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ANS-303 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Oct. 30
by Mark Johns, K0JM 29 Oct '22

29 Oct '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-303 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: * MESAT-1 to Carry AMSAT Linear Transponder Module * FoxTelem Version 1.12 Released * AMSAT President’s Club Announces 2022 Members * GreenCube in Digipeater Mode * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution * ISS Partners Weigh Options for Using Commercial Space Stations * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-303 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2022 Oct 30 MESAT-1 to Carry AMSAT Linear Transponder Module An AMSAT-constructed linear transponder module is included in the MESAT 3U satellite to be deployed as part of NASA's upcoming ELaNa 43 mission. MESAT-1 is a stack of three tech-stuffed 4-inch cubes assembled at the University of Maine and destined for space in 2022. The first satellite of its kind ever built in Maine, MESAT-1 carries three imaging experiments proposed by Maine schools and a 2-way radio for use by ground control and amateur radio enthusiasts. MESAT-1 was originally projected to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in June 2022, but has been delayed. The satellite will be carried by a Firefly Aerospace "Alpha" rocket and released into a Sun-synchronous orbit about 555 kilometers (350 miles) above Earth. It will fly nearly over the poles traveling at about 7.8 kilometers per second (17,000 mph), making a full orbit in roughly 100 minutes. Any given location on Earth will experience 4 to 6 passes per day, with each pass lasting less than 15 minutes. MESAT-1 is expected to remain in space for well over a decade. A statewide competition in 2019 drew payload proposals from schools across Maine. Three projects were selected for the MESAT-1 mission: ALBEDO, IMAGER, and HAB. ALBEDO: Saco Middle School will study reflected light (albedo) and local temperature in urban and rural areas, with the idea that urban heat islands could be mitigated through architectural designs that reflect more light. IMAGER: Fryeburg Academy will photograph shallow coastal waters as part of an effort to distinguish turbidity and phytoplankton concentration from space. The academy is collaborating with the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. HAB: Falmouth High School will work on early detection of harmful algal blooms by measuring atmospheric temperature and water vapor levels around bloom areas. They will watch blooms develop, move, and disperse. The main radio aboard MESAT-1 is a linear transponder module (LTM-1) built by the nonprofit Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), a partner in the project. The ground station operator will command the satellite through LTM-1 and the module will transmit telemetry back to Earth. LTM-1 will also be made available to amateur radio operators for 2-way communication. UMaine applied to the International Amateur Radio Union to coordinate its planned frequency use for MESAT-1. The IARU approved this plan on 22 November 2021: Telemetry beacon downlink: 435.800 MHz 1200 baud BPSK Transponder uplink: 145.910-145.940 MHz Transponder downlink: 435.810-435.840 MHz MESAT-1 carries a second radio, an EyeStar transmitter, originally intended to interface with the satellite's built-in GPS and the GlobalStar network to provide the ground team with accurate, hourly position information. This aspect of the mission was altered during MESAT-1 construction. The EyeStar unit will serve only a minimal function on MESAT-1. Background on Maine's First CubeSat MESAT-1 exists thanks to NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) and the Maine Space Grant Consortium. Through CSLI, NASA has selected more than 200 CubeSat missions for the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites program. More than 130 ELaNA satellites have been launched at NASA's expense since 2011. In 2018, Maine Space Grant kicked off a pilot Maine CubeSat Launch Initiative to involve students and teachers from across the state in designing CubeSat missions. Through a competitive process, the consortium selected three experiments to propose for NASA's 2019 ELaNa opportunity. The MESAT-1 proposal was accepted by NASA early in 2020. The satellite was paired with launch provider Firefly Aerospace for ELaNa mission 43. Dr. Ali Abedi, director of the WiSe-Net Lab at UMaine Orono, assigned three UMaine graduate students the task of producing the satellite. With the support of the Maine Space Grant Consortium, they completed MESAT-1 in time for a 2022 launch. [ANS thanks mainesat.org for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ FoxTelem Version 1.12 Released A new version of FoxTelem has been released ahead of the launch of MESAT-1. The new version will be required in order to decode MESAT-1 telemetry. MESAT-1 has an AMSAT Linear Transponder Module (LTM) and will transmit health data and images at 1200bps using BPSK. FoxTelem will decode and display the images from the University of Maine multi-spectral camera, as well as other data about the spacecraft. This version of FoxTelem will still support all previous spacecraft and the CubeSat Simulator. You can download it from these locations: https://www.g0kla.com/foxtelem http://amsat.us/FoxTelem/ In addition to support for MESAT-1 this version also includes several bug fixes and enhancements. Questions or comments (other than "when is the launch", because I don't know) may be directed to chrisethompson [at] gmail.com or to g0kla [at] arrl.net. Issues or bugs can be logged on github at: https://github.com/ac2cz/FoxTelem/issues [ANS thanks Chris Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT President’s Club Announces 2022 Members The following members of the AMSAT 2022 President’s Club have been added as of October 31, 2022. We thank them for their generous support and helping to keep Amateur Radio in Space! The 2022 Year is rapidly coming to a close. If you have not yet joined, you can still earn your membership with distinctive five-color gold-finish coin, iron-on AMSAT logo patches and full-color certificate. Go to https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ for more information. Titanium ($4,800+) Barry A. Baines WD4ASW Alan P. Biddle WA4SCA John D. Botti KC8OKB William G. Brown K9LF Platinum ($2,400+) Ronald G. Parsons W5RKN Gold ($1,200+) Douglas Besemer K0VPL Burns Fisher WB1FJ Joseph Lynch N6CL John R. Kludt K7SYS Glenn Miller AA5PK Douglas B. Tabor N6UA Silver($600+) John Boehme K4PRK Warren Fugate W3WE Mark Johns K0JM Bruce Paige KK5DO David A. Vine WA1EAW Chuck Weaver W3VAR Bronze($300+) Allen Kenney KK4AK Bruce Perens K6BP Donald Pettigrew K9ECT Scott Shaheen WB8OOJ Thomas Talley K0CFI Dave Taylor W8AAS Ricky N. Walker K4TD Core ($120+) Oscar Alonso N6PAZ Dwight Aussieker W9QJ Steve Bachhuber K9SJB Robert Brennan KC3CKV Burlington Amateur Radio Club George Carr WA5KBH Michael Caughey N2BT Jim Clary ND9M Richard Dittmer KB7SAT George Gallis AL7BX David Grebe WA4LM David Hartrum WA3YDZ Stephen Howard AB0XE Nels E. Knutzen W0PEC Gailen Marshall N5GDM Brendan McNeil ZL3BAM Juan Munoz TG9AJR Andrew Northam KE8FZT Art Payne VE3GNF Maxwell Rathbone W3POI Jay Schwartz WB8SBI Jason Schwarz N4JJS Alton Simpson WA5TJB Carl Starnes W4EAT Paul Stoetzer N8HM Christopher Wachs WA2KDL Stefan Wagener VE4SW Jeremy Wyatt KA2PFD [ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ GreenCube in Digipeater Mode The S5Lab research team of the University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy, the Italian Space Agency and AMSAT Italia are happy to inform the ham radio community that the GreenCube satellite will be switched in digipeater mode between 29-Oct-2022 00:01 UTC and 30-Oct-2022 23:59 UTC. Information on the setup required to access the satellite can be found on the team's web site https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/digipeater/. The S5lab team of Sapienza provides the software needed to communicate with the satellite along with a technical guide of the setup and the GUI features. The archive contains: The user manual The Graphical User Interface (GUI) The Terminal Node Controller (TNC) software The GNURadio script to receive and transmit The software kit can be downloaded from the same web page. The satellite digipeater implements a store-and-forward message service and works at 435.310 Mhz (U/L and D/L). The 3U cubesat was launched on the Vega-C maiden flight on 13-Jul-2022 in a MEO orbit. The GreenCube project is being carried out through a collaboration agreement between the Italian Space Agency and Sapienza University of Rome, with the participation of ENEA and University Federico II of Naples. As for the radio frequency communications, a strong and effective cooperation with AMSAT Italia has been established, whereby AMSAT Italia endorsed the frequency coordination request. The team can be reached via their website at the URL https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/contact-us/. [ANS thanks Fabrizio Carrai, IU5GEZ, of AMSAT Italia 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 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ No changes to the satellite list this week. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ISS Partners Weigh Options for Using Commercial Space Stations Partner agencies on the International Space Station program say they are in discussions about how they will use, and pay for, commercial space stations that will replace it. Representatives of several countries currently involved in the ISS said during a panel at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ ASCEND conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 25 that they are looking at options for how to continue work they currently do on the ISS on the commercial space stations in low Earth orbit (LEO) NASA is helping develop to replace it at the end of the decade. “With the commercialization of LEO, it is really necessary to revisit our principles of doing cooperation,” said Peter Gräf, director of applications and science at the German space agency DLR. Germany is the biggest contributor to ESA’s share of the ISS and actively uses the station for fundamental and applied research. He said discussions among agencies and companies had started on how those arrangements would change with a commercial station. “We need to find ways to work together, certainly in other ways than we did before,” he said. “There are a lot of options available and the main players are in heavy discussions on that.” The ISS today relies extensively on barter arrangements among participating agencies, providing services to cover their share of operations of the station. Such arrangements are unlikely to work for commercial stations, however. “We need to find a new way of cooperating,” said Nicolas Maubert, space counselor at the French Embassy in the U.S. and representative of the French space agency CNES in the U.S., citing the challenges of extending current barter arrangements to commercial stations. “We need to put on the table every option.” “The bottom line for all is that there is a strong demand for capabilities in low Earth orbit,” Gräf said. “It’s quite clear there will be a human outpost in LEO, no matter what the future will bring.” [ANS thanks SpaceNews.com for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. POSTPONED: Five Bridges Junior High School, Stillwater Lake, NS, Canada, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada, KI5CRH Contact is no longer go for: Wed 2022-10-26 13:42:09 UTC 66 deg due to crew timeline changes. It has been postponed to the week of Nov. 14, exact date and time TBD. Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/c/ARISSlive and https://nslive.tv/five-bridges-ariss Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2022-10-30 18:45 UTC Harel Educational Campus, Holon, Israel, telebridge via VK4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada, KI5CRH Contact is go for: Fri 2022-11-04 09:43:51 UTC 50 deg The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. 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 Roving season is drawing to a close in many parts of North America, but a few brave souls are out there providing rare grids: W8LR: EN90 EM99 10/28-30. Passes are holiday style. Will post passes to Twitter and http://hams.at Will be on Linear and FM. EU I will be trying some RS-44 and AO-07 (in mode b) if I can. Lots of hills will make it hard for lower passes but my fingers are crossed. LOG W8LR/R [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 presently scheduled. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + CORRECTION: Last week's ANS 296 reported that AMSAT Engineering expressed appreciation to AMSAT-DL for capturing AO-109 telemetry. While AMSAT has great appreciation for AMSAT-DL for its ongoing partnership, the telemetry mentioned was provided by the PI9CAM team at the CAMRAS 25m diameter dish at Dwingeloo in the Netherlands. AMSAT Engineering expressed appreciation to the Dwingeloo team. (ANS regrets the error and thanks Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, for calling it to our attention.) + AmazonSmile has made a charitable donation to the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, in the amount of $342.72 as a result of qualifying purchases made by customers between April 1st - June 30th. Thanks to customers shopping at smile.amazon.com or using the Amazon app with AmazonSmile turned ON, everyday purchases make an impact. So far, AmazonSmile has donated: $9,030.13 to Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation Over $377 million to US charities Over $422 million to charities worldwide + Draft minutes of the 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors meeting are now available at https://www.amsat.org/minutes-of-the-board-of-directors/ (ANS thanks AMSAT for this information) + AMSAT's 2021 Financial Review and 2021 IRS Form 990 are now available at https://www.amsat.org/audit-and-other-financial-reports/ (ANS thanks AMSAT for this information) + The Proceedings of the 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium are now available to AMSAT members on the AMSAT Member Portal at https://launch.amsat.org/Proceedings (ANS thanks AMSAT for this information) + Videos of the talks given at the 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium are now available on YouTube. Playlist is at https://bit.ly/3sAcYIx (ANS thanks Trevor Essex, M5AKA, 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, Mark Johns, K0JM k0jm at amsat dot org

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ANS-296 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Oct. 23
by Mark Johns, K0JM 22 Oct '22

22 Oct '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-296 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 Symposium Takes Place in Minnesota * AMSAT Board Elects Officers * Financial Policy is Focus of AMSAT Board * AMSAT Board Adopts ITAR/EAR Policy * Volunteer For AMSAT * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-296 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2022 Oct 23 AMSAT Symposium Takes Place in Minnesota The 40th Anniversary AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting was held in Bloomington, Minnesota, Oct 21-23. Digital copies of the Proceedings of this Symposium can be purchased through the AMSAT Store online at www.amsat.org The first session was held Friday afternoon, and began with a brief welcome from AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL. The first presentation was "Building a Portable Sta;on for QO-100, the Geosta;onary Satellite Es'hail-2 Carrying Amateur Radio" by Stefan Wagener, VE4SW. While QO-100 is not accessible from North America, Stefan discussed his approach to a portable station that he has taken on European vacations. Randy Berger, WA0D, ARISS Director of Engineering followed with "What's New, ARISS on ISS and Mission to the Moon with Lunar Gateway?" His presentation focused on the Student on Orbit Sensor System (SoOSS) which will send telemetry from various sensors on the ISS in a format that can be easily received and decoded in schoolrooms on Earth. Randy also reported on prospects for amateur radio aboard the Lunar Gateway, a space station in a complex orbit around the moon. Opportunities exist and conversations with NASA are ongoing a the Gateway design emerges. "OTA Software Update for LEO Satellites," a presentation by Heimir Thor Sverrisson, W1ANT, discussed advantages and challenges of being able to reprogram satellites after launch with over the air updates. Nick Pugh, K5QXJ, presented with details on the CAPE IV 3U satellite currently in development with input from several universities. The primary mission will focus on educational projects aimed at high school and middle school classrooms. The afternoon session concluded with "Export Control and Economic Sanctions Policy" by Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President. The presentation centered on the newly adopted ITAR/EAR policy formally adopted by the AMSAT Board at their meeting earlier in the day. The goal is to return to international cooperation in the building and launching of satellites while complying with Federal law. On Saturday morning, Nick Pugh, K5QXJ, updated the Symposium on "University of Louisiana at Lafaye[e Education Initiative" which encourages primary and middle school students to get involved in satellite technology through hands-on projects. Paul Graveline, K1YUB, provided and update on the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator project. The presentation included a pre-recorded video by AMSAT VP, Educational Relations Alan Johnston, KU2Y, reviewing educational events that have taken place in the previous months. A GOLF TEE update was presented by Kipton Moravec, AE5IB, who is an engineering volunteer coordinating the Electonic Power Subsystem (EPS) for the first satellite in the Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint (GOLF) series, known as the Technology Exploration Environment (TEE). "The AMSAT Linear Transponder Module" was presented by Burns Fisher, WB1FJ. The LTM is a multi-use transponder board set designed for universities and other partners launching cubesats who have need for a communications component. Similar to the radio systems in Fox and GOLF, the partnership provides easy downlinks for universities and a transponder for amateurs. In the afternoon on Saturday, Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, AMSAT Assistant VP, Engineering presented "Building a Helmholtz Cage for Dynamic Magnetic Field Generation and CubeSat Aitude Control Testing." Magnetorquers built to stabilize cubesats require test beds. A Helmholtz Cage provides the testing environment simulating the Earth's magnetic field, but is not trivial to build. AMSAT Board member Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO, provided a report on the reaction wheel project that will be used for 3-axis orientation of the GOLF satellites. The entire reaction wheel assembly is being constructed specifically for the project by AMSAT volunteers. As the final presentation, Jerry Buxton, AMSAT VP of Engineering, gave an AMSAT Engineering Update touching on Fox, Fox+, GOLF, and other projects. [ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Board Elects Officers During their meeting prior to the AMSAT Symposium, on Thursday, Oct. 20, the AMSAT Board of Directors elected officers for the coming year. Those elected are: Robert Bankston, KE4AL, President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President Jerry Buxton, N0JY, Vice President - Engineering Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, Vice President - Operations Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Vice President - Educational Relations Vacant Position, Vice President - Member Services Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, Vice President - Development Steve Belter, N9IP, Treasurer Jeff Davis, KE9V, Secretary In other business, reports on current status of various functions were received from the officers. President Robert Bankston reported that AMSAT's financial status is strong. Reduced overhead from the closing of the Washington, DC office has resulted in more funds to build & launch satellites. Also, AMSAT membership remains steady at more than 4000 members representing 75 countries. Acting Secretary Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, reported that the online election of Board members ran smoothly and resulted in considerable cost savings from the mailed paper ballot system previously used. Steve Belter, N9IP, AMSAT Treasurer, reported that funds on hand are sufficient to meet the needs of day-to-day operations and satellite design and building projects currently underway. He also reported that Form 990 has been filed with IRS and will be posted publicly. Outside review of the books was conducted and found complete & correct. The Board voted unanimously to accept the review from McDaniel & Associates. Mark Hammond, N8MH, reported on behalf of the Operations team. He gave a rundown on the current status of various satellites now in orbit. Of particular note, FalconSat-3 is predicted to re-enter the atmosphere in the next few months, but may be made available on a limited basis until that time. Also, AO-16 is in a period of continuous sunlight, but has not yet responded to commands to switch on. The operations team will continue to try to reactivate the satellite. The operations team wishes to thank AMSAT-DL for providing telemetry from AO-109 via their 20-meter diameter dish antenna. Vice President - Development, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, reported that membership in the President's Club remains steady. Grant requests have been made and are pending. Kidzsat and BuzzSat programs are starting up. For these programs, it is important to focus on being an educational and scientific organization. “Amateur radio isn't our purpose, it's our reward,” he noted. Mark Johns, K0JM, Senior Editor of the AMSAT News Service bulletins, reported that there is an ongoing need for volunteer editors to assist with creating and distributing the weekly bulletins. A long-term goal is to transition from plain text to html format for the email editions, but the Board expressed concerns that the bulletins remain accessible across various radio platforms, as well as via the internet. Concerns were raised about reporting of information embargoed by launch providers. AMSAT is bound by launch agreements to honor these restrictions. The AMSAT Journal has been successful in digital format, however content is needed. AMSAT members are encouraged to work with the Journal editors to develop ideas and projects into articles. The IT team has worked diligently on maintaining various email lists and systems. The Discord channel has several hundred members currently. AMSAT is seeking a webmaster to revamp the website for easier navigation. Contests & Awards Manager, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, reported that the Gridmaster Award has been the most sought after in the past year, but other awards are holding steady. Store receipts are similar to last year. At the close of the morning session, the Board adjourned for lunch. [ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Policy is Focus of AMSAT Board Policy decisions surrounding finances were the focus of the afternoon session of the AMSAT Board of Directors meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota on Thursday, Oct. 20. A A Policy Proposal for the handling of financial reserves was discussed, and a revised Financial Procedures Manual was discussed at length. Final copy will be approved at an upcoming meeting. Technical discussion was focused on development of a flight platform that could speed up testing of critical components. The platform would allow rapid testing of individual systems that can keep volunteer engineers engaged and speed deployment of new satellites. The test platform could be launched into short duration, low orbit flights that would be sufficient to verify system operation for insertion into longer duration projects, such as GOLF. Basic components could be sourced at low cost from Consumer Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, and the AMSAT-built experimental segments can be added as needed. [ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Board Adopts ITAR/EAR Policy At an AMSAT Board of Directors held on Friday morning, Oct. 21, a detailed policy statement on compliance with U.S. technology export regulations. The purpose of the policy is to enable and encourage resumption of international cooperation in the building and launching of satellites while remaining within the bounds of Federal law. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is "a United States regulatory regime to restrict and control the export of defense and military related technologies to safeguard U.S. national security and further U.S. foreign policy objectives," according to the U.S. State Department. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are a set of regulations administered by the U..S Commerce Department. The EAR regulates whether a person or organization may export something from the U.S. to another in a foreign country. The EAR apply to physical objects, as well as intellectual property such as technology and software. "It's beem more than a decade since AMSAT has collaborated with a non-U.S. organization to build and launch a satellite," said AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL. "We need to learn how to get back to that while operating in this new legal environment." The new policy will give AMSAT engineering volunteers guidance on how to do their work in collaboration with international partner while remaining within the law. By clarifying the steps necessary for compliance, volunteers can be more confident about their activities. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Volunteer For AMSAT AMSAT needs qualified volunteers for a number of positions! If you want to be a part of the solution in making AMSAT operational and work toward designing, building and finding a launch, WE NEED YOU! No pay for 5+ hours per week, but a great deal of satisfaction in knowing you are helping make something happen. We need people with wide range of technical and non-technical skills. Immediate Openings * RF Engineer * Mechanical Engineers Satellite Development Technical Experience * Thermal design * Power systems design * RF systems design * Internal Housekeeping Unit (IHU) systems, command, and control hardware * IHU software design and development * Especially SDR and DSP * PC board layout and construction * Systems Engineering * Test planning and system testing * Mechanical design and construction * Ground station software development If you have hardware or software technical skills, and proven experience directly applicable to satellite design, please contact the AMSAT Vice President of Engineering (N0JY). Due to the American International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be either a US Citizen or a permanent resident (ITAR Qualifications). This is not our reflection on foreign citizens, but is required by existing US law. Recent changes suggest that this restriction may soon be lifted or at least modified. If and when this happens, we will be delighted to be able to again work freely with our foreign colleagues. AMSAT News and Communications Communications through ANS and the AMSAT Journal are essential in keeping both with our members and the wider public informed. If your have good communications skills and are interested, please contact AMSAT Communications Volunteer Coordinator. * Join the AMSAT News Service (ANS) team as a weekly editor on a rotating schedule reporting on amateur radio in space and related activities. * Assistant Editor for the AMSAT Journal magazine working with authors, columnists and members developing and publishing print articles on amateur radio in space and related activities. General AMSAT support * Web design and maintenance * Web site information maintenance * Video recording, digital conversion and editing * Write technical or instructional material * Educational activities Promoting AMSAT as an Ambassador Any other area you think you think you can make a difference. AMSAT is an organization of self starters. While we sometimes have tasks which we can assign, our most important contributions come from someone who sees a need, has the skills to solve the problem, and then goes ahead and does so. So pick an area that you think needs improvement and explain what you will do to make it better. AMSAT has developed a survey which gives us a good general idea of someone’s interests and experience. You can download it at https://bit.ly/3shvGV6 and fill in the information on screen. Please follow the instructions, and send it, along with any additional information you feel relevant, to volunteer(a)amsat.org. [ANS thanks AMSAT 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. Chief Whitecap Elementary School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, telebridge via VK6MJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact was successful: Wed 2022-10-19 17:35:07 UTC 86 deg Congratulations to the Chief Whitecap Elementary School students and Josh! Canterbury School of Fort Myers, Fort Myers, FL, direct via W4LX The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Mon 2022-10-24 17:36:16 UTC 46 deg Watch for Livestream at https://vimeo.com/762320321 Five Bridges Junior High School, Stillwater Lake, NS, Canada, telebridge via VK4KHZ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Wed 2022-10-26 13:44:18 UTC 62 deg Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/c/ARISSlive and https://nslive.tv/five-bridges-ariss Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2022-10-30 18:45 UTC The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. 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 ND0C: We will be operating on some passes from EN41 later this week (Week of 10/17) while on our last camping trip of the season. This will again be a holiday-style rove on FM and linear sats KC1MMC: Holiday style or message for pass between laps at Poconos raceway. FN21. Oct 22,23. Hopefully a pass or two in FN33 on the way back on. Oct 24th. KD8CAO: ke8rju kd8cao and K8DP are headed to @AMSAT Space Symposium. Plan is to stop in Wisconsin tomorrow (10/20), EN43 or EN44, See twitter for details. [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 scheduled at this time. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Three NASA astronauts and a European flier boarded their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, undocked from the International Space Station and plunged back to Earth Friday, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean east of Jacksonville to close out a 170-day mission. With Crew 4 commander Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS, and co-pilot Bob Hines monitoring cockpit displays, flanked by Jessica Watkins and European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, IZ0UDF, the Crew Dragon “Freedom” undocked from the Harmony module’s upper port at 17:05z. Descending under four large parachutes, the capsule gently splashed down off Florida’s east coast at 21:55z, within sight of a SpaceX recovery ship stationed nearby. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + China is preparing to launch the final missions to complete its three-module Tiangong space station which it plans to keep constantly occupied for at least a decade. A Long March 5B is being assembled and tested at Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on the southern island of Hainan. The 849-metric-ton rocket is expected to launch the third and final module for the Tiangong space station at the end of October. After insertion into orbit by the Long March 5B first stage, Mengtian will rendezvous and dock with Tiangong, joining two earlier modules—the Tianhe core module and Wentian experiment module—in orbit to complete the Tiangong space station. (ANS thanks Space News for the above information) + NASA is ready to resume spacewalks outside the International Space Station after completing an investigation of water found in a spacesuit during a spacewalk earlier this year. The agency said Oct. 18 it expected to resume spacewalks at the station in mid-November after tracking down the source of a thin layer of water that pooled on the visor of European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer at the end of a March 23 spacewalk. The investigation, which included returning the spacesuit Maurer wore to Earth for analysis on a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft in August, concluded there was no specific hardware flaw with the suit itself. Instead, NASA blamed “integrated system performance where several variables such as crew exertion and crew cooling settings led to the generation of comparatively larger than normal amounts of condensation within the system.” NASA says that, in response, it has updated procedures and developed “new mitigation hardware” to minimize water accumulation and to absorb any water that does accumulate in the helmet. With those measures, NASA says spacewalks can resume on the station. (ANS thanks Space News for the above information) + Richard Branson's small satellite service provider Virgin Orbit Holdings Inc (VORB.O) will be doing its first launch from European soil within the next six weeks, its founder said on Oct. 18. "Virgin Orbit can launch satellites into space from anywhere in the world into any orbit at a days notice," Branson said during a press conference in Milan, Italy. "We are doing the first launch from European soil into space within the next six weeks ... from Cornwall," he added. (ANS thanks Reuters 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, Mark Johns, K0JM k0jm at amsat dot org

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ANS-289 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 15 Oct '22

15 Oct '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-289 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: * 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 * Ham TV to Return to the ISS * Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for October 13, 2022 * AMSAT-UK Colloquium Videos Available On YouTube * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-289 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2022 Oct 16 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minnesota. on Oct. 21-22, 2022. Highlights of all scheduled events include: – AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting, October 20-21 – 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 – Friday Night Social and Auction, October 21 – AMSAT Banquet and Reception, October 22 – AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast, October 23 A preliminary schedule is available on the AMSAT Member Portal, launch.amsat.org, under the Events tab. Crowne Plaza is located adjacent to the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport and provides complimentary, scheduled shuttle to and from the airport. Nearby attractions include Mall of America with Nickelodeon Universe Theme park, Target Field, and the Minnesota Zoo. Hotel reservations at reduced rate may no longer be available as Sunday, October 2nd was the announced deadline. You can still make hotel reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952) 854-9000. The group code is ASG (Amateur Satellite Group). Hotel reservations can also be made online at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-Symposium-Rooms. Symposium tickets and banquet reservations may be purchased on the AMSAT Member Portal. Log into https://launch.amsat.org/ and clock on the Events tab. We at AMSAT, are excited to be able to host an in-person Symposium this year. We hope that you can join us in celebrating Amateur Radio in Space. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Ham TV to Return to the ISS During the AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium on October 8th, AMSAT announced the Ham TV unit for the ISS is repaired and on the way to Houston for testing. The flight date dependent on testing. Ham TV has been inoperative since April 2018. It had been active since April 2014, having been launched to the ISS in 2013. It was returned to earth for diagnosis and repair in late 2018. The ARISS Ham TV transmitter is capable of downlinking DVB-S digital video of ARISS contacts and other activities on board the ISS to amateur ground stations in the 2.3 GHz amateur band. More information can be found at https://www.ariss.org/hamtv-on-the-iss.html [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for October 13, 2022 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: RamSat NORAD Cat ID 48850 (decayed from orbit on 10/12/22 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT-UK Colloquium Videos Available On YouTube The 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloqium was held on October 8-9, 2022 at the Kents Hill Park Conference Center as part of the 2022 Radio Society of Great Britain Convention. Videos from the Colloqium are now available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/AMSATUK/videos [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Scheduled ARISS Contacts Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Mon 2022-10-17 09:00 UTC Davis Aerospace Technical High School, Detroit, MI., direct via W8HP The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Koichi Wakata KI5TMN Contact is go for: Tue 2022-10-18 17:30:04 UTC 42 deg Chief Whitecap Elementary School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, telebridge via VK6MJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH Contact is go for: Wed 2022-10-19 17:35:07 UTC 86 deg Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina Contact is go for Sun 2022-10-30 18:45 UTC ARISS Radio Status Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode set for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). * Powered OFF for Progress undocking on October 23. OFF Oct. 23 about 19:30 UTC. ON Oct. 24 about 08:00 UTC. * Powered OFF for Progress docking on October 27. OFF Oct. 27 about 15:30 UTC. ON Oct. 28 about 08:30 UTC. * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode set for packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * Powered OFF for Progress undocking on October 23. OFF Oct. 23 about 19:30 UTC. ON Oct. 24 about 08:00 UTC. * Powered OFF for Progress docking on October 27. OFF Oct. 27 about 15:30 UTC. ON Oct. 28 about 08:30 UTC. * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. 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 M1DDD: activity ‘holiday style’ (family) 11-16 October 2022 IO70 (basecamp) IN79 hopefully a full day (FM/Lin) possibly IN69 (FM only, couple hours one afternoon) Updates on Twitter and http://hams.at [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. + 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting October 21–22, 2022 The Crowne Plaza Suites, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN https://launch.amsat.org/event-4922878 [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 + The NASA/SpaceX Crew-5 mission brought new Astronaut-Hams to the ISS. Welcome Josh Cassada, KI5CRH, and Koici Wakata, KI5TMN. Listen for them making ARISS student contacts and maybe just working from the ARISS repeater. + AO-27's timer has drifted enough to be workable for a few minutes from the northern United States, Canada, and much of Europe. If you're in these areas, give it a listen. + AO-27's timer drift has allowed a new distance record to be set on the satellite. Joe Werth, KE9AJ, at a SOTA summit in Blue Mounds, WI (EN53ba) worked Nick Garbett, M1DDD/P in IO83ru on October 5, 2022 at 12:22 UTC. The satellite was at 59 degrees north during the QSO. A distance record on this satellite is greatly complicated by the 3.5 minutes the satellite is activated on each orbit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-282 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 08 Oct '22

08 Oct '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-282 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: * Post Tropical Storm Ian: Artemis 1 Launch Window Rescheduled for November * Final Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting * 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting, October 21 - 22, 2022 * AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium October 8-9, 2022 * Doreen Bogdan-Martin, KD2JTX, is Elected as Next ITU Secretary General * VUCC Satellite Standing October 2022 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 6, 2022 * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over DATE 2022 October 9 Post Tropical Storm Ian: Artemis 1 Launch Window Rescheduled for November Teams at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida conducted initial inspections Friday to assess potential impacts from Hurricane Ian. There was no damage to Artemis flight hardware, and facilities are in good shape with only minor water intrusion identified in a few locations. Next, engineers will extend access platforms around the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to prepare for additional inspections and start preparation for the next launch attempt, including retesting the flight termination system. As teams complete post-storm recovery operations, NASA has determined it will focus Artemis I launch planning efforts on the launch period that opens Nov. 12 and closes Nov. 27. Over the coming days, managers will assess the scope of work to perform while in the VAB and identify a specific date for the next launch attempt. Focusing efforts on the November launch period allows time for employees at Kennedy to address the needs of their families and homes after the storm and for teams to identify additional checkouts needed before returning to the pad for launch. [ANS thanks NASA for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Final Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting This is a call for papers for the 40th annual AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 21-22, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Suites hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. Proposals for symposium papers and 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 14 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, AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Editor, for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minnesota. on Oct. 21-22, 2022. Highlights of all scheduled events include: - AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting, October 20-21 - 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 - Friday Night Social and Auction, October 21 - AMSAT Banquet and Reception, October 22 - AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast, October 23 A preliminary schedule is available on the AMSAT Member Portal, launch.amsat.org, under the Events tab. Crowne Plaza is located adjacent to the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport and provides complimentary, scheduled shuttle to and from the airport. Nearby attractions include Mall of America with Nickelodeon Universe Theme park, Target Field, and the Minnesota Zoo. Hotel reservations at reduced rate may no longer be available as Sunday, October 2nd was the announced deadline. You can still make hotel reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952) 854-9000. The group code is ASG (Amateur Satellite Group). Hotel reservations can also be made online at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-Symposium-Rooms. Symposium tickets and banquet reservations may be purchased on the AMSAT Member Portal. Log into https://launch.amsat.org/ and clock on the Events tab. We at AMSAT, are excited to be able to host an in-person Symposium this year. We hope that you can join us in celebrating Amateur Radio in Space. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT-UK Colloquium Talks are being Live-Streamed this weekend The talks given at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium are being streamed live to a global audience over this weekend (October 8-9, 2022). The weekend event attracts an international audience that ranges from those involved in building and operating Amateur Radio satellites to beginners who wish to find out more about this fascinating branch of the hobby. There will be including a roundup of a number of new live and potential spacecraft projects that are under investigation and/or development. The streaming on Sunday will run from 0830-1415 GMT. Th streaming URL is https://batc.org.uk/live/amsatuk2022. A link to the schedule of talks is available at https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/. [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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Doreen Bogdan-Martin, KD2JTX, is Elected as Next ITU Secretary General The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, has announced the election of Doreen Bogdan-Martin of the United States of America as the next ITU Secretary-General. Bogdan-Martin will assume office on January 1, 2023. She is radio amateur; call sign KD2JTX. The election took place during ITU's Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22) in Bucharest, Romania, on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Bogdan-Martin won the position with 139 votes, out of 172 votes cast by representatives of Member States. Read the ITU press release https://bit.ly/3e1kRDl. "This is an exciting development for ITU," said International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Tim Ellam, VE6SH. "...she will be the first female SG [Secretary General] and only the third to hold an amateur license. Doreen has an exciting agenda for ITU." The US Department of State has published a statement from Bogdan-Martin, as well as her biography, and vision. "She will make an outstanding ITU Secretary-General and one IARU will be proud to work with on behalf of the Amateur Services," said Ellam. [ANS thanks ARRL News for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Satellite Standing October 2022 VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for September 01, 2022 to October 02, 2022. ------------------------------------------------------------ WA4NVM 1609 1632 K8DP 1322 1350 N8RO 1139 1151 AA5PK 1132 1149 N9EAT 843 910 N3GS 729 796 KE8RJU 577 650 WA4HFN 611 631 KE8FZT 576 625 W8LR 619 623 S57NML 508 615 VE1CWJ ??? 609 DF2ET 500 601 EA2AA 566 594 AD0HJ 500 523 N0GVK 311 401 KB1HY 353 395 NA1ME 327 350 VE7PTN 294 301 W3VHF 210 250 JH0BBE 206 226 VA3VGR 164 209 NK1K 194 204 WD9EWK (DM22) 189 195 WD9EWK (DM42) 164 171 PA7RA 156 160 I2OIM New 155 XE1UYS New 126 IK8YTA New 106 Z31RQ New 103 AA9VI New 100 KE8RPJ New 100 KF2T New 100 VE7CYA New 100 W9LN New 100 ------------------------------------------------------------ Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. XE1UYS is first VUCC Satellite holder from EK19 I2OIM is first VUCC Satellite holder from JN45 Z31RQ is first VUCC Satellite holder from Macedonia and 1st from KN01 73 Jon N7AZ [ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, AMSAT VUCC 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. Harris Middle School, Spruce Pine, N.C., direct via K4CF. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Bob Hines KI5RQT. Contact is go for: Tue 2022-10-11 15:00:45 UTC 34 deg Regional Communications Center of Russian Railways, Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD (***). The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina (***). Contact is go for Thu 2022-10-13 08:55 UTC (***) Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS continues to be making general contacts on the cross-band repeater. He is using NA1SS. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Two IIS Crew-5 astronauts have amateur radio callsigns. Josh A. Cassada (Crew-5 Pilot) is KI5CRH. JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata (Mission Specialist) is KC5ZTA. The NASA SpaceX Crew-5 mission to the ISS was launched on Wednesday October 5. 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 and NASA News 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: K4DCW: Four of the six weekends starting week of 9/7 thru 10/16 look to be full of SOTA summits! Alerts are posted, and depending on timing should include some @Sats_and_SOTA when possible. Look for me this weekend in EM85. Click here for details: https://bit.ly/3CDl6xE LA7XK / JW7XK: Starting in the evening on Oct .5 ending in the morning on Oct. 10. I will be QRV on RS-44 from Longyearbyen on Svalbard. Locator is JQ78TF M1DDD: activity holiday style (family) 11-16 October 2022 IO70 (basecamp) IN79 hopefully a full day (FM/Lin) possibly IN69 (FM only, couple hours one afternoon) Updates on Twitter and http://hams.at KB2YSI: will be roving 10/7-11, FN10,FM18,EL98,97,96,95,94,84,rough schedule attached & subject to change without notice. The Dry Tortugas National Park is currently closed, but 10/16 will be ad hoc passes on the trip GA->NY: https://bit.ly/3VlOeky [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 6, 2022 The following satellite has been added BACK to this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: AO-16 NORAD Cat ID 20439 (TNX to Mark Hammond, N8MH, for this "heads up"). Per Mark Hammond, N8MH, AO-16 has entered a period of full sunlight for the first time in many years. Based on past experience, AO-16 might warm up and wake up. So, use the AO-16 TLE to listen for an old friend. The following satellites have decayed from orbit and have been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: ELFIN-B NORAD Cat ID 43616 (decayed from orbit on 9/30/22 per Space-Track). BINAR-1 NORAD Cat ID 49272 (decayed from orbit on 9/30/22 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements 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. AMSAT Ambassador Schedules: AMSAT Ambassador and ARRL instructor Clint Bradford, K6LCS, has these upcoming "Working Amateur Satellites With Your HT sessions ... Tri-State Amateur Radio Society, Indiana Northern CA DX Club Radio Amateurs of Greater Syracuse (NY) A re-scheduled presentation to SOARA - the South Orange County (CA) Amateur Radio Association. Clints local ER and cardiologist had unplanned and unexpected procedures for him last month when the SOARA session was originally scheduled - but all is a GO! now for SOARA! AMSAT Ambassadors make it their missions to show ALL that they really can work FM voice satellites - including the International Space Station - with minimal equipment gear that many probably already own. Clint has presented his session more than 150 times to clubs, conventions, and hamfests in the US, Canada, and Great Britain. A recent attendee wrote: "I really enjoyed Clints presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations Ive tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up. Do you think your club or convention would be interested in a 75-minute live Zoom presentation on working the easy satellites? Send an email or call! Clint Bradford K6LCS - work-sat.com - Voicemail - (909) 999-SATS - Email - k6lcs AT ham-sat.info Scheduled Events with AMSAT involvement: Hamfests and Conventions 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting October 2122, 2022 The Crowne Plaza Suites 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN https://launch.amsat.org/event-4922878 [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events Page Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + SpaceX to save Hubble? At SpaceXs request, NASA and SpaceX signed an unfunded Space Act Agreement to cooperate on a six-month study of the feasibility for a Polaris Program mission to boost Hubbles orbit. Without a boost, the thrusterless telescope is expected to re-enter and burn up around 2037now at ~535 km, it has lost about 30 km since the final Shuttle visit 13 years ago. It seems Jared Isaacmans nascent commercial space program is looking for useful things to do, and this certainly qualifies. Their first mission, Polaris Dawn, is scheduled for NET March 2023 and includes plans for the first commercial spacewalk. If NASA decides to move forward with the reboost, other companies will also likely get to bid (perhaps unless Polaris decides to do it for free). Related: NASA originally envisioned periodically boosting Hubble with an uncrewed Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle as an augment to the Shuttle program. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + Two NASA astronauts, a veteran Japanese space flier, and the first Russian cosmonaut to launch on a U.S. spacecraft since 2002 soared into orbit Wednesday from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, in what could signal an easing of tension between NASA and the new leadership of the Russian space agency. The four-person crew rode a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to docking at the space station at 5:01 p.m. EDT (2101 GMT) Thursday to begin a five-month science expedition. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + Firefly reaches orbit. After its dramatic launch failure a year ago, and a last-second T-0 launch abort (after ignition) a few days ago, Firefly Aerospaces Alpha rocket has now reached orbit. The 3am launch from Vandenberg was visible up and down the California coast. Onboard were educational and tech demonstration cubesats and an open source PicoBus deployer (source) from Libra Space Foundation which carries tiny PocketQube satellites from them (satellite tracking), FOSSA Systems (IoT), and AMSAT-EA (amateur radio). The Alpha small-lift launch vehicle is the first rocket powered by a tap-off cycle to reach orbit and is also the first in a bevy of new rockets in the 1,000 kg to LEO / 745 kg to SSO class, with Terran 1, Miura 5, and RS-1 all on the way. Its most direct current competitors are the Long March 6 and JAXAs Epsilon, leaving it with little immediate Western commercial competition. Fireflys next vehicle, currently named MLV, is a Falcon 9 competitor with a capacity of 13 tons to LEO. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + Sergei Krikalev, head of Russia's human space flight programs, told reporters that Roscosmos had started "to discuss extending our participation in ISS program with our government and hope to have permission to continue next year." With ties between Russia and the West rupturing over the war in Ukraine, Roscosmos chief Yuri Borissov had announced over the summer that Russia would leave the ISS "after 2024", and would seek to build its own space station. He has not set a firm date for that plan.(ANS thanks Space Daily and AFP 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 arrl dot org

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ANS-275 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 01 Oct '22

01 Oct '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-275 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: * Final Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting * 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 * AMSAT-UK Colloquium Talks to be Live-Streamed * FCC Says Out-of-Service Satellites Must be Removed Within Five Years * IARU Coordinates Frequencies for CosmoGirlSat * Zimbabwe Amateur Radio Satellite Launch Imminent * China CAS-10 Ham Radio Satellite to Launch in November * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-275 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2022 Oct 2 Final Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting This is a call for papers for the 40th annual AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 21-22, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Suites hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. Proposals for symposium papers and 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 14 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, AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Editor, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2022 AMSAT President's Club coins have arrived! To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its launch on October 15, 1972, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 6. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minnesota. on Oct. 21-22, 2022. Highlights of all scheduled events include: - AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting, October 20-21 - 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 21-22 - Friday Night Social and Auction, October 21 - AMSAT Banquet and Reception, October 22 - AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast, October 23 A preliminary schedule is available on the AMSAT Member Portal, launch.amsat.org, under the Events tab. Crowne Plaza is located adjacent to the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Airport and provides complimentary, scheduled shuttle to and from the airport. Nearby attractions include Mall of America with Nickelodeon Universe Theme park, Target Field, and the Minnesota Zoo. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2ND IS THE DEADLINE FOR RESERVING A HOTEL ROOM AT THE REDUCED RATE! You can make hotel reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952) 854-9000. The group code is ASG (Amateur Satellite Group). Hotel reservations can also be made online at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-Symposium-Rooms. Symposium tickets and banquet reservations may be purchased on the AMSAT Member Portal. Log into https://launch.amsat.org/ and clock on the Events tab. We at AMSAT, are excited to be able to host an in-person Symposium this year. We hope that you can join us in celebrating Amateur Radio in Space. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-UK Colloquium Talks to be Live-Streamed The talks given at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be streamed live to a global audience over the weekend of October 8-9, 2022. The weekend event attracts an international audience that ranges from those involved in building and operating Amateur Radio satellites to beginners who wish to find out more about this fascinating branch of the hobby. There will be including a roundup of a number of new live and potential spacecraft projects that are under investigation and/or development. The streaming on Saturday will run from 0830-1645 GMT and from 0830-1415 GMT on Sunday. Th streaming URL is https://batc.org.uk/live/amsatuk2022. A link to the schedule of talks is available at https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/. [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FCC Says Out-of-Service Satellites Must be Removed Within Five Years Satellites that are no longer in service must get out of the sky far more quickly under a new rule adopted by US federal regulators Thursday — and it’s all in the name of combating the garbage in Earth’s orbit. Unused satellites in low-Earth orbit, which is the area already most congested with satellites, must be dragged out of orbit “as soon as practicable, and no more than five years following the end of their mission,” according to the new Federal Communications Commission rule. That’s far less time than the long-standing rule of 25 years that has been criticized as too lax. Even NASA advised years ago that the 25-year timeline should be reduced to five years. “Twenty-five years is a long time. There is no reason to wait that long anymore, especially in low-Earth orbit,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at Thursday’s meeting. The FCC rule passed unanimously. The goal of this rule is prevent the dangerous proliferation of junk and debris in space. Already, there’s estimated to be more than 100 million pieces of space junk traveling uncontrolled through orbit, ranging in size from a penny to an entire rocket booster. Much of that debris, experts say, is too small to track. Collisions in space have happened before. And each collision can span thousands of new pieces of debris, each of which risk setting off even more collisions. One well-known theory, called “Kessler Syndrome,” warns that it’s possible for spaceborne garbage to set of disastrous chain reactions, potentially causing Earth’s orbit to become so cluttered with junk that it could render future space exploration and satellite launches impractical and even impossible. More than half of the roughly 10,000 satellites the world has sent into orbit since the 1950's are now obsolete and considered “space junk,” Rosenworcel said, adding that the debris poses risks to communication and safety. The FCC plan had been questioned by some US lawmakers who have said the rules could create “conflicting guidance” and without clear congressional authority. But Thursday’s vote moved forward nonetheless. “At risk is more than the $279 billion-a-year satellite and launch industries and the jobs that depend on them,” according to an FCC document released earlier this month. “Left unchecked, orbital debris could block all of these benefits and reduce opportunities across nearly every sector of our economy.” The number of satellites in low-Earth orbit, which is the sphere of orbit extending about 2,000 km or 1,200 miles out, has grown exponentially in recent years, thanks in large part to massive, new “megaconstellations” of small satellites pouring into space, largely by commercial companies. Most notably, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has launched about 3,000 satellites to space for its space-based internet service, Starlink. There’s also plans to put tens of thousands of new satellites in low-Earth orbit in years to come, FCC commissioner Nathan Simington noted during Thursday’s meeting. Commercial companies have routinely promised to take the debris issue seriously, and SpaceX had already agreed to comply with the recommended five-year rule for getting defunct satellites out of orbit. But there has long been a broader push within the space community to codify new regulations. So the FCC announced plans in early September to at least vote on updates to US regulations. The FCC also specified that it will apply the rule not only to the US satellite operators it oversees but also to “non-US-licensed satellites and systems seeking US market access.” “A veritable Cambrian explosion of commercial space operations is just over the horizon, and we had better be ready when it arrives,” said Simington. [ANS thanks CNN.com 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ IARU Coordinates Frequencies for CosmoGirlSat CosmoGirlSat is a 1U CubeSat mission with three-fold communications capabilities: 1) An automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) Digipeater - APRS shall provide digital message relay service to the Amateur Radio community by means of digipeating. 2) Picture Data Transmission - The satellite carries a high resolution camera, which can take pictures of the earth which can be downloaded to the ground stations. 3) Short Text Message Transmission - Short text messages uplinked on UHF signals by Radio Amateurs are stored on the satellite. UHF request commands from the ground station triggers the downlink of the stored messages. One stored message is randomly picked up and downlinked to Amateur Radio stations on GMSK signal. CosmoGirlSat will be deployed from the ISS. A CW beacon and 4k8 GMSK telemetry downlink on 437.120 MHz has been coordinated together with the APRS digipeater on 145 825 MHz** [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Zimbabwe Amateur Radio Satellite Launch Imminent Independent Online, a South African newspaper reports Zimbabwe's first satellite ZimSat-1, carrying an Amateur Radio APRS digipeater is expected to be launched to the ISS in October. The IOL article says the satellite will host a multispectral camera and image classification tool, as well as a device to transmit and receive signals from amateur radio operators. Named ZimSat-1, the Sunday Mail in Zimbabwe reported that the nanosatellite will reach the International Space Station next month before its launch into orbit, scheduled for November. ZimSat-1 will be on board the Cygnus NG-18, an uncrewed spacecraft that provides commercial cargo resupply to the International Space Station on behalf of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), when it is released into space in October,” the state-owned newspaper reported online. Zimbabwe’s ambitious satellite is reportedly scheduled to reach the International Space Station by October 28, before being launched from the Japanese Kibo – the Asian country’s science module for the International Space Station. [ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- China CAS-10 Ham Radio Satellite to Launch in November CAMSAT reports the CAS-10 (XW-4) amateur radio satellite with a V/U linear transponder, is expected to be launched to the Tiangong Space Station on November 7, 2022. On the AMSAT bulletin board Alan Kung BA1DU posted: The CAMSAT CAS-10 (XW-4) amateur satellite has been shipped to the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan China, and has been installed in the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft, which is scheduled to be launched on November 6 using the Long March 7 launch vehicle to China Tiangong Space Station. The CAS-10 (XW-4) satellite will deploy from the space station into its own orbit around December 15, and the amateur radio payload will be operational immediately after that time. The specific deployment time and satellite orbit TLE will be announced later. The IARU satellite frequency coordination page reports: An 8U CubeSat approx 228 x455x 100mm 12kg Mass. A follow on mission from CAS-9 and also known as Hope-4 (XW-4) Carrying a V/U Mode Linear Transponder, a UHF - CW Telemetry Beacon, a UHF - AX.25 4.8k/9.6kbps GMSK Telemetry downlink and a space camera. 1. CAS-10 carries a VHF uplink and UHF downlink linear transponder with a bandwidth of 30kHz. This transponder will work all day during the life cycle of the satellite, and amateur radio enthusiasts around the globe can use it for two-way radio relay communications. 2. CAS-10 carries a camera, and the pictures it takes are stored in the flash memory on the satellite, we have designed a simple remote control system based on DTMF, and amateur radio enthusiasts around the globe can send DTMF commands to download the camera photos. 3. CW beacon uses Morse code to send satellite telemetry data, which is also a feature that is widely welcomed by amateur radio enthusiasts. Downlink frequencies for VHF/UHF linear transponder 435.180 MHz, for UHF CW telemetry beacon 435.575 MHz and for telemetry 435.725 MHz. Also an uplink for the transponder 145.870 MHz have been coordinated. [ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News 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. + Completed Contacts Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The downlink frequency was 145.800 MHz. The crewmember was Sergey Prokopyev. Contact was successful on Monday, September 26, 2022 at 08:20 UTC. New England Sci-Tech, Natick, MA, telebridge via ON4ISS. The downlink frequency was 145.800 MHz. The crewmember was Bob Hines KI5RQT. Contact was successful Tuesday, September 27 2022 at 18:30 UTC. + Upcoming Contacts St. Stephen's Episcopal School Houston, Houston, TX, direct via KG5QNO. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Bob Hines KI5RQT. Contact is go for Monday, October 3, 2022 at 18:07 UTC. 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 JQ78TF: October 5, 2022 LA7XK/JW7XK will start in the evening on October, 5 and end in the morning on October 10. He will be QRV on RS-44 from Longyearbyen on Svalbard. IN70, IN79: October 11-16, 2022 M1DDD will be operating ‘holiday style" from his the base camp in IO70. Hopefully a full day operation in IN79 on FM and linear birds. Possibly operation in IN69 will be for a few hours one afternoon on FM only. Updates on Twitter and http://hams.at DN72,DN73, DN82, DN83, DN92, DN93: October 4-6, 2022 AD0HJ, Mitch, is going to check out the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention. He will be making several stops on the way to do satellite activations from these six lonely grid squares. [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. + 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting October 21–22, 2022 The Crowne Plaza Suites, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN More information to follow. + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7-9, 2022 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site + 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium October 8–9, 2022 Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Milton Keynes https://rsgb.org/main/about-us/rsgb-convention/ [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + NASA and SpaceX signed an unfunded Space Act Agreement Thursday, Sept. 22, to study the feasibility of a SpaceX and Polaris Program idea to boost the agency’s Hubble Space Telescope into a higher orbit with the Dragon spacecraft, at no cost to the government. There are no plans for NASA to conduct or fund a servicing mission or compete this opportunity; the study is designed to help the agency understand the commercial possibilities. Teams expect the study to take up to six months, collecting technical data from both Hubble and the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. This data will help determine whether it would be possible to safely rendezvous, dock, and move the telescope into a more stable orbit. Complete information at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-275-Hubble-Boost. [ANS thanks SpaceRef.com for the above information.] + After 10 months flying in space, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) – the world’s first planetary defense technology demonstration – successfully impacted its asteroid target on Monday, the agency’s first attempt to move an asteroid in space. The investigation team will now observe Dimorphos using ground-based telescopes to confirm that DART’s impact altered the asteroid’s orbit around Didymos. Researchers expect the impact to shorten Dimorphos’ orbit by about 1%, or roughly 10 minutes; precisely measuring how much the asteroid was deflected is one of the primary purposes of the full-scale test. Full details at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-275-DART. [ANS thanks NASA for the above information.] + Moonhack is an online coding challenge for young learners and celebrates humans’ technological achievements. The 2022 event takes place from 10 to 23 October to coincide with World Space Week, and it features six brand-new projects that show how satellites can help us live more sustainably. Moonhack is free and open to any young coder, whether they are part of a Code Club or not. The projects are already available in English, French, Dutch, and Greek. Arabic and Latin American Spanish versions are in preparation. More information at https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/moonhack-2022/. [ANS thanks the Raspberry Pi Foundation 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

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