software-defined radio (SDR). He was a leader in the development of the AX.25 packet radio protocol. Clark served as AMSAT’s second President, from 1980 until 1987. He also served on the AMSAT and TAPR Boards. In concert with McGwier, Clark developed the first amateur Digital Signal Processing (DSP) hardware, including a number of modems. He developed the uplink receivers and the spacecraft LAN (local area network) architecture used on all the Microsats (AMSAT-OSCAR 16, Dove-OSCAR 17, WEBERSAT-OSCAR 18, LUSAT-OSCAR 19, Italy-OSCAR 26, AMRAD-OSCAR 27, and TMSAT-OSCAR 31). McGwier said it was Clark who convinced him in 1985 that the future lay in DSP. “We started the TAPR/AMSAT DSP [digital signal processing] project, and it was announced in 1987,” McGwier recounted. “We showed in our efforts that small stations with small antennas could bounce signals off the moon, and, using the power of DSP, we could see the signals in our computer displays.” This led to the software-defined transponder (SDX) for satellite work, including ARISSat and AMSAT’s Phase 3E. Clark received a doctorate in astrogeophysics from the University of Colorado. He went on to serve as Chief of the Astronomy Branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and was a Senior Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he was principal investigator for the Space Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) activity there. In 2005, Clark became the first non-Russian to be awarded a Gold Medal of the Russian Academy of Sciences for his contributions to the international VLBI network. He is a member of the 2001 class of CQ magazine’s Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. In 2016, ARRL awarded Clark with its President’s Award, to recognize his 60 years of advancing amateur radio technology. On that occasion, McGwier said, “There would be no AMSAT to inspire all of this work without Tom Clark. Tom…saved the organization and inspired all of us to look to the future and aim for the stars.” Clark was a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the International Association of Geodesy. [ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2021 AMSAT Space Symposium to Honor the Late Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO The 2021 AMSAT 39th Annual Space Symposium and General Meeting has been renamed in honor of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO (SK), Director Emeritus and President Emeritus of AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellite pioneer. Clark died on September 28th. He was 82. The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on Zoom on October 30th. AMSAT members may register to attend via AMSAT's Member Portal, https://launch.amsat.org. The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium will also be available to the general public as a livestream event on AMSAT's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0. Please join us to celebrate the many contributions of Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, and the exciting opportunities of Amateur Radio in space. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Awards-Endorsements for October 1,2021 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period September 1, 2021 through October 1, 2021. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! Congratulations to Douglas Tabor N6UA on achieving the AMSAT GridMaster CALL Sept. October K8DP 1262 1275 ex-KD8CAO N8RO 1105 1111 N0JE 675 681 ND0C 531 555 KF6JOQ 503 553 N4DCW 476 525 VE1VOX 507 510 WA4HFN 454 505 K5TA 479 500 W8LR 479 500 KX9X 302 420 DF2ET 300 400 VE4MM 361 376 EA2AA 346 375 KX9X (EN50) 250 363 KQ4DO 306 353 KA9P 259 301 AD5JK 102 263 KD0ZW New 216 XE2YWH 187 205 VE3KY 182 201 XE1MYO 100 200 N8MR 154 175 DG7RO New 172 KN4ZUJ 100 170 KC1MEB 102 168 N8URE (EL95) 134 163 N0RC 104 151 N1DM New 151 WD9EWK (DM25) New 120 XE2YWH (DL82) New 110 OE7BJT New 107 XE2YWH (DL82) New 105 9M2CQC New 104 JH0BBE New 100 W3VHF New 100 XE2HWB New 100 If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at <mycall>@<mycall>.com and I'll revise the announcement.This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for the two months. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing a lot of the work! [ANS thanks Ron Parsons, W5RKN, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Call for Papers for the AMSAT Space Symposium Proceedings This is a call for papers for the 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting to be held virtually on the weekend of October 29-31, 2021. Proposals for symposium presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by October 18 for inclusion in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV at n8fgv at amsat.org. [ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ October 1st JAXA Epsilon Launch Carrying Amateur Radio Payloads Scrubbed, Launch Now October 3rd The fifth launch of JAXA's Epsilon rocket was scheduled to take place on October 1st at 00:51 UTC. Due to ground equipment problems, the launch was scrubbed. The launch is now scheduled to occur at the time of release of this bulletin (00:00 UTC on October 3rd) This launch carries four amateur radio satellites: TeikyoSat-4(TS-4), Z-Sat, KOSEN-1, and NanoDragon. Information about these satellites can be found at the links that follow: TeikyoSat-4(TS-4) Freq: 437.450 CW https://spacesystemsociety.jimdofree.com/projects/teikyosat-project/teikyos… Z-Sat Freq: 145.875MHz CW https://twitter.com/KOMAKI_AMSATCOM/status/1443125922010308608 Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club has an amateur radio station in Komaki City, Japan. The 50 kg class infrared observation microsatellite "Z-Sat" developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will be launched by the Epsilon rocket on October 1st. After satellite separation, Z-Sat will start transmitting CW beacon of VHF band. The beacon signal is in Morse code and contains information such as satellite battery voltage. This information is very important as survival information immediately after the satellite is put into orbit. Therefore, if you can receive the beacon signal from the satellite immediately after the satellite launch, we would appreciate it if you could report it. Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club's twitter is open at the following address. Information on Z-Sat transmission frequency, data format, orbit TLE, etc. will be released in the future. https://twitter.com/KOMAKI_AMSATCOM KOSEN-1 Freq: 435.525MHz CW http://space.kochi-ct.jp/kosen-1 NanoDragon Freq: 437.365MHz 1.2k BPSK https://vnsc.org.vn/en/news-events/nanodragon-public-announcement/ [ANS thanks Akira Kaneko, JA1OGZ, and Yasutaka Narusawa, JR2XEA, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Apogee View - From the July/August 2021 AMSAT Journal A Sustained FM Presence in LEO While our volunteer engineers focus their efforts on GOLF, developing the systems and technologies necessary for our path upward to HEO, we must not forget our responsibility to promote amateur radio satellites and encourage the next generation of operators and builders. Advancing the art and science is not enough. We also need to provide an easy entry point to amateur radio satellite communications to support of our space education and outreach activities. The Importance of EasySats AMSAT’s Echo (AO-51) and Fox-1 (AO-85, AO-91, and AO-92) satellites, as well as SaudiSat-1C (SO-50) have been the most widely used amateur satellites. What makes them so popular is their ability to provide basic radio communications, with very simple ground station equipment, and their ease of use. An FM repeater, even in a low Earth orbit (LEO), allows amateur radio operators to communicate over substantial distances using just a handheld transceiver (an HT) and a small handheld directional antenna. Cross-continental and, if you are lucky enough to live near the coast, transcontinental communications are possible. These so called “EasySats” have provided countless hours of enjoyment to thousands and thousands of amateur radio satellite operators around the world, making QSOs, chasing grids, and even just a chance to send out a casual hello to an old friend. More importantly, FM satellites are extremely valuable in providing an introduction to satellite communications and often used for demonstrations given at schools and public events. With AO-85’s battery failure and AO-91 and AO-92 on borrowed time, AMSAT will soon find itself without an FM satellite in space. The time to act is now. The Proposal AMSAT’s Strategic Plan, Objective 4.1, FM Operations gives us fairly specific guidance: Develop, deploy, and support a series of 1u spacecraft to support continued FM amateur satellite operations in low Earth orbit. As such, any proposal must include a sustained FM presence in LEO. The Fox-1 CubeSat series taught us some valuable lessons. First, batteries in in a 1U CubeSat are more likely to have a three-year life span, rather than the expected five years. Keeping battery levels above the minimal voltage rating is critical. The popularity of AMSAT’s FOX-1 series, especially at night, when the satellite was in eclipse, was the primary cause of their shortened battery life. Any proposal must include both battery management and battery failsafe. The design must include provisions that automatically switch the satellite to Low Power Mode (beacon and telemetry only), when the battery voltage drops to a cautionary level, and then automatically return to normal operations, when sufficient battery power is restored. In addition, the satellite must be designed so that when the battery fails, the transponder can continue to operate when the satellite is in sunlight. Similarly, the design should include an autonomous capability so that the FM repeater can operate without relying on ground control or a functioning processor in the command, control, and telemetry module. These safeguards and failsafes should extend the usable life of our satellites. Second, it is impossible to keep a strict schedule, when relying on a “free ride” under NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ElaNa) initiative. Once accepted into the program and manifested on a launch, you are at the mercy of the launch provider, and things don’t always go as scheduled. Case in point, Fox-1D (AO-92) launched before Fox-1C (AO-95). To ensure the launch of one satellite every three years, we will need to purchase launches. In addition, we need to have a “flight spare” on standby in case there is an integration inspection issue with the primary satellite or a subsequent launch failure. The Challenges Every satellite project requires both people and funding. As mentioned already, all of our engineers are consumed by our GOLF program. This leaves us with either open-sourcing the project or purchasing a commercial, off-the-shelf satellite. Open-sourcing would work for the initial design process; however, there is no current precedent to allow the open-source building of a satellite under U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR). While there are many commercial companies that offer complete off-the-shelf 1U CubeSat platforms, only one includes an FM repeater that meets our mission requirements. Purchasing a ready-to-fly CubeSat seems to be our best course of action, given AMSAT engineers’ focus on GOLF, but it comes at a cost. Two 1U FM CubeSats (flight model and flight spare), a 1U FM CubeSat engineering model (without solar panels) and a 500 KM, Sun-synchronous orbit launch will cost just over $283,000. Each additional launch, one every three years, will cost approximately $138,000, as we would only need to purchase one CubeSat and the launch. So that leaves us with the big question – How are we going to pay for it? An FM satellite provides a world-wide benefit. Therefore, we need to conduct an international fundraising campaign, partner with other AMSAT organizations, and request funding from other organizations. The benefits of providing a sustained FM presence in LEO to promote and support amateur radio in space far outweighs the costs, especially when we implement a plan that allows our AMSAT engineers to continue their efforts on our path Onward & Upward. If approved by our Board of Directors, I hope you will support us. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for September 30, 2021 The following satellite has been added to this week's AMSAT TLE Distribution: CUTE - NORAD Cat ID 49263 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for the identification. Downlink frequencies of 437.24997 MHz and 2402.000 MHz have been IARU coordinated.) [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Keplerian Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Lycée Pierre Paul Riquet, St Orens De Gameville, France and CSUT University Space Center of Toulouse, Toulouse, France, Multi-point telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be FXØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled astronaut is Thomas Pesquet KG5FYG Contact is go for: Sat 2021-10-02 12:40:14 UTC 34 deg Watch for Livestream at www.ariotti.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgl8lELDcgA Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Supporting cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). Next mode change is to packet operation (145.825 MHz up & down) after the school contact on October 2. Power down for upcoming Soyuz docking on Oct. 05. Turning OFF Oct. 05 about 07:45 UTC. Back ON Oct. 05 about 18:50 UTC Power down for upcoming Soyuz undocking on Oct. 17. Power down for upcoming Progress relocate on Oct. 22-23. Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E – STATUS - Radio usually off. Power down for upcoming Soyuz docking on Oct. 05. Turning OFF Oct. 05 about 07:45 UTC. Power down for upcoming Soyuz undocking on Oct. 17. Power down for upcoming Progress relocate on Oct. 22-23. Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations K8BL: I’ll be going back to FN01, 02 & EN92 soon. Looking to do FN14 this Fall. N4DCW: Looking like I’ll be in EM90 all next week 10/3-10 N4DCW: Sunday, Oct 3, 2021 – EM85 Sat passes 1230Z-1400Z W4C/CM-036, Max Patch Mountain (8 pts) *Little/No cell coverage* VY0ERC in Nunavut (ER60) will be returning to the air between October 12, 2021 and November 22, 2021, weather permitting. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. 2021 Wyoming ARRL Section Convention - Saturday, October 9, 2021 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + JARL has released the FO-29 operation schedule for September. It can be found at https://www.jarl.org/Japanese/3_Fuji/fuji3-202108.htm + JAMSAT has released the FO-99 operation schedule for October. It can be found at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=1627 + Congratulations to Doug Tabor, N6UA, on receiving the 34th AMSAT GridMaster Award. The GridMaster Award is issued to amateurs who work and confirm QSOs via satellite with all 488 grid squares in the continental United States. More information at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/ (Thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards) + An acrylic GridMaster desk plaque is now available on the AMSAT store for GridMaster Award recipients. https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-gridmaster-acrylic-desk-plaque/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * 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. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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