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ANS-261 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Sept. 18
by Mark Johns, K0JM 18 Sep '22

18 Sep '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-261 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: * FCC Proposes ‘Five-Year Rule’ For Dead Satellite Disposal * 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting, Oct. 21 - 22 * Final Call for Papers for 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium * 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Results * Everything Ready for the Launch of the New GENESIS - Updated * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for Sept. 15 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-261 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 Sept. 18 FCC Proposes ‘Five-Year Rule’ For Dead Satellite Disposal The Federal Communications Commission wants to do something about space junk in low Earth orbit. On Sept. 8, the agency published a proposal that, if adopted, would put a deadline on how long non-geostationary satellites can stay in space. As things stand, voluntary NASA guidelines published in the 1990s recommend that dead satellites should be deorbited within 25 years. The FCC wants to adopt a five-year rule that would require domestic satellite operators and companies that want access to the U.S. market to dispose of their non-functioning satellites as soon as they can. “We believe it is no longer sustainable to leave satellites in LEO [low Earth orbit] to deorbit over decades,” the FCC states in its proposal. Satellites already in space would be exempt from the FCC’s guidelines. The Commission is also proposing there be a two-year grandfathering period that start on September 29th, the day it plans to vote on the regulation. That carveout would give organizations that previously obtained approval for a future satellite launch time to develop a disposal plan for their spacecraft. The FCC said it would also grant waivers case-by-case after NASA expressed concern that the five-year limit would impact its CubeSat missions. The proposal comes as the number of satellites in low Earth orbit is expected to increase over the next few years dramatically. With contributions from companies like SpaceX, Amazon and OneWeb, as many as 18,000 new satellites could be floating above the planet by 2025. Those satellites will not only make it more challenging to observe the night sky, but the probability of a potential crash will increase too. [ANS thanks Engadget 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 Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting, Oct. 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, https://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. 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 But don’t wait to reserve your room! The offer for specially reduced room rates for Symposium attendees ends on September 28. Make your reservation today to make sure you have a room and at the best possible price. 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.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Final Call for Papers for 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium This is the final 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(a)amsat.org [ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV, Symposium Program 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Results The 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election period ended on September 15, 2022. As a result of the election, Mark Hammond, N8MH, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, have been duly elected to a two year term on the Board of Directors. The results of the voting with 407 ballots cast are as follows: Mark Hammond, N8MH 381 Bruce Paige, KK5DO 378 Paul Stoetzer, N8HM 378 The membership of the AMSAT Board of Directors for 2022-2023 is: Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO Robert Bankston, KE4AL Jerry Buxton, N0JY Mark Hammond, N8MH Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO Bruce Paige, KK5DO Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Thank you all for participating in this year's election process. [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Everything Ready for the Launch of the New GENESIS - Updated Everything is ready at the Vanderberg air base in California (USA), for the takeoff of the second flight of the Firefly Alpha launcher that will put, among others, the GENESIS-G/ASTROLAND-1 and GENESIS-J/ASTROLAND-2 satellites into orbit of AMSAT-EA. The scheduled time for takeoff is 07:00 UTC on Monday, September 19 (delayed from Sept. 11). The planned orbit is 300 km with an inclination of 137 degrees. The frequencies coordinated with IARU are the following: GENESIS-G/ASTROLAND-1 145.875 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.888 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps, FM voice beacon with AM2SAT callsign GENESIS-J/ASTROLAND-2 145.925 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.666 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW FSK 50 bps, SSTV Robot 36, FM voice beacon with AM3SAT callsign Update - Launch scheduled for the 19th at 7:00 UTC. More information on the Every Day Astronaut website: https://everydayastronaut.com/flta002-to-the-black-alpha/ The launch can be followed live at the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pics_iuBv9s [ANS thanks AMSAT-EA 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 for Sept. 15 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 NORAD Catalog ID for following satellite has been changed in this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: GREENCUBE is now identified as object NORAD Cat ID 53106 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for this identification). The NORAD Cat ID for MTCube 2 is not clear at this time. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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. Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS, and the scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev. Contact is go for Monday 2022-09-26 08:20 UTC. Aznakaevo School TBD, Aznakaevo, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS and the scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petlin. Contact is go for Saturday 2022-10-01 13:50 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. 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 KJ7DZ: CN74 roving trip booked. Sept 22 – 24. More info will be posted as time gets closer N4DCW: Four of the next six weekends (starting week of 9/7) 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. Details at https://twitter.com/MWimages/status/1567502526781575169 San Andrés Island (EK92) on FM satellites front 9/15 to 9/26. Details at https://twitter.com/RadioOSG/status/1567193764405411842 W8LR: EM68 and EM69, will try gridline, but if not accessible, then EM68. Watch Twitter for details. 9/18/22 11:00z 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. [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. AMSAT Ambassador Schedules: Tom Zimmerman, W9TTY, will be exhibiting for AMSAT at the Chicago FM Club Radio Expo in Belvidere, Illinois on Saturday, September 25, 2022. Clint Bradford, K6CLS: “How to Work the “Easy” Satellites” talks: Part of the “job description” for volunteer AMSAT Ambassadors is to “spread the gospel” of working satellites to clubs and conventions. In the next few weeks I have such Zoom presentations lined up for: SOARA - South Orange County, CA Boston ARC Tristate Amateur Radio Society - Evansville,Indiana Northern CA DX Club San Gorgonio Pass ARC Think a 90-minute lively, informative, and fun “How to Work the Easy Satellites” Zoom presentation would be appropriate for your convention or club? Always included are overviews of the ARRL, AMSAT, and ARISS. And pre-presentation questions are always welcome. Send an email or call! Clint Bradford K6LCS AMSAT Ambassador 909-999-SATS http://www.work-sat.com Scheduled Events with AMSAT involvement: Hamfests and Conventions + 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org + CFMC'S Radio Expo: Northern Illinois' Largest Hamfest Sunday, September 25th Boone County Fairgrounds 8791 IL-76 Belvidere, IL Flyer at: https://bit.ly/3RFtr8O + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7, 2022 - October 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/ + 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] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + A very nice interface application connecting SatPC32 to N3FJP's ACLog logging software has been created by Carsten Groen, OZ9AAR. This program acts as a "gateway" between SatPC32 and ACLog and sends the relevant live data (ie. SAT_NAME and PROP_MODE) from SatPC32 to ACLog. Thus, you do not need to fill any data about the satellite and mode manually into ACLog, and everything is entered correctly for using ACLog's automatic LoTW upload feature. Full details and download at https://bit.ly/3BdrM3L (ANS thanks Carsten Groen, OZ9AAR, for the above information) + A small spacecraft designed to test out key components of NASA's Artemis program to the Moon has run into trouble in space. The CAPSTONE probe is expected to act as a pathfinder for NASA's Gateway — a small space station designed to orbit the Moon and act as a jumping-off point for crewed missions to the surface. CAPSTONE's mission centered around testing a never-before-used orbit to learn more about its stability before sending the Gateway to it. Advanced Space, which operates CAPSTONE, said in a statement Monday that the spacecraft is in "safe mode" after an engine burn last week and appears to be in a "stable orbit." Mission managers are hoping to perform a "detumble" that will allow the spacecraft to orient itself in space again, pointing its solar panels to the Sun and charging its batteries. [The AMSAT Board of Directors has made a commitment to support amateur radio’s inclusion on NASA’s Gateway, a small spaceship in orbit around the Moon with living quarters for astronauts, a lab for science and research, ports for visiting spacecraft, and more.] (ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information) + As anticipated, last Wednesday, Sept. 7, Apple announced that the new iPhone 14 will be able to send SOS messages and current location coordinates to Apple, Emergency Services, and Emergency Contacts via Globalstar satellites. Apple is dedicating $450M toward satellite infrastructure, covering 95% of the system’s cost, and will use up to 85%(!) of Globalstar’s network capacity. Due to limited bandwidth and the characteristics of cell phone antennas, users will need to point their phone at a satellite using a new UI and will select from a set of pre-written messages instead of sending free-form texts. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + Also related to satellites and cell phones, AST SpaceMobile’s Bluewalker-3 satellite launched on Saturday, Sept. 10. Bluewalker-3 is a test for an eventual 110-satellite constellation that would provide global cell phone coverage, “using 3GPP low-band cellular frequencies and Q/V-band frequencies” (it has an FCC experimental license). Concerns have been raised, however, about the satellite’s potentially- unprecedented brightness (> Venus), with a reflective and record-setting 64 m2 antenna. Even larger satellites are intended for the company's final constellation! (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + The AMSAT-UK Colloquium Committee has issued its final call for speakers for the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held as part of the RSGB Convention on October 8-9 at the Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Timbold Drive, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/ AMSAT-UK invite speakers, about amateur radio, space and associated activities, for this event. Submissions should be sent via e-mail: to dave at g4dpz.me.uk (ANS thanks David Johnson, G4DPZ, 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-254 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin for September 11, 2022
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 10 Sep '22

10 Sep '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-254 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: * Artemis 1 scrubbed again * 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting, October 21 - 22, 2022 * AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium October 8-9, 2022 * 2022 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference * Launch of GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J with Firefly on September 11 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 17, 2022 * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over DATE 2022 September 11 Artemis 1 scrubbed again After Aug 29th’s scrub (due to a liquid hydrogen umbilical leak and faulty engine thermal sensor), a second attempt on Saturday was scrubbed as well, this time because of an even worse hydrogen leak on the core stage. A launch this month is now looking unlikely. NASA engineers will first replace the leaky quick disconnect seal while at the pad so that they can test the fix with cryogenic liquids only available there. However, after that, they may still have to roll SLS back to the VAB—the Eastern Range requires that the flight termination system batteries be reset and recertified before the next launch attempt (although a waiver might be possible). The next available launch period runs from September 19 – October 4 with the following (and probably more likely) window being October 17 - 31. We’re hoping the onboard smallsats’ batteries can survive the wait. Ed. Note: Including the OMOTENASHI communications and impactor experiment. NASA is now targeting September 23 or 27 according to Jim Free, NASA Associate Administrator Exploration Systems Development) [ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting, October 21 - 22, 2022 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. You can make hotel reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952) 854-9000. The group code is ASG (Amateur Satellite Group). But don’t wait to reserve your room! The offer for specially reduced room rates for Symposium attendees ends on September 28. Make your reservation today to make sure you have a room and at the best possible price. 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 Space Colloquium October 8-9, Kents Hill Park Conference Centre Milton Keynes MK7 6BZ AMSAT-UK is very happy to announce the 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held as part of the RSGB Convention on October 8-9 at the Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Timbold Drive, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ. 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. Booking for the RSGB Convention is at https://rsgb.org/main/about-us/rsgb-convention/ Booking for the AMSAT-UK dinner on the Saturday evening at the nearby Marriott Delta Hotel is here: https://bit.ly/3x3nQBm Details of the event can be found at https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/ [ANS thanks Trevor Essex, M5AKA of 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2022 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference The annual ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) is scheduled for September 16-18, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Register for the DCC here (https://tapr.org/product/2022-dcc-registration/) Register for the DCC host hotel (Hilton Charlotte Airport ) here (https://tinyurl.com/24hjmkwt) or dialup 1-800-445-8667 View the DCC schedule here (https://tapr.org/preliminary-2022-dcc-schedule/) The deadline for technical papers passed September 1, 2022. Papers will be published exactly as submitted and authors will retain all rights. [ANS thanks TAPR.org for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Launch of GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J with Firefly on September 11 From Felix Paez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA Team: This is to confirm that the launch of our new GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J satellites with Firefly will take place, if all goes well, on September 11, with the launch window starting at 3 PM Pacific Time (22h GMT), from Vanderberg. The expected orbit altitude is 300 km with an inclination of 137 degrees. As many of you know, this will be the second attempt of Firefly to reach orbit after the first attempt made in September 2021 and which had to be aborted after two minutes of flight, causing our previous GENESIS-N and GENESIS-L to be lost, among others. These new GENESIS have a more powerful on-board computer than their predecessors and updated software that allows FM voice repeater functionality, AFSK/FSK non-regenerative repeater up to 2400 bps, FSK regenerative repeater up to 50 bps, CW, digitized voice pre-recorded FM and FSK telemetry at 50 bps. The correct retransmission of AX25 / APRS frames over FM up to 2400 bps has been verified in the laboratory. A small drawback we still have is the antenna deployment mechanism, that is the first version that was made and requires a plenty charged battery. The satellites have been stored for several months, so it is a weak point. Hopefully it will work. These satellites also have the names of ASTROLAND-1 and ASTROLAND-2 to say thanks to the sponsorship of the project by the Astroland Planetary Agency. We also thank the private companies and Universities that helped in the project. As on the previous occasion, two experimental propellants are flown, although this time they are from the Madrid company IENAI Space and, unlike the previous GENESIS mission, they use a liquid ionic fuel. Only the one from GENESIS-J is functional. The one from GENESIS-G carries the electronics but without the fuel. The frequencies coordinated with IARU are the following: GENESIS-G/ASTROLAND-1 145.875 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.888 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps, FM voice beacon with AM2SAT callsign GENESIS-J/ASTROLAND-2 145.925 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.666 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW FSK 50 bps, SSTV Robot 36, FM voice beacon with AM3SAT callsign We encourage all of you to try to receive their first transmissions once the first keplerians are available. This flight will be streamed by Everyday Astronaut: https://everydayastronaut.com/ More information on the Firefly website: https://firefly.com/alpha-flight-2-to-the-black/. Ed. Note: Currently launch is scheduled for 15:00 PST, September 11/ 00:00 UTC, September 12 . [ANS thanks Felix EA4GQS - AMSAT EA team 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. No School Contacts currently scheduled. 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. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: N8AJM:From September 12 to 16 I hope to be in EM85. I will be working FM only with no set schedule. I may also activate a few grids on the way down from EN72. I will try to post all passes on hams.at KJ7DZ: CN74 roving trip booked. Sept 22 – 24. More info will be posted as time gets closer 9Y60, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (Special Event). Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society (TTARS) will be active as 9Y60TT to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th anniversary of independence (August 31st, 1962) between August 26th and September 2nd. Activity will be on the HF/VHF bands using CW, SSB, Slow Scan TV (SSTV), Digital Modes (FT8/ FT4, JS8, JT65, 2m EME (Moonbounce), Satellite, APRS via ISS, Digital Voice (DMR, C4FM, D-Star), EchoLink….and more. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog and QRZ.com. For more details and info on how to obtain a certificate, see:https://9y60tt.info (received from JoAnne Maenpaa by email) Op Note: AO-7 is in constant sunlight for the next several months and the onboard 24 hour timer is switching the satellite between Mode A (145 MHz uplink / 29 MHz downlink) and Mode B (432 MHz uplink / 145 MHz downlink) at approximately 2116Z daily. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for September 8, 2022 The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: CUAVA-1 NORAD Cat ID 49275 (decayed form orbit on 09/02/2022 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: Tom Zimmerman, W9TTY, will be exhibiting for AMSAT at the Chicago FM Club Radio Expo in Belvidere, Illinois on Saturday, September 25, 2022. Clint Bradford, K6CLS: “How to Work the “Easy” Satellites” talks: Part of the “job description” for volunteer AMSAT Ambassadors is to “spread the gospel” of working satellites to clubs and conventions. In the next few weeks I have such Zoom presentations lined up for: SOARA - South Orange County, CA Boston ARC Tristate Amateur Radio Society - Evansville,Indiana Northern CA DX Club San Gorgonio Pass ARC Think a 90-minute lively, informative, and fun “How to Work the Easy Satellites” Zoom presentation would be appropriate for your convention or club? Always included are overviews of the ARRL, AMSAT, and ARISS. And pre-presentation questions are aways welcome. Send an email or call! Clint Bradford K6LCS AMSAT Ambassador 909-999-SATS http://www.work-sat.com Scheduled Events with AMSAT involvement: Hamfests and Conventions + 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org + CFMC'S Radio Expo: Northern Illinois' Largest Hamfest Sunday, September 25th Boone County Fairgrounds 8791 IL-76 Belvidere, IL Flyer at: https://bit.ly/3RFtr8O + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7, 2022 - October 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/ + 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, and Frank Karnauskas, AMSAT Vice President - Development for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The FCC wants to adopt a five-year rule, which would require space station operators planning disposal through uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to complete disposal as soon as practicable, and no more than five years following the end of mission.” See: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-387024A1.pdf. AMSAT has submitted comments on the NPRM and changes at this point are unlikely. There is no exemption for US hams operating under Part 97 of the FCC rules either, although waivers for certain research and scientific missions may be granted. The good news is they have avoided the most damaging changes regarding indemnification that almost went into a report and order two years ago. The FCC will meet to adopt this ruling at the September 29th meeting. (ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President AMSAT for the for the above information) + With the successful launch of Eutelsat Konnect VHTS on Sept. 7, there are just three Ariane 5 rockets remaining in Arianespace’s inventory. The Ariane 5, in service since 1996, is being retired in favor of the next-generation Ariane 6 rocket, a launcher European officials say will be cheaper to operate and more competitive in the global launch market. The Ariane 5 was once dominant in commercial launch business, but lower-cost launch services from SpaceX’s partially reusable Falcon 9 rocket have eroded Arianespace’s position. The Ariane 6 is an expendable design, like the Ariane 5. But Arianespace has secured contracts to launch European government missions and satellites for Amazon’s Kuiper broadband network on the Ariane 6, now scheduled to debut next year. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + Chinese taikonauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang conducted an EVA outside of the Tiangong Space Station on Sept. 1, while Cai Xuzhe stayed on the station. They left the station at 10:26 UTC, and the EVA took until 16:33 UTC to be completed. This was the first time the airlock of the recently launched Wentian Module was used to initiate an EVA, as well as the first time the five-meter-long remote control arm of the Wentian module was used. Part of the EVA was to install heat control pumps on the Wentian module, a wide-field panoramic camera, and a variety of other tasks. Part of the EVA was also to verify the function of the recently installed Wentian Airlock and test procedures for an emergency abort of an EVA. (ANS thanks Spaceflight.com for the above information) + An incredible aurora has been filmed from the International Space Station (ISS) as it orbited hundreds of miles above the Earth. NASA posted the captivating footage to Twitter (https://bit.ly/3QJrFmp) on Sunday after a geomagnetic storm hit our planet. On September 4, a stream of solar wind struck the Earth, sparking a geomagnetic storm of the G2 class, according to the National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). This storm produced an aurora in some regions, including parts of the United States. (ANS thanks Newsweek.com for the above information) + NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft recently got its first look at Didymos, the double-asteroid system that includes its target, Dimorphos. On Sept. 26, DART will intentionally crash into Dimorphos, the asteroid moonlet of Didymos. While the asteroid poses no threat to Earth, this is the world's first test of the kinetic impact technique, using a spacecraft to deflect an asteroid for planetary defense. (ANS thanks SpaceDaily.com for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ kd4iz at arrl dot org

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ANS-247 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletin for September 4, 2022
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 04 Sep '22

04 Sep '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-247 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, October 21-22 * AMSAT-EA Collaborates With the ROM-2 Mission * VUCC Satellite Standings September 2022 * Tracking Tools for Artemis I * New Guide for Tracking and Decoding NOAA Weather Satellites * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-247 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 Sep 04 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. 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.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 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-EA Collaborates With the ROM-2 Mission AMSAT-EA supports the ROM-2 mission of the Romanian association ROMSpace, which consists of a PocketQube 1P (a cube with a side of 5 cm) designed by students from the International Computing High School in Bucharest aged between 15 and 18 years, in what will be the first Romanian mission of this type. This satellite, which has received engineering support from AMSAT Nepal and ORION Space, will be assembled at the AMSAT-EA facilities in Madrid, a city where it will also be qualified for space, with the assistance of engineers from AMSAT EA and AMSAT Nepal. The mission of the satellite is to take pictures with a 2 MP camera and send them to radio amateurs who wish to transmit them on their ground stations through the SSDV protocol, tuning to the 436.235 MHz frequency. Maintenance data is transmitted via CW and SSDV packets are transmitted using GFSK. Once in orbit, the satellite will become the responsibility of AMSAT-EA, the organization that has registered the satellite internationally and will monitor it during its life in space. [ANS thanks AMSAT-EA for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Satellite Standings September 2022 VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for August 01, 2022 to September 01, 2022. K8YSE 2100 2164 WA4NVM 1579 1609 K8DP 1316 1322 N8RO 1131 1139 AA8CH 819 835 WD9EWK (DM43) 696 706 W8LR 594 619 KF6JOQ 553 606 KN2K 558 600 KE8RJU 568 577 EA2AA 546 566 KQ4DO 508 533 KC1MMC 470 532 KI7QEK 500 N8MR 288 320 F6GLJ 220 312 VE7PTN 203 294 N5EKO 234 281 A65BR 226 260 JH0BBE 200 206 JK2XXK 156 200 DL8GAM 152 186 VE2NGO 150 175 PA7RA New 156 GI4SJQ New 110 N8URE (EN61) New 102 K8WU New 100 KO9A New 100 W6AER New 100 Congratulations to the new VUCC holders! PA7RA is first Satellite VUCC holder from Netherlands and 1st from JO21 [ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Tracking Tools for Artemis I Looking for a way to track OMOTENASHI's 70CM beacons on its way to the moon? Two hams turn us on to a pair of tracking tools. Brian Wilkins, KO4AQF, brings our attention to AROW: During Artemis I, Orion will travel to 40,000 miles beyond the Moon in the first integrated flight test with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Using AROW, almost anyone with internet access can pinpoint where Orion is and track its distance from the Earth, distance from the Moon, mission duration, and more. AROW is available on NASA’s website and on the @NASA_Orion Twitter account. AROW visualizes data collected by sensors on Orion and sent to the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston during its flight. It will provide periodic real-time data beginning about one minute after liftoff through separation of the SLS rocket’s Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage approximately two hours into flight. Once Orion is flying on its own, AROW will provide constant real-time information. On the web, users can follow AROW to see where Orion is in relation to the Earth and the Moon and follow Orion’s path during the mission. Users can view key mission milestones, and characteristics on the Moon, including information about landing sites from the Apollo program. Also available for download will be trajectory data from the flight, called an ephemeris. AROW also will provide a set of Orion’s state vectors — data that describes precisely where Orion is located in space and how it moves — for inclusion in these tweets once Orion is flying on its own. These vectors can be used for data lovers, artists, and creatives to make their own tracking app, data visualization, or anything else they envision. For more information read https://www.nasa.gov/feature/track-nasa-s-artemis-i-mission-in-real-time/. AMSAT member Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, adds a second online tool, Horizons: The JPL Horizons on-line solar system data and ephemeris computation service provides access to key solar system data and flexible production of highly accurate ephemerides for solar system objects (1,227,063 asteroids, 3,819 comets, 211 planetary satellites {includes satellites of Earth and dwarf planet Pluto}, 8 planets, the Sun, L1, L2, select spacecraft, and system barycenters). Horizons is provided by the Solar System Dynamics Group of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Joe says to use "OMOTENASHI" as the Target Body. You will find the online app at https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons [ANS thanks Brian Wilkins, KO4AQF, Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, NASA and JPL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New Guide for Tracking and Decoding NOAA Weather Satellites Samual Yanz, N7FNV,has created a detailed 39 page guide about tracking and decoding NOAA low earth polar orbit weather satellites. These satellites are a great way to interest young people in satellite communications. They transmit a powerful signal so that they are easily received an inexpensive radio, a simple antenna and free software. Currently there are three operational polar orbiting NOAA weather satellites that transmit image data in the APT format at 137 MHz. When one of these satellites pass overhead, it is possible to use an RTL-SDR with appropriate antenna and software to automatically receive the satellite weather images they transmit. The purpose of this guide is to completely install software and configure them to automatically receive incoming NOAA signals and process them into images. While there are many variations of hardware that can be used for this application, Yanz focuses on a simple setup to get anyone on the air. Samual's guide focuses on the software and shows how to setup Virtual Audio Cable for piping audio between programs, SDR# for receiving the signal, Orbitron for tracking the satellite and WXtoIMG for decoding the image. Download the PDF guide at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-247-NOAA-Satellites-Guide. [ANS thanks RTL-SDR.com 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. Colegio Tarbut, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina, direct via LU4AA. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS. Contact is go for: Monday September 5, 2022 at 14:47:39 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.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations EM85; September 12-16, 2022 N8AJM will be working FM only with no set schedule. He may also activate a few grids on the way down from EN72. He will try to post all passes on hams.at CN74; September 22-24, 2022 KJ7DZ has a roving trip booked. More info will be posted as time gets closer [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. + 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org + Chicago FM Club Radio Expo September 25, 2022 Boone County Fairgrounds 8791 IL-76, Belvidere, IL 61008 Tom Zimmerman, W9TTY, will host an AMSAT exhibit. + 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/ + 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. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The NEXUS (FO-99) operation schedule for September, 2022 is available at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=1974. Y.Ohtani, JH4DHX/3, of the NEXUS operations team reports that the operation of DigiTalker will be closed. Please enjoy NEXUS / FO-99 ! FO-29 remains in full sunlight and should continue to be available for use this month. [AMSAT thanks JAMSAT for the above information.] + Space is hard, even for the pros: Intelsat said the Galaxy 15 broadcast satellite that stopped responding to commands earlier this month shut down its payload Aug. 31, reducing the risk of interfering with signals from other spacecraft. However, Galaxy 15 continues to drift out of its geostationary orbit slot at 133 degrees West, and "will soon begin transiting through orbital locations licensed for other satellites," an Intelsat spokesperson said. "With the payload muted, the focus of this coordination ensures 'fly-by' procedures are coordinated so that the spacecraft avoid a physical collision. This is a normal part of spacecraft operations that is regularly executed and poses minimal risk." Intelsat said it has successfully moved all customers from Galaxy 15 to its Galaxy 23 satellite. SpaceX is slated to launch Galaxy 33, Galaxy 15's replacement, "on or about Oct. 8, 2022," the spokesperson added. [ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information.] + But sometimes, things just work: Engineers with NASA have repaired an issue with the space agency's Voyager 1 spacecraft, but have yet to identify the cause of the problem, officials confirmed on August 27. The probe had been sending garbled data about its status, including information about its health and activities to mission controllers, despite otherwise operating normally. Launched in 1977, NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes are both still active, exploring deep space. Both are still communicating with NASA, despite being launched 45 years ago. The spacecraft are two of only five space probes from Earth that have left the solar system. Voyager 1 is currently 14.5 billion miles from Earth. [ANS thanks SpaceDaily for the above information.] + NASA and Axiom Space said Wednesday, August 28 that they plan to launch a second private astronaut mission to the International Space Station in 2023. The spaceflight, coordinated by the U.S. space agency and the private Houston-based infrastructure developer, will be designated as Axiom Mission 2, or Ax-2 and will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the second quarter of 2023. Private Axiom astronauts will travel to the ISS and spend 10 days aboard the space station and participate in in-orbit activities in coordination with ISS crew and flight controllers on the ground. The first Axiom mission, in April 2022, featured extensive amateur radio activity. No word yet about hams aboard Ax-2. [ANS thanks SpaceDaily for the above information.] + The AMSAT-DL (Germany) Symposium will be held prior to the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 10 am to 1 pm. The general meeting will follow at 2 p.m., after a short lunch break during which refreshments will be provided. The events will take place at the Radome of the Bochum Observatory, Association headquarters of AMSAT Germany, Obernbaakstraße 6, 44797 Bochum, Germany. [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.] + The AMSAT-SA (South Africa) Space Symposium 2022 will be held virtually on 10 September 2022 from 09:00 to 16:30 SAST (07:00 - 14:30 UTC). The theme will be, "Space, the next frontier for expansion of amateur radio." The event will be virtual on the BlueJeans platform. The programme includes a session for beginners and the people returning to satellite operation. Other papers include "OSCAR100 - the easy way", "A 70cm - 10GHz transponder", "Satellite Server: Browser Based Satellite Tracking Software", "The new AMSAT-NA Fox plus program", a review of AfriCUBE with a demonstration of the prototype flying on BACAR in early October plus many other interesting topics. Full programme at https://bit.ly/3efNdJJ The event is free but a donation of R40 (about $2.50 U.S.) towards the AfriCUBE fund would be appreciated. [ANS thanks AMSAT-SA 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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ANS-240 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Aug. 28
by Mark Johns, K0JM 28 Aug '22

28 Aug '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-240 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: * OMOTENASHI Project Shoots for the Moon This Week * SLS Launch Party on Discord! * Launch of GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J with Firefly on September 11 * Limited-Time Opportunity - DX on AO27! * 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 * So, You Want To Build A CubeSat? * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for August 25 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-240 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 Aug 28 OMOTENASHI Project Shoots for the Moon This Week OMOTENASHI, a project of the JAXA Ham Radio Club, is a CubeSat which will be launched by NASA SLS rocket, scheduled for August 29. It plans to land on the surface of the moon, and to transmit a beacon in the amateur 70cm band. OMOTENASHI is one of the EM-1 CubeSat missions which will be launched by the NASA/SLS rocket (EM-1) together with the main mission of ORION experimental module on Monday. JAXA Ham Radio Club is going to utilize the flight demonstration opportunity of the OMOTENASHI mission to conduct the following amateur radio missions: (i) To conduct technological research with respect to receiving ultra-weak UHF signal from a space probe toward the moon (ii) To conduct an outreach activity providing amateur radio operators all over the world with an opportunity to try to receive signals from moon region. OMOTENASHI is a 6U-CubeSat with external dimensions of 239 x 366 x 113mm and an approximate mass of 14 kg. OMOTENASHI consists of three modules: orbiting module, retro motor module, and surface probe. During the moon transfer orbit, these modules are integrated. When OMOTENASHI arrives at the moon, the surface probe will be separated and conduct semi-hard landing. OMOTENASHI is actively controlled by ultra-small attitude control system including star tracker, sun sensor, IMU, reaction wheel, and cold gas jet thruster. During the moon transfer orbit, OMOTENASHI may be spin-stabilized due to the strict resources. For further details, please see: https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/omotenashi/JHRCweb/jhrc.html There will be UHF CM/PSK/PM/PSK31 beacons, with 1 watt RF, on both the orbiting module and the surface probe. CisLunar explorer, MIT KitCube and Lunar IceCube are expected to share the same launch. Orbiting Module DOWNLINK Frequency 437.31 MHz Antenna SRR antenna Polarization Linear Modulation beacon, PSK31 Sync Word C1 (ASCII code) Power 30dBm Surface Probe DOWNLINK Frequency 437.41 MHz Antenna invert-F antennax4 Polarization LHCP(, RHCP) Modulation FM, PSK31, PCM-PSK/PM Sync Word C1 (ASCII code) Power 30dBm Amateurs can constantly access the newest TLE from https://bit.ly/3wyopTr This file will be overwritten when we have calculated the next TLE during operation. [ANS thanks JAXA Ham Radio Club 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ SLS Launch Party on Discord! AMSAT is hosting an event in Discord, https://discord.gg/Duca8jY5?event=1012703802727608330. It will be in the #watch-party channel for the STS launch carrying Orion to the Moon, along with OMOTENASHI (see above) and a number of other small satellites. AMSAT plans to start streaming NASA’s YouTube video coverage starting at about 0300Z on Monday, August 29. If that doesn’t work out, people can always watch it on their own, and just join the channel to chat about the mission. Voice chat, web cams, and text will all be available for people to use. The AMSAT Discord server is available for the amateur satellite community. Discord is a text, voice, and video client that has become very popular in recent years. Discord will provide the amateur satellite community with an additional option to communicate amongst each other, in real-time. Discord provides several neat features, including the following: Ability to create channels, to organize different conversation topics Hosting of events, that can include voice and or video chat For satellite launch parties! Use of bots to automate useful actions Try typing /tle AO-92 More commands are in development! Notification of Twitter posts of interest Currently only following @AMSAT Twitter account A special section of the server is reserved for AMSAT members. If you are a current member, please send a message in the #request-roles channel once you join the server, indicating whether you are a member or life member. Once the member role is granted, you will be able to post in the “Members Only” category. If you are not yet an AMSAT member, join today at https://launch.amsat.org/. The link below can be used to join the server. See you in Discord! https://discord.gg/xbTXcPJHyt [ANS thanks Matthew Alberti, KM4EXS, AMSAT IT Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Launch of GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J with Firefly on September 11 AMSAT-EA confirms that the launch of our new GENESIS-G and GENESIS-J satellites with Firefly will take place, if all goes well, on September 11, with the launch window starting at 3 PM Pacific Time (22h GMT), from Vanderberg. The expected orbit altitude is 300 km with an inclination of 137 degrees. As many of you know, this will be the second attempt of Firefly to reach orbit after the first attempt made in September 2021 and which had to be aborted after two minutes of flight, causing our previous GENESIS-N and GENESIS-L to be lost, among others. These new GENESIS have a more powerful on-board computer than their predecessors and updated software that allows FM voice repeater functionality, AFSK/FSK non-regenerative repeater up to 2400 bps, FSK regenerative repeater up to 50 bps, CW, digitized voice pre-recorded FM and FSK telemetry at 50 bps. The correct retransmission of AX25 / APRS frames over FM up to 2400 bps has been verified in the laboratory. A small drawback we still have is the antenna deployment mechanism, that is the first version that was made and requires a plenty charged battery. The satellites have been stored for several months, so it is a weak point. Hopefully it will work. These satellites also have the names of ASTROLAND-1 and ASTROLAND-2 to say thanks to the sponsorship of the project by the Astroland Planetary Agency. We also thank the private companies and Universities that helped in the project. As on the previous occasion, two experimental propellants are flown, although this time they are from the Madrid company IENAI Space and, unlike the previous GENESIS mission, they use a liquid ionic fuel. Only the one from GENESIS-J is functional. The one from GENESIS-G carries the electronics but without the fuel. The frequencies coordinated with IARU are the following: GENESIS-G/ASTROLAND-1 145.875 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.888 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps, FM voice beacon with AM2SAT callsign GENESIS-J/ASTROLAND-2 145.925 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no subtone) and FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps 436.666 MHz downlink, Modes: FM voice, CW FSK 50 bps, SSTV Robot 36, FM voice beacon with AM3SAT callsign We encourage all to try to receive their first transmissions once the first keplerians are available. This flight will be streamed by Everyday Astronaut: https://everydayastronaut.com/ More information on the Firefly website: https://firefly.com/alpha-flight-2-to-the-black/ [ANS thanks Felix Paez, EA4GQS of the AMSAT EA Team for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Limited-Time Opportunity - DX on AO27! "On" times for AO-27 continue to shift along the direction of the orbit. The 5 min "on time" for ascending passes at mid-latitudes is now on DESCENDING passes. Based on current SATNOGS observations, from when the satellite is at about 75 degN to about 65 deg N. The descending node telemetry and repeater operation is probably only available to stations further and further south (a few lucky far-S America and maybe VK and ZL stations may soon be able work Antarctica if anyone is on!). Northern Europe and the UK are now well in the footprint, NE Canadian provinces and some New England stations may be able to work Europe, and KL7 may be able to work northern Japan in a few weeks! These opportunities won't last - the "on" time will continue to shift, and once the onboard clock is reset, the satellite will be back on a "normal" schedule. If you hear or work AO-27, the command stations would appreciate knowing precise times for when the transmitter came on or turned off, and the reporting station's 6-character grid square or lat/lon. If you are in the far South and hear the 20 seconds of telemetry, try to capture KISS frames (NOT ASCII) and send the captured data file (or a good audio file we can try to decode). If scheduling SATNOGs observations (provides an excellent measure of on and off times), try to schedule descending passes during the "on" times and don't bother with ascending passes for now. [ANS thanks Stephan Greene, KS1G, on behalf of the AO-27 command team 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minn. 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. 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.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- So, You Want To Build A CubeSat? Everybody's sure it's easy! Just follow these simple steps: + First, select an appropriate CubeSat form factor based on payload size, power requirements, and deployment mechanism. + Consider power budget (especially for when the spacecraft is “in eclipse” on the dark side of the Earth), acceleration and vibration tolerance (the sound of launch alone can damage the spacecraft), and thermal management (your satellite is effectively sitting in a rather large vacuum thermos). + Use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts with existing flight heritage wherever possible—see satsearch and CubeSatShop. + Pick solar panels, batteries, and an Electrical Power System (EPS) to manage them. + Include one or more antennas and radios to talk to a ground station or ground station network (or broadcast up to GlobalStar or Iridium instead). + If you need to maintain orientation, include an Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) which will use some combination of Earth, Sun, and star trackers, gyroscopes, GPS receivers, and magnetometers to sense orientation, and rotate the spacecraft using magnetorquers and reaction wheels. Some CubeSats also now use miniature thrusters for attitude control, desaturation, and orbit maintenance. + Deployable components, such as antennas and solar panels, are usually stored under tension and released with electromagnets or redundant burn wires. + Next, select an On-Board Computer (OBC) for Command & Data Handling (C&DH) and the flight software that will run on it, such as the open-source cFS and F´ frameworks from NASA. + Prior to assembly, perform “flatsat” testing with everything wired on a bench. This is also when you should verify communications with the spacecraft via its radios. + Once assembled, put the CubeSat through vibration and thermal vacuum testing to ensure that it will survive the stresses of launch and the space environment. + Finally, obtain the required certifications for earth observation, radio licenses, and an approved deorbit plan. NASA has a helpful guide for first-time CubeSat developers with instructions and templates, and also a state-of-the-art technology report. (This overview is incomplete—please do not base your spacecraft design on an email newsletter.) [ANS thanks The Orbital Index 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 for August 25 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/ Armadillo NORAD Cat ID 44352 (decayed form orbit on 8/23/2022 per Space-Track). Those using TLEs provided by Celestrak should be aware of recent changes to the URLs for these files. All Celestrak websites are now at celestrak.org -- celestrak.com will no longer work. There was a problem with the format of the nasa.all version of the TLEs last week. The nasabare.txt file was unaffected by this problem, and the issue appears to have been resolved in this week's file. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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. Recently completed: Hospital School Program in partnership with Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tenn., direct via N4FR. The ISS callsign was NA1SS, and the crewmember was Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS. Contact was successful on Wednesday, 2022-08-24 17:42:54 UTC with 27 degrees elevation. Congratulations to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt students and Kjell! Current ARISS operations include voice repeater transmissions with the JVC Kenwood D710GA in the Columbus module and APRS packet operation from an identical radio in the Service Module (Zvezda). Packet operations are on 145.825 MHz. 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. 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 AA6MU: CN81 August 9-31, Linears and FM. W7WGC: Starting an Oregon Rove today (8/21/22) 10-14 days. Dates and approx dates. Will post details on Twitter for each later. Aug 21: CN 93 & 94 Aug 22: DN03 & DN02 Aug 23 – 28-ish DN14, 13, 12 Return to the West (TBD): DN04, DN15 DN05 CN95 CN85 & CN86 CN75 CN74 & CN84 N8AJM: From September 12 to 16 I hope to be in EM85. I will be working FM only with no set schedule. I may also activate a few grids on the way down from EN72. I will try to post all passes on hams.at KJ7DZ: CN74 roving trip booked. Sept 22 – 24. More info will be posted as time gets closer KI7QEK: I’m taking a family vacation in British Columbia and Alberta from August 27-September 3, and planning to bring FM and linear gear. “Holiday style” so no promises on passes, but I will be passing through these grids: DN09, DO00, DO01, DO11, DO20 & DO21 9Y60, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (Special Event): Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society (TTARS) will be active as 9Y60TT to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th anniversary of independence (August 31st, 1962) between August 26th and September 2nd. Activity will be on the HF/VHF bands using CW, SSB, Slow Scan TV (SSTV), Digital Modes (FT8/ FT4, JS8, JT65, 2m EME (Moonbounce), Satellite, APRS via ISS, Digital Voice (DMR, C4FM, D-Star), EchoLink….and more. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog and QRZ.com. For more details and info on how to obtain a certificate, see: 9y60tt [dot] info (received from JoAnne Maenpaa by email) [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. 2022 HamXposition, and ARRL New England and Hudson Division Convention ( hamxposition.org) Saturday and Sunday August 27 and 28, Marlborough, MA (Flea Market and some classes and workshops on Friday) AMSAT will have a booth with info, demos, and items for sale. Burns Fisher, WB1FJ will be presenting “What’s New At AMSAT” 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention Friday, October 7th, 2022 to Sunday, October 9th, 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/ 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] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations to John Langille, VE1CWJ, in FN85 and Philippe Chateau, EA4NF, in IN80 on a new distance record on XW-2A of 4,751 km - an astounding distance given XW-2A's apogee is now just 405 km! All current satellite distance records may be viewed at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP, for the above information) + An amazing video that shows how the Starlink antenna works is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs2QcycggWU (ANS thanks Mike Hoblinski, N6IMF, for the above information) + A SpaceX Dragon supply freighter undocked from the International Space Station on August 19, heading for splashdown off the coast of Florida Saturday with about two tons of cargo, experiments, and a leaky spacesuit. The unpiloted cargo carrier will bring home a spacesuit worn by European astronaut Matthias Maurer in March, when the station crew noticed water leaking in Maurer’s helmet after he returned to the lab’s pressurized airlock. NASA has suspended use of U.S. spacesuits for non-emergency spacewalks until the suit is returned to Earth for inspection and analysis. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev’s spacewalk was cut short by a suit battery issue on August 17. With NASA’s suits grounded at the moment, the ISS is running out of EVA options. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + As World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23) gets closer so the preparatory activities for all the agenda items are increasing in intensity. The most pressing for the amateur community is the 23cm band radio navigation satellite service (RNSS) coexistence agenda item 9.1b. The IARU engagement is continuing with the studies in the regulatory institutions as well as amongst the amateur community. As detailed proposals are starting to emerge so the amateur community needs to be ready to defend its interests in this band. See https://www.iaru-r1.org/ for more information. (ANS thanks Barry Lewis, G4SJH, for the above information) + MANY THANKS to Steve Kenwolf, WH6BSZ, for creating the new logo for the AMSAT News Service! We appreciate Steve's work and creativity in updating our look on the web and social media versions of ANS. (ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, AMSAT News Service Senior Editor, 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-233 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 21 Aug '22

21 Aug '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-233 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: * Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting * 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 * Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for August 18, 2022 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-233 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 Aug 21 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, Oct. 21-22 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minn. 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. 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] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for July 21, 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/ There were no changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution this week. [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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS News Scheduled ARISS Contacts Hospital School Program in partnership with Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN., direct via N4FR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is go for: Wed 2022-08-24 17:42:54 UTC 27 deg 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. 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 Russian EVA on September 02. * 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) * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. * Powered OFF for Russian EVA on September 02. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: AA6MU: CN81 August 9-31, Linears and FM. AdDDB: Activating DM24, DM25 and DM35, Aug 20,21,22, FM passes. Kingman and Mohave Valley AZ area. Holiday style but I’ll try to post ahead of them. N8AJM: From September 12 to 16 I hope to be in EM85. I will be working FM only with no set schedule. I may also activate a few grids on the way down from EN72. I will try to post all passes on hams.at KI7QEK: Will I’m taking a family vacation in British Columbia and Alberta from August 27-September 3, and planning to bring FM and linear gear. “Holiday style” so no promises on passes, but I will be passing through these grids: DN09, DO00, DO01, DO11, DO20 & DO21 [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. + HamXposition August 27-28, 2022 Marlborough, MA https://hamxposition.org/ + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7, 2022 – October 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/ + 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 + Icom announced the IC-905, a portable 2m/70cm/1.2 GHz/2.4 GHz/5.6 GHz transceiver with an optional 10 GHz module, at the Tokyo Ham Fair on August 19th. Details regarding pricing, availability, and features applicable to satellite operators were not available at the time of this writing. + The QSO between Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS, on the ISS and 8-year-old Isabella Payne continues to garner press attention, including this CNN story: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/17/uk/girl-iss-amateur-radio-scn-scli-intl-… + FalconSat-3 continues to operate, but due to poor battery condition, the transmitter needs to be reactivated by command stations periodically. The satellite is expected to re-enter in 6-9 months, so now is the time to use it! (Thanks to Mark Hammond, N8MH, AMSAT Command Station) + Artemis I, the first uncrewed launch of NASA's Space Launch System and Orion capsule on a mission around the moon, will carry a number of CubeSats and other payloads to the moon, including Omotenashi, which will transmit in the 70 cm amateur radio band. Radio frequencies can be found at https://sgcderek.github.io/blog/artemis-1.html. The launch is currently scheduled for August 29th. (Thanks to NASA, Derek, OK9SGC, and David, G0MRF) + NASA is also encouraging the general public to track the S-band telemetry from Artemis I. https://sam.gov/opp/9e894407ff12427d800b2457421914e0/view?linkId=177463503 (Thanks to NASA and Scott, K4KDR) + Congratulations to Grace Papay, KE8RJU, for working her 50th state for satellite WAS. Operating portable overlooking Lake Michigan on August 18th, she worked KJ7NDY, on vacation in Hawaii, for her 50th state. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-226 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Aug. 14
by Mark Johns, K0JM 14 Aug '22

14 Aug '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-226 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 * India's New Rocket Fails To Put Satellites In Right Orbit In Debut Launch * Russia Successfully Launches KAI 1 Repeater Along With Iranian Satellite * Wireless Institute of Australia Supporting Binar Satellites * Simultaneous Operations of APRS and Voice Repeater Now a Reality on ISS * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for August 11 * Press Coverage of Eight-Year-Old’s ISS Ham Radio Contact * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-226 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 Aug 14 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, Oct. 21-22 The 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minn. 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. 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.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ India's New Rocket Fails To Put Satellites In Right Orbit In Debut Launch India's new rocket launched for the first time on Saturday night (Aug. 6) but failed to deliver its satellite payloads into their intended orbit due to a sensor issue. The 112-foot-tall (34 meters) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's southeastern coast on Saturday at 11:48 p.m. EDT (0348 GMT and 9:18 a.m. India Standard Time on Sunday, Aug. 7) with two satellites onboard. The main payload on Saturday's test mission was EOS-02, a 300-pound (135 kilograms) experimental Earth-observation satellite. The second satellite was an 18-pound (8 kg) cubesat called AzaadiSAT. This little spacecraft was loaded with 75 different payloads, which were built by female students across India to perform a variety of "femto-experiments." "The payloads include a UHF-VHF transponder working in ham radio frequency to enable voice and data transmission for amateur radio operators, a solid state PIN diode-based radiation counter to measure the ionizing radiation in its orbit, a long-range transponder and a selfie camera," ISRO officials wrote in the mission description. Instead of placing the satellites in a circular orbit 221 miles (356 kilometers) above Earth, the rocket left them in an orbit that ranged from 221 miles to as close as 47 miles (76 km). That orbit was not stable, and the satellites have "already come down, and they are not usable," ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said in a video statement after the launch. [ANS thanks Space.com for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Russia Successfully Launches KAI 1 Repeater Along With Iranian Satellite A Russian rocket on Tuesday successfully launched an Iranian satellite into orbit, along with a Russian amateur cubesat. The Soyuz rocket lifted off as scheduled at 05:52 GMT Tuesday, Aug. 9 from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan. About nine minutes after the launch, it placed the Iranian satellite called Khayyam into orbit. It’s named after Omar Khayyam, a Persian scientist who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries. Also aboard were 16 Russian cubesats, including the 3U cubesat KAI 1, aka KNITU-KAI, NILAKT DOSAAF LLC, ANO DPO "KIRO." Its callsign will be RS26S. It carries a 145/435 MHz repeater, panoramic cameras and a temperature meter based on a fiber Bragg grating. Currently no further details are available. Among the other cubesats scheduled for this launch were ten Russian satellites in the SXC3 series, transmitting telemetry on amateur frequencies. A list of these satellites and their frequencies may be found at https://sputnix.ru/en/satellites-sputnix/for-radioamateurs [ANS thanks N2YO.com, Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, and Nader Omer, HZ1NH, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Wireless Institute of Australia Supporting Binar Satellites The Board of the Wireless Institute of Australia has supported the Binar-1 small satellite/CubeSat mission which was launched from the ISS by Curtin University. Binar-1 is a 1U CubeSat currently in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and was a technical demonstrator of in-house developed hardware that aimed to become a repeatable platform for research and educational purposes. This year the Board of the WIA agreed to support the upcoming mission 2 that will see satellites: Binar-2, Binar-3 and Binar-4 be deployed from the ISS in the same way as Binar-1 into LEO. A subsequent mission 3 will follow about a year later with three more CubeSats (Binar-5,6 and 7) to also be delivered into Low Earth Orbit. Part of the Binar mission is to try to make it easier for young, enthusiastic students to learn more about and how to use amateur radio in a way which directly relates to STEM. We believe that this specific use of amateur radio is a fantastic crossover opportunity for education and encouragement of STEM. Previously young students were constrained by resources, and current progtam wants to provide a platform where students - both high-school and university - can learn about amateur radio, spacecraft, their operations, and science experiments flying onboard the spacecraft. The satellites in Launch 2 will be Binar-2, 3, 4 will have a multiband radio, capable of operating in the amateur band. The radio frequencies are allocated in the 70cm Amateur Satellite Radio band and, as required by local and international regulatory bodies (ACMA, ITU, IARU), will be coordinated through the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) with the support of the Wireless Institute of Australia as the national association for Amateur Radio in Australia . The main purpose of the usage of the amateur-satellite band allocation onboard the Satellites in Launches 2 and 3 is to provide a platform to educate high school and university students on satellite technology. [ANS thanks Southgate ARC for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Simultaneous Operations of APRS and Voice Repeater Now a Reality on ISS ARISS is pleased to announce that starting yesterday, August 11, simultaneous operations of the ARISS Voice Repeater and digital APRS communications on the International Space Station (ISS) is now a reality. Current ARISS operations include voice repeater transmissions with the JVC Kenwood D710GA in the Columbus module and APRS packet operation from an identical radio in the Service Module (Zvezda). Packet operations are on 145.825 MHz. The ARISS Russia and USA teams have been working for several weeks to prepare the Service Module radio for APRS operations. ARISS Russia team member Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, led the effort, working with Russian mission controllers and the on-board ISS cosmonauts to configure the Service Module radio for APRS ops. On August 11, final checkouts were completed and the APRS packet mode was switched on for amateur radio use. ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO states, “Simultaneous operation of APRS and the voice repeater on ISS is transformative for ARISS and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0 initiative, providing interactive capabilities 24/7 that inspire, engage and educate youth and lifelong learners—especially life-long learning in ham radio operations.” Bauer continues, “Our heartfelt thanks to Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, for making this crucial ARISS 2.0 initiative become a reality.” The Columbus Module radio uses the callsign NA1SS and the new Service Module radio uses RS0ISS. Aside from the callsigns, the radios are identical and packet operations are the same as before. You can use RS0ISS, ARISS, or APRSAT as the packet path. Also, both radios are expected to be on full time, except during educational contacts, EVAs, and dockings or undockings. You can find operational status and expected downtimes of the ISS radios at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations. [ANS thanks Dave Jordan, AA4KN, ARISS PR, 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 for August 11 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 satellites have decayed from orbit and have been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: Maya-3 NORAD Cat ID 49273 (decayed form orbit on 8/3/2022 per Space-Track). Maya-4 NORAD Cat ID 49274 (decayed form orbit on 8/8/2022 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Coverage of Eight-Year-Old’s ISS Ham Radio Contact Kent’s Isle of Thanet News reports on the amateur radio contact between 8-year-old Isabella Payne and NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS on the International Space Station. In the Isle of Thanet News, Kathy Bailes, writes: A Broadstairs eight-year-old has chatted with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station and a recording of the conversation will feature on the NASA website. Isabella Payne spoke to Astronaut Kjell Lindgren as the ISS flew overhead last week. The youngster was with dad Matthew Payne, M0LMK, who is a license holding amateur radio enthusiast and tutor. He and Isabella are both members of Hilderstone Radio Society. Matthew said: “Isabella has been a member of the radio club ever since she was born and has been playing with the radio since she was six. Because I have the full licence she can sit on my knee and use the radio to speak to people as long as I am controlling it. Everyone at the club can do that. She has been involved in a few radio events, Children On The Air events, and will hopefully go for her own licence soon. Read full story by Kathy Bailes and listen to the recording on the Isle of Thanet News site at https://bit.ly/3vVAFNG or at https://twitter.com/IsleThanetNews/status/1557404614076530688 Matthew Payne, M0LMK, tweeted: “Isabella has been having an email exchange with the @NASA #ISS team, you know, as you do! She sent a photo for their publicity team and asked for it to be sent onto @astro_kjell. Here’s what she got in return…” https://twitter.com/m0lmk/status/1556976125359919105 ISS astronaut’s favourite ham radio contact https://amsat-uk.org/2022/08/03/iss-astronauts-favorite-ham-radio-contact/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK 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. Cambridge Public Library and Idea Exchange, Cambridge, ON, Canada, direct via VE3SWA. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Kjell Lindgren, KO5MOS. Contact is go for: Thursday, 2022-08-18 at 17:45:15 UTC 66 degrees elevation. 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. Both the crossband FM voice repeater and the APRS digipeater are now in simultaneous operation. See article above. 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 N8MR will be in EN57 with frequent roves to EN56 and EN67 Aug 6-13. Listening for EU, Car, SA CA. Prefer linear sats, FM sats poss. Sked depends on wx, etc. WY7AA is headed to DN53 and will be camping there from 8/10 – 8/15’ish. He will be in the bottom of a canyon, so Sats will be tough, but he will try when he can. Primarily K-4536 #POTA No cell service, send a Winlink note if you want. DN52 will be the week after. AA6MU: CN81 August 9-31, Linears and FM. W7BMD: will be vacationing in FN41/FN51 land, so intermittently available for FM birds QSOs August 8-12. AD7DB: Activating DM24, DM25 and DM35, Aug 20,21,22, FM passes. Kingman and Mohave Valley AZ area. Holiday style but I’ll try to post ahead of them. EA4NF, Phillippe. August 1-3th and 13-16th, EL94 & EL95, FM and Liners, will confirm in LOTW as KE4NF. Hit him up on Twitter @EA4NF_Sat for details. KI7QEK: Will I’m taking a family vacation in British Columbia and Alberta from August 27-September 3, and planning to bring FM and linear gear. “Holiday style” so no promises on passes, but I will be passing through these grids: DN09, DO00, DO01, DO11, DO20 & DO21 [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. 2022 HamXposition, and ARRL New England and Hudson Division Convention (hamxposition.org) Saturday and Sunday August 27 and 28, Marlborough, MA (Flea Market and some classes and workshops on Friday) AMSAT will have a booth with info, demos, and items for sale. Burns Fisher, WB1FJ will be presenting “What’s New At AMSAT” 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention Friday, October 7th, 2022 to Sunday, October 9th, 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/ 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] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Filipino-made cube satellites Maya-3 and Maya-4 returned to Earth and ended their missions, the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program announced on Tuesday. Maya-3 and Maya-4 reentered the Earth’s atmosphere on Aug. 4 and Aug. 8, respectively. While in the orbit for 10 months, the two cube satellites carried a commercial off-the-shelf APRS-Digipeater Payload Demonstration, which employed packet radio technology to transmit information over amateur radio. (ANS thanks CNN Philippines for the above information) + For the first time, Veraval Light House, situated at the south coast of Gujarat State from India, will be activated with the Special Amateur Radio Callsign AT3VLH. The Lighthouse is activated by active Ham Radio Operator Rajesh Vagadia, VU2EXP, from Rajkot (Gujarat) India. It is SOLO operator activation to experiment learn & spread awareness with amateur radio spirit. The activation will take place 19 to 22 August, 2022 utilizing 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m and FM Satellites. (ANS thanks Rajesh Vagadia, VU2EXP, for the above information) + A NASA cubesat was removed from a recent rideshare launch opportunity on a U.S. Space Force mission because the spacecraft could not meet guidelines for deorbiting at the end of its life. The GTOSat mission, developed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, was manifested to fly as a secondary payload on the Atlas 5 launch of the SBIRS GEO-6 missile-warning satellite. The SBIRS satellite was successfully launched Aug. 4. However, GTOSat and a second, unidentified rideshare payload were not included on the launch. Space Force officials said in a prelaunch briefing that the satellites were not compliant with orbital debris mitigation guidelines but did not elaborate. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information) + Three 1 kg cubesats, TUMNanosat, FUTABA and HSU-SAT 1 were deployed from the J-SSOD No. 22 deployer on the ISS Japanese robot arm at 0945 UTC Aug 12. TUMNanosat has 9k6 GMSK AX25 downlink of beacons and telemetry on 436.680 MHz. FUTABA downlinks with 20 wpm CW beacon and 1k2 AFSK for FM telemetry and mission data on 437.375 MHz. More info from https://www.futaba.space/blank-3 HSU-SAT-1 has a downlink using CW, FM SSTV and 9k6 GMSK at 437.280 MHz. More information at https://bit.ly/3C3LFwa (ANS thanks AMSAT-UK and the IARU 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-219 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for August 7, 2022
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 07 Aug '22

07 Aug '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-219 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 - Bloomington, MN - Oct. 21-22, 2022 * Apogee View * VUCC Satellite Standings August 2022 * PREDICT Version 2.3.0 Released * AMSAT DSTAR Now Linked to DMR and YSF-Fusion * AzaadiSAT to be Launched on August 7, 2022 * Astro Pi Mission Space Lab 2021/22: The Results * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for August 4, 2022 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-219 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 Aug 07 40th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting - Bloomington, MN - 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. 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.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Apogee View This year’s Hamvention theme was Reunion, which was certainly evident among this year's attendees. After a two-year absence due to COVID restrictions, it was great to see everyone face-to-face and talk about the exciting opportunities of amateur radio in space. Like many of our visitors, I was excited and impressed with the progress and accomplishments in our Engineering, CubeSat Simulator, and Youth Initiative programs. The AMSAT TAPR Banquet on Friday night was an excellent opportunity to come together with our friends at Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) and pay tribute to Bob Bruninga, WB4APR (SK), who we lost earlier this year. I want to thank everyone who shared their stories of Bob, who has contributed so much to amateur radio and amateur radio in space. Attendance at the AMSAT Forum was fantastic. Jerry Buxton, N0JY, and Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, provided an excellent Engineering update on GOLF, our in-house developed reaction wheels, and the new Fox Plus program. Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, brought us up to speed on the AMSAT Youth Initiative program, which takes an innovative and inspiring approach to introduce youth to amateur radio in space. Last but not least, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, and his students demonstrated the CubeSat Simulator and CubeSatSim Lite, which have made a terrific impact on the STEM education community. I thank the volunteers who donated their time over the long weekend to serve as AMSAT Ambassadors at our booths. Our volunteers, led by Phil Smith, W1EME, did a phenomenal job in answering questions, helping our members, and making AMSAT’s presence at Hamvention 2022 a huge success. THANK YOU! 40th Anniversary of the Space Camp For those not aware, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Space Camp on June 18, 2022. AMSAT Ambassador Tim Cunningham, N8DEU, hosted special event station K4S, demonstrating his field day amateur radio satellite station and answering questions about amateur radio in space. While Tim worked the International Space Station (ISS) several times, along with multiple contacts through other LEO satellites, the highlight of his efforts was facilitating a contact between a graduating Space Camp young lady and an astronaut aboard the ISS. Congratulations, Tim, on a job well done! An Innovation Road Map Innovation and experimentation are the cornerstones of what sets AMSAT apart in the amateur satellite community and what we need to continue to focus on in AMSAT’s future. In June 2021, AMSAT implemented a strategic plan defining who we are and where we want to go. In this plan, we affirmed our commitment to return to higher orbits and the vital role GOLF plays in helping us to develop the necessary systems and skills to take us there. In addition, we expressed our continued support in providing easily accessible amateur radio satellites in low earth orbit, encouraging the next generation of engineers, software developers, scientists, and mathematicians through STEM educational initiatives, and partnering with ARISS on human spaceflight programs. It is now time that we put that plan into action. Compliance and Open Projects – Establish export control policy and open project framework to allow AMSAT’s return to international collaboration. AMSAT is committed to complying with U.S. export controls laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. ITAR and EAR regulations govern the shipment, transfer, and access of export-controlled data, items, equipment, materials, and software to non-U.S. persons or entities (domestically and abroad). OFAC regulations impose sanctions and embargoes on transactions or exchanges with designated countries, entities, and individuals. To ensure compliance with all Export laws, AMSAT must establish an Export Control policy, including procedures for complying with Export Control laws and educating all individuals working at, with, or on behalf of AMSAT, who work with, or have access to export-controlled technical data software, materials, and equipment, on such laws, policies, and procedures. This policy should require actively managing and monitoring compliance with Export Control laws and authorizing the creation of procedures to administer major organizational functions related to export compliance. AMSAT also recognizes that a critical component of its mission is supporting fundamental research, developing relationships and participating in the worldwide scientific, amateur radio, and amateur satellite communities to further the pursuit of knowledge. Export control laws restrict foreign national access to items or information that might be contrary to U.S. interests; however, these laws include exemptions for information published or disseminated in the Public Domain. AMSAT must take advantage of these carve- outs, when available, to further its international collaboration and outreach efforts. As such, we are working on implementing the necessary online project management and collaboration tools to support our open projects and the required publication processes to share what we have learned with the world. Experimentation and Education – Develop open and sustainable CubeSat programs to provide technological experimentation and educational support in Low Earth Orbits (LEO). Low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites play a critical role in AMSAT’s future. LEO FM CubeSats provide a cheap entry point to amateur radio in space. The lower costs associated with building and launching them make them an excellent platform to support our technological experimentation and STEM education initiatives. AMSAT’s Fox Plus program will be the foundation for our future efforts in LEO. In addition, proposed orbital debris mitigation standards will require all flight systems intended to be flown above low earth orbits to be “proven” in low earth orbit first. AMSAT’s GOLF-TEE (Greater Orbit Larger Footprint - Technology Exploration Experiment) was developed to demonstrate the necessary technologies for higher orbits. Scientific Research – Develop an open CubeSat program to enable scientific research related to amateur radio above low earth orbits. As space becomes increasingly crowded, obtaining a license to launch a satellite above low earth orbit will require a reason more important than amateur radio. Moving forward, we need to incorporate missions that include benefits for the greater good of society, of which scientific research and education appear to be our easiest path. AMSAT is not a scientific research institution, but we can certainly benefit by partnering with educational institutions to study the long-term effects of radiation exposure on communication and command and control systems. For example, our partnership with Vanderbilt University during the Fox Program provides a template as we chart our return to HEO. GEO Rideshare – Develop a program to secure an amateur radio payload in geostationary orbit above North America. I am often asked, “When will AMSAT put a satellite in geostationary orbit?” The short answer is NEVER,... if we have to do it ourselves. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is not going to allow a bunch of weekend warriors to play in geostationary orbit; not to mention, the price of admission, continued operation, and indemnification is beyond our reach. So, our best opportunity is to partner with someone already going there as a secondary payload. No one has knocked on our door offering a free ride, nor have we succeeded in our numerous cold call attempts. We need someone on the inside or even a friend of a friend, who can get us in the room. If you know someone and an opportunity, I could use your help. Until next time, thank you for supporting AMSAT. Onward & Upward! [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC Satellite Standings August 2022 K8YSE 2035 2100 K8DP 1300 1316 N0JE 761 775 WD9EWK (DM43) 686 696 AF5CC 621 628 W7QL 563 600 KS1G 551 579 K5TA 563 575 KE8RJU 512 568 EA2AA 525 546 W8MTB New 515 N6UTC 475 503 F4BKV 400 500 HP2VX 453 464 XE1MYO 349 451 FG8OJ 300 373 KB1HY 337 353 N7ZO 300 302 KE7RTB 250 300 N3CAL 235 247 K3HPA 205 225 N3UPS 100 218 XE1ZD 109 213 VE7PTN 202 203 JH0BBE 150 200 WD9EWK (DM22) 181 189 WD9EWK (DM23) 182 185 VA3VGR 103 164 WD9EWK (DM42) 157 164 WD9EWK (DM45) 155 160 WD9EWK (DM54) 153 159 IK7FMQ 103 156 HC2FG 146 150 K2KA 102 128 KC4CJ New 126 DF2PI 116 124 HP2BPK New 107 N2WLS New 104 K5JBT New 100 Congratulations to the new Satellite VUCC holders KC4CJ HP2BPK N2WLS K5JBT [ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ for the above informatiion.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- PREDICT Version 2.3.0 Released John Magliacane, KD2BD announced the release of PREDICT Version 2.3.0. PREDICT is a widely-used open source satellite tracking / orbital prediction application for Linux and Unix computing environments including PCs, laptops, Raspberry PIs, and Android devices running under a Termux environment. A new limited capability version that operates under a 32-bit DOS environment has been released as well. PREDICT version 2.3.0 introduces an easy-to-use satellite transponder database editor and support for a mouse (or touch screen under a Termux/Android environment). New features make it possible to run PREDICT in Multi-Satellite Tracking Mode, left click on any satellite displayed on the screen, and be brought directly into Single Satellite Tracking Mode for more detailed tracking information on the chosen satellite. In addition, previously separate "Vocalizer" code has been integrated into PREDICT's mainline source. Text-to-speech operations are now executed in separate threads rather than forked background processes as was the practice in the past. PREDICT was originally released under an Open Source Software General Public License in late 1999, and is cataloged under the Smithsonian/NASA Astrophysics Data System hosted by Harvard University. PREDICT has been successfully employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where it provides orbital prediction and tracking data for VLBI radio telescope steering. PREDICT is employed by the European Space Agency's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory where it provides tracking and velocity profile data used to steer the 25 meter dish antenna at the Chilbolton Observatory (https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2006/03/Chilbolton_Observatory). PREDICT also powers AMSAT North America's on-line satellite prediction service (https://www.amsat.org/track/), and has served as the basis for a host of other derivative open-source software applications. Additional information, including screenshots and download links, are available via the PREDICT website at https://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/predict.html [ANS thanks John Magliacane, KD2BD, 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 DSTAR Now Linked to DMR and YSF-Fusion There have been a couple of updates to the AMSAT digital radio links. In case you were not aware of it, the AMSAT DMR 98006 talkgroup and the US AMSAT YSF 11689 reflector have been linked together for years, making it quite simple to use either mode to cross-communicate with the other. However, the AMSAT DSTAR reflector has not been bridged into the system, so it has been isolated. But, there is great news on that front. With the great help of Craig Jump, 2M0JUM, that problem seems to be solved. Craig has been linked his XLX606 DSTAR reflector to the AMSAT reflector, and has also bridged the DSTAR reflector to the AMSAT DMR 98006 talkgroup. This means that users can now use DMR, YSF-Fusion or DSTAR and seamlessly communicate with anyone on any of these technologies. As with all things digital, users may want to give the system one or two extra seconds when they key up so all the links are fully engaged before talking - just to ensure they don't cut off the first syllable of their transmission. However, this been the case with DMR and YSF only links for years. Testing is still underway so it is possible that the system could be temporarily disabled at times. But, the hope is this will be as solid as the previous bridge. Users experiencing problems or need help getting connected can contact Walter Holmes, K5WH. [ANS thanks Walter Holmes, K5WH, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AzaadiSAT to be Launched on August 7, 2022 On August 7, 2022 at 0348 UTC the Indian satellite AzaadiSAT of Space Kidz India is to be launched as the secondary payload on the first flight of the new SSLV rocket from Sriharikota, India. The planned orbit is circular at 356 km with inclination 37.21 degrees. AzaadiSAT carries a digital packet store and forward system, a camera and a radiation sensor. The downlink is on the IARU coordinated frequency 437.400 MHz with 1200 bps FSK telemetry and camera pictures with AFSK SSTV and LoRa. Developed and built by 750 girl students from across India, the satellite is the result of ISRO pushing for girls to take up Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The eight-kilogram CubeSat carries 75 different payloads, each weighing around 50 grams, that will conduct femto-experiments and has a mission life of six months. It is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, to mark the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. Read the complete story at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-AzaadiSAT. [ANS thanks Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, and IndiaToday.in for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Astro Pi Mission Space Lab 2021/22: The Results RaspberryPi.org reports, "It’s been an incredible year for the European Astro Pi Challenge. We’ve sent new hardware into space, seen record numbers of young people participate in the Challenge, and received lots of fantastic programs. Before we say goodbye to the 2021/22 European Astro Pi Challenge, the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the European Space Agency are thrilled to announce this year’s winning and highly commended Mission Space Lab teams. "In Mission Space Lab, teams of young people aged up to 19 work together to create scientific experiments to be carried out on the International Space Station. Their mission is to design and create a program to run on the two Astro Pi computers — space-adapted Raspberry Pi's with cameras and a range of sensors. "This year, 799 teams of young people designed experiments and entered Mission Space Lab and 502 of these teams were invited to Phase 2, which is 25% more than last year! The teams each received an Astro Pi kit to write and test their programs on and 299 teams submitted programs that passed rigorous testing at Astro Pi Mission Control and achieved ‘flight status’. "After their program collected data during the experiment’s three-hour runtime on the ISS, each team analyzed the results and wrote a short report to describe their experiment. "We were especially excited to see what experiments young people would investigate this year, as their programs would be the first to run on the brand-new Astro Pi units, which were named after Nikola Tesla and Marie Curie by participants in this year’s Mission Zero." For a look at the teams’ investigations for Mission Space Lab 2021/22 go to https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-Astro-Pi. [ANS thanks the Raspberry Pi Foundation 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 for August 4, 2022 The following satellites have been added this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: RS4S NORAD Cat ID 53306 RS3S NORAD Cat ID 53308 RS1S NORAD Cat ID 53309 RS5S NORAD Cat ID 53310 RS6S NORAD Cat ID 53311 RS9S NORAD Cat ID 53312 RS12S NORAD Cat ID 53313 Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, for the identification of these satellites. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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. + Upcoming Contacts Ufa State Aviation Technical University, Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Artemiev. Contact is go for 2022-08-10 10:05 UTC. Kopernik Observatory & Science Center (KOSC), Vestal, N.Y., direct via K2ZRO. 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: Wed 2022-08-10 16:11:14 UTC. Summer Space School at IKI RAN (Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences), Moscow, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Korsakov. Contact is go for: Mon 2022-08-08 11:40 UTC. + Successful Contacts About Gagarin From Space Conducting a session of amateur radio communication with students in Almetyevsk, Almetyevsk, Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P. The ISS callsign was RS0ISS. The crewmember was Sergei Korsakov. Contact was successful: 2022-07-30 14:08 UTC. Swiss Guide and Scout Movement, Bern, Switzerland, direct via HB9JAM. The ISS callsign was OR4ISS. The crewmember was Samantha Cristoforetti, IZ0UDF. Contact was successful: Wed 2022-08-03 12:23:28 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 N8MR: Will be in EN57 with frequent roves to EN56 and EN67 Aug 6-13. Listening for EU, Car, SA CA. Prefer linear sats, FM sats poss. Sked depends on wx, etc. EA4NF, Philippe will be operating as 8P9NF on LEO Satellites from Barbados, in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies and the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. This will be happening 8/8 – 8/12 Philippe will operate using his portable LEO sat station (Yaesu FT818ND+Yaesu FT817ND) and Arrow antenna added to a Walkie Kenwood TH-D7 and a whip antenna to cover short, mid and long distances on both modes (FM & SSB) EA4NF, Phillippe. August 13-16, EL94 & EL95, FM and Liners, will confirm in LOTW as KE4NF. Hit him up on Twitter @EA4NF_Sat for details. KI7QEK: Taking a family vacation in British Columbia and Alberta from August 27-September 3. Planning to bring FM and linear gear. “Holiday style” so no promises on passes, but he will be passing through these grids: DN09, DO00, DO01, DO11, DO20 & DO21 [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. + HamXposition August 27-28, 2022 Marlborough, MA https://hamxposition.org/ + 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/ + 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) September 16–18, 2022 Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina https://tapr.org [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS, who is on the International Space Station, describes his amateur radio contact with 8-year-old Isabella from Kent, UK, as his favorite so far. He tweeted: "I’ve had a lot of fun using the #ARISS amateur radio station #NA1SS on the @Space_Station to talk with ham radio operators all over the world. I’ve even (unofficially) worked stations on all continents! But this may be my favorite contact so far." A recording of the contact is at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-219-Favorite. [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] + On August 9, 2022 the Iranian remote sensing satellite Khayyam is to be launched from Baykonur on a Soyuz 2.1B & Fregat, along with 16 Russian cubesats. One of those will be the 3U cubesat KAI 1, aka KNITU-KAI, NILAKT DOSAAF LLC, ANO DPO "KIRO". Its callsign will be RS26S. It carries a 145/435 MHz repeater, panoramic cameras and a temperature meter based on a fiber Bragg grating. Currently no further details are available. Also it is not clear if any of the other cubesats will appear on any amateur radio frequencies. [ANS thanks Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for the above information.] + The White House released a new National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan on July 29. The plan focuses on 44 specific actions which need to be taken, or researched, or collaborated on, around debris mitigation, tracking, and remediation, and delegates various government agencies to undertake them. To read the entire document, see https://bit.ly/3JtYpxR [ANS thanks The Orbital Index 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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ANS-212 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for July 31
by Mark Johns, K0JM 31 Jul '22

31 Jul '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-212 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: * New AMSAT Digital Radio Links * 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election * Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting * URESAT Project Receives Award From the Salvatore Association 009 * Operating Tips for FM Satellites * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 28 * NASA’s Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, Retiring After 18 Years As An Astronaut * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-212 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 July 31 New AMSAT Digital Radio Links There have been a couple very new updates to the AMSAT digital radio links. First, while the AMSAT DMR talkgroup 98006 and the U.S. AMSAT Yaesu System Fusion (YSF) 11689 reflector have been linked together for years, making it quite simple to use either method to cross communicate with others, the AMSAT DSTAR reflectors have not been bridged into the system. So, it's been isolated. Walter Holmes, K5WH, with the help of Craig Jump, 2M0JUM, have been working to solve that problem. Craig has been able to link his XLX606 DSTAR reflector to the AMSAT reflector, and now also bridged the DSTAR reflector to the AMSAT DMR 98006 talkgroup. What this means, is that you can now use either DMR, YSF-Fusion, or DSTAR, and communicate with anyone on either of these technologies, seamlessly. As with ALL of this digital stuff, it's probably worth mentioning that it's necessary to give the system about 1 or 2 extra seconds when you key up, for all the linking to fully engage before you talk, just to ensure you don't cut off the first of what you want to say. But that's been the same even with the way we have had DMR and YSF linked for years now. This system is still being tested, so it's possible it could be temporarily disabled at times, but hopefully this will be as solid as the previous bridge, and you will be able to take advantage of it. As always, let K5WH know if you experience anything that needs attention. The second new development is for those that have a Windows or Android environment, there is now yet another way to get to the AMSAT DSTAR reflector, with NO RADIO necessary. (Of course you have to register for an ID, to prove that you're a licensed ham, before you can use the system.) You might be familiar with an application called BlueDV, that many of us have used for years, and requires you to have an ambe server to connect to, and use your PC or cell phone to access DMR, YSF-Fusion, or DSTAR. David Grootendorst, PA7LIM, created this years ago, and has been plenty helpful. Visit https://www.pa7lim.nl/bluedv/ for the Windows software, or the Google Play Store for Android. David also created an application called Peanut, that does the same for a small but directed set of systems on DMR, YSF, and DSTAR, where you don't need a radio or an AMBEserver to access these networks. Unfortunately, there is not an iOS solution for this at this time, but it works very well for the Windows and Android environments. Now, since 2M0JUM has created a link from his XLX606 DSTAR reflector to the AMSAT DSTAR reflector, you can use the PEANUT app, and connect to XLX606, and you will be liked into the AMSAT network. Early testing looks like DMR and YSF are going to DSTAR fine, but DSTAR back is showing the callsign data, but the audio is not coming through. From the Peanut app, it's working BOTH ways just fine. I hope this adds some new functionality that others can use to help us all stay better in touch while chasing these great satellites across the skies. [ANS thanks Walter Holmes, K5WH, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election The nomination period for the 2022 Board of Directors Election ended on June 15, 2022. The following candidates have been duly nominated: • Mark Hammond, N8MH • Bruce Paige, KK5DO • Paul Stoetzer, N8HM In accordance with our Bylaws, we must hold an election, even though we have three nominations for three open Director positions. As such, we will host electronic voting on our Member Portal this year, at no cost to the organization. Voting is now open and will close on September 15, 2022. When you click on the poll link, you will see your ballot (poll question). After choosing from the possible options, click the Submit button to cast your vote. Unlike many online polls, the results of all votes cast, up to the point of your vote, will not be displayed. AMSAT members can only vote once. If you click the poll link again after already voting, a vote submitted message will be displayed. As three seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, all three candidates will be seated on the Board when the voting period concludes on September 15, 2022. If you need assistance logging into your membership account to vote, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ATZFrV [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President and Acting Secretary, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting This is a repeat of the first 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] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ URESAT Project Receives Award From the Salvatore Association 009 URESAT, the URE satellite project managed by AMSAT EA in collaboration with university students, Vocational Training students and with financial and technological support from companies in the space sector, has been chosen by the Salvatore Association 009 to receive the award that said organization gives annually to projects and initiatives related, generally, to art and art in sport. Although this space project is far from these activities, it has been the aspect of its social function, as it is an open public satellite for voice and data communications, and educational, of this activity, which has tipped the balance in its favour. URESAT and other previous AMSAT EA satellite projects, involve a large number of students, both from professional training centers and universities, from different branches: aerospace, computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering, etc. The prize consists of an economic amount donated by the friends of the Association and that will be used to cover part of the costs of developing and launching the satellite, expected for January 2023. The Association promotes under the name of Salvatore 009 a group of friends who with love and similar affinities help with their work, with their ideas and with their money to pay for art and sports in general; especially those that this family member and friend Salvador practiced for years. Salvador has always participated with a great spirit of improvement and non-profit in many disciplines that essentially represent the values of sport in any part of the world. Another virtue that characterized him was his love for art and his ability to identify interesting projects in life, as well as his innate talent to create and his imagination to develop them with optimism, confidence and joy. Sport and art share those values that characterized him: they favor personal development and self-esteem. They also help to become more independent in life, create self-discipline, foster fighting spirit and teamwork. AMSAT-EA and URE thank the Salvatore 009 Association for this award, of which we feel very proud. The URESAT-1 satellite itself is based on the previous experience of the GENESIS, EASAT-2 and HADES missions, in which numerous students from Spanish universities participated, and will incorporate many improvements that have been identified thanks to the results of these projects. The design is estimated to be 90% new. Among the novelties, a new 32-bit on-board computer stands out, which allows the available functionalities to be increased, including the SDR processing carried out and which results in higher speeds of transmission and re-transmission of data, as well as an increase in the surface of solar panels, which translates into more energy and higher transmission power. The antenna deployment mechanism has also been improved, increasing its reliability. URESAT-1 will incorporate a repeater for FM voice and FSK data, as well as CW beacons, pre-recorded voice, FSK telemetry and an SSTV camera that will transmit live images and pre-loaded photos in analog SSTV format. The launch of URESAT-1 is scheduled for January 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9, from Cape Canaveral in the United States. [ANS thanks AMSAT-EA for the above information, and apologizes for any errors in translation] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ SAVE THE DATE The 40th Anniversary AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held in Bloomington, MN on Oct 21 - 23, 2022. More information will follow in future editions of ANS. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Operating Tips for FM Satellites Recent abuses on AO-91, and continued bedlam on FM satellites generally, have raised a growing number of complaints among operators and control stations. Here are some tips to help everyone enjoy these satellites and avoid being labeled as a bad actor: 1. LISTEN! These satellites are almost always busy when over populated areas. If you aren't hearing activity on the downlink, it is unwise to make a "blind" call on the uplink frequency. Getting into the satellite is often easier than hearing it. Make certain you copy the downlink before transmitting. 2. NO CQs. FM satellites have a single channel and many stations are attempting to use the channel in a limited time. There is no time for calling CQ, or for repeatedly announcing your own call. Instead, listen for stations already active on the pass, and when you have an opportunity, make a call to a specific station you wish to work. 3. BE COURTEOUS. If Station A calls Station B, give Station B at least a millisecond or two to answer, and let them complete their brief QSO. Avoid interrupting or jumping on top of a contact in progress. Give priority to rovers or other special stations that many are anxious to contact. 4. BE WELCOMING. Make an effort to make calls to unfamiliar callsigns you've not yet worked before. Let newcomers have a chance, rather than shutting them out to say hello to stations you greet everyday. 5. DON'T BE A LID! Do "testing," whistling, or "hello" someplace else. Modes other than FM voice have no place on these satellites. If you wish to experiment with FT modes, please feel free to do so on AO-109, but definitely NOT on an FM satellite. (ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AO-91 Control Operator, and Mark Johns, K0JM, 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 for July 28 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: QIKCOM-1 NORAD Cat ID 42983 (decayed form orbit on 7/26/2022 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- NASA’s Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, Retiring After 18 Years As An Astronaut NASA has announced the retirement, on July 31, of Astronaut Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD. The retired U.S. Army colonel spent a total of 388 days in space, landing him fifth on the list of record holders for cumulative time in space for all NASA astronauts. He was the fourth person to fly on three different spacecraft – the space shuttle, Soyuz, and SpaceX Crew Dragon – and he performed nine spacewalks during his three spaceflights. Kimbrough was recently the commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the International Space Station, the second long-duration mission for the Crew Dragon spacecraft, and the longest spaceflight for a U.S. human spacecraft. Throughout the mission, Kimbrough and the Expedition 65 crew performed more than 250 scientific investigations designed to benefit all of humanity and help future exploration. Shane’s expertise and leadership has been a huge asset to me personally and the astronaut office for many years. He has been a mentor to many astronauts, and it has been an absolute pleasure and honor to serve with him,” said Chief Astronaut Reid Wiseman at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a NASA astronaut for the past 18 years,” Kimbrough said. “I am honored to have been able to fly on three different spacecraft and to spend time at the International Space Station. I’ve worked with the best of the best in orbit and on the ground and am grateful for those that have supported me and my family. I’ve wanted to be an astronaut since I was a little kid watching NASA astronauts go to the Moon. To accomplish three spaceflights and nearly 400 days in space in my career is truly a dream come true.” Kimbrough was born in Killeen, Texas, and graduated from The Lovett School in Atlanta in 1985. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 1989, and a Master of Science degree in operations research from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta in 1998. Kimbrough was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in May 2004. [ANS thanks NASA 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. Upcoming contacts: Swiss Guide and Scout Movement, Bern, Switzerland, direct via HB9JAM. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Samantha Cristoforetti, IZØUDF. Contact is go for: Wed 2022-08-03 12:23:28 UTC 43 deg. Watch for Livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq64C8qJD-okYt-b_nwKUjA Also available on their web radio at https://www.mova.ch/it/radio Ufa State Aviation Technical University, Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Artemiev. Contact is go for Sat 2022-07-30 14:05 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 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. [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 VE3FU / VO2AC: July 25 to August 8 will be on vacation in VO1. I’m hoping to activate the following grids: GN07, GN08, GN09, GN18, GN19, GN29, GO10, GO11, & GO21. I’ll be VO1FUA. Holiday style. Linears and FM. I’ll do my best to post on Twitter before each pass. W3IPA: DM42 vacation planned for Jul 30- Aug 6th will be on FM passes vacation style. I will be close to DM41 so might be able to work a gridline. Will post more updates closer to that week! N8MR: Will be in EN57 with frequent roves to EN56 and EN67 Aug 6-13. Listening for EU, Car, SA CA. Prefer linear sats, FM sats possible. Sked depends on wx, etc. EA7TN: Will be operating FM sats from FK58sr as HI7/EA7TN from July 21st to 29th. Holiday style, just an FT-4X and an Arrow from the beach. EA4NF, Philippe will be operating as 8P9NF on LEO Satellites from BARBADOS, in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies and the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. Philippe will operate using his portable LEO sat station (Yaesu FT818ND+Yaesu FT817ND) and Arrow antenna added to a Walkie Kenwood TH-d7 and a whip antenna to cover short, mid and long distances on both modes (FM & SSB) AD0HJ is heading out again!: Will be attending a work training event during the week of August 1st in Hesston, KS. Look for me to activate several grid squares via satellite on my trip down there and back. Pass schedules posted on Twitter and on the http://hams.at website. Grids: EN11/21, EN10/20, EM18/19, EM16/17. [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. 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention Friday, October 7th, 2022 to Sunday, October 9th, 2022 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Mainstream news media have widely reported the recent statement by Yury Borisov, the new head of Roscosmos Space Corporation, that Russia plans to withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024. However, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher tweeted, "Not surprised to hear Borisov stating Russia would pull out of ISS *after* 2024 (nothing new) and that Russia will continue to meet current obligations (good news). I count on good common sense. The ISS is the only realistic (well-equipped) space laboratory – for years to come." (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information) + Congress has passed the first NASA authorization bill in more than five years, formally extending operations of the International Space Station and backing NASA’s Artemis exploration effort. The House passed on a 243–187 vote July 28 the “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act,” a day after the Senate passed the bill on a 64–33 vote. President Biden has stated he supports the bill and will sign it into law. The bill was primarily a vehicle for supporting domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, but one portion of the bill included NASA authorization legislation. That portion, released last week, extends NASA’s authorization to operate the ISS from 2024 to 2030. It also formally authorizes a “Moon to Mars Program” that includes the Artemis campaign. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information) + SpaceX and NASA have delayed the launch of the next U.S. crew flight to the International Space Station from early September to no earlier than Sept. 29, allowing time for ground teams to replace an interstage on the mission’s new Falcon 9 booster after it was damaged during transport. The Falcon 9 booster stage, riding horizontally on a truck and trailer, struck a bridge during the trip from SpaceX’s factory in Hawthorne, California, to the company’s test facility in McGregor, Texas. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, IZØUDF, checked off a number of "firsts" when she completed her first ever spacewalk on Thursday, July 21, conducted alongside cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev. Not only was it a first for her, but this spacewalk was also the first conducted by a European woman, and the first conducted by a European in a Russian Orlan spacesuit from the International Space Station. The pair of spacewalkers worked on a number of tasks over the course of their seven-hour EVA, including deploying ten amateur radio nanosatellites by hand, and installing the European Robotic Arm (ERA) on the newest Space Station’s laboratory module, Nauka. (ANS thanks the European Space Agency for the above information) + Just two weeks after the first release of imagery, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is reshaping astronomy, according to an article at https://bit.ly/3Sd5XZF. Meanwhile, the larger micrometeoroid that hit the JWST in May caused damage to one of the mirror sections and a very slight decrease in image quality. Alone, this isn’t an issue, but it was more damage than was expected by micrometeoroid models, and so is worrying if it means that either the telescope is more susceptible to damage than anticipated, or the debris environment is unexpectedly harsh. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + China launched their Wentian research lab module on Sunday, July 24, the second of three modules that will form the completed Tiangong space station. The first stage of the Long March 5B rocket which launched Wentian could reenter the atmosphere around July 31. Experts at the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies (CORDS) have been closely tracking the 53.6-meter-tall stage, which is thought to have a mass of around 23 metric tons. The most likely scenario is that the stage reenters over the oceans. There is however a “non-zero probability of the surviving debris landing in a populated area — over 88 percent of the world’s population lives under the reentry’s potential debris footprint,” CORDS reported. “A reentry of this size will not burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, and the general rule of thumb is that 20–40 percent of the mass of a large object will reach the ground, though it depends on the design of the object.” (ANS thanks Space News for the above information) + Think inflation is hard on *your* wallet? NASA just bought a Falcon Heavy launch for the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope in 2026 for $255 million. By comparison, the Europa Clipper Falcon Heavy launch only cost NASA $178 million almost exactly one year ago! (ANS thanks The Orbital Index 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-205 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 24 Jul '22

24 Jul '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-205 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: * Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting * May/June 2022 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available * New Satellites Now In Orbit * Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for July 21, 2022 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-205 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 Jul 24 +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ SAVE THE DATE The 40th Anniversary AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held in Bloomington, MN on Oct 21 - 23, 2022. More information will follow in future editions of ANS. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Call for Papers - 2022 AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting This is the first 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ May/June 2022 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available The May/June 2022 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal at https://launch.amsat.org/The_AMSAT_Journal The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world. Inside the Current Issue: + Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL + Educational Relations Update - Alan Johnston, KU2Y + Using Recovered National Weather Service RS-41 Radiosondes for Amateur Radio High Altitude Balloons - David White, WD6DRI, Randy Standke, KO6RS, Kerry Banke, N6IZW, Jim McLaughlin, KI6ZUM, Phil Karn, KA9Q, Gene Swiech, WB9COY, Alan Johnston, Ph.D, KU2Y Spotlight on the APRS Satellites - Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF + AMSAT 2022 Board of Directors Election - Paul Stoetzer, N8HM + Hamvention 2022 Photos [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New Satellites Now In Orbit On July 13th, several satellites with amateur radio payloads were launched on the inaugural launch of ArianeSpace's Vega-C rocket. The satellites were placed into a circular MEO orbit of approximately 5,900 km with a 70 degree inclination. The AstroBio and Greencube satellites carry amateur digipeater packages that may be useful for long-distance QSOs. On July 21st, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev and ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti conducted an EVA during which they released ten Radioskaf CubeSats into orbit. SSTV and audio signals have been received from many of these satellites so far. RS10S (aka SWSU-55 No. 1 & R-390 (SWGU No. 5)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.050 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS11S (aka SWSU-55 No. 2 (SWGU No. 6)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.062 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS1S (aka SWSU-55 No. 3 (SWGU No. 7)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.075 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS2S (aka SWSU-55 No. 4 (SWGU No. 8)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.082 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS3S (aka SWSU-55 No. 5 (SWGU No. 9)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.100 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS4S (aka SWSU-55 No. 6 (SWGU No. 10)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.087 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS5S (aka SWSU-55 No. 7 & R-390 (SWGU No. 11)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps .AX25 AFSK Payload: 437.1125 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps .AX25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS6S (aka SWSU-55 No. 8 (SWGU No. 12)) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.000 MHz 1200/2400/4800 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS9S (aka Tsiolkovsky-Ryazan 1) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.025 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT RS12S (aka Tsiolkovsky-Ryazan 2) Telemetry: 437.050 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK Payload: 437.0125 MHz 1200 bps AX.25 AFSK, SSTV, AUDIO, TEXT More information about these satellites can be found at https://r4uab.ru/2022/07/21/kosmonavt-oleg-artemev-s-borta-mks-zapustil-ros… [ANS thanks PE0SAT, ST2NH, and R4UAB for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to the AMSAT TLE Distribution for July 21, 2022 The following satellites have been added to this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: MTCube 2 NORAD Cat ID 53106 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). AstroBioCubeSat NORAD Cat ID 53107 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). GREENCUBE NORAD Cat ID 53109 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). CELESTA NORAD Cat ID 53111 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). CTIM NORAD Cat ID 52950 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). [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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS News Scheduled ARISS Contacts Buehler Challenger & Science Center, Paramus, N.J., multi-point telebridge via VK4KHZ 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: Thu 2022-07-28 16:14:08 UTC 25 deg 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. 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). * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Not Active. Default mode set for packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * 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 Quick Hits: W8LR: EM98 EM99 possible 7.27 – if you need either or both of these grids contact me via DM or w8lr(a)twc.com . I will not have a schedule and all passes, if any, will have to be pop-up and last minute unless on a sked. Sorry. N5LEX: FM03 for those that need it Friday (7/22) Afternoon and evening passes 2022-07-22 FM and Linear, avoiding AO-91 at 1600. Can arrange AO-07 at 18:20 for Germany/Netherlands etc.. More details to come VE3FU / VO2AC: July 25 to August 8 I’ll be on vacation in VO1. I’m hoping to activate the following grids: GN07, GN08, GN09, GN18, GN19, GN29, GO10, GO11, & GO21. I’ll be VO1FUA. Holiday style. Linears and FM. I’ll do my best to post on Twitter before each pass. VE3FU / VO2AC: Saturday July 23 I’ll be on from FN67 early in the morning and making stops in FN66 and FN65. I’ll be VE3FU/9 in all 3 grids. I’ll do my best to post here before each pass. VE3FU: Friday July 22 I’ll be passing through FN46 and FN57 on my way to FN67 for the night. I should be in FN46 ~14Z-16Z and FN57 ~18Z-20Z. FN67 will be later in the evening. I’ll be VE2FUA in FN46, VE2FUA or VE3FU/9 in FN57, and VE3FU/9 in FN67. W3IPA: DM42 vacation planned for Jul 30- Aug 6th will be on FM passes vacation style. I will be close to DM41 so might be able to work a gridline. Will post more updates closer to that week! AD0HJ: will at EN22/23 and will be available on the late afternoon / early evening of Tuesday July 26th? Not sure who else needs either of those grids. N8MR: Will be in EN57 with frequent roves to EN56 and EN67 Aug 6-13. Listening for EU, Car, SA CA. Prefer linear sats, FM sats poss. Sked depends on wx, etc. EA7TN: Will be operating FM sats from FK58sr as HI7/EA7TN from July 21st to 29th. Holiday style, just an FT-4X and an Arrow from the beach. Major Roves: AD0HJ is heading out again!: Will be attending a work training event during the week of August 1st in Hesston, KS. Look for me to activate several grid squares via satellite on my trip down there and back. Pass schedules posted on Twitter and on the http://hams.at website. Grids: EN11/21, EN10/20, EM18/19, EM16/17. KX9X & N9NCY Wild West Rove: Sean and Nancy’s Wild West Rove has been scaled back, but is still going forward. They will now be on the road from July 13-25 while hiking in National Parks. They will travel through seven states and 38 grids, planning activation on FM and linear satellites. Extensive operation in Montana and North Dakota in the Canadian border grids beginning July 20. There will also be 6 meter and occasional HF POTA activity as well. Grids they will pass through, in order: DN28 – 38: July 16th to the 20th. Remaining Grids from July 20 to 24. DN48 – 58 – 68 – 78 – 88 – 87 – 97 – 96 – 95 EN05 – 06 – 16 – 15 – 25 – 26 – 25 – 35 EN34 – 33 – 32 – 42 – 41 – 40 – 50 Complete info on their trip can be found on their website https://www.wildwestrove.com/ SAT DXPEDITION BARBADOS ISLAND 2022 EA4NF, Philippe will be operating as 8P9NF on LEO Satellites from BARBADOS, in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies and the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. Philippe will operate using his portable LEO sat station (Yaesu FT818ND+Yaesu FT817ND) and Arrow antenna added to a Walkie Kenwood TH-d7 and a whip antenna to cover short, mid and long distances on both modes (FM & SSB) Great opportunity to contact this very rare DXCC on satellites. § August 8-12, 2022 § DXCC : BARBADOS § Grids : GK03 § IOTA : NA-021 § FM & Linear SATS § QSL as 8P9NF on LoTW INFO on Twitter: @EA4NF_SAT [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. + Satellite Educators Association 35th Annual Convention Friday, July 29, 2022 to Saturday, July 30, 2022 California State University, Los Angeles and on-line www.sated.org Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, will be presenting “Classroom Activities with the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator” showcasing the work by the CubeSatSim Educational Materials Team: Paul Graveline, K1YUB, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, Mark Samis, KD2XS and David White, WD6DRI. + HamXposition August 27-28, 2022 Marlborough, MA https://hamxposition.org/ + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7, 2022 – October 9, 2022 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + FO-29 has returned to full sunlight and the analog transponder has been enabled. FO-29 will remain in full sunlight until approximately April 14, 2023. The analog transponder should remain active for the duration of the full sunlight period. (ANS thanks JARL and John Papay, K8YSE, for the illumination prediction) + A new distance record has been claimed on HO-113. VE1CWJ worked 9A1CAL on 11-Jul-2022 at 12:59 UTC - a distance of 5,962 km. Who will be the first to break 6,000 km on this satellite? https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President) + The 48th AMSAT GridMaster Award has been issued to Keith Austermiller, KB9STR, for working all 488 grid squares within the continental United States. https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/ (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards) + AMSAT Rover Award #67 has been issued to Jim, WU0I, and #68 has been issued to Carlos, LU7MC. Congratulations to all our new award recipients! https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/ (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards) + Private investment in the space sector dropped in the second quarter of 2022. The drop indicates that the space industry isn't immune to the economic issues plaguing other industries as a possible recession looms. A new report from Space Capital shows that this year is expected to come in far below 2021's record-breaking year for investment in the space industry. But the report notes that, "We do not believe that the space economy is at existential risk." It might be harder for parts of the industry, such as launch providers, to get funding in a difficult market like this one. But other space tools — like GPS — are already built into the fabric of how governments and average people live their lives, potentially insulating it from market downturns. (ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information) + A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule loaded with more than 5,800 pounds of supplies and experiments docked with the International Space Station at 11:21 a.m. EDT (1521 GMT) on Saturday, July 16, delivering a NASA instrument to study the mineral content of dust storms and several small CubeSats slated for deployment from the complex. The unpiloted supply ship launched Thursday evening, July 14, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on top of a Falcon 9 rocket. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information) + In an unanticipated move, Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin was dismissed on July 15th. No reasons were given for the dismissal. The ever-outspoken leader of the agency since 2018 became particularly bombastic in his nationalistic threats and grandstanding after the invasion of Ukraine . This strained relations with ESA and NASA above and beyond the diplomatic tensions already caused by the unprovoked invasion. On the same day as his dismissal, Roscosmos and NASA signed a long-anticipated seat exchange agreement to fly ‘integrated crews’ to the ISS aboard Crew Dragon and Soyuz. First flights including members of the opposite agency will be this fall with Crew-5 and Soyuz MS-22. Rogozin’s replacement is Yuri Borisov, a long-time figure in Russian defense and politics. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index 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, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm at amsat dot org

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ANS-198 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for July 17
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 16 Jul '22

16 Jul '22

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-198 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: * 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election now on Member Portal * 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting Announced for October 21 - 22, 2022 * AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium October 8-9, 2022 * Call for Papers: 2022 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference * Registration Now Open for NASA 2022 International Space Apps Challenge * ARISS Looking for Hams in Hawaii * CelesTrak Changing Domain Used * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 17, 2022 * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over DATE 2022 July 17 2022 AMSAT Board of Directors Election The nomination period for the 2022 Board of Directors Election ended on June 15, 2022. The following candidates have been duly nominated: • Mark Hammond, N8MH • Bruce Paige, KK5DO • Paul Stoetzer, N8HM In accordance with our Bylaws, we must hold an election, even though we have three nominations for three open Director positions. As such, we will host electronic voting on our Member Portal this year, at no cost to the organization. Voting is now open and will close on September 15, 2022. When you click on the poll link, you will see your ballot (poll question). After choosing from the possible options, click the Submit button to cast your vote. Unlike many online polls, the results of all votes cast, up to the point of your vote, will not be displayed. AMSAT members can only vote once. If you click the poll link again after already voting, a vote submitted message will be displayed. As three seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, all three candidates will be seated on the Board when the voting period concludes on September 15, 2022. If you need assistance logging into your membership account to vote, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ATZFrV 73, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President & Acting Secretary AMSAT [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President and Acting Secretary, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting Announced for October 21 - 22, 2022 AMSAT announces the 40th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and General Meeting will be held on Friday through Saturday, October 21 - 22, 2022 in Bloomington, Minnesota. The annual AMSAT Space Symposium features: * Space Symposium with Amateur Satellite Presentations * Operating Techniques, News, & Plans from the Amateur Satellite World * Board of Directors Meeting open to AMSAT members * Opportunities to Meet Board Members and Officers * AMSAT Annual General Membership Meeting * Auction, Annual Banquet, Keynote Speaker and Door Prizes !! The Crowne Plaza Suites, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN, is centrally located between the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Mall of America, Minneapolis Zoo, and Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. Crown Plaza Suites provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle to and from the airport. Additional information about the 2022 AMSAT Symposium will be posted on the AMSAT web site, www.amsat.org as it becomes available. [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President 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 Space Colloquium October 8-9, Kents Hill Park Conference Centre Milton Keynes MK7 6BZ AMSAT-UK is very happy to announce the 2022 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will be held as part of the RSGB Convention on October 8-9 at the Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Timbold Drive, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ. 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. Booking for the RSGB Convention is at https://rsgb.org/main/about-us/rsgb-convention/ Booking for the AMSAT-UK dinner on the Saturday evening at the nearby Hilton Hotel is here Details of the event can be found at https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/ [ANS thanks Trevor Essex, M5AKA of 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Call for Papers: 2022 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference The 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) will be held September 16 - 18, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Last year's conference was held virtually due to COVID-19 concerns, but this year's 3-day event will be held at the Hilton Charlotte Airport Hotel. Technical papers are solicited for the conference. Papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings. Authors do not need to present at the conference to have their papers included in the Proceedings. Submit papers via e-mail to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB (kb1eib(a)arrl.org) by September 1, 2022. Papers will be published exactly as submitted and authors will retain all rights. Conference papers will be distributed as pdf’s to DCC attendees. Printed copies of the papers will be available for sale at Lulu (www.lulu.com). Paper and presentation topic areas include, but are not limited to software defined radio (SDR), digital voice, digital satellite communication, digital signal processing (DSP), HF digital modes, adapting IEEE 802.11 systems for Amateur Radio, Global Positioning System (GPS), Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), Linux in Amateur Radio, AX.25 updates, Internet operability with Amateur Radio networks, TCP/IP networking over Amateur Radio, mesh and peer-to-peer wireless networking, emergency and homeland defense backup digital communications in Amateur Radio. Hilton Charlotte Airport is hosting the 2022 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) and is now offering special room rates for the DCC at $99 per night. The special room rate is good until August 15, so make your reservations ASAP online or calling 1-800-445-8667 and ask for the “Digital Communications 2022” rates. More information about TAPR - Tomorrow's Ham Radio Technology Today can be found that their website https://tapr.org/call-for-papers-2022-digital-communications-conference/. [ANS thanks TAPR.org for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Registration Now Open for NASA 2022 International Space Apps Challenge The NASA International Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest annual hackathon, returns this year with the theme “Make Space,” which emphasizes NASA’s commitment to inclusivity. This year’s challenge will focus on Earth and space science, technology, and exploration. Participant registration for in-person and virtual events is now open through Oct. 2. Space Apps provides a platform where everyone across the globe with a passion for creativity and innovation can use their unique perspectives to tackle challenges created by NASA experts. The challenges range in skill level, expertise, subject matter, and objective, and span a spectrum of disciplines and interests that range from artificial intelligence and software development to art and storytelling. “Each year, Space Apps allows thousands to engage with NASA and its partners’ open data during the hackathon,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate. “It has been rewarding to see the innovative projects created by Space Apps Challenge participants and observe their potential to generate meaningful contributions toward solving some of the most difficult challenges studied by NASA on Earth and in space.” Space Apps provides a positive and safe environment that fosters collaboration and a growth mindset. Whether participants are exploring a challenge, learning to be creative, defining team roles, learning a technical skill, or learning to cope with hiccups that arise during challenge weekend, the innovative and flexible structure of this event allows participants to walk away enriched, motivated, and excited about learning. “Talent is everywhere, but scarcity of opportunity leaves so much talent unused and potential untapped,” said Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. “There are so many positive stories resulting from this challenge that underscore the value of “making space” for everyone.” Since its inception in 2012, Space Apps has created and steadily grown a global community held together by the common interest of solving problems and creating impact. The success stories directly resulting from these challenges range from the creation of new products and business ventures, innovative upgrades to existing products, and has helped connect people socially and professionally, giving them access to expertise and insight they otherwise would not have. By connecting teams to challenges and experts from space agencies across the world, participants have access to new opportunities and knowledge that can impact them for a lifetime. This year NASA is excited to announce the addition of the Indian Space Research Organization and Mexican Space Agency to the roster of space agency partners supporting Space Apps. Valued partners returning from last year include Australian Space Agency, Brazilian Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, ESA (European Space Agency), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, National Space Activities Commission of Argentina, National Space Science Agency of Bahrain, Paraguayan Space Agency, and the South African National Space Agency. Space agency partnership encourages more extensive global collaboration and provides a broader platform for participants to contribute to the fields of Earth and space science and technology through Space Apps. Space Apps is managed by NASA’s Earth Science Division in the agency’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. It is organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program. Learn more about Space Apps and how to get involved on their website. For more information about Space Apps and to register for an in-person or online event on Oct. 1-2, 2022, visit https://bit.ly/3IEItbL [ANS thanks JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM and NASA 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. Kitaogura Elementary School, Uji, Japan, direct via 8N35ØK The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is Kjell Lindgren KO5MOS Contact is go for: Thu 2022-07-21 08:38:43 UTC 51 deg About Gagarin From Space. Performance of a session of radio amateur communication with the participants of the celebration of the frigate "Nadezhda", Vladivostok, 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 latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The scheduled crewmember is TBD Contact is go for Sat 2022-07-23 08:45 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. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: + W3IPA: DM42 vacation planned for Jul 30- Aug 6th will be on FM passes vacation style. I will be close to DM41 so might be able to work a gridline. Will post more updates closer to that week! + N8MR: Will be in EN57 with frequent roves to EN56 and EN67 Aug 6-13. Listening for EU, Car, SA CA. Prefer linear sats, FM sats poss. Sked depends on wx, etc. Major Roves: KX9X & N9NCY Wild West Rove: Sean and Nancy’s Wild West Rove has been scaled back, but is still going forward. They will now be on the road from July 13-25 while hiking in National Parks. They will travel through seven states and 38 grids, planning activation on FM and linear satellites. Extensive operation in Montana and North Dakota in the Canadian border grids beginning July 20. There will also be 6 meter and occasional HF POTA activity as well. Grids they will pass through, in order: DN28 – 38 - July 16th to 20th. Remaining Grids from July 20 to 24. DN48 – 58 – 68 – 78 – 88 – 87 – 97 – 96 – 95 EN05 – 06 – 16 – 15 – 25 – 26 – 25 – 35 EN34 – 33 – 32 – 42 – 41 – 40 – 50 Complete info on their trip can be found on their website https://www.wildwestrove.com/ as of July 12, 2022 Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). Powered OFF for Russian EVA on July 21. OFF July 21 about 08:55 UTC and ON July 22 about 10:10 UTC. Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Not Active. Default mode is for packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) Powered OFF for Russian EVA on July 21. OFF July 21 about 08:55 UTC. Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager and ARISS.org for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 17, 2022 The following satellite has been added to this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: CTIM NORAD Cat ID 52590 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification). The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: Maya-2 NORAD Cat ID 47929 (decayed form orbit on 7/6/2022 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: Clint Bradford, K6CLS: “How to Work the “Easy” Satellites” talks: Knee repair surgery isn’t stopping Clint Bradford K6LCS from continuing to perform AMSAT presentations! The Metrocrest Amateur Radio Society in Carrollton, Texas is scheduled for Thursday, 07/14/2022. And SOARA - South Orange ARA (CA) in August. Think a lively, informative session on “working the easy satellites with equipment most hams already own” would be appropriate for your event or meeting? Call or email! Clint Bradford K6LCS AMSAT Ambassador 909-999-SATS http://www.work-sat.com Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ: SDR applications - "Using the RF “Swiss Army Knife”: An intro to the AMSAT Fox-In-A-Box Image" - Live presentation scheduled July 18, 2022 the Frederick Amateur Radio Club, Frederick, MD For information on this presentation and availability, contact Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ, AMSAT Ambassador, (kd4iz at arrl dot org) Scheduled Events with AMSAT involvement: Hamfests and Conventions + Satellite Educators Association 35th Annual Convention Friday, July 29, 2022 to Saturday, July 30, 2022 California State University, Los Angeles and on-line www.sated.org Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, will be presenting “Classroom Activities with the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator” showcasing the work by the CubeSatSim Educational Materials Team: Paul Graveline, K1YUB, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, Mark Samis, KD2XS and David White, WD6DRI. + 2022 Rocky Mountain ARRL Division Convention October 7, 2022 - October 9, 2022 Event Center at Archer 3921 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007 https://wyhamcon.org/site. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events Page Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Webb’s first images. NASA, CSA, and ESA released the first images from JWST, showing stunning views of our Universe that clearly display the telescope’s scientific potential. The first images detail Stephen’s Quintet (four neighboring galaxies that are actively interacting—the fifth is just photobombing them), the Southern Ring Nebula (a binary system in the throes of mass ejection from a white dwarf), the Carina Nebula (see below, a cavity carved out in the nebula by young stars’ intense ultraviolet emissions), and a deep field of SMACS 0723, captured in just 12.5 hours, that looks back to a galaxy 4.6 billion years ago. The deep field represents a portion of the sky the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length—for comparison, Hubble’s deep field images took multiple weeks to capture (here’s a tool to compare available WWT imagery to JWST’s first images). The JWST team also released spectra for exoplanet WASP-96b, showing a signature of previously undetected water in its atmosphere. The future looks bright for the long-awaited successor to the great observatories! See the gallery at: https://bit.ly/3Ogpa9z [ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.] + Following communications issues, mission teams for NASA’s Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment (CAPSTONE) have re-established contact with the spacecraft through NASA’s Deep Space Network. Data received from CAPSTONE shows that the spacecraft is in good health and operated safely on its own while it was out of contact with Earth. Teams are preparing to carry out CAPSTONE’s first trajectory correction maneuver – which will more precisely target CAPSTONE’s transfer orbit to the Moon – as early as 11:30 a.m. EDT on July 7. As originally planned, CAPSTONE will arrive to its lunar orbit on Nov. 13. [ANS thanks Sarah Frazier of NASA for the above information.] + NASA’s Starlings. NASA’s aptly named Starling satellite “swarm” mission consists of four 6U CubeSats which will practice formation flying, autonomous control, ad hoc inter-satellite networking, and autonomous collaboration by measuring the Earth’s ionosphere using GPS signals. The Starlings will launch on Firefly Aerospace’s first commercial launch, hopefully, this fall. NASA envisions future swarms of autonomously-operating CubeSats in deep space working together to collect distributed science data and perform observations. An example is the upcoming HelioSwarm, a 9-satellite, $250m mission planned for 2028 to study solar wind turbulence. HelioSwarm’s hub, built by Northrop Grumman, would coordinate with eight smallsats from Blue Canyon Technologies to provide simultaneous, multiscale observations of the solar wind. [ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.] + AstroBio Cubesat is operational and working: Nader Omer ST2NH retweeted that Augusto Nascetti (@auo1971), from the ABCS team, reported on Twitter that he had "Just received live a message from US through #AstroBioCubeSat digipeater sent by WA7FWF!!!" Congratulations to the team for putting an Amateur Radio capable 3U CubeSat into MEO orbit. Nader added by email a link to the TLE and to information regarding the mission: https://bit.ly/3OaIkxU [ANS thanks Nader Omer, ST2NH 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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