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ANS-353 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 19 Dec '21

19 Dec '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-353 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: * CAMSAT XW-3 (CAS-9) Satellite to Launch December 25th * 60th Anniversary of OSCAR 1 * Slides and Recordings of Open Source CubeSat Workshop Available * ISS SSTV Event Planned for December 26 - 31 * Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for December 16, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-353 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Dec 19 CAMSAT XW-3 (CAS-9) Satellite to Launch December 25th CAMSAT's XW-3 (CAS-9) satellite has been installed on the CZ-4C Y39 launch vehicle at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China, and related work is in progress as planned. If all goes well, the satellite will be launched on December 25, 2021, it is piggybacked on the rocket with governmental primary payload ZY-1(02E) earth resources satellite. The orbit will be a circular sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of 770.1 kilometers and an inclination of 98.58 degrees, the orbital period is 100.14 minutes. The user's manual of the XW-3 (CAS-9) satellite for radio amateurs is available at https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/XW-3_Amateur_Rad…, precise TLE will be available later. [ANS thanks Alan Kung, BA1DU, CAMSAT, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 60th Anniversary of OSCAR 1 December 12th was the 60th anniversary of the launch of OSCAR 1, the world's first private spacecraft. An article entitled "How Amateur Radio Fanatics Launched The World's First Private Communications Satellite" appeared in Inverse. This article is largely based on an interview with Lance Ginner, K6GSJ, one of the designers of OSCAR 1 and can be found at https://www.inverse.com/science/60-oscar-1-presaged-the-cubesat-era A video of Lance Ginner's 2011 AMSAT Symposium Keynote describing the early days of Project OSCAR is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWSCCZY1FgQ Ginner also took part in the Foundations of AMSAT panel at the 50th Anniversary AMSAT Space Symposium in 2019. Video of this panel is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRmn4gjvuTI [ANS thanks Inverse, AMSAT, and Dave Hartzell, AA7EW, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Slides and Recordings of Open Source CubeSat Workshop Available The slides and recordings of last week's Open Source CubeSat Workshop can be found here: https://events.libre.space/event/5/contributions/ Thanks to all attendees, speakers & community for making this event all about interesting projects, inspiring ideas and collaborations revolving around open source, CubeSats and space technology. [ANS thanks Artur Scholz, Open Source CubeSat Workshop Committee, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ISS SSTV Event Planned for December 26 - 31 An ARISS SSTV Event is planned for December 26 through December 31. The general theme will be lunar exploration. The event will take place at the usual frequency of 145.800 MHz and the planned mode is PD 120. The event is scheduled to start at 18:25 UTC on December 26th and conclude at 17:05 UTC on December 31st. [ANS thanks ARISS 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for December 16, 2021 The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has removed from this week's AMSAT TLE Distribution: AztechSat-1 - NORAD Cat ID 45261 (Decay date per Space-Track was 12-10-2021) [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Berufliche Schule Direktorat 1 Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany, telebridge via ON4ISS (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS 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 Matthias Maurer KI5KFH Contact is go for: Tue 2021-12-21 08:24:05 UTC 81 deg (***) The next mode change to voice cross band repeater is expected to occur in early January, 2022. 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 W8MTB: On Wednesday December 29, I will be in EN71. If you need EN71 please email me and let me know so I can listen for you. No passes are a 100% guarantee but, most likely I’ll be on AO-91 and maybe SO-50. Events: Radio Operadores del Este Club (KP3RE) and its FB Ham Satelites Puerto Rico page will be giving away until December 31, 2021 all the stations that have contacted Puerto Rico’s 4 grids FK67, FK68, FK77 and FK78 on Sat Mode. Need LOTW evidence (Photos) request via kp4rv(a)yahoo.com [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. Clint Bradford, K6LCS, now have has presentations lined up to start the new year, including three clubs in Canada, and clubs in Florida, California, New York and Nevada! 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 solicited and welcome. Send an email or call! Clint Bradford K6LCS AMSAT Ambassador, ARRL instructor http://www.work-sat.com 909-999-SATS (7287) [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, and Clint Bradford, K6LCS, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + The Lea Family is well-known in the Amateur Radio community. Recently, James underwent heart surgery and the procedure didn't go as planned. Jason Johnson has started a GoFundMe to help the Lea Family at this difficult time https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-lea-family (Thanks to Jason Johnson) + AMSAT wishes Scott Higginbotham a happy retirement! As mission manager of three NASA ELaNa missions, you helped AMSAT in sharing amateur radio satellite communication and student STEM experiment data worldwide for all to see. Thank you, and a hearty ham radio Morse Code "73"! (Thanks to Jerry Buxton, N0JY, AMSAT Vice President - Engineering) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-346 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Dec. 12
by Mark Johns, K0JM 12 Dec '21

12 Dec '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-346 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: * Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, Appointed Assistant VP, Engineering * AMSAT-HB Has Been Established * World's Smallest Lander from Japan will Put Ham Radio on the Moon * Analyzing Starlink Satellite Downlink Communications With SDR * ARISS Named Amateur Radio Newsline Newsmaker of the Year * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 9, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-346 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Dec 12 Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, Appointed Assistant VP, Engineering At a meeting with the Board of Directors on Tuesday, December 7 VP Engineering appointed Jonathan Brandenburg as Assistant Vice President, Engineering to oversee a new program tentatively named "Fox Plus". "Jonathan brought a new idea to me, for continuous LEO presence through a refresh of AMSAT's Fox-1 FM Satellite. In using the basic Fox-1 bus design, the ability to fly not only student STEM experiments but our own radio experiments as well, provides an opportunity to refresh the presence of LEO "Easy-Sat" type communications and bring in new volunteer engineers to develop the new transceiver and power supply needed to resurrect Fox-1 type CubeSats" said Jerry Buxton, VP Engineering. "In addition, Jonathan has further intentions targeting frequent deliveries of Fox Plus CubeSats into orbit, wide use of open-source in the program, and utilizing the ASCENT platform for development of future iterations of Fox Plus." "The Fox Plus working title indicates both the continued Fox-1 type presence in LEO as well as the added growth in technology and human resources that will come with the program. I think it is a well thought, and very suitable name for the new program." The 2022 Engineering budget which was also part of the meeting and passed by the Board includes funds for the startup of the new program. "Jonathan has a good vision and plan for this new program that will generate new engineering opportunities, especially focused on new volunteers working in groups on parts of the whole. Fox Plus will also provide the open source startup that we were seeking, and work on Fox Plus and through ASCENT should provide new technology for use beyond LEO as well, as we continue our course in returning to HEO" Buxton said. Jonathan has already begun work, and will be reaching out with updates and information on how to volunteer as the program gets into gear in early 2022. [ANS thanks Jerry Buxton, AMSAT VP Engineering, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT-HB Has Been Established A new amateur radio satellite organisation AMSAT-HB was formed in Switzerland on November 26, 2021. With QO-100, interest in amateur radio services via satellites has also risen sharply in Switzerland. But not only the geostationary satellite fascinates the radio amateurs: The ARISS project (space station ISS), low-flying satellites, tracking of scientific deep space missions, etc., are attracting more and more attention. More and more experiments are being carried out with SDR technology in these areas. But the colleges and universities are also increasingly concerned with the topic and are looking for help from various radio amateurs in Switzerland. These and other radio amateurs were of the opinion that it was time to join forces in Switzerland. For this reason, the AMSAT-HB was founded on Friday, November 26th, 2021 in Nottwil, Lucerne. The association has set itself the goal of promoting the amateur radio service via satellites in Switzerland, but also internationally. The President of AMSAT-DL, Peter Gülzow - DB2OS, was involved in this project in advance. He suggested the establishment of an AMSAT-HB early on and also used his knowledge to help design it. When it was founded, Peter Gülzow took on the role of godparent and led the founding meeting live from Hanover via Web. The following radio amateurs were involved as founding members (alphabetically according to callsign - the board positions in brackets) • DB2OS, Peter Gülzow (founding god and now honorary member of AMSAT-HB) • HB9ARK, Martin Klaper (Technical Responsible) • HB9CQK, Frédéric Furrer • HB9DUN / DH2VA, Achim Vollhardt • HB9MFL, Armin Rösch • HB9SKA, Thomas Frey (Actuary and Treasurer ad interim) • HB9RYZ, Wolfgang Sidler (Vice President) • HB9WDF, Michael Lipp (President) One of the first decisions of the association was to apply to the USKA for collective membership. AMSAT-HB https://www.amsat-hb.org/ https://twitter.com/Amsat_hb USKA https://www.uska.ch/ [ANS thanks Thomas Frey, HB9SKA, Actuary AMSAT-HB for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ World's Smallest Lander from Japan will Put Ham Radio on the Moon Japan's OMOTENASHI, the world's smallest moon lander, will have an X-band and UHF communication system, although it will not carry an amateur band transponder. OMOTENASHI is a 6U CubeSat set for launch via a NASA SLS rocket as early as February 2022. It will have a mission period of from 4 to 5 days. The name is an acronym for Outstanding Moon Exploration Technologies demonstrated by Nano Semi-Hard Impactor. Wataru Torii of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Ham Radio Club, JQ1ZVI, said radio amateurs can play a role in gathering data from the spacecraft. The spacecraft is made up of two separable components, both having independent communication systems -- an orbiting module and a surface probe. The orbiting module will take the surface probe to the moon. It will transmit beacon or digital telemetry data on UHF (437.31 MHz). The surface probe -- the moon lander -- will transmit digital telemetry or three-axis acceleration analog-wave with FM modulation on UHF (437.41 MHz). Transmitter power will be 1 W in both cases. "If we succeed in receiving the UHF signal from the surface probe, we could know the acceleration data on the impact on the moon and the success of the landing sequence," Torii explained. "We already have a station for uplink and downlink at Wakayama in Japan -- used as an EME [moonbounce] station. However, if the satellite is invisible from Japan, we cannot receive the downlink signal. So, we need a lot of help from ham radio stations worldwide." The orbiting module beacon will transmit on 437.31 MHz using PSK31. The surface probe beacon will transmit on 437.41 MHz using FM, PSK31, and PCM-PSK/PM. Contact Torii, JQ1ZVI, at torii.wataru [at] jaxa.jp for more information. [ANS thanks ARRL 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Analyzing Starlink Satellite Downlink Communications With SDR Often, mere curiosity is sufficient to do something. This is also the case with people trying to analyze the communication setup and protocol which SpaceX is using with their Ku-band based Starlink satellites. One of these fine folk is Christian Hahn, who has recently posted some early findings to r/StarlinkEngineering over at Reddit. Some of the captured data seems to include the satellite ID system that ground-based user stations would presumably use to keep track of overhead Starlink satellites. For the capturing itself, Christian is using a second-hand dish for capture and a DIY SDR using KC705 FPGA-based hardware – which may have begun its life as crypto mining hardware – along with the usual assortment of filters and other common components with this kind of capture. Even at this early time, some features of the Starlink protocol seem quite obvious, such as the division into channels and the use of guard periods. Nothing too earth-shattering, but as a fun SDR hobby it definitely checks all the boxes. Christian has also announced that at some point he’ll set up a website and publish the findings and code that should make Starlink signal analysis easy for anyone with a readily available SDR receiver. https://hackaday.com/2021/11/26/analyzing-starlink-satellite-downlink-commu… [ANS thanks Stephen Walters, G7VFY, and Southgate ARC for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS Named Amateur Radio Newsline Newsmaker of the Year Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has been named Amateur Radio Newsline Newsmaker of the Year. “This group, based across 15 countries around the world, has been supporting amateur radio from the space station and performing school links around the world to astronauts for over 20 years,” the announcement pointed out. “As well as enthusing youngsters in the magic of space and radio, they have also generated publicity for amateur radio in the mainstream media channels of radio, TV, and newspapers.” [ANS thanks ARRL 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 December 9, 2021 The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has removed from this week's AMSAT TLE Distribution: EcAMSat - NORAD Cat ID 43019 (Decay date per Space-Track was 12-08-2021) The following satellite is now End of Mission and has been removed from this week's AMSAT TLE Distribution: HO-107 (HuskySat-1) - NORAD Cat ID 45119 (per www.amsat.org) [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 unless noted otherwise below. RECENT CONTACTS: Notre Dame Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, Kyoto, Japan, direct via 8N3ND. Contact with crewmember is Raja Chari KI5LIU was scheduled for Thursday 2021-12-09 08:33:35 UTC 83 deg. DLR_School_Lab Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany, multi-point telebridge via DN2DLR. Contact with crewmember Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, was scheduled for Friday 2021-12-10 13:50:53 UTC 61 deg. Savannah River Academy, Grovetown, GA, direct via K4RGK. Contact with crewmember Thomas Marshburn, KE5HOC, was scheduled for Friday 2021-12-10 15:09:58 UTC 54 deg SCHEDULED CONTACTS: Wolfgang-Kubelka-Realschule (WKR), Schondorf am Ammersee, Germany, telebridge via IK1SLD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. Contact with crewmember Matthias Maurer, KI5KF, is go for Monday 2021-12-13 09:51:56 UTC 46 deg. Starting about 5 minutes before AOS, watch for Livestream at: www.ariotti.com Technisches Bildungszentrum Mitte (TBZ Mitte), Bremen, Germany, direct via DN3HB AND Carl Prueter Oberschule, Sulingen, Germany, direct via DN6OE. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be DPØISS. Contact WITH crewmember is Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, is go for Thursday 2021-12-16 10:45:25 UTC 74 deg The next mode change to packet is expected to occur in early December. 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 K4DCA: Still in planning stages, but has mentioned EM97,EM96, FM07, FM08 Radio Operadores del Este Club (KP3RE) and its FB Ham Satelites Puerto Rico page will be giving away a certificate until December 31, 2021 to all the stations that have contacted Puerto Rico’s 4 grids FK67, FK68, FK77 and FK78 on Sat Mode. Need LOTW evidence (Photos) request via kp4rv(a)yahoo.com [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. None currently scheduled. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The U.S. Senate has confirmed FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for a new term on the Commission with a vote of 68 - 31. President Joe Biden appointed Rosenworcel as Chair of the FCC in late October. For now, the FCC will continue with two Democrats and two Republicans led by Chairwoman Rosenworcel. (ANS thanks ARRL for the above information) + Scientists have developed a hi-tech sleeping bag that could prevent the vision problems that some astronauts experience while living in space. Its development was led by Dr Benjamin Levine, professor of internal medicine at University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, who is working on having the device deployed on the International Space Station (ISS). In zero-gravity, fluids float into the head and squash the eyeball over time. It's regarded as one of the riskiest medical problems affecting astronauts. The sleeping bag, developed with outdoor equipment manufacturer REI, fits around the person's waist, enclosing their lower body within a solid frame. A suction device, that works on the same principle as a vacuum cleaner, creates a pressure difference that draws fluid down towards the feet. This prevents it from building up in the brain and applying damaging pressure to the eyeball. (ANS thanks BBC.com for the above information) + The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is once again fully operational after experiencing technical issues. With this latest restoration of operations, Hubble is well on its way to completing 32 years of service. [Not quite matching AO-7, which is approaching the age of 48! - Editor] (ANS thanks Universe Today for the above information) + NASA announced Dec. 3 its intent to purchase three more commercial crew missions from SpaceX as a hedge against further delays in the certification of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. These missions will be in addition to the six missions that SpaceX won as part of its Commercial Crew Transportation contract in 2014. SpaceX launched the third of those six original missions, Crew-3, to the International Space Station on Nov. 10. It is scheduled to launch the Crew-4 mission in the spring of 2022, likely to be followed by Crew-5 in the fall of 2022. (ANS thanks Space News for the above information) + Operators are reminded that the AMSAT Live OSCAR Satellite Status Page is available at https://www.amsat.org/status/ Satellite operators are invited to consult the page for up to date information about which satellites are available and functioning. Operators ar also requested to contribute reports to the Status Page concerning their operations and observations. (ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information) + A key member of the WSJT-X development group — where FT8 and other cutting-edge digital amateur radio technology has originated — has died. Bill Somerville, G4WJS, was reported to have passed away earlier this week. He was in his mid-60s, and his death was unexpected. (ANS thanks ARRL for the above information) + Not quite a Christmas miracle, nor the star of Bethlehem: Comet Leonard is a rather typical comet going about its typical path around the Sun. However, it might become visible to the naked eye around its close approach. On 12 December at 13:52 UTC, it will make its closest approach to Earth during this rotation, still an enormous 35 million kilometres away. Look low in the southwestern sky about 45 minutes after sunset. (ANS thanks ESA for the above information) + Please continue to use AO-91 and AO-92 only when the satellites are illuminated by the sun. AO-92 telemetry and repeater are intermittent. AO-91 telemetry is turned off but the FM repeater works when the satellite is in the sun. Reminder: Satellite in sun is approximately equal to user in daytime. For exact information on eclipse vs. illumination, check software such as SatPC32. (ANS thanks Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT operations, 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-339 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 05 Dec '21

05 Dec '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-339 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 Senior Leadership Team at ARISS * FO-29 & FO-99 Operation Schedules For December 2021 * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for December 1,2021 * Discussion of PCSAT (NO-84) lifetime: Debris and Orbital Decay * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-339 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Dec 05 New Senior Leadership Team at ARISS In May 2020, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, Inc. (ARISS-USA) created a new 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization to enhance and expand ARISS initiatives in the USA. To support the variety of new functions and roles of this organization, ARISS-USA has augmented its Senior Leadership team by selecting five new members. Martin Schulman, Associate Director: In this role, Mr. Schulman will work with the Executive Director, delegating routine tasks, enhancing perspective, and serving as a backup to the executive director when necessary. He will also serve as a member of the ARISS-USA board. Mr. Schulman has over 30 years of experience in telecommunications, programming, and computer security, and is also an active volunteer with the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club in Sterling, Virginia. Tom Henderson, Secretary: In this role, Mr. Henderson will have the primary duty of ensuring that the internal matters of the organization run smoothly and efficiently. He will record and keep the minutes of all meetings of the Board. Mr. Henderson also serves as the custodian of the ARISS-USA Minute Book and additional books and records as the Board may direct. Mr. Henderson’s profession is IT infrastructure and systems security research. He is also current president of the Bloomington, Indiana Amateur Radio Club. Jena Dunham, Director of Volunteer Resources: Ms. Dunham will be responsible for the recruitment, basic training, and retention of volunteers needed to complete ARISS-USA’s mission. She will also maintain the volunteer database, manage subscriptions to the mailing lists, and generate policies regarding volunteer conduct. Ms. Dunham is an experienced nurse practitioner in the state of Kansas and has served as a volunteer for 4-H and the Stormont Vail hospital system. Rita DeHart, Director of Public Engagement: Ms. DeHart will be responsible for raising public awareness of the ARISS program. This includes the management of all communication methods with the public (including, but not limited to, website, press releases, articles, and all forms of social media). She will also be responsible for the management of conference participation. Ms. DeHart has 46 years in the electric power industry and is an active member of the Tampa Amateur Radio Club. Randy Berger, Director of Engineering: Mr. Berger is responsible for planning and executing the development of hardware and software systems that will enhance the primary goals of ARISS-USA, specifically STEM education and backup communications for crew members on human spaceflight vehicles. Mr. Berger’s scope of engineering involvement will support the efforts of ARISS and includes everything within the engineering purview of ARISS, such as ISS, Lunar Gateway, satellite developments, and future government and commercial space ventures. International collaboration and coordination on systems and engineering strategies will be paramount in this role along with the understanding of national and international collaboration laws and constraints (such as ITAR) that is critically important in this role. Mr. Berger is an experienced technology officer and has been involved with amateur radio since the 1970s. The new team members will join veteran leaders Frank Bauer (Executive Director), Carol Jackson (Treasurer), and Kathy Lamont (Director of Education). The Senior Leadership Team will work closely with long-time ARISS US Delegates Rosalie White (ARRL) and Dave Taylor (AMSAT). The Director of Business Development and Director of Operations positions currently remain vacant. [ANS thanks Rita DeHart, KC4RMS, ARISS-USA Director of Public Engagement for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ FO-29 & FO-99 Operation Schedules For December 2021 The FO-29 transponder will be switched on as the satellite passes over Japan on the following dates and times. It will remain on until the onboard low voltage safety circuit triggers shutdown. Thus, the satellite may or may not be active when passing over areas in eclipse. All dates and times are UTC: 2021 Dec. UTC 3 22:53 4 00:40 10 23:28 12 00:18 18 00:03 23:08 24 22:52 25 00:37 28 22:42 29 00:27 23:32 30 01:18 22:37 31 00:22 23:27 2022 Jan. UTC 1 22:32 2 00:17 23:22 3 01:08 22:27 FO-29 will be fully sunshine from January 29, next year. It is hoped that the transponder can operate normally during the period of full illumination. The December operating schedule for NEXUS(FO-99) may be found at: https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=1678 (ANS thanks Akira Kaneko, JA1OGZ, and JAMSAT 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC Awards-Endorsements for December 1,2021 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period November 1, 2021 through December 1, 2021. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL Nov. December VE7CEW 555 600 VE1CWJ 335 585 MI6GTY 462 579 N9FN 561 567 W8LR 500 526 KS1G 484 525 PV8DX 412 423 VE4MM 401 421 KE8RJU 256 417 KQ4DO 353 406 N6UTC 348 400 EA2AA 382 396 VE3KY 227 251 K6SFO 129 229 KC1MEB 207 225 HB9GWJ 102 206 NK1K 179 194 N8SGZ 100 150 KB3IAI 103 125 JH0BBE 100 112 WD9EWK (DM62) New 108 NK0S New 100 If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at <mycall>@<mycall>.com and I'll revise the announcement. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for the two months. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing a lot of the work! Ron W5RKN [ANS thanks Ron Parsons, W5RKN, for the above information]] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion of PCSAT (NO-84) lifetime: Debris and Orbital Decay: Bob Bruninga, WB4APR reports: "For what it's worth, since the Russian space littering event, I am getting almost daily Close approach alerts on PCSAT (is a high orbit, originally 800 km high). Alert miss-distances seem to be on the order of 200 to 500 meters. Example Alert below at end. Another day in space (after 20 years for PCSAT): Semi-operational: http://aprs.org/pcsat.html Live downlink (W3ADO-1): http://www1.findu.com/cgi-bin/pcsat.cgi One minute serial nos (T#xxx), suggest a wake from 1 to 8 minutes per orbit. PCSAT is unique in that is has no CPU or Operating system. It is just two off-the-shelf KPC9612 TNC's (chips in sockets, etc) and uses their built-in sysop features for telemetry, command and control. Follow on APRS satellites page: http://aprs.org/sats.html"From: ...space-track.org> Date: Tue, Nov 30, 2021 at 2:40 PM Subject: PCSAT Close Approach Notification The United States 18th Space Control Squadron has identified a close approach between PCSAT (SCC #26931) and SCC #30230 Time of Closest Approach: 2021-335T02:20:51(UTC) Probability of Collision (Pc): 0.0003769653 Overall miss distance: 338.0m <end snip> Bob follows up in a second post: "Joe, KM1P reminded us of the decay of NO-84 soon. It would be nice to get an assessment of the remaining lifetimes of the remaining APRS satellites listed on http://aprs.org/sats.html. Since I retired (with health issues), I wont be building any replacements and have not been paying attention." Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, has provided a decay prediction that has NO-84 decaying from orbit on December 26, 2021 See:https://bit.ly/3xGWFLP We still have some live left for NO-84 (PSAT), Cat ID 40654. Ray Hoad also provided a good illustration: "Based on past experience, when an amateur satellite’s drag rises above the 0.01 magnitude, the satellite is usually getting close to reentry. Some have climbed back up for a while. But, as a rule of thumb, 0.01 drag is the point I start watching a satellite’s drag. Almost all amateur satellites have a mean motion of at least 16 when they decay. The current TLE shows NO-84 (PSAT), Cat ID 40654, with a drag of 0.00320060 and a mean motion of 15.99945301. Getting close. For example, here are the drag values for a few satellites the day they deorbited: SAT Cat ID drag Mean Motion ================================================== NEPALISAT1 44331 0.04661449 16.30483242 RAVAANA 44329 0.04382427 16.28919678 UGUISU 44330 0.06186538 16.33294840 CP9 44360 0.01594744 16.12399308 TW-1C 40926 0.05243455 16.31196197 MO-105 44832 0.11453400 16.41416157 MO-106 44830 0.14504533 16.46538413 ENDURO SAT ONE 43551 0.12819970 16.45548142 EQUISAT 43552 0.10316869 16.43170683 SWAMPSAT 45115 0.19123998 16.36852634 PWSAT 2 43814 0.25888781 16.21683976 Per above, several have hung on for another order of magnitude of drag. It would be very difficult to estimate a deorbit time based solely on drag. But, all have had a mean motion in excess of 16 when they decayed." [ANS thanks Bob Brununga, WB4APR Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, and Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT-NA Orbital Elements Manager for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2021-12-02 15:30 UTC South-Western State University, Kursk, Russia, direct via TBD (Anton Shkaplerov) Tues 2021-12-07 13:05 UTC Notre Dame Jogakuin Junior and Senior High School, Kyoto, Japan, direct via 8N3ND (Raja Chari KI5LIU) Thu 2021-12-09 08:33:35 UTC 83 deg DLR_School_Lab Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany, multi-point telebridge via DN2DLR (Matthias Maurer KI5KFH) Fri 2021-12-10 13:50:53 UTC 61 deg Savannah River Academy, Grovetown, Georgia, direct via K4RGK (Thomas Marshburn KE5HOC) Fri 2021-12-10 15:09:58 UTC 54 deg Columbus Module radios: - IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Supporting cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down) . Next planned mode change is to packet operation (145.825 MHz up & down) targeting early December. Power down for postponed US EVA on Dec. 2. OFF Nov. 29 at 18:05 UTC. ON Dec. 3 at 09:25 UTC. Power down for upcoming Soyuz docking on Dec. 08. Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E – STATUS - Radio usually off. Power down for postponed US EVA on Dec. 2. OFF Nov. 29 at 18:05 UTC. MAI SSTV activation Dec 1 and TBD. See http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for details. Power down for upcoming Soyuz docking on Dec. 08. Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Major Roves: none scheduled Quick Hits: - K4DCA: Still in planning stages, but has mentions EM97,EM96, FM07, FM08 - AD7DB: Mini rove Dec 3,4,5 2021. DM23 planned on 12/3 & 5, possible operation in PHX area 12/4 including Superstition Superfest in Mesa. FM sats. Follow @ad7db for updates. - FG8OJ: Heading to FK88. 12/3 – 12/5; Schedule is here: Link Events: Radio Operadores del Este Club (KP3RE) and its FB Ham Satelites Puerto Rico page will be giving away until December 31, 2021 all the stations that have contacted Puerto Rico’s 4 grids FK67, FK68, FK77 and FK78 on Sat Mode. Need LOTW evidence (Photos) request via kp4rv(a)yahoo.com FO-29 operation schedule has been updated: Dec. 2021 (UTC) 3 22:53- 4 00:40- 10 23:28- 12 00:18- 18 00:03- 23:08- 24 22:52- 25 00:37- 28 22:42- 29 00:27- 23:32- 30 01:18- 22:37- 31 00:22- 23:27- Jan. 2022 1 22:32- 2 00:17- 23:22- 3 01:08- 22:27- Source: https://www.jarl.org/Japanese/3_Fuji/fuji3-202112.htm 73, Hideo - JH3XCU. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager and Hideo Kambayashi, JH3XCU, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Winterfest, the ARRL Midwest Division Convention Collinsville, IL Jan 22 2022 ARRL National Convention and Orlando Hamcation Feb 10-13 2022 Registration details at http://www.arrl.org/arrl-expo Updates may be found at: https://www.amsat.org/other-events/ AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, makes online presentations to Amateur Radio clubs and other interested organizations. Contact Clint at http://www.work-sat.com or by phone at 909-999-SATS (7287) to arrange a presentation. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, and Clint Bradford, K6CLS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Please continue to use AO-91 and AO-92 only when the satellites are illuminated by the sun. AO-92 telemetry and repeater are intermittent. AO-91 telemetry is turned off but the FM repeater works when the satellite is in the sun. Reminder: Satellite in sun is approximately equal to user in daytime. For exact information on eclipse vs. illumination, check software such as SatPC32. (ANS thanks Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT operations, for the above information) + The TOLIMAN Telescope. A semi-privately funded space telescope is being planned to search the Alpha Centauri system for Earth-like planets. A transliteration of the ancient Arabic name for our Sun’s nearest stellar neighbor (and the official IAU name for Alpha Centauri B), Toliman could launch as soon as 2023 to observe Alpha Centauri A and B for the tell-tale wobbles that would confirm a suspected habitable-zone exoplanet orbiting Alpha Centauri A (paper) and search for more. https://bit.ly/3xOeWXr (ANS thanks the Orbital Index for the above information) + Japan to recruit first new astronauts in 13 years to support Artemis program. Japan’s space agency is set to recruit astronaut candidates for the first time in 13 years as part of efforts to support the NASA-led Artemis lunar exploration program. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the recruitment plan Nov. 19, saying successful candidates would be assigned to work long-term at the International Space Station (ISS), the Japanese experiment module “Kibo” attached to ISS, or NASA’s lunar orbit outpost Gateway. JAXA, under an agreement with NASA, is set to provide several capabilities for the Gateway’s International Habitation module (I-Hab), which will provide the heart of Gateway life support capabilities and additional space where crew will live, work, and conduct research during Artemis missions. https://bit.ly/3EmNKl2 (ANS thanks Park Si-soo of Space News for the above information.) + Northrop Grumman Corporation has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA under the Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development program for $125.6 million to design a safe, reliable and cost-effective commercial free-flying space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). Northrop Grumman's commercial space station design will use current flight systems and advanced crew-focused technology under development that allows for rapid deployment with modular expansion to meet the growing needs of the space economy. "Under this agreement, the Northrop Grumman team will deliver a free flying space station design that is focused on commercial operations to meet the demands of an expanding LEO market," said Steve Krein, vice president, civil and commercial space, Northrop Grumman. "Our station will enable a smooth transition from International Space Station-based LEO missions to sustainable commercial-based missions where NASA does not bear all the costs, but serves as one of many customers." https://bit.ly/3DkhOg7 (ANS thanks SpaceRef for the above information.) + The December PDF of the GEO Newsletter weather satellite publication produced by the Group for Earth Observation is now available for free download. The Group for Earth Observation's aim is to enable amateur reception of weather and earth imaging satellites that are in orbit or planned for launch in the near future. Membership of GEO is free. This edition includes: • The ISS Sally Ride EarthKAM • Sea Ice forming in Kuskokwim Bay • La Palma Volcano: How Satellites help us Monitor Eruptions • Currently Active Weather Satellites and Frequencies Download the GEO Newsletter from http://leshamilton.co.uk/GEO/newsletter.htm (ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News for the above information.) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ kd4iz at frawg dot org

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ANS-332 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by n1uw＠gokarns.com 27 Nov '21

27 Nov '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-332 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor(a)amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * The AMSAT Journal, September/October 2021 Now Available * AMSAT President's Apogee View Celebrates 2020-2021 * FUNcube-1 (AO73) Celebrating Eight Years in Orbit! * ISS SSTV December 1-2, 2021 on 145.800 MHz FM * Dayton Hamvention Expects to be Live Event in 2022 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-332 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 November 28 The AMSAT Journal, September/October 2021 Now Available The September/October 2021 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT's Member Portal. 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 this issue: - Apogee View - Robert Bankston, KE4AL - The Life and Legacy of Tom Clark, K3IO (SK) - Bob McGwier, N4HY - Dr. Thomas A. Clark, K3IO - Remembering a Superstar - Richard M. Hambly, W2GPS - Remembering Tom Clark - Barry A. Baines, WD4ASW - Mourning the Passing of Dr. Thomas A. Clark - Frank Bauer, KA3HDO - Full Function Remote Control of a Satellite Base Station - Mark Johns, K0JM Members can read this issue and all back issues of the AMSAT Journal by logging in at https://launch.amsat.org/The_AMSAT_Journal. Note yet a member? Start reading the Journal today by joining at https://launch.amsat.org/Membership. [ANS thanks Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK, AMSAT Journal Editor-in-Chief.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT President's Apogee View Celebrates 2020-2021 Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President writes: "This issue of The AMSAT Journal marks my first year as AMSAT President, so I thought I would take this opportunity to update you on what we've been working on, where we are now, and what we will focus on in the coming year. "Our Engineering team has been making significant progress on our GOLF program, and we hope to see the launch of GOLF-TEE in the latter half of next year. Under the leadership of our Vice-President of Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, our volunteer engineers have worked tirelessly to develop, prototype, and test GOLF-TEE's systems. I thank each and every one of them for donating their time and expertise. "Not to be outdone, our Educational Relations team completed its beta testing on the CubeSat Simulator and launched the CubeSat Simulator printed circuit board set on the AMSAT Store. Dr. Alan Johnston, KU2Y, and his team have done a phenomenal job. In addition, as announced at this year's symposium, they have not only developed and released the new CubeSatSim Lite version, but Dr. Johnston and his team have begun to experiment with high altitude balloon launches to take the CubeSatSim concept to the next level of educational initiatives. "Behind the scenes, we have been busy modernizing back-office tasks, finding ways to more efficiently do business, and ensuring the AMSAT machine runs smoothly. To be honest, running AMSAT without Martha has been a significant challenge. "Our modernization efforts, which really began with the May 2020 launch of our online member management system, have been the key to our overall success this year. Transforming a 52 year old organization from brick and mortar to virtual was no easy task and not without a few hiccups along the way, but we are better positioned moving forward. It was a sad day packing up the AMSAT office in Kensington, Maryland, in May and putting everything in storage. To touch all that history reaffirmed why we do what we do. "I look forward to both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. AMSAT is in a very solid position from both a financial and a membership perspective. We have a strong fiscal foundation, an excellent governance and management team, generous volunteers who freely donate their time and expertise, and a diverse membership base who truly care about keeping amateur radio in space. "Financially, we are on a solid footing, with over $950,000 in cash and liquid investments. Our revenues are down from last year, as is the rest of the U.S. economy; however, we are on track to exceed our profitability margin over last year because of the cost-cutting measure we implemented. In 2020, $0.82 of every dollar went to pay overhead. In 2021, that amount was reduced to $0.56 for every dollar we brought in â€“ a 31% reduction. This means a lot more of your membership dues and revenues we develop from other sources are going towards building satellites and expanding our educational efforts. "AMSAT membership has consistently been over 4,000 the past year, with 4,045 current members as of this writing. AMSAT's membership is diverse, representing 76 countries. While each comes for varied reasons (builders and operators, scientists and educators, HEO and LEO), we all come together for a single purpose: to keep amateur radio in space. So, what's next? With over 52 years of success, what are we going to do now? "We have an ambitious, forward-thinking plan (www.amsat.org/strategicplan/) that's ready to be put into action. Central to this plan are the needs to modernize how we manage projects and explore ways to collaborate with our international partners, given current ITAR/EAR restrictions. "In addition, as an all-volunteer member organization, we need help. While we have a solid core of volunteers now, expanding our programs will require additional human resources and added expertise. I will be addressing this in the next issue of The AMSAT Journal, but if you cannot wait, please feel free to contact me directly. We would love to have you join our team. "Our greatest threat right now is the ever-tightening regulatory environment. It is one thing to hope to return to higher orbits and even beyond, but all of this will be for naught if we can't get a satellite licensed in orbit above LEO. Proposed orbital debris mitigation regulations will require orbits above 600 kilometers to have a flight-proven, low-risk transfer orbit, long-term reentry capability, and/or improved move-away-and-stay-away storage options for orbital lifespans more than 25 years. However, proving you can get there and operate responsibly will not be enough. Every mission will be closely evaluated to ensure it serves the greater benefit of all, which, at this time, strongly favors commercial, scientific and educational interests. Thankfully, our engineers had the foresight to develop the GOLF program for this very purpose. "While we await the FCC's final ruling, we cannot sit idly by and be content with mediocrity. Instead, we must continue to push Onward and Upward. We should focus our efforts on new communication systems that more efficiently allow us to communicate in space and spacecraft which will take us towards and beyond the next space horizon. At the same time, we must establish and maintain a path of sustainability that not only introduces space communications using amateur radio to the public but also nurtures them to be the next generation of satellite builders and operators. "On a side note, I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the 2021 AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium on October 24th. It was an incredible event, and AMSAT-UK did a phenomenal job of hosting the virtual event. In addition to the extraordinary work being done by the Surrey Space Center team on their STAR-XL project, the operators chasing QO-100, and Peter, 2M0SQL's, roving efforts in Northern Scotland, we were treated to presentations on IARU Amateur Satellite co-ordination by Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, and an AMSAT-DL update, by Peter Guelzow, DB2OS. If you missed the AMSAT-UK Colloquium, I encourage you to view it on AMSAT-UK's YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/user/AMSATUK/videos. "Let me close with personally thanking all of our members, who generously donated to the AMSAT President's Club this year, and our Vice-President of Development, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, who single-handedly resurrected this program and managed to raise over $33,000. I look forward to what Frank can do for next year." [ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNcube-1 (AO73) Celebrating Eight Years in Orbit! November 21, 2021, marks the eighth birthday of the FUNcube-1 CubeSat. Remarkably the tiny spacecraft, launched from Russia on November 21, 2013, continues to work well having travelled more than a billion kilometers in space. During the past couple of months, the spacecraft's orbits have been running just along the edge of the terminator. Initially it had effectively full sun with no eclipses but at the beginning of this month it appears that the solar panels were not receiving enough solar radiation to keep the battery fully charged. FUNcube-1 was transmitting continuous high-power telemetry and was therefore consuming maximum power. The FUNcube Dashboard showed the rapid decline in the bus voltage from an already below normal 8.0V down to 7.8V. The spacecraft was switched to safe mode on the afternoon of November 18, 2021. This reduced to total power consumption by almost 50% and the spacecraft is again in a happy power positive situation. Although safe mode provides less than 20mW of downlink RF, it is remarkable how many stations are still receiving and decoding the 1k2 BPSK telemetry. This is a good point at which to say a massive thank you to the many stations around the world who, even after eight years, are continuing to submit their data to the FUNcube Data Warehouse. It really is valuable to the team and has really helped us to understand what is going on up there. The team will continue to monitor the telemetry over the next few weeks and plan to return FUNcube-1 to nominal autonomous operation, with the transponder on when the spacecraft is in eclipse, as soon as possible. Interestingly, it appears that the satellite will not be having any more full sunlight periods for the foreseeable future. However, those that we have experienced have provided some good data on how hot a 1U CubeSat can become in such circumstances! [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ISS SSTV December 1-2, 2021 on 145.800 MHz FM Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are planning to transmit Slow Scan TV images on 145.800 MHz FM using the SSTV mode PD-120. The transmissions are part of the Moscow Aviation Institute SSTV experiment (MAI-75) and will be made from the amateur radio station RS0ISS in the Russian ISS Service module (Zvezda) using a Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver. - December 1, 2021 (Wednesday) from 12:10 GMT until 19:10 GMT* - December 2, 2021 (Thursday) from 11:40 GMT until 17:20 GMT* Dates and times subject to change. The signal should be receivable on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing. You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at https://www.amsat.org/track/ [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dayton Hamvention Expects to be Live Event in 2022 Dayton Hamvention organizers are planning to mount the first in-person show in 2022, following 2 years of COVID-related cancellations. The event is set for May 20 â€“ 22 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. Last January, Hamvention organizers from the sponsoring Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) announced they were calling off the 2021 event after considerable planning was already under way. The Hamvention Executive Committee cited lagging COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the US and the emergence of a more communicable form of the virus. Southgate Amateur Radio News quotes Hamvention General Chairman Rick Allnutt, WS8G, as saying that Hamvention committees have been meeting, and volunteers are committed to making up for the time lost to pandemic cancellations." The Hamvention website is already accepting bookings from vendors and inside exhibitors, and individual visitors can already buy tickets, which Allnutt said, "are all printed and ready to go." Nominations for the 2022 Hamvention Awards opened on November 1. Hamvention seeks 'the best of the best" nominees for its Technical Achievement, Special Achievement, Amateur of the Year, and Club of the Year awards. Nominations close on February 15, 2022. Submit nomination forms via email or USPS to Hamvention Awards Committee, Box 964, Dayton, OH 45401-0964 [ANS thanks Southgate Amateur Radio News for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS 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. Upcoming Contacts + Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0˜ISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Anton Shkaplerov. Contact is go for Monday, November 11, 2021 at 08:20 UTC. + Colegio Pumahue Temuco, Temuco, Chile, direct via CE6TC. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Raja Chari KI5LIU. Contact is go for: Monday, November 2021 at 13:53:37 UTC. + Berufliche Schule Direktorat 1 NÃ¼rnberg, Nuremberg, Germany, telebridge via IK1SLD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 437.525 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Matthias Maurer KI5KFH. Contact is go for: Thursday, December 2, at 13:38:56 UTC. + Wolfgang-Kubelka-Realschule (WKR), Schondorf am Ammersee, Germany, telebridge via VK4KHZ. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 437.525 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Matthias Maurer KI5KFH. Contact is go for: Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 14:16:35 UTC. + Hino Elementary School & Canna Project-Canna School Contact Team, Suzaka, Japan, direct via 8NÃ˜CAN. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Kayla Barron KI5LAL. Contact is go for: Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:02:22 UTC. Please note, two of the contacts are using the UHF public downlink frequency. 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 FN51: November 27-28, 2021 KC1MEB on Cape Cod, MA. No schedule as of this time. EM86, November 20-30, 2021 WY7AA: DM RJ for a sched. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events ARRL National 2022 Convention & Orlando Hamcation February 11-13, 2021 Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park, Orlando, Florida [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations to Chris Polena, AA8CH, in EN62vp48, and Jose Rodriguez, EB1AO, in IN52pe28, for setting the new AO-27 distance record of 6,125 km on November 20, 2021 at 21:30 UTC! Distance records may be seen at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/. [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP, for the above information.] + Satellite trackers have been working overtime to figure out just how much dangerous debris Russia created when it destroyed one of its own satellites early Monday - and the picture they've painted looks bleak. Computer visualizations of the debris cloud can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3FNuFZU. [ANS thanks The Verge for the above information.] + CaribouLite is an affordable, open-source, dual-channel software-defined radio (SDR) platform”and an SDR-focused FPGA development framework" implemented as a Raspberry Pi (RPi) HAT. CaribouLite turns a Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC) into a self-contained, dual-channel radio Tx/Rx that spans a wide tunable frequency spectrum up to 6 GHz. The full version comes with two TX/RX half-duplex channels, with channel one covering 30 MHz to 6 GHz, and channel two covering sub 1 GHz only. Both channels use a 13-bit ADC, capable of a bandwidth of up to 2.5 MHz maximum. The unit is capable of up to 14 dBm of transmit power. More information at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-332-CaribouLite. [ANS thanks RTL-SDR.com for the above information.] + GNU Radio Conference 2021 was a great success, with around 100 in-person attendees and over 1000 remote attendees! Talks were split between in-person and remote (pre-recorded). All talks are now available to watch on YouTube. A playlist that includes all videos can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-332-GRCON. [ANS thanks gnuradio.org for the above information.] + Russia's Prichal docking module linked up with the International Space Station Friday, November 26, 2021 adding the final planned piece of the Russian segment of the outpost to provide a new connection for future crew and cargo ships. The spherical, ball-shaped docking node launched Wednesday on top of a Russian Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. More information at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-332-PRICHAL. [ANS thanks spaceflightnow.com for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW n1uw at amsat dot org

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ANS-325 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 21 Nov '21

21 Nov '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-325 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: * Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile Generates Debris Cloud, Threatens ISS and Other Assets in LEO * Ten-Koh 2 Microsatellite With JAMSAT V/u Linear Transponder Coordinated by IARU * Open Source CubeSat Workshop 2021 - Call for Abstracts extended till 22. Nov * Prof. Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC, Made Honorary Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) Member * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-325 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Nov 21 Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile Generates Debris Cloud, Threatens ISS and Other Assets in LEO On Monday November 15th, the Russian Ministry of Defense launched a anti-satellite (ASAT) missile, destroying their Kosmos 1408 satellite. Kosmos 1408 was launched on September 16, 1982 and was in an orbit of 679 km x 645 km with an inclination of 82.5 degrees. The destruction of the satellite caused the generation of at least 1500 pieces of debris, orbiting between 300 km and 1100 km. As the satellite was just above the ISS's altitude, this debris cloud potentially threatened the astronauts and cosmonauts on board the ISS, who were forced to take shelter in their crew capsules during the second and third passes of the debris field. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson released the following statement condemning the Russian test: “Earlier today, due to the debris generated by the destructive Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test, ISS astronauts and cosmonauts undertook emergency procedures for safety. “Like Secretary Blinken, I’m outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action. With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board. “All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment. “NASA will continue monitoring the debris in the coming days and beyond to ensure the safety of our crew in orbit.” In an interview with the ARRL, AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL, said that Russia’s action will pose a threat to all activities in low Earth orbit for years to come, placing satellites and human spaceflight missions at risk. “Space is already crowded, but now there are at least 1,500 trackable fragments and, possibly, hundreds of thousands of smaller yet still-threatening pieces of debris in low Earth orbit,” Bankston said. “While space stations have the capability to move out of the way, with sufficient notice, most satellites in low Earth orbit, including those designed, built, launched, and operated by AMSAT, do not. As such, they face greater risk of catastrophic destruction or degraded mission functionality, if struck by fragments from Russia’s destruction of Kosmos-1408.” [ANS thanks NASA, AMSAT, and the ARRL for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Ten-Koh 2 Microsatellite With JAMSAT V/u Linear Transponder Coordinated by IARU The IARU has coordinated frequencies for Ten-Koh 2, a microsat under development by the Department of Aerospace Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University. Ten-Koh 2 has dimensions of 366 x 226 x 100 mm and carries several payloads of interest to the amateur radio community, including a V/u linear transponder developed by JAMSAT. The transponder will run continuously for two days per week, with operations beginning two weeks after launch. Additional payloads include a digi-talker, a camera module, and microwave communications system. The contents of the digi-talker, which is planned to operate one day per week, will be developed in cooperation with students from Nihon University's Faculty of Arts. The camera module, developed by Cheng Kung University, will take pictures of the earth of approximately 3 MB in size per picture. Radio amateurs around the world will be able to copy parts of the picture data that will be combined to produce a complete image, which will be published on the website. The image transmission system is expected to operate for one day per week. The satellite will also carry an experimental 5.8 GHz microwave transmitter, which will operate a CW beacon for one day per week. Additionally, the satellite will experiment with high speed data transmission on the 435 MHz downlink, with data rates of up to 38.4 kbps in 4FSK. High speed data transmission is expected to operate for one day per week. The linear transponder uplink will be 145.895 MHz - 145.935 MHz and the downlink will be 435.875 MHz - 435.915 MHz. The data, digitalker, and image downlink will be 435.895 MHz. The microwave CW beacon will be 5389.000 MHz. A JAXA launch to a 500 km circular orbit with an inclination of 51.6 degrees is planned for 2023. More information about the satellite is available at https://okuyamalab.wordpress.com/ [ANS thanks the IARU 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Open Source CubeSat Workshop 2021 - Call for Abstracts extended till 22. Nov The 5th edition of the Open Source CubeSat Workshop is around the corner! It will be run as a free virtual conference on 9 & 10 December. You can still submit proposals for: - Talks: Give a 12 min presentation followed by open discussions - Lightning Talks: Give a 4 min presentation of a project - Tutorial: Give a 45 min (or longer) tutorial around a project that the audience can code along - Discussion: Drive a 45 min (or longer) discussion around an open source topic for space You can submit your proposals here: https://events.libre.space/event/5/abstracts/ PS: You can modify your abstract submission until the deadline. PPS: Spread the word to your interested space networks and open source people! [ANS thanks Libre Space for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC, Made Honorary Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) Member Former AMSAT-DL President Prof. Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC, who was first licensed in 1957 aged 17, has been named a new Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) honorary member. AMSAT congratulates Dr. Meinzer on this well-deserved honor. In addition to the accomplishments described by DARC in the announcement below, Dr. Meizner's work was integral to the early history of AMSAT. His doctoral research on High Efficency Linear Amplification by Parametric Synthesis (HELAPS) was crucial for the linear transponders in operation on amateur satellites. Along with his doctoral research, Dr. Meinzer developed and built a linear transponder utilizing these HELAPS principles with a 432 MHz uplink and a 145 MHz downlink along with Werner Hass, DJ5KQ. This transponder was flown as the Mode B transponder on AMSAT-OSCAR 7 and is still functioning more than 47 years after its launch on November 15, 1974. A translation of the DARC post reads: This was announced by DARC chairman Christian Entsfellner, DL3MBG, at the virtual conference of the amateur council – in replacement of the canceled general meeting – on November 13th. Meinzer developed an enthusiasm for amateur radio at a young age. At the age of 17 he obtained his amateur radio license in 1957. He passed the Abitur [educational qualification] along with a degree in physics and graduated with a doctorate. He spent his professional life at the University of Marburg, especially in the Central Development Laboratory (ZEL) until his retirement in 2005. The rooms of the ZEL were also the headquarters of the AMSAT-DL. Numerous OSCAR satellites were created in the laboratories in Marburg: AO-10, AO-13, AO-21, AO-40. Phase 3E is de facto finished, but is still waiting for a suitable launch. A special operating system works in all satellites built by AMSAT-DL, on which Meinzer played a key role. Meinzer doesn’t skimp on sharing his expertise and so he is still in close contact with the board of AMSAT-DL today. It is not surprising that DJ4ZC was one of the first radio amateurs to work on QO-100. In addition, Prof. Dr. Karl Meinzer carried out further technical radio tests. He was obsessed with testing whether radio signals could be reflected off the planet Venus. In fact, he succeeded in doing this with 5 kW at 2.4 GHz, including a water-cooled magnetron. He had a special permit from the Federal Network Agency [BNetzA] specifically for these experiments. But even in earlier years he achieved amazing things: In 1964 he set a course record of 70 cm between his home town of Iserlohn and Switzerland. And even then he was QRV on 433 MHz EME and contacted Puerto Rico. “He is one of the few old-timers who keeps pace with modern technology,” explains Christian Entsfellner, DL3MBG. “There are only three Keplerian laws, everything can be done in them,” said Meinzer once, according to DL3MBG. “Unfortunately, he is reluctant to present his skills, but the AMSAT board always likes to refer to his expertise,” said the DARC chairman, who later wishes him a happy 82nd birthday. “The DARC has unanimously decided to award you honorary membership for your services. I am happy to welcome you as a new honorary member, ” concluded DL3MBG. DJ4ZC expressed his thanks. “My life has always been shaped by amateur radio. Some of the services were only made possible by other people, ”explains Meinzer. “I hope to continue to contribute something for amateur radio and DARC in the future. Unfortunately, communication behavior in society has changed. So it’s a challenge for the DARC. However, I have the hope that technology will gain more importance again. Ultimately, amateur radio has to prove that it is useful for society,” said Prof. Dr. Meinzer in conclusion. [ANS thanks DARC for the information and AMSAT-UK for the translation] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Anton Shkaplerov (***) Contact is go for Mon 2021-11-29 08:20 UTC (***) The next mode change is expected to occur in early December. 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 Activation of the MAI-75 SSTV experiment is proposed for December 1 and 2. Targeted start and stop times in UTC are: December 1 – Start: 12:10 - Stop: 19:10 December 2 – Start: 11:40 - Stop: 17:20 Opportunities for North America on Dec 1 and only far eastern North America on Dec 2. [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 No upcoming satellite operations are currently listed. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. No events are currently scheduled. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + Happy 47th Birthday to AMSAT-OSCAR 7, which launched on November 15, 1974 and is still operational in sunlight. November 15th is an important date in amateur satellite history. AMSAT-OSCAR 40 also launched on November 15, 2000 (North American time - November 16th UTC) and Qatar-OSCAR 100 is celebrating its 3rd birthday, having launched on November 15, 2018. November 15th is also the birthday of AMSAT's Founding President Dr. Perry Klein, W3PK. + Happy 4th Birthday to AMSAT-OSCAR 91, which launched on the penultimate flight of the Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base on November 18, 2017. AO-91 remains available for use in sunlight despite the deterioration of the satellite's battery cells. + November birthdays for the international AMSAT family don't end there! Happy 8th Birthday to AMSAT-OSCAR 73, which launched on November 21, 2013 and remains operational. + A new study is being conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of iodine electric propulsion for CubeSats. More information at https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/18/iodine_satelite/ + The SatNOGS Network has reached a milestone of 5 million observations. https://satnogs.org/2021/11/19/5million-observation-for-satnogs/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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-318 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by kd4iz＠frawg.org 14 Nov '21

14 Nov '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-318 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * AMSAT is looking for Volunteers * Z-Sat launched 8 November 2021, Communication established * IARU Work Group Works to Protect 23 cm Amateur Band * Space Physics Professor Seeks Radio Amateurs' Help in Making Space Physics Data Audible * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution as of November 11, 2021 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-318 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Nov 14 AMSAT is looking for Volunteers Keeping Amateur Radio in Space is a team effort and the work of AMSAT is carried out entirely by volunteers. AMSAT needs people with a wide range of technical and non-technical skills. In short, WE NEED YOU! There is no pay, but a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that you are helping make something happen. AMSAT has volunteer openings in several senior leadership roles, including • Vice President of User Services • Secretary • Volunteer Coordinator • Public Information Officer In addition, we have several volunteer opportunities to support functions within AMSAT to include Engineering, News Services, and Administration. Submit resume or CV with a cover letter explaining what position(s) you are interested in, to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President or email info [AT] amsat.org 73, Robert Bankston, KE4AL President Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) [ANS thanks the Robert Bankston, KE4AL, President and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President, AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Z-Sat launched 8 November 2021, Communication established Yasutaka Narusawa, JR2XEA, of the Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club reports the satellite Z-Sat was launched on an Epsilon rocket on November 8 Nov 2021 Uchinoura Space Center. The 50 kg class infrared observation microsatellite was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It was part of an 8 mission payload that included RAISE-2, DRUMS- a unique debris removal satellite, and four cubesats that also included Nanodragon and KOSEN-1. The Z-Sat CW beacon signal (145.875MHz) contains information such as satellite battery voltage and is very important to monitor for survival information immediately after the satellite is put into orbit. Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club would appreciate reports sent to jr2xea <at> nagoya.so-net.jp or via Twitter at @KOMAKI_AMSATCOM Initial TLE is as follows; 1 99999U 00000A 21313.08704961 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 00003 2 99999 097.6003 012.6148 0016801 247.1903 152.6649 15.02606103005884 Early reception reports came in from Pedro Converso, LU7ABF and Bob Stricklin, N5BRG. Bob Stricklin commented: "I also copy Z-Sat at 15:16 to 15:27 UTC Nov 9. Copied HELLO WORLD. and S2 00 86 83 00. S1 line was difficult to copy. CW seem to speed up a lot. Will keep trying. I notice I could still hear beacon over ~2 minutes past calculated window based on Sat32 tracking so Keplerian data may need to be improved. Beacon Frequency at my LOS was 145,872,150 Hz. Signal was strong for me." Later Bob added: "Z-Sat is CW Beacon only now, 20 to 25 WPM. I have not read any plans for Z-Sat to do anything else. Has a nice signal. Frequency is 145.875 MHz. Starts out at about 145.877 and finishes at about 145.873 or so with Doppler. I think they would like all the reports they can get in these early few days to establish conditions on bird. Just copied it on a pass at my QTH." Nov 10 03:21 to 03:44 UTC S1 2C BC BC 7D S2 00 7F 7F 00 Battery 1 Voltage 22.12 V Battery 2 Voltage 22.12 V Vref 11.20 V Battery Temp 12.10 Deg C Radio Temp 12.10 Deg C Z Plane Current 0 <— May be a problem here. Voltage is dropping and temp is also. Follow Z-Sat at: https://twitter.com/KOMAKI_AMSATCOM. Editors note: The TLE for other sats in the payload are in the weekly changes report from Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager elsewhere in this newsletter. [ANS thanks Yasutaka Narusawa, JR2XEA of the Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club and Bob Stricklin, N5BRG for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ IARU Work Group Works to Protect 23 cm Amateur Band A work group from the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 is preparing reports to help protect the 23 cm amateur band (1.2 GHz) when the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference meets to consider remedies to interference with radionavigation systems. The working party is considering simulations provided by two administrations to estimate the interfered area that might exist around a 23cm band amateur service transmitter. A number of amateur station configurations are under consideration identified as “Home Station 1”, “Home Station 2” and “Permanent Station” (e.g. Repeater station) based on characteristics developed and contributed by the IARU. Both narrowband and wideband emissions are considered. Two further scenarios are included in which “Home Station 1” operates with antenna uptilt as an amateur satellite uplink station and in which “Home Station 2” operates with antenna uptilt as an E-M-E station. The IARU representatives contributed to an off-line email discussion to ensure the amateur station parameters used are more representative than those that had been proposed in the original contribution papers. The studies were revised based on these negotiations during the meeting and are reflected in the draft working document. The interim results show interference distances of up to several km depending on the antenna and power level assumed. Work on these studies will continue into the next meeting. The IARU is working to ensure the amateur services are realistically represented in the studies as they move forward and remain consistent with the information developed in WP5A. It remains vital that national amateur communities present their views on the importance of this band to their national regulators in a consolidated and consistent manner. The work on this topic will continue throughout the year both in ITU R and in the regional telecommunications organisations and the IARU is committed to ensure every group hears the amateur position on this important microwave band. The summary report from the WP4C meeting can be found at: https://bit.ly/3c4Rco0 [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Space Physics Professor Seeks Radio Amateurs' Help in Making Space Physics Data Audible Professor Martin Archer of Imperial College London wants to know the best approach to making space physics data audible. Archer is the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Stephen Hawking Fellow in Space Physics and Public Engagement and is working in the fields of citizen science and data sonification. He is seeking individuals to complete a survey, the results of which may help him to determine the best way to give space physics data a voice. See: https://imperial.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_295iuL4yxfaQ0Qu "Our sense of sound can be a powerful tool in exploring and analyzing data collected from satellites. But what is the best way to make this data audible?" Archer asks. Space science researchers at Imperial College London are asking for input from communities with relevant expertise -- such as those involved with audio, citizen science, music, public engagement, and science communication. HamSCI Founder Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, believes the list could also include radio amateurs. "Given the connection between radio propagation and geomagnetic disturbances, along with the fact that hams are so used to listening to signals in noise, we think the amateur community would have valuable input," he said. Specifically, the project seeks the best method of making ultra-low-frequency waves around Earth audible. Archer believes feedback from radio amateurs and others could help space scientists to improve science communication, public engagement, and citizen science. Completing the survey should take no longer than 10 minutes. A participant information sheet offers greater detail. Direct questions should be sent to Archer via email (m.archer10 at imperial dot ac dot uk. [ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution as of October 14, 2021 The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE Distribution: LEDSAT - NORAD Cat ID 49069 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for ID) Binar-1 - NORAD Cat ID 49272 (Thanks to Space-Track for ID) TeikyoSat 4 - NORAD Cat ID 49396 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for ID) Z-Sat - NORAD Cat ID 49399 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for ID) KOSEN 1 - NORAD Cat ID 49402 (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for ID) Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, reports NO SIGNAL from NanoDragon as yet. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule as of 2021-09-15 15:30 UTC None reported. Columbus Module radios: - IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Supporting cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down) . Next planned mode change is to packet operation (145.825 MHz up & down) targeting early December. - Power down for COL experiment on Nov 24, Progress docking Nov 25 and 6R module docking on Nov 26. OFF Nov. 24 at 09:45 and ON Nov 26 at TBD UTC. - Power down for upcoming US EVA on Nov. 30. - Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E – STATUS - Radio usually off. - Power down Progress docking Nov 25 and 6R module docking on Nov 26. OFF Nov. 24 at 09:45 UTC. - Power down for upcoming US EVA on Nov. 30. Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit. Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: AD0HJ: Check out his Twitter for details passes, and sickening good handwriting. EN01/11: 11/13 EN00/10:11/14 DN90/91: 11/14 DN80/81: 11/15 Major Roves: NA-008. (Zone 2) After being silent for 18 months, operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station this October. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The VY0ERC team (VE1RUS and VE3KTB) is now in preparation to be active from the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory between October 12th and November 22nd, (time and weather conditions permitting). They plan to participate in CQWW DX SSB and the ARRL Sweepstakes Contests. Outside of the contests, the suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see: https://twitter.com/vy0erc [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events Winterfest, the ARRL Midwest Division Convention Collinsville, IL Jan 22 2022 ARRL National Convention and Orlando Hamcation Feb 10-13 2022 Registration details at http://www.arrl.org/arrl-expo Updates may be found at: https://www.amsat.org/other-events/ AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, makes online presentations to Amateur Radio clubs and other interested organizations. Contact Clint at http://www.work-sat.com or by phone at 909-999-SATS (7287) to arrange a presentation. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, and Clint Bradford, K6CLS for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AMSAT Ambassador Daryl Young (K4RGK) and his wife Lori (K4UPI) represented AMSAT at the Stone Mountain Hamfest on 11/6/2021. The hamfest is the largest in the state of Georgia and serves as the ARRL Georgia Section state convention. (ANS thanks Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, for the above information) + In light of of the successful launch of the Z-Sat, Mike Sartoretti, KC2SYF reminds all S.A.T. device users to autoupdate their devices in order to acquire the new TLE. (ANS thanks Mike Sartoretti, KC2SYF, of CSN Technologies for the above information.) + Paul Stoetzer Tweeted: "Congratulations to @KE9AJ and @FG8OJ on the new CAS-4A record of 4,978 km!". https://amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ Joe Werth, KE9AJ, announced the feat on Nov 6, 2021 via Twitter: "Amazing QSO this morning on CAS-4A with my friend Bertrand, @FG8OJ from the Colorado mountain summit in DM79iq, for a new #AMSAT distance record of 4978.0 km. Thanks Bertrand!" (ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, for the above information.) + The International Space Station performed a short engine burn on Wednesday to avoid potentially hitting a chunk of space junk. At 2015 UTC, the thrusters on Russia's Progress MS-18 transport cargo vehicle, which is docked to the ISS, fired for 361 seconds to perform the small nudge, Roscosmos said. The agency confirmed on Twitter it had successfully performed the shift, and that the ISS is now safe from a fragment of China’s Fengyun-1C weather satellite that was whizzing by. [Note: Amateurs using the ARISS repeater will want to update their keps following this change in orbit.] (ANS thanks TheRegister for the above information) +Raja Chari, KI5LIU, a veteran U.S. Air Force test pilot and combat veteran, is the first rookie astronaut to command a NASA space mission since the final crew blasted off to the Skylab space station in 1973. The 44-year-old Air Force colonel was in command of the brand new SpaceX Dragon, named, “Endurance,” that docked to the International Space Station on Thursday for a nearly six-month expedition. Aboard the station, Chari and his crewmates will perform scientific experiments and maintain the orbiting research lab alongside another NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts who launched on Russian Soyuz spaceships. (ANS thanks Space Flight Now for the above information) + The European Space Agency's RadCube, for surveying space weather in low-Earth orbit, has completed its rigorous commissioning phase, culminating in the extension of a magnetometer boom longer than the miniature satellite itself. RadCube is a mission to demonstrate miniaturised technologies for measuring this space radiation environment as well as magnetic field strength. RadCube is a '3-unit' CubeSat, very similar to the planned AMSAT GOLF spaceframes. It was developed for ESA by C3S in Hungary. (ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information) + Two NASA astronauts will venture outside the International Space Station on Tuesday, Nov. 30, for a spacewalk to replace a faulty antenna system. NASA astronauts Thomas Marshburn, KE5HOC, and Kayla Barron, KI5LAL, will exit the Quest airlock around 12:10 UTC to replace an S-band Antenna Subassembly (SASA) with a spare already available on the station’s truss structure. The space station transmits low-rate voice and data with flight controllers on the ground over the S-band of radio frequencies. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information) + Two Chinese taikonauts completed a space walk on Monday outside the core module of a future space station, with 41-year-old Wang Yaping becoming the first Chinese woman to perform the maneuver, state media reported. Zhai Zhigang, 55, mission commander of Shenzhou-13, opened the hatch of the core cabin Tianhe at 18:51 p.m. (1051 GMT) on Sunday, and was joined by Wang for a space walk that lasted 6-1/2 hours. (ANS thanks Reuters for the above information) + John Grant, a Lecturer in Soil Science, Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia, has calculated that the Moon's surface "regolith" is made up of approximately 45% oxygen -- enough oxygen to support all eight billion people on Earth for somewhere around 100,000 years. But that oxygen is tightly bound into the minerals that can only be released by electrolysis, which requires a great deal of energy. This process is commonly used in manufacturing, such as to produce aluminium. In this case, the oxygen is produced as a byproduct. On the Moon, the oxygen would be the main product and the aluminium (or other metal) extracted would be a potentially useful byproduct. (ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ kd4iz at frawg dot org

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ANS-311 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Nov. 7
by Mark Johns, K0JM 07 Nov '21

07 Nov '21

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-311 The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ In this edition: * AMSAT Seeks Qualified Volunteers For A Number Of Positions * VUCC/r Award Announced * W4AMI Award Qualifications Have Changed * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for November 2021 * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for November 4 * Results of Artemis 2 Proposal Opportunity * ARDC Grant Award for the ARISS-USA STEREO Education Project * ARISS School Contacts * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over ANS-311 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2021 Nov 7 AMSAT Seeks Qualified Volunteers For A Number Of Positions Keeping Amateur Radio in Space is a team effort and the work of AMSAT is carried out entirely by volunteers. AMSAT needs people with a wide range of technical and non-technical skills. In short, WE NEED YOU! There is no pay, but a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that you are helping make something happen. Volunteers are being sought in the following areas: * Satellite Development Technical Experience If you have hardware or software technical skills, and proven experience directly applicable to satellite design, please contact the AMSAT Vice President of Engineering, Jerry Buxton, N0JY. Due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), positions involving space flight hardware or software require US citizenship or permanent resident status. Ground station development is open to all qualified persons regardless of citizenship. * ARISS Development and Support AMSAT's Human Space Flight Team is looking for volunteers to help with development and support of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) project. ARISS needs both technical volunteers for hardware development, as well as technical mentors to assist with scheduled school contacts. To volunteer, contact Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS-USA Executive Director. * AMSAT Educational Relations AMSAT's Educational Relations Team needs volunteers with a background in education and classroom lesson development. Contact Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Vice President - Educational Relations * AMSAT News and Communications Communications through the AMSAT News Service [this weekly bulletin] and AMSAT Journal are essential in keeping both our members and the wider public informed. If you have good writing and editing skills and are interested, please contact AMSAT News Service Senior Editor Mark Johns, K0JM, or AMSAT Journal Editor Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK. * General AMSAT Support AMSAT is an organization of self starters. While we sometimes have tasks which we can assign, our most important contributions come from someone who sees a need, has the skills to solve the problem, and then goes ahead and does so. So pick an area that you think needs improvement and explain what you will do to make it better. Contact Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President or email info [AT] amsat.org [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Join the 2021 President's Club! Score your 2" 4-Color Accent Commemorative Coin. This gold finished coin comes with Full Color Certificate and Embroidered "Remove Before Flight" Key Tag Donate today at https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ You won't want to miss it! +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC/r Award Announced At the 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting on Oct. 30, a new AMSAT award program was announced. This program is to recognize the contribution of rover station operators to the world of grid hunting. Rovers are folks operating while mobile in motion or temporarily parked to give out grids to fixed stations. The award is called the Reverse VUCC Award. The abbreviation is VUCC/r. It is not an easy award to earn. The award is very similar to the ARRL’s VUCC, but rather than contact a set number of grids on a frequency band, the goal is to make contacts FROM a set number of grids per band. AMSAT took over the issuance of this award from the Central States VHF Society in September, 2021. The number of grids coincides with the ARRL award. Certificates will be awarded as well as endorsement stickers. QSL cards are required and will be verified by the program administrator. Awards will be presented with a unique serial number. This award will be a step beyond, and a greater challenge than the AMSAT Rover Award. For more information on VUCC/r see https://www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award/ [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, 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/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ W4AMI Award Qualifications Have Changed Effective November 01, 2021 no FM contacts will be accepted towards the Robert W. Barbee Jr., W4AMI Award. Contacts made prior to November 01, 2021 will be accepted. The decision was reached by a concensus of the AMSAT Board of Directors at their virtual meeting on Oct. 29 out of concern for the demands being placed on the limited resource or our satellite FM repeaters. "I really don't know if there are people making contacts with five of their friends on every single pass just to get enough QSOs for this award, but if there is anything we can do to lighten the load on our FM satellites and extend their lifetime, we need to do so," said one Board member. The Robert W. Barbee Jr., W4AMI Satellite Operator Achievement Award. It is awarded for the submission of 1,000 satellite contacts on OSCAR-6 or later satellites. There is an endorsement for each additional 1,000 and a special certificate at 5,000. To receive the award, see https://www.amsat.org/amsat-robert-w-barbee-jr-w4ami-award/ and contact AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO. [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- VUCC Awards-Endorsements for November 2021 Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period October 1, 2021 through November 1, 2021. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month! CALL Oct. November WA4NVM 1568 1579 N8HM 1127 1139 AA5PK 1115 1132 N8RO 1111 1124 W5CBF 723 841 AA8CH 775 800 N0JE 681 734 N3GS 705 729 N6UK 687 707 VE1VOX 510 610 AF5CC 547 582 VE6WK 512 564 N7EGY 501 559 K5ND 526 530 G0ABI 454 478 KN2K 350 401 VE4MM 376 401 EA2AA 375 382 WB7QXU 303 325 NA1ME 250 275 RA3DNC 200 252 VE3KY 201 227 XE1GK New 209 KC1MEB 168 207 AB0XE 100 200 KE7RTB 150 200 WD9EWK (DM23) 166 173 WD9EWK (DM31) 156 162 WD9EWK (DM54) 145 153 KE4BKL 125 150 KP4RV+KP3V New 139 LA9XGA 100 129 JK2XXK 100 125 XE1ZD New 109 MU0FAL New 102 WA2ZQX New 101 If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at <W5RKN> [AT] <W5RKN> .com. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for the two months. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing a lot of the work! [ANS thanks Ron Parsons, W5RKN, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it! https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for November 4 The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from the AMSAT TLE Distribution: CP-9 - NORAD Cat ID 44360 (Decay Epoch 10-28-2021) [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Results of Artemis 2 Proposal Opportunity In January this year the Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) team of ARISS and AMSAT submitted a no-cost proposal to fly hardware and cameras on NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon to bring “The Excitement and Inspiration of Artemis Journeys to a Worldwide Audience through Interactive Amateur Radio Experiences.” Artemis 2 is the first planned human spaceflight mission to the moon. Like the Apollo 8 mission, it plans to orbit the moon and return to Earth. Recently we got word that we were not competitively selected for the mission. I just found out who won the competition. The winners, National Geographic and Disney, were, in my opinion, unbeatable challengers for documenting and sharing truly historic events -- especially the return of humans to the moon. https://www.space.com/national-geographic-nasa-artemis-moon-mission-show Despite this loss, the AREx team learned a great deal in the development of the proposal and were able to significantly refine our lunar payload design concept. A concept that can now meet Gateway payload requirements. This new design will position our amateur radio team for future lunar opportunity requests as well as to communicate our readiness to fly as a payload on the Lunar Gateway mission. On behalf of the AREx team, my thanks to all that supported the maturation of our Lunar design and the development and submit of the proposal. [ANS thanks Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS-USA Executive Director, ARISS International Chair, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARDC Grant Award for the ARISS-USA STEREO Education Project ARISS-USA is pleased to announce that Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) awarded a 5-year grant for a project called, “Student and Teacher Education via Radio Experimentation and Operations” (STEREO). Total grant funding over five years is nearly $1.3 million. This ARDC grant will fund three distinct initiatives that enable ARISS to sustain and improve STEAM educational outcomes: Part 1: ARISS is developing a wireless electronics technology kit called “SPARKI”, short for “Space Pioneers Amateur Radio Kit Initiative” for use with middle and high school students. This ARDC grant will take SPARKI from prototype to operational and then deploy these kits into a selected set of ARISS formal and informal education organizations that are planning their ARISS radio contacts. Part 2: To be successful, ARISS must “Educate the Educator” by creating awareness of ARISS, amateur radio and SPARKI to prospective formal and informal educators in the USA. ARISS‐USA will conduct educator workshops for a selected set of educators to aid them in seamlessly employing SPARKI in their education environment and for ARISS to receive their feedback and ideas. Part 3: The grant will support some of the costs of ARISS contact operations between students and astronauts aboard the ISS over the five-year grant period. ARISS-USA Executive Director Frank Bauer welcomed this news by saying, “ARISS-USA is so excited about this new 5-year initiative. It will be a STEAM education game changer and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0 vision. Most importantly, it brings wireless technologies and amateur radio into our ARISS formal and informal classrooms. We thank ARDC for their interest and support and look forward to working with them on this incredible initiative!” ARDC’s mission is to support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to promote Amateur Radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open access, and innovation in information and communication technology. ARDC makes grants to projects and organizations that follow amateur radio’s practice and tradition of technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital communication science. Such experimentation has led to broad advances for the benefit of the general public – such as the mobile phone and wireless internet technology. ARDC envisions a world where all such technology is available through open-source hardware and software, and where anyone has the ability to innovate upon it. [ANS thanks ARISS for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS School Contacts 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. South Yarra Primary School, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia, telebridge via K6DUE The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Mark Vande Hei KG5GNP Contact is go for: Tue 2021-11-09 09:58:23 UTC 75 deg Watch for livestream at: https://bit.ly/31yQldr Ural State University of Railways and Communications, Yekaterinburg, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Pyotr Dubrov Contact is go for 2021-11-11 16: 00 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 KC1MEB & Nu1U are going to be roving in FN10 in PA this Sunday afternoon (11/7) A more definite schedule of passes for that grid will be announced. NA-008. (Zone 2) After being silent for 18 months, operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station this October. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The VY0ERC team (VE1RUS and VE3KTB) is now in preparation to be active from the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory between October 12th and November 22nd, (time and weather conditions permitting). They plan to participate in CQWW DX SSB and the ARRL Sweepstakes Contests. Outside of the contests, the suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see: https://twitter.com/vy0erc [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, is scheduling Zoom presentations for these locales in the next few weeks: Longmont, Colorado Las Vegas, Nevada St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada To schedule, contact Clint at: http://www.work-sat.com Email: clintbradford AT mac DOT com (909) 999-SATS (7287) - voicemail/message [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL, has expressed appreciation to members of the Board of Directors, and to Virtual Symposium Team: Paul Stoetzer, N8HM and Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, and to Dan Schultz N8FGV, Symposium Proceedings editor, on a phenomenal job of carrying out the Symposium on Oct. 30. The Proceedings are available to members at https://launch.amsat.org/ (ANS thanks AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL, for the above information) + Did you miss the 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting? A replay of the event is available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/RTvcceM7Tz0 (ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information) + NASA has ruled out a weekend launch for a SpaceX Crew Dragon carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station due to expected bad weather. Given an uncertain forecast, the mission managers have opted instead to bring four station astronauts — Crew-2 — back to Earth first, delaying the Crew-3 launch to later next week. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station at 1:05z on Sunday, Nov. 7, to begin the journey home. Splashing down on Monday will be Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, Megan McArthur, Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, and Thomas Pesquet, KG5FYG. The Crew-3 astronauts awaiting launch are all licensed amateurs: Raja Chari, KI5LIU, Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC, Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, and Kayla Barron, KI5LAL. That crew was originally scheduled to launch on Oct. 31. (ANS thanks SpaceFlightNow and NASA for the above information) + NASA missions have primarily relied on radio frequency communications for this transfer of information. But this fall, NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) will launch and showcase laser communications. LCRD's ground stations, known as Optical Ground Station (OGS) -1 and -2, are located on Table Mountain, California, and Haleakala, Hawaii. These remote, high-altitude locations were chosen for their clear weather conditions. While laser communications can provide increased data transfer rates, atmospheric disturbances - such as clouds and turbulence - can disrupt laser signals as they enter Earth's atmosphere. (ANS thanks SpaceDaily for the above information) + A new distance record of 4978.0 km on CAS-4A has been claimed by Joe Werth, KE9AJ, from the Colorado mountain summit in DM79iq, with Bertrand Demarcq, FG8OJ, in FK96hg in Guadeloupe. Congratulations! Distance records are published at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ (ANS thanks Joe Werth, KE9AJ, 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-304 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Oct. 31
by Mark Johns, K0JM 31 Oct '21

31 Oct '21

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

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ANS-297 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 24 Oct '21

24 Oct '21

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

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

16 Oct '21

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

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