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AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-232
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Cubesats Deployed During Russian EVA - TOMSK TPU-120 Reported Active
* Pat Gowen, G3IOR, Silent Key August 17
* AMSAT Fox-1B Completes P-POD Integration
* AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation Update Report
* AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers
* AMSAT Journal Packet Articles Added to Station and Operating Hints Page
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-232.01
ANS-232 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 232.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE August 20, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-232.01
Cubesats Deployed During Russian EVA - TOMSK TPU-120 Reported Active
News on the AMSAT-UK webf described the hand-deployment plans
of three Russian Cubesats during a spacewalk this week:
Expedition 52 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, RN3FI and Flight
Engineer Sergey Ryazanskiy, of the Russian space agency
Roscosmos, conducted a planned extravehicular activity from
the ISS on Thursday, August 17.
Ryazanskiy began the schedule of extravehicular activities
with the manual deployment of five nanosatellites from a
ladder outside the airlock.
The satellites, each of which has a mass of about 11 pounds,
have a variety of purposes. [the satellites are thought to
include Tanyusha-SWSU 1 & 2 and Tomsk-TPU-120]
One of the satellites, with casings made using 3-D printing
technology, will test the effect of the low-Earth-orbit
environment on the composition of 3-D printed materials.
Another satellite contains recorded greetings to the people
of Earth in 11 languages. A third satellite commemorates
the 60th anniversary of the Sputnik 1 launch and the 160th
anniversary of the birth of Russian scientist Konstantin
Tsiolkovsky.
Thanks to Mike, DK3WN for this post-deployment information:
http://www.dk3wn.info/p/?cat=325
TOMSK TPU-120 (RS04S) 437.025 MHz digital voice
Tanusha-SWSU-1 (RS-6S) 437.050 MHz 9k6 FSK, digital voice
Tanusha-SWSU-2 (RS-7S) 437.050 MHz 9k6 FSK, digital voice
[ANS thanks Mike, DK3WN, and AMSAT-UK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat Gowen, G3IOR, Silent Key August 17
AMSAT-UK reported that Pat Gowen, G3IOR became a silent key
on August 17. Pat was the amateur radio operator who made the
discovery on June 21, 2002 that AO-7 was transmitting again.
Pat posted a message on the amsat-bb, "I have just come across
something most remarkable this Friday 21st June evening. Checking
out interlopers in our 145.800 - 146.000 MHz space band with a
new vertical now atop my 60' tower and working like magic, at
1728UTC I came across a beacon at S.7 sending slow 8 -10 wpm
CW on 145.973.8 MHz. It slowly Dopplered down to 145.970 MHz
before going out at 1739 UTC."
Pat's original message and follow-up replies can be accessed in the
amsat-bb archives:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200206/msg00525.html
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Fox-1B Completes P-POD Integration
Tuesday, August 15 Jerry Buxton, NØJY, Vice President Engineering,
delivered RadFxSat, our AMSAT Fox-1B CubeSat, built in partnership
with Vanderbilt University to Cal Poly University.
RadFsSat/Fox-1B was successfully integrated into the P-POD cubesat
deployment container on August 16 along with her pod-mates
Makersat-0 and EagleSat. Launch qualification vibration testing
of the integrated P-POD was completed on August 17.
The P-POD will next be mounted on the ULA Delta II rocket for launch
no earlier than October 12, 2017.
At the conclusion of integration and testing Jerry commented, "Many
thanks to the Cal Poly, Tyvak, and NASA personnel who we performed
the integration with, to the Makersat-0 and EagleSat team members,
and to my west coast AMSAT CubeSat wing man Al Vasso for a successful
and fun day!"
Look for photos and more news to be published in the AMSAT Journal.
RadFxSat/Fox-1B
Uplink: 435.250 MHz FM (67.0 Hz CTCSS tone for access)
Downlink: 145.960 MHz FM (with subaudible slow speed telemetry data)
145.960 MHz 9600 baud FSK data
[ANS thanks Jerry Buxton, NØJY, AMSAT Vice President Engineering for the
above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation Update Report
Michelle Thompson, W5NYV has published this week's AMSAT Phase 4
Ground Weekly Report - video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZxGfh1Es_I&feature=youtu.be
The video provides photos and full discussion of the Team's report.
Below is a summary of the highlights, editted for the news format
of the e-mailed ANS bulletins.
So there's quite the backlog. Let's get caught up. We have a True
Position GPS 10 MHz reference with Arduino and display. A very nice
system for the money, and we have a session scheduled with the local
microwave club to get them up and running for some Phase 4 Ground
receiver development.
LDPC decode work took some strides forward primarily due to Charles
Brain G4GUO and Jan Schiefer AC7TD. Check out the repository in the
notes. There will be some more updates there very soon on-line at:
https://github.com/phase4ground/DVB-receiver
Two B200s compliments of Ettus Research have been delivered to
Phase 4 Ground members for R&D. Wally Ritchie WU1Y and Mike Sprenger
and Tony Stone W4UOO & W4TAS are the current responsible parties and
are learning and doing. This very generous donation is greatly
appreciated. If you are in the market for a lab-grade SDR, then go
to Ettus and tell them Michelle W5NYV sent you.
We're making progress on receivers for DVB-S2 in GNU Radio. We
demonstrated the current smoking pile of various blocks at Hamvention,
and then Maker Faire, and then DEFCON. We will next bring our work
to GNU Radio Conference in September, hopefully that same weekend
at TAPR DCC, and then we will bring what will by then be a complete
and perfect flow graph to AMSAT Symposium in October. An added bonus?
If we can swing it, we'll bring all the wireless challenge exercises
from GNU Radio Conference to AMSAT Symposium and be on hand to teach
anyone that wants to learn how to use GNU Radio to solve them.
Oh, and there's another Maker Faire in there somewhere and I think
we should set up a booth. If you're in or around San Diego, Maker
Faire will be at Balboa Park on October 7-8. I have a tower trailer
for traditional demonstrations but I'm looking to show off satellite,
SDR, and digital microwave.
We will have Phase 4 Ground members at Microwave Update, IEEE conferences,
GNU Radio Conference, TAPR DCC, and AMSAT Sympsosium. Most of these
conferences will have papers and/or presentations. If you have never
been to any of them, please check them out. These are some of the
premier annual events for various overlapping technical communities.
We had a very successful Hamvention.
Visit https://youtu.be/vHI96TRXchk for a great video of our Hamvention
AMSAT engineering booth! Thank you to EC1AME for posting this.
We had an extremely successful DEFCON. Phase 4 Ground promoted AMSAT,
SDRs, and GNU Radio to one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds
we've ever seen. This was the 25th anniversary of DEFCON, in a new
location, and we were invited to be a part of the Wireless Village
for all three days as an anchor exhibit and demonstration station.
This was a very successful outreach by any measure and we are already
planning for next year.
If you can help with the GNU Radio DVB-S2 receiver blocks, then do
it now because we need more people working on it to make quick progress.
Other areas of activity are Phase 4 Ground support of the wireless signal
intelligence competition, or CTF, at GNU Radio Conference, and a hackable
amateur radio themed badge project. Steve Conklin is coordinating and his
first deadline is a February hardware hackers cruise out of San Diego.
Next stop after that, Hamvention 2018. If you are interested in badgelife,
Bluetooth, integrating VHF/UHF into a hackable wearable badge project,
then do we have a challenge for you.
Phase 4 Ground will also be at Burning Man. An upcoming video will
focus on what we learn from our desert hackathon. The focus will be
on getting ahead on DVB-S2 receive and coming up with challenges for
the GNU Radio CTF.
If you have not got your ticket to GNU Radio Conference, then please do.
Link in the notes. www.gnuradio.org
Besides producing a radio for AMSAT five and dime, we all want to show
how truly fun SDR and GNU Radio and embedded devices and digital
communications really are. If you have questions or don't know where
to start, then please write me w5nyv(a)yahoo.com
[ANS thank Michelle Thompson, W5NYV for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers
This call for papers is for the 2017 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space
Symposium to
be held on the weekend of October 27, 28, 29, 2017 at the Silver Legacy
Resort,
Reno, Nevada. Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster
presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite
community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as
possible, with final copy to be submitted by October 6 for inclusion in the
printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz
N8FGV at
n8fgv at amsat.org
[ANS thanks Dan, N8FGV, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Journal Packet Articles Added to Station and Operating Hints Page
The AMSAT Station and Operating Hints page has been updated to include
PDF copies of the packet operating articles recently published in the
AMSAT Journal. See https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/
+ January/February 2017 AMSAT Journal article "Get on the Air with ARISS
Packet" (PDF ~500 KB) – How to set up and use computer & soundcard to
work the packet system aboard the ISS and other APRS-capable satellites.
+ January/February 2017 AMSAT Journal article "Working Digipeaters with
the Kenwood TH-D72A and TH-D74A" (PDF ~300 KB) – How to use the
packet/APRS capability of these radios to work the packet system aboard
the ISS and other APRS-capable satellites.
AMSAT members received this issue of the AMSAT Journal several months
ago. The AMSAT Journal is a premium membership benefit of AMSAT. Please
consider joining AMSAT if you are not already a member. Visit
https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-membership/ to sign up
today!
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Web Page Guys for the above information]
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Lee McLamb, KT4TZ
kt4tz at amsat dot org
1
0
My apologizes to all for the errors this week. This bulletin had the wrong numbering and no subject.
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-225.01
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
* AMSAT-NA Elects Executive Vice President
* ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
* AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation
* AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
* AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
* ARLK061 Keplerian data
* NASA Program Gives Students Access to Astronauts
* Mayak Fails to Deploy Solar Reflector
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Satellite Reporter
+ RX only i-gate
+ Grid Expedition
SB SUN @ AMSAT $ANS-225.01
ANS-218.01 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 218.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
August 13, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-218.01
Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
With the recent popularity of Slow Scan Television (SSTV) from the
ISS, AMSAT Operations is bringing back Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-
85.
On a trial basis, we invite users to exchange pictures using Robot
36 SSTV mode via the FM repeater on AO-85 during UTC Wednesdays.
Please identify prior to beginning transmissions, and only send when
the uplink is clear.
Stations are requested to only uplink if they have a reasonable
expectation of maintaining a full-quieting signal for the duration of
the image transmission.
Smaller stations are encouraged to focus on receiving the images.
Please don't send questionable or provocative images. If in doubt,
pick another one.
Expect all ages to be participating.
Feedback is encouraged, and comments may be directed via email to me
at ko4ma at amsat dot org.
[ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA Vice President, Educational Relations, Joe Spier, K6WAO of
Reno, NV, has been elected by the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors as
Executive Vice President during a Board Meeting via a conference call
that took place on August 8, 2017. Joe's new duties will include
implementation of AMSAT-NA's Strategic Planning. He will continue in
his other duties as 2017 Space Symposium Chairman, AMSAT News Service
Co-Editor, ARISS-NA Education, and Educational Relations until new
personnel can be appointed or the task assigned is completed.
Under the AMSAT ByLaws, the position of Executive Vice President is
one of seven senior officer positions that are approved by the AMSAT
Board of Directors.
Included in the ByLaw stated duties, "the Executive Vice President
shall act in the place of the President in the President's absence,
and shall have such other duties as the Board may determine."
[Bylaws, Article II, Section 5B].
In addition, the Executive VP is assigned the responsibility of AMSAT
External Relations team leader and as acting director of any team
leader position that is not filled.
Joe is a Life Member of AMSAT-NA and has served in Educational
Relations during the past six years. He also has Life Memberships in
the ARRL, SARA (Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers) and the AFA
(Air Force Association). He holds an Extra Class license as well
Commercial licenses.
AMSAT-NA President, Barry Baines, WD4ASW said, "I extend my
congratulations to Joe on his new position of leadership in AMSAT-NA.
As EVP, he will be working closely with me on a variety of matters
involving various AMSAT departments as we move forward on our
strategic planning process as well as day-to-day management of the
organization. Joe's dedication to the strategic planning process
will enhance the future of AMSAT-NA."
[ANS thanks the AMSAT-NA BOD for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
The ARRL offers a series of six posters that promote Amateur
Radio to the general public. These were originally designed
by ARRL for the 2017 National Scouting Jamboree, but may be
used for any outreach effort. Each poster is 11" x 17".
One of the posters features amateur radio in space.
The six posters are based around the theme, "Ham Radio Is..."
Those themes are:
+ Adventure (Portable operating of all kinds)
+ Discovery (Making/Building/DIY)
+ Friendship (Community and Mentoring)
+ Out Of This World (space communications/satellites)
+ Ready (Publc Service)
+ The Game (Contesting and Awards)
A link to ARRL's "What Is Ham Radio" page is provided as both
a URL and a QR code on each poster.
The posters are available for free download in PDF format.
http://www.arrl.org/pr-posters
We suggest printing on high-gloss paper and framing them
for maximum effect.
[ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation
AMSAT Phase 4 Ground will next present at the GNU Radio Conference
in September, in San Diego, CA.
Register now at https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon-2017/
After that, we will be at the AMSAT Symposium in October, in Reno,
NV. More information at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/
Thank you to Paul Williamson and Steve Conklin for helping staff the
booth, bringing cool custom swag, setting up demonstrations, and
answering hundreds and hundreds of questions. We are already looking
forward to next year!
[ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NYV for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
Ballots for AMSAT-NA's Board of Directors were mailed to members in
good standing on July 15. Members are encouraged to complete their
ballots and return them as soon as possible. Ballots must be received
at the AMSAT office by September 15 in order to be counted.
This year AMSAT-NA will be electing four voting members of the Board
of Directors. These will go to the four candidates receiving the
highest number of votes. In addition, there will be one alternate
chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received.
The 2017 candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are:
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Clayton Coleman, W5PFG
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Peter Portanova, W2JV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Election of Board members is both an obligation as well as an
opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of
AMSAT. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that
will accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the
Board. You have the option to vote for up to four candidates.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
The AMSAT SA/SARL workshop, to be held on Saturday 19 August at the
SARL National Amateur Radio Centre at Radiokop Roodepoort, will focus
on how to get more out of Software Defined Radio, and will take
participants to another level in Amateur Radio activity.
The workshop will be presented in two sessions. Session one will
deal with the VHF SDR dongle and how to have more fun, such as
listening to satellites, receiving weather satellites pictures, and
astronomy projects. The second session will discuss a HF Dongle and
the SARL HF Noise floor monitoring project, with details and a
demonstration of how to automate this and how to build an autonomous
system using a raspberry Pi.
For more details and to check your registration status, point your
browser to www.amsatsa.org.za or send an e-mail to
admin at amsatsa.org.za
[ANS thanks SARL weekly news in English 2017-8-5 for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARLK061 Keplerian data
Decode 2-line elsets with the following key:
1 AAAAAU 00 0 0 BBBBB.BBBBBBBB .CCCCCCCC 00000-0 00000-0 0 DDDZ
2 AAAAA EEE.EEEE FFF.FFFF GGGGGGG HHH.HHHH III.IIII JJ.JJJJJJJJKKKKKZ
KEY: A-CATALOGNUM B-EPOCHTIME C-DECAY D-ELSETNUM E-INCLINATION F-RAAN
G-ECCENTRICITY H-ARGPERIGEE I-MNANOM J-MNMOTION K-ORBITNUM Z-CHECKSUM
0 AO-07
1 7530U 74089B 17222.89382764 -.00000034+00000-0 +65403-4 0 9994
2 7530 101.6352 190.51130011675 214.9856 169.654212.53628132955487
0 FO-29
1 24278U 96046B 17222.88315093 -.00000020+00000-0 +15539-4 0 9999
2 24278 098.5553 098.84690350108 195.5218 163.496413.53077139036025
0 ISS
1 25544U 98067A 17223.80427436 .00000839 00000-0 19944-4 0 9990
2 25544 51.6417 121.06850005753 127.9944 342.434415.54137576 70404
0 SO-50
1 27607U 02058C 17222.70530263 -.00000019+00000-0 +17647-4 0 9997
2 27607 064.5567 318.96290030593 068.5242 291.911814.75346094787154
0 CO-55
1 27844U 03031E 17222.95672142 +.00000034+00000-0 +35298-4 0 9990
2 27844 098.6896 231.16650009598 181.9520 178.162114.22051495732061
0 RS-22
1 27939U 03042A 17222.97040331 +.00000040+00000-0 +15718-4 0 9990
2 27939 097.9469 005.96770014114 056.3493 048.528014.66584866741206
0 CO-58
1 28895U 05043F 17222.87314324 +.00000088+00000-0 +25763-4 0 9993
2 28895 097.8709 022.66180016157 335.1569 024.885514.63418301628257
0 CO-65
1 32785U 08021C 17222.91711090 +.00000186+00000-0 +25911-4 0 9995
2 32785 097.5644 244.68450012846 354.3527 005.754414.87920127502963
0 COMPASS 1
1 32787U 08021E 17219.63433091 +.00000659+00000-0 +69181-4 0 9996
2 32787 097.5570 250.74060011708 333.3907 026.671014.92651841503170
0 DO-64
1 32789U 08021G 17222.94489045 +.00000684+00000-0 +52430-4 0 9993
2 32789 097.5555 280.01530010897 275.4557 084.542615.05021247505002
0 RS-30
1 32953U 08025A 17222.93246189 +.00000006+00000-0 -27611-4 0 9991
2 32953 082.5015 205.60940019184 161.8443 198.332612.43078449418222
0 KKS-1
1 33499U 09002H 17222.88213370 +.00000109+00000-0 +24219-4 0 9997
2 33499 098.3375 029.88180008862 192.4626 167.636414.75208800459427
0 AO-71
1 37854U 11061E 17222.66330723 +.00001124+00000-0 +68027-4 0 9995
2 37854 101.6957 123.99190166924 273.7613 084.452615.04249114314670
0 AO-73
1 39444U 13066AE 17222.57930650 +.00000238+00000-0 +35934-4 0 9990
2 39444 097.6269 263.29630060073 088.8088 272.000714.81476715199070
0 UKUBE 1
1 40074U 14037F 17222.79095587 +.00000329+00000-0 +47155-4 0 9994
2 40074 098.3518 340.17790003571 225.1982 134.893814.83534592167270
0 XW-2A
1 40903U 15049E 17222.87356365 +.00001746+00000-0 +47328-4 0 9998
2 40903 097.4186 249.24800016516 071.5648 288.739115.38944766106055
0 XW-2C
1 40906U 15049H 17223.20886975 .00000610 00000-0 36481-4 0 9991
2 40906 97.4556 227.60270016062 29.9894 330.225515.14609982104560
0 XW-2F
1 40910U 15049M 17222.96013475 +.00000999+00000-0 +55913-4 0 9996
2 40910 097.4544 227.87960016161 026.6269 333.579015.15634603104577
0 IO-86
1 40931U 15052B 17222.61952655 +.00000684+00000-0 +62228-5 0 9996
2 40931 005.9980 204.64320013797 295.9894 063.706314.76535783101022
0 AO-85
1 40967U 15058D 17221.51251771 .00000256 00000-0 48666-4 0 00502
2 40967 064.7776 057.12380174670 058.2511 303.548014.75464490007664
Keplerian bulletins are transmitted twice weekly from W1AW. The
next scheduled transmission of these data will be Tuesday, August 15,
2017, at 2230z on Baudot and BPSK31.
[ANS thanks ARRL News Bulletin for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
* NASA Program Gives Students Access to Astronauts
On June 23, NASA astronaut Jack Fischer spoke with 22 Girl Scouts of
North East Ohio, while he was aboard the International Space Station.
More than 400 people attended the event, with many more watching live
footage online.
Children all over the world can connect with astronauts aboard the
space station via Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS), and with the help of volunteer ham operators. ARISS delegates
from the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan help connect
the world, from Senegal to Cincinnati, with the station. These contacts
endeavor to inspire youth worldwide to pursue science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) interests and careers.
"Ham radio was one of the most rewarding things to do on the
International Space Station," said NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, a
former Girl Scout and Ohioan. "Having that connection with kids on
Earth who have worked hard to understand and build HAM radio was priceless.
Their excited voices, echoing through equipment they had a hand in
building, brought numerous smiles and often tears to my eyes.
Afterward, getting the reports on how the kids enjoyed the
event, and how amazed that they were that they were talking directly
with a space ship, really made me understand how important and how
easily we can get kids interested in STEM. ARISS is a great project
and we are so happy to be part of it on the International Space Station."
The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and
character, who make the world a better place. Williams embodies this
tenet. She's lived more than 322 days in space over the course of four
expeditions to the ISS, Expeditions 14, 15, 32 and 33.
During her stay, she logged more than 50 hours of space walks, ran
the first marathon and triathlon in space, and participated in a number
of ARISS contacts. She currently trains to fly America's first commercially
built spacecraft, the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and the SpaceX Dragon.
The week prior to the contact, Sydney Walter, an 11-year-old
Girl Scout, participated in the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio's Space
Cadettes program at Camp Timberlane in Lorain County, Ohio. She met
with NASA professionals, learned what it's like to float in zero gravity
and explored constellations with a Starlab portable planetarium.
The ARISS contact rounded off a week of activities devoted to STEM education.
"I really like that NASA can do this for kids at schools and Girl Scouts at camp,"
said Sydney. "It was a really fun experience and I will never forget it."
Programs like this instill powerful memories that can spark a lifelong passion
for STEM. For 10 minutes, with the space station in range of northern Ohio, a
field of girls spoke with humans among the stars. Their vests now bear patches
honoring that moment in time. Pink and green encircle a yellow tent with the
bold gray shadow of the space station above. The patches honor 10 minutes
when they were not Girl Scouts - they were astronauts.
Volunteers from national amateur radio organizations and AMSAT run ARISS events.
For more information and to learn how your community can get involved, visit
www.ariss.org.
By Danny Baird
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Link to the patch http://tinyurl.com/ybp6zpll
[ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM/Pat Kilroy, N8PK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayak Fails to Deploy Solar Reflector
"Per Mayak’s simple design, the project engineers did not include a radio
as the satellite could be programmed on the ground to autonomously execute
its critical tasks in orbit to complete the deployment of the solar
reflector. Later in the design stages it was realized that a radio would be
beneficial, however, no radio channel could be allocated to the satellite
this close to launch. A backup plan of using a series of LEDs on the
satellite to deliver basic telemetry in the form of a visual Morse Code
never came to fruition, leaving Mayak without any means of communicating
its status to the ground."
http://tinyurl.com/ybeoz23n
[ANS thanks to AMSAT Bulletin Board for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
* Satellite Reporter
Andrew VK4TEC is working on a little project for space communications
enthusatics It is a raspberry Pi, that is connected to the APRS-IS
and will eventually also take in user reports as well
Andrew has setup a static ip http://59.167.159.165/
It is called "Satellite Reporter"
It is intended to provide a dashboard, stats in graphical format
and also data streams.
Please let me know if you want any features added as this project grows.
I see a user input screen and drop downs for satellites.
I will make an iPhone and Samsung compatible version.
The back end is MySQL and PERL and CGI
I will add ISS for the time being, please check back often for updates.
I think it best to use UTC times for the time being.
[ANS thanks Andrew VK4TEC for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
+ RX only i-gate
Dave, EI4HT operates an RX only i-gate in the UK MB7UEI-6.
Currently it uses AZ/EL active tracking antennas, VHF and UHF wimo
Xquads, the system runs 24/7 and also tracks the 3 Funcube sats, Dave
plans to expand this further and include the station on WEBSDR,
[ANS thanks Dave EI4HT / M0GIW for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Gride Expedition
Clayton Coleman (W5PFG) will depart for a satellite grid expedtion to
northern Maine on Friday, August 18. The trip will conclude the
morning of August 21. I'll roughly follow the same path I used on a
similar expedition January 2015.
Planned grids will be: FN54-57 and FN64-67
Due to the short duration of this trip, my satellite pass selection
will be dynamic. I will probably not work many passes from each unique
grid. I'll do my best to work from grid boundaries on passes with wide
coverage.
Monitor my Twitter feed @w5pfg for updates during the trip.
[ANS thanks Clayton Coleman (W5PFG) for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Chris Bradley, KG5JUP
kg5jup at amsat dot org
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect
the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to
support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings:
http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent from my iPhone
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-218.01
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
* AMSAT-NA Elects Executive Vice President
* ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
* AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation
* AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
* AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
* ARLK061 Keplerian data
* NASA Program Gives Students Access to Astronauts
* Mayak Fails to Deploy Solar Reflector
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Satellite Reporter
+ RX only i-gate
+ Grid Expedition
SB SUN @ AMSAT $ANS-218.01
ANS-218.01 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 218.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
August 13, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-218.01
Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
With the recent popularity of Slow Scan Television (SSTV) from the
ISS, AMSAT Operations is bringing back Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-
85.
On a trial basis, we invite users to exchange pictures using Robot
36 SSTV mode via the FM repeater on AO-85 during UTC Wednesdays.
Please identify prior to beginning transmissions, and only send when
the uplink is clear.
Stations are requested to only uplink if they have a reasonable
expectation of maintaining a full-quieting signal for the duration of
the image transmission.
Smaller stations are encouraged to focus on receiving the images.
Please don't send questionable or provocative images. If in doubt,
pick another one.
Expect all ages to be participating.
Feedback is encouraged, and comments may be directed via email to me
at ko4ma at amsat dot org.
[ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA Vice President, Educational Relations, Joe Spier, K6WAO of
Reno, NV, has been elected by the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors as
Executive Vice President during a Board Meeting via a conference call
that took place on August 8, 2017. Joe's new duties will include
implementation of AMSAT-NA's Strategic Planning. He will continue in
his other duties as 2017 Space Symposium Chairman, AMSAT News Service
Co-Editor, ARISS-NA Education, and Educational Relations until new
personnel can be appointed or the task assigned is completed.
Under the AMSAT ByLaws, the position of Executive Vice President is
one of seven senior officer positions that are approved by the AMSAT
Board of Directors.
Included in the ByLaw stated duties, "the Executive Vice President
shall act in the place of the President in the President's absence,
and shall have such other duties as the Board may determine."
[Bylaws, Article II, Section 5B].
In addition, the Executive VP is assigned the responsibility of AMSAT
External Relations team leader and as acting director of any team
leader position that is not filled.
Joe is a Life Member of AMSAT-NA and has served in Educational
Relations during the past six years. He also has Life Memberships in
the ARRL, SARA (Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers) and the AFA
(Air Force Association). He holds an Extra Class license as well
Commercial licenses.
AMSAT-NA President, Barry Baines, WD4ASW said, "I extend my
congratulations to Joe on his new position of leadership in AMSAT-NA.
As EVP, he will be working closely with me on a variety of matters
involving various AMSAT departments as we move forward on our
strategic planning process as well as day-to-day management of the
organization. Joe's dedication to the strategic planning process
will enhance the future of AMSAT-NA."
[ANS thanks the AMSAT-NA BOD for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
The ARRL offers a series of six posters that promote Amateur
Radio to the general public. These were originally designed
by ARRL for the 2017 National Scouting Jamboree, but may be
used for any outreach effort. Each poster is 11" x 17".
One of the posters features amateur radio in space.
The six posters are based around the theme, "Ham Radio Is..."
Those themes are:
+ Adventure (Portable operating of all kinds)
+ Discovery (Making/Building/DIY)
+ Friendship (Community and Mentoring)
+ Out Of This World (space communications/satellites)
+ Ready (Publc Service)
+ The Game (Contesting and Awards)
A link to ARRL's "What Is Ham Radio" page is provided as both
a URL and a QR code on each poster.
The posters are available for free download in PDF format.
http://www.arrl.org/pr-posters
We suggest printing on high-gloss paper and framing them
for maximum effect.
[ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation
AMSAT Phase 4 Ground will next present at the GNU Radio Conference
in September, in San Diego, CA.
Register now at https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon-2017/
After that, we will be at the AMSAT Symposium in October, in Reno,
NV. More information at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/
Thank you to Paul Williamson and Steve Conklin for helping staff the
booth, bringing cool custom swag, setting up demonstrations, and
answering hundreds and hundreds of questions. We are already looking
forward to next year!
[ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NYV for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
Ballots for AMSAT-NA's Board of Directors were mailed to members in
good standing on July 15. Members are encouraged to complete their
ballots and return them as soon as possible. Ballots must be received
at the AMSAT office by September 15 in order to be counted.
This year AMSAT-NA will be electing four voting members of the Board
of Directors. These will go to the four candidates receiving the
highest number of votes. In addition, there will be one alternate
chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received.
The 2017 candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are:
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Clayton Coleman, W5PFG
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Peter Portanova, W2JV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Election of Board members is both an obligation as well as an
opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of
AMSAT. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that
will accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the
Board. You have the option to vote for up to four candidates.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
The AMSAT SA/SARL workshop, to be held on Saturday 19 August at the
SARL National Amateur Radio Centre at Radiokop Roodepoort, will focus
on how to get more out of Software Defined Radio, and will take
participants to another level in Amateur Radio activity.
The workshop will be presented in two sessions. Session one will
deal with the VHF SDR dongle and how to have more fun, such as
listening to satellites, receiving weather satellites pictures, and
astronomy projects. The second session will discuss a HF Dongle and
the SARL HF Noise floor monitoring project, with details and a
demonstration of how to automate this and how to build an autonomous
system using a raspberry Pi.
For more details and to check your registration status, point your
browser to www.amsatsa.org.za or send an e-mail to
admin at amsatsa.org.za
[ANS thanks SARL weekly news in English 2017-8-5 for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARLK061 Keplerian data
Decode 2-line elsets with the following key:
1 AAAAAU 00 0 0 BBBBB.BBBBBBBB .CCCCCCCC 00000-0 00000-0 0 DDDZ
2 AAAAA EEE.EEEE FFF.FFFF GGGGGGG HHH.HHHH III.IIII JJ.JJJJJJJJKKKKKZ
KEY: A-CATALOGNUM B-EPOCHTIME C-DECAY D-ELSETNUM E-INCLINATION F-RAAN
G-ECCENTRICITY H-ARGPERIGEE I-MNANOM J-MNMOTION K-ORBITNUM Z-CHECKSUM
0 AO-07
1 7530U 74089B 17222.89382764 -.00000034 +00000-0 +65403-4 0 9994
2 7530 101.6352 190.5113 0011675 214.9856 169.6542 12.53628132955487
0 FO-29
1 24278U 96046B 17222.88315093 -.00000020 +00000-0 +15539-4 0 9999
2 24278 098.5553 098.8469 0350108 195.5218 163.4964 13.53077139036025
0 ISS
1 25544U 98067A 17223.80427436 .00000839 00000-0 19944-4 0 9990
2 25544 51.6417 121.0685 0005753 127.9944 342.4344 15.54137576 70404
0 SO-50
1 27607U 02058C 17222.70530263 -.00000019 +00000-0 +17647-4 0 9997
2 27607 064.5567 318.9629 0030593 068.5242 291.9118 14.75346094787154
0 CO-55
1 27844U 03031E 17222.95672142 +.00000034 +00000-0 +35298-4 0 9990
2 27844 098.6896 231.1665 0009598 181.9520 178.1621 14.22051495732061
0 RS-22
1 27939U 03042A 17222.97040331 +.00000040 +00000-0 +15718-4 0 9990
2 27939 097.9469 005.9677 0014114 056.3493 048.5280 14.66584866741206
0 CO-58
1 28895U 05043F 17222.87314324 +.00000088 +00000-0 +25763-4 0 9993
2 28895 097.8709 022.6618 0016157 335.1569 024.8855 14.63418301628257
0 CO-65
1 32785U 08021C 17222.91711090 +.00000186 +00000-0 +25911-4 0 9995
2 32785 097.5644 244.6845 0012846 354.3527 005.7544 14.87920127502963
0 COMPASS 1
1 32787U 08021E 17219.63433091 +.00000659 +00000-0 +69181-4 0 9996
2 32787 097.5570 250.7406 0011708 333.3907 026.6710 14.92651841503170
0 DO-64
1 32789U 08021G 17222.94489045 +.00000684 +00000-0 +52430-4 0 9993
2 32789 097.5555 280.0153 0010897 275.4557 084.5426 15.05021247505002
0 RS-30
1 32953U 08025A 17222.93246189 +.00000006 +00000-0 -27611-4 0 9991
2 32953 082.5015 205.6094 0019184 161.8443 198.3326 12.43078449418222
0 KKS-1
1 33499U 09002H 17222.88213370 +.00000109 +00000-0 +24219-4 0 9997
2 33499 098.3375 029.8818 0008862 192.4626 167.6364 14.75208800459427
0 AO-71
1 37854U 11061E 17222.66330723 +.00001124 +00000-0 +68027-4 0 9995
2 37854 101.6957 123.9919 0166924 273.7613 084.4526 15.04249114314670
0 AO-73
1 39444U 13066AE 17222.57930650 +.00000238 +00000-0 +35934-4 0 9990
2 39444 097.6269 263.2963 0060073 088.8088 272.0007 14.81476715199070
0 UKUBE 1
1 40074U 14037F 17222.79095587 +.00000329 +00000-0 +47155-4 0 9994
2 40074 098.3518 340.1779 0003571 225.1982 134.8938 14.83534592167270
0 XW-2A
1 40903U 15049E 17222.87356365 +.00001746 +00000-0 +47328-4 0 9998
2 40903 097.4186 249.2480 0016516 071.5648 288.7391 15.38944766106055
0 XW-2C
1 40906U 15049H 17223.20886975 .00000610 00000-0 36481-4 0 9991
2 40906 97.4556 227.6027 0016062 29.9894 330.2255 15.14609982104560
0 XW-2F
1 40910U 15049M 17222.96013475 +.00000999 +00000-0 +55913-4 0 9996
2 40910 097.4544 227.8796 0016161 026.6269 333.5790 15.15634603104577
0 IO-86
1 40931U 15052B 17222.61952655 +.00000684 +00000-0 +62228-5 0 9996
2 40931 005.9980 204.6432 0013797 295.9894 063.7063 14.76535783101022
0 AO-85
1 40967U 15058D 17221.51251771 .00000256 00000-0 48666-4 0 00502
2 40967 064.7776 057.1238 0174670 058.2511 303.5480 14.75464490007664
Keplerian bulletins are transmitted twice weekly from W1AW. The
next scheduled transmission of these data will be Tuesday, August 15,
2017, at 2230z on Baudot and BPSK31.
[ANS thanks ARRL News Bulletin for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
* NASA Program Gives Students Access to Astronauts
On June 23, NASA astronaut Jack Fischer spoke with 22 Girl Scouts of
North East Ohio, while he was aboard the International Space Station.
More than 400 people attended the event, with many more watching live
footage online.
Children all over the world can connect with astronauts aboard the
space station via Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS), and with the help of volunteer ham operators. ARISS delegates
from the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan help connect
the world, from Senegal to Cincinnati, with the station. These contacts
endeavor to inspire youth worldwide to pursue science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) interests and careers.
"Ham radio was one of the most rewarding things to do on the
International Space Station," said NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, a
former Girl Scout and Ohioan. "Having that connection with kids on
Earth who have worked hard to understand and build HAM radio was priceless.
Their excited voices, echoing through equipment they had a hand in
building, brought numerous smiles and often tears to my eyes.
Afterward, getting the reports on how the kids enjoyed the
event, and how amazed that they were that they were talking directly
with a space ship, really made me understand how important and how
easily we can get kids interested in STEM. ARISS is a great project
and we are so happy to be part of it on the International Space Station."
The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and
character, who make the world a better place. Williams embodies this
tenet. She's lived more than 322 days in space over the course of four
expeditions to the ISS, Expeditions 14, 15, 32 and 33.
During her stay, she logged more than 50 hours of space walks, ran
the first marathon and triathlon in space, and participated in a number
of ARISS contacts. She currently trains to fly America's first commercially
built spacecraft, the Boeing CST-100 Starliner and the SpaceX Dragon.
The week prior to the contact, Sydney Walter, an 11-year-old
Girl Scout, participated in the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio's Space
Cadettes program at Camp Timberlane in Lorain County, Ohio. She met
with NASA professionals, learned what it's like to float in zero gravity
and explored constellations with a Starlab portable planetarium.
The ARISS contact rounded off a week of activities devoted to STEM
education.
"I really like that NASA can do this for kids at schools and Girl Scouts at
camp,"
said Sydney. "It was a really fun experience and I will never forget it."
Programs like this instill powerful memories that can spark a lifelong
passion
for STEM. For 10 minutes, with the space station in range of northern Ohio,
a
field of girls spoke with humans among the stars. Their vests now bear
patches
honoring that moment in time. Pink and green encircle a yellow tent with
the
bold gray shadow of the space station above. The patches honor 10 minutes
when they were not Girl Scouts - they were astronauts.
Volunteers from national amateur radio organizations and AMSAT run ARISS
events.
For more information and to learn how your community can get involved,
visit
www.ariss.org.
By Danny Baird
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Link to the patch http://tinyurl.com/ybp6zpll
[ANS thanks JoAnne K9JKM/Pat Kilroy, N8PK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayak Fails to Deploy Solar Reflector
"Per Mayak’s simple design, the project engineers did not include a radio
as the satellite could be programmed on the ground to autonomously execute
its critical tasks in orbit to complete the deployment of the solar
reflector. Later in the design stages it was realized that a radio would be
beneficial, however, no radio channel could be allocated to the satellite
this close to launch. A backup plan of using a series of LEDs on the
satellite to deliver basic telemetry in the form of a visual Morse Code
never came to fruition, leaving Mayak without any means of communicating
its status to the ground."
http://tinyurl.com/ybeoz23n
[ANS thanks to AMSAT Bulletin Board for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
* Satellite Reporter
Andrew VK4TEC is working on a little project for space communications
enthusatics It is a raspberry Pi, that is connected to the APRS-IS
and will eventually also take in user reports as well
Andrew has setup a static ip http://59.167.159.165/
It is called "Satellite Reporter"
It is intended to provide a dashboard, stats in graphical format
and also data streams.
Please let me know if you want any features added as this project grows.
I see a user input screen and drop downs for satellites.
I will make an iPhone and Samsung compatible version.
The back end is MySQL and PERL and CGI
I will add ISS for the time being, please check back often for updates.
I think it best to use UTC times for the time being.
[ANS thanks Andrew VK4TEC for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
+ RX only i-gate
Dave, EI4HT operates an RX only i-gate in the UK MB7UEI-6.
Currently it uses AZ/EL active tracking antennas, VHF and UHF wimo
Xquads, the system runs 24/7 and also tracks the 3 Funcube sats, Dave
plans to expand this further and include the station on WEBSDR,
[ANS thanks Dave EI4HT / M0GIW for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Gride Expedition
Clayton Coleman (W5PFG) will depart for a satellite grid expedtion to
northern Maine on Friday, August 18. The trip will conclude the
morning of August 21. I'll roughly follow the same path I used on a
similar expedition January 2015.
Planned grids will be: FN54-57 and FN64-67
Due to the short duration of this trip, my satellite pass selection
will be dynamic. I will probably not work many passes from each unique
grid. I'll do my best to work from grid boundaries on passes with wide
coverage.
Monitor my Twitter feed @w5pfg for updates during the trip.
[ANS thanks Clayton Coleman (W5PFG) for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Chris Bradley, KG5JUP
kg5jup at amsat dot org
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect
the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to
support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings:
http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
1
0
ANS-221 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin - AMSAT-NA Elects Executive Vice President
by Joe Spier 09 Aug '17
by Joe Spier 09 Aug '17
09 Aug '17
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE SPECIAL BULLETIN
ANS-221.01
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* AMSAT-NA Elects Executive Vice President
SB WED @ AMSAT $ANS-221.01
ANS-221 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 221.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE August 9, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-221.01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA Elects Executive Vice President
AMSAT-NA Vice President, Educational Relations, Joe Spier, K6WAO of
Reno, NV, has been elected by the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors as
Executive Vice President during a Board Meeting via a conference call
that took place on August 8, 2017. Joe's new duties will include
implementation of AMSAT-NA's Strategic Planning. He will continue in
his other duties as 2017 Space Symposium Chairman, AMSAT News Service
Co-Editor, ARISS-NA Education, and Educational Relations until new
personnel can be appointed or the task assigned is completed.
Under the AMSAT ByLaws, the position of Executive Vice President is
one of seven senior officer positions that are approved by the AMSAT
Board of Directors.
Included in the ByLaw stated duties, “the Executive Vice President
shall act in the place of the President in the President's absence,
and shall have such other duties as the Board may determine.”
[Bylaws, Article II, Section 5B].
In addition, the Executive VP is assigned the responsibility of AMSAT
External Relations team leader and as acting director of any team
leader position that is not filled.
Joe is a Life Member of AMSAT-NA and has served in Educational
Relations during the past six years. He also has Life Memberships in
the ARRL, SARA (Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers) and the AFA
(Air Force Association). He holds an Extra Class license as well
Commercial licenses.
AMSAT-NA President, Barry Baines, WD4ASW said, “I extend my
congratulations to Joe on his new position of leadership in AMSAT-NA.
As EVP, he will be working closely with me on a variety of matters
involving various AMSAT departments as we move forward on our
strategic planning process as well as day-to-day management of the
organization. Joe’s dedication to the strategic planning process
will enhance the future of AMSAT-NA.”
[ANS thanks the AMSAT-NA BOD for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-218
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
* ARISS contact planned for YOTA, England
* VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017
* ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
* AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation at DEFCON
* AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
* AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-218.01
ANS-218 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 218.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
August 6, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-218.01
Return of Experimenter's Wednesday to AO-85
With the recent popularity of Slow Scan Television (SSTV) from the
ISS, AMSAT Operations is bringing back Experimenter’s Wednesday to AO-
85.
On a trial basis, we invite users to exchange pictures using Robot
36 SSTV mode via the FM repeater on AO-85 during UTC Wednesdays.
Please identify prior to beginning transmissions, and only send when
the uplink is clear.
Stations are requested to only uplink if they have a reasonable
expectation of maintaining a full-quieting signal for the duration of
the image transmission.
Smaller stations are encouraged to focus on receiving the images.
Please don’t send questionable or provocative images. If in doubt,
pick another one.
Expect all ages to be participating.
Feedback is encouraged, and comments may be directed via email to me
at ko4ma at amsat dot org.
[ANS thanks Drew KO4MA for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS contact planned for YOTA, England
An International Space Station ARISS contact has been planned for
astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA and the Youngsters on the Air (YOTA)
event, which takes place in UK.
The ARISS contact is scheduled Tuesday August 8, 2017 at
approximately 18.38 UTC.
This will be a direct radio contact, operated by GB4YOTA.
Downlink signals will be audible in parts of Europe on 145.800 MHz
narrowband FM. Moreover, Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA will operate the
HamVideo transmitter.
The Goonhilly receiver will be activated sometime Friday (4th
August) and will remain active over the weekend and continue to track
the ISS until Wednesday morning, 9th August. Goonhilly, will be one
of several European HamTV reception ground stations contributing to
the reception of the HamTV signal for the contact itself.
Two web streams will be available:
1. The normal ARISS/BATC website will be available at
https://ariss.batc.tv/hamtv ; This shows only the HamTV video
downlink as an output from the merger facility, with an indication of
which registered HamTV stations are providing signal input to the
merger.
2. The ARISS Operations UK Team will be web streaming from the YOTA
event itself at https://ariss.batc.tv/ ; This web stream includes
introductions and presentations from the RSGB and the YOTA
participants before the actual contact itself according to the
timetable of the event below.
The timetable of the event is as follows. ALL times are UTC times:
17:30 - All participants and guests to be present at the location.
The event web stream (https://ariss.batc.tv/) will start at
approximately this time to capture some of the build-up.
17:40 - Formal start of the RSGB/YOTA introductions and
presentations.
18:20 - ARISS Operations in the UK take over the event, give the
background to what is happening, how it is organised and how all the
different elements of the contact are managed.
18:38 - Scheduled time for start of contact with Nespoli operating
as NA1SS. The YOTA participants will be using the GB4YOTA callsign.
18:50 - Approximate end of contact with Nespoli. After closing the
contact, the operator will invite RSGB/YOTA to formally close down
the ARISS event.
[ANS thanks Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, ARISS Europe for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
VUCC Awards/Endorsements for July 2017
Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by
the ARRL for the period July 1, 2017 through August 1, 2017.
Congratulations to all those who made the list this month!
CALL GRIDS
KD8CAO 1240
N8RO 1010
N8HM 980
N4UFO 675
WA5KBH 630
KG5CCI 616
KK4FEM 476
WD9EWK 375
PV8DX 313
NJ7H 203
KX9X 158
KA9P 150
XE3DX 117
OX/NJ7H 110 (NEW VUCC)
PT9BM 100 (NEW VUCC)
Eduardo PY2RN wrote, "Congratulations to aGustavo, PT9BM for the
first VUCC-SAT in South America (below the Equator), way to go!"
This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf
listings for July 1st and August 1st, 2017. 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 most of the work!
[ANS thanks John K8YSE for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL PR Poster Features Amateur Radio in Space
The ARRL offers a series of six posters that promote Amateur
Radio to the general public. These were originally designed
by ARRL for the 2017 National Scouting Jamboree, but may be
used for any outreach effort. Each poster is 11" x 17".
One of the posters features amateur radio in space.
The six posters are based around the theme, "Ham Radio Is..."
Those themes are:
+ Adventure (Portable operating of all kinds)
+ Discovery (Making/Building/DIY)
+ Friendship (Community and Mentoring)
+ Out Of This World (space communications/satellites)
+ Ready (Publc Service)
+ The Game (Contesting and Awards)
A link to ARRL's "What Is Ham Radio" page is provided as both
a URL and a QR code on each poster.
The posters are available for free download in PDF format.
http://www.arrl.org/pr-posters
We suggest printing on high-gloss paper and framing them
for maximum effect.
[ANS thanks the ARRL for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Phase 4 Groundstation at DEFCON
Amateur Radio and AMSAT were prominently featured this year at
DEFCON Hacking Conference. In addition to the license exam session
run by one of the many local DEFCON Groups, there were amateur radio
demonstrations of software defined radio, Phase 4 Ground, and GNU
Radio flowgraphs at WiFi Village, one of the many subject-specific
subcategories at DEFCON. The amateur satellite service was of great
interest!
At an estimated 30,000 attendees, outreach was highly successful.
Participants were diverse, technical, curious, and came ready with
the questions! A very high fraction were already licensed or
interested in getting their license.
Amateur radio was also part of the WiFi Village Capture the Flag
competition. Word on the street is that next year we expect to see a
lot more ham content in this exciting signal intelligence competition.
AMSAT Phase 4 Ground will next present at the GNU Radio Conference
in September, in San Diego, CA.
Register now at https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon-2017/
After that, we will be at the AMSAT Symposium in October, in Reno,
NV. More information at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/
Thank you to Paul Williamson and Steve Conklin for helping staff the
booth, bringing cool custom swag, setting up demonstrations, and
answering hundreds and hundreds of questions. We are already looking
forward to next year!
[ANS thanks Michelle Thompson, W5NYV for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT-NA BoD Ballots Due At AMSAT Office By September 15, 2017
Ballots for AMSAT-NA's Board of Directors were mailed to members in
good standing on July 15. Members are encouraged to complete their
ballots and return them as soon as possible. Ballots must be received
at the AMSAT office by September 15 in order to be counted.
This year AMSAT-NA will be electing four voting members of the Board
of Directors. These will go to the four candidates receiving the
highest number of votes. In addition, there will be one alternate
chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received.
The 2017 candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are:
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Clayton Coleman, W5PFG
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Peter Portanova, W2JV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Election of Board members is both an obligation as well as an
opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of
AMSAT. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that
will accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the
Board. You have the option to vote for up to four candidates.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSATSA/SARL Workshop To Focus On Taking SDR To A New Level
The AMSAT SA/SARL workshop, to be held on Saturday 19 August at the
SARL National Amateur Radio Centre at Radiokop Roodepoort, will focus
on how to get more out of Software Defined Radio, and will take
participants to another level in Amateur Radio activity.
The workshop will be presented in two sessions. Session one will
deal with the VHF SDR dongle and how to have more fun, such as
listening to satellites, receiving weather satellites pictures, and
astronomy projects. The second session will discuss a HF Dongle and
the SARL HF Noise floor monitoring project, with details and a
demonstration of how to automate this and how to build an autonomous
system using a raspberry Pi.
For more details and to check your registration status, point your
browser to www.amsatsa.org.za or send an e-mail to
admin at amsatsa.org.za
[ANS thanks SARL weekly news in English 2017-8-5 for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS News
+ A Successful contact was made between VCP-Bundeszeltplatz,
Großzerlang, Germany and Astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA using
Callsign OR4ISS. The contact began 2017-08-01 18:20 UTC and lasted
about nine and a half minutes. Contact was Direct via DP9S.
ARISS Mentor was Peter IN3GHZ.
+ A Successful contact was made between Frontiers of Flight Museum/
Moon Day, Dallas, TX, USA and Astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA using
Callsign OR4ISS. The contact began Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC and
lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was Telebridge via
ON4ISS.
ARISS Mentor was Keith W5IU.
[ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Free SpaceUK Magazine
Edition 47 of the UK Space Agency's free magazine SpaceUK is now
available for download
The latest edition is packed with interesting content, including a
feature on growing the UK space sector, a look at the next mission
to Mars and an interview with Tim Peake KG5BVI / GB1SS.
Download your copy of SpaceUK from
http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-SpaceUK
Sign up for email updates
http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-EmailUpdates
UK Space Agency blog
https://space.blog.gov.uk/
[ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information]
+ Satellite has deployable VHF crossed Yagi antenna
Radio amateurs Sean Hum VA3SHV and Jeff Nicholls VA3NGJ worked on
the design for a deployable VHF crossed Yagi antenna on the recently
launched NORsat-2
The very high frequency (VHF) antenna was designed to unfold from
the CubeSat after receiving a command from the Norwegian Space
Center to deploy once in orbit.
“This antenna is a completely new type of deployable antenna — it
unfolds to be more than three times as large as the satellite that
took it into orbit,” says Hum.
“This is the first time that a deployable antenna of this type has
been contemplated and successfully used as a main mission antenna
for a CubeSat.”
On July 20, cameras on board the CubeSat confirmed the successful
deployment of the antenna.
Read the full story at
http://tinyurl.com/ANS218-Cubesats
[ANS thanks Southgate ARN for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
EMike McCardel, AA8EM
aa8em at amsat dot org
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-211
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* Packet Module Status On Board ISS
* Oklahoma Radio Amateur is First to Score Satellite VUCC from
Greenland
* 437 MHz Sprite Satellites Deployed
* QIKCOM-1 Team Expect Eclipse Day ISS Deployment
* One Radio Amateur is Part of New Crew Increment Heading to ISS
* Fox-1 Operating Guide Updates for 2017
* AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-211.01
ANS-211 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 211.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE July 30, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-211.01
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Packet Module Status On Board ISS
ARISS has received several reports stating that the packet system on
ISS is down. Here is what we know and our current forward plan.
The packet system in the Columbus module started to act up late last
week, sending only a beacon. The ARISS team requested a power recycle
by the crew, and with that power recycle, the packet system appears to
have stop functioning completely. Note that this unit has been on-
orbit for 17 years. It was launched on the STS-106 Space Shuttle
Atlantis mission in September 2000 and was built, tested and certified
for flight about 20 years ago.
The ARISS team has had some extensive discussions on the way forward.
We would first like to do some additional troubleshooting with the
existing packet module. It will take some time (weeks) to develop
troubleshooting procedures, get the procedures approved by NASA and
then conduct the tests with the crew. This includes an additional
power cycle. The turnaround time is much longer than usual because a
new crew will soon be arriving on ISS. The current crew is focused on
the new crew arrival and there will be about a one- to two-week
transition after the new crew arrives. On the positive side, one
aspect of our troubleshooting—a second power cycle—will occur
automatically because ARISS is shut down during crew docking and
turned on afterwards. However, there will be more to our
troubleshooting than just the power cycle.
We have some additional plans with alternative solutions, but those
are currently being discussed and prioritized within the ARISS team.
All solutions will require international ARISS team coordination,
additional procedures and crew interaction. People who have
carefully followed ISS operations know that crew time continues to
evolve with the more extensive research that is occurring on-board.
Suffice it to say, it will take longer than what it has taken in the
past to work through this issue.
The above information is to make sure that ARISS properly sets
expectations on how long it will take to resolve this. At this point,
expect a few months with no ARISS packet.
As you all can see, deploying the Interoperable Radio system that is
currently under development by ARISS has become even more critically
important. The ARISS team is laser focused on getting that system
developed and deployed. We are conducting a final design review with
NASA on this system next week. But we cannot get to the finish line
without your help. If you can, please consider a donation to the
ARISS radio fund by clicking on the ARISS donate button on the ARISS
web page (www.ariss.org) or the AMSAT web page (www.amsat.org). All
donations, large and small are appreciated.
On behalf of ARISS, we thank you for your sustained interest and
support of our program.
Sincerely,
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
ARISS International Chair
[ANS thanks ARISS and Frank, KA3HDO, AMSAT Vice President, Human
Spaceflight for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma Radio Amateur is First to Score Satellite VUCC from Greenland
It took just 4 days — some of that time without much sleep — but ARRL
member Gabe Zeifman, NJ7H/VE6NJH, of Oklahoma City recently became the
first radio amateur to earn VUCC — working 100 grid squares — by
satellite from Greenland. In fact, his is the first VUCC award of any
kind from Greenland. A relatively new licensee, Zeifman, 22, has
managed to activate more than 300 grid squares via satellite as well
as nearly 20 DXCC entities. Apart from the operating accomplishment,
Zeifman told ARRL, he was attempting to inspire newcomers.
“I thought it could get more people interested in satellites in
general — VUCC is very achievable for anyone — and could also get more
people interested in roving,” said Zeifman, who began training this
week to become an air traffic controller. “I was overwhelmed by the
support I got; it was really astonishing the number of people that
helped!” He said one operator activated eight grids for him, while
others who don’t typically rove, visited at least one neighboring grid
square to give him a new one.
“It was really cool to see our community throughout the world come
together to help in this goal,” he said. “I really first envisioned
this idea when I realized I had nearly 70 grids confirmed from
Iceland, and I thought ‘hmm, OX is an even better location, I bet it’s
possible.’”
Zeifman said he prefers the linear-transponder satellites such as FO-
29, rather than the FM satellites. He said he may one day get into HF
more seriously, but, for now, he finds VHF/UHF/SHF “more fascinating.”
He said the trip to Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands with his
mother and his sister, was “fantastic,” although, he noted, “they may
have sometimes been annoyed by my getting up at 3 AM or several times
“Sometimes it was a very nice sunny day, and sometimes it was rainy,
windy, and cold,” he recounted. “But, I was happy to operate in
everything, and it paid off.”
Zeifman, who said he enjoys visiting in “the north,” has been to
Northwest Territories twice in the past couple of years, and is hoping
for an ATC assignment in Alaska. “But now that I’m a ham, I’ve really
developed a passion for operating satellites while all over the
world,” he told ARRL. He said a goal still on the far horizon would be
to complete a “reverse DXCC” on satellite — working the US on
satellites from 100 DXCC entities. “I think it’s definitely achievable
someday,” he added.
[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
437 MHz Sprite Satellites Deployed
Scientific American magazine interviews radio amateur Zac Manchester
KD2BHC in the article Breakthrough Sends Smallest-Ever Satellites into
Orbit.
On June 23, 2017 six tiny satellites were sent into low-Earth orbit as
secondary payloads on the Venta and Max Valier satellites that were
launched on the Indian PSLV-C38 rocket. These six satellites are
comparatively dainty, but punch far above their weight. Called
“Sprites,” each is a 4-gram flake of circuit-board just 3.5
centimeters on a side, packing solar panels, computers, sensors and
communications equipment into an area equal to a U.S. postage stamp.
One Sprite apiece is attached to the outside of each mothership — the
Latvian Venta satellite and the Italian Max Valier satellite, the
latter of which also holds four additional Sprites awaiting deployment
into space as wholly independent spacecraft. Radio telemetry from
minuscule magnetometers and gyroscopes on the deployed Sprites would
then be used to track the spacecraft as they shift, spin and tumble,
to better understand their orbital dynamics.
Signals on 437.325 MHz from at least one of the exterior-mounted
Sprites have been received in California and New York.
Read the Scientific American article at
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/reaching-for-the-stars-
breakthrough-sends-smallest-ever-satellites-into-orbit/
Zac Manchester KD2BHC had 104 Sprite satellites launched into orbit on
board KickSat-1 on April 18, 2014 but the Sprites failed to deploy
https://amsat-uk.org/2014/04/18/successful-launch-of-kicksat-carrying-
104-sprite-satellites/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
QIKCOM-1 Team Expect Eclipse Day ISS Deployment
The US Naval Academy team say their amateur radio QIKCOM-1 APRS
Digipeater payload may be deployed from the International Space
Station on August 21.
The QIKCOM-1 page says:
The Ham Radio QIKCOM-1 module attached to the NovaWurks NanoRacks
SIMPL spacecraft is now finally scheduled for release from the ISS on
21 August 2017!
This is being released on the same day as the solar Eclipse when the
ISS will also be passing over the USA during the eclipse 2 hour window
around 1800z. We are not clear on any correlation with the Eclipse and
our release, but there will be lots of hams in the field and it is a
good day to tune in!
Read about QIKCOM-1 at
http://aprs.org/qikcom-1.html
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK ans the QIKCOM Team for the above information]
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One Radio Amateur is Part of New Crew Increment Heading to ISS
European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA, NASA
astronaut Randy Bresnik, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy will
head to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 28. They will
launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Expedition 52/53
crew will spend more than 4 months together aboard the orbital complex
before returning to Earth in December. After launching in their Soyuz
MS-05 spacecraft, the trio will travel for 6 hours before docking.
Once the hatches between the Soyuz and ISS open, Expedition 52
Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, RN3FI, and Flight Engineers Peggy
Whitson, ex-KC5ZTD, and Jack Fischer, K2FSH, will welcome the new crew
members aboard. Their arrival will double the population of the ISS.
Expedition 52 will continue work on hundreds of experiments in
biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science aboard the
ISS, NASA said.
AMSAT-IT and the ARISS International community is anticipating a
successful mission from ESA Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA, with many
direct ARISS contacts scheduled.
[ANS thanks ARRL and ARISS for the above information]
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Fox-1 Operating Guide Updates for 2017
The Fox-1 Operating Guide has been updated for 2017. This can be used
for personal reference and be made available for club meeting and
hamfest handouts. Designed to be printed double sided the Operating
Guide is available in two file sizes:
+ The lower resolution PDF file is designed to shrink file size for
e-mail, web posting, or on-screen viewing. (~300K)
+ The high resolution PDF file is publication quality designed for
hard-copy printing. (~2 MB)
The PDF files can be accessed on the AMSAT web:
https://www.amsat.org/station-and-operating-hints/
[www.amsat.org] --> [Satellite Info] --> [Station and Operating Hints]
Launch status and dates continue to be driven by the space industry
and may change as the year progresses.
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Web Gurus for the above information]
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AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017
The AMSAT Presentation at the Austin Summerfest, August 5, 2017 will
be given by Ron Parsons, W5RKN.
The presentation will consist of two parts:
Introduction to AMSAT --and-- A Software Defined Radio Satellite
Station: The Evolution of its Design
For more information, see
http://www.austinsummerfest.org/
Ron Parsons, W5RKN, has been a licensed amateur radio operator since
1954, a member of AMSAT and active in amateur radio satellite
communications since 1993. He has participated in three ARISS (Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station) school contacts: Fulmore
Middle School (MIR - 1998) and Blackland Prairie Elementary (2008) and
Liberal Arts and Science Academy with Richard Garirott (1998). He has
a Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford and taught at The University of Texas
at Austin.
[ANS thanks Ron, W5RKN for the above information]
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ARISS News
Recent Contacts
A telebridge contact with students from the Tuskegee Airmen Youth in
Aviation Program at The International Space Station (ISS) Research
and Development (R&D) Conference, Washington, D.C., was successful
Thu 2017-07-20 13:23:10 UTC 56 deg.
An International Space Station school contact was successful with
participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The
event began at approximately 13:23 UTC. The contact was a telebridge
between NA1SS and W6SRJ.
See the video at:
https://www.facebook.com/SpaceStationExplorers/videos/334464240317857/
The contact was very successful with 24 questions answered. Five
astronauts were present during the contact.
Frank Bauer KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairperson and AMSAT VP for
Human Spaceflight, said of the event, "Great day [Thursday July 20]
at the ISS R&D Conference. This was a very important contact with
our sponsors---CASIS and NASA SCaN at the event and many of the CASIS
senior leaders in attendance. It was great to see several members of
the multi-generational astronaut team, that have supported ARISS for
over 20 years now, on stage and giving their perspectives of their
ARISS connections from space.
This ARISS contact was conducted with Youth in Aviation Program
students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI)
attending the ISS Research and Development conference as part of the
conference’s STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest Tuskegee Airmen,
Inc. chapters in United States and serves the Washington DC area.
ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the history, achievements, and
importance of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The term, "Tuskegee
Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were involved in the so-
called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II Army Air Corps program
to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft.
ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the “Tuskegee Experience”
by honoring the accomplishments and perpetuating the history of the
men and women who participated in the “Tuskegee Experience” and to
introduce young people to the world of aviation and space through its
Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP). YIAP motivates and inspires
America’s youth to strive for similar excellence of these earlier
pioneers, exposing them to aviation and space careers (Level I),
attending FAA ground school (Level II) and receiving aircraft flight
instruction or interning at an FAA certified A&P (Airframe and
Powerplant) facility (Level III).
Upcoming Contacts:
VCP-Bundeszeltplatz, Großzerlang, Germany, direct via DP9S
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA
Contact is a go for: Tue 2017-08-01 18:20:35 UTC 46 deg
Frontiers of Flight Museum/ Moon Day, Dallas, TX, telebridge
via ON4ISS
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD
The scheduled astronaut is Paolo Nespoli IZØJPA
Contact is a go: Sat 2017-08-05 18:02:31 UTC 87 deg
[ANS thanks ARISS and Charlie, AJ9N for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
Message from Space hails Big Lottery Fund Award for Norfolk UK Based
Amateur Radio Group
Thanks to UK National Lottery players, the Bittern DXers, a North
Norfolk UK based Amateur Radio club, are celebrating an award of just
under £10,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to help them introduce people to
the endless possibilities in technology that Amateur Radio offers to
young and old alike.
News of the award was heralded around the world by a message
transmitted by the FunCube 1 satellite congratulating the group on
their award. FunCube 1 was built by members of the Amateur Radio
community and launched into orbit on 21st November 2013. It was built
with the goal of enthusing and educating young people about radio,
space, physics and electronics, and is the first satellite with
outreach as its primary mission and demonstrates the depth and breadth
of the hobby of Amateur Radio.
The Bittern DXers' own Educational Outreach Project aims to take
advantage of technology like FunCube to bring demonstrations of as
many aspects as possible of their hobby to public events in Norfolk as
well as reaching out to young people in schools, scouting and guiding
etc.
With the money provided by National Lottery players, the group have
purchased gazebos, radios and demonstration equipment allowing them to
take a complete hi-tech station to public shows and events that
enables conversations with other amateurs around the world, as well as
pick up signals live from the International Space Station, weather
satellites and the many other amateur satellites currently in space.
Chairman, Steve Cordner - callsign M0HET, said: “We are immensely
grateful to the Big Lottery Fund and National Lottery players, for
allowing us the opportunity to introduce amateur radio to people and
show them what we do.
“We already know for example that when young people are shown images
being received live from space, that their imagination is fired up and
they want to find out more. For older people it can break down
barriers of loneliness and disability and allow them to communicate
with others across county, country and world.
“Becoming a Radio Amateur makes one more employable as well as leading
to a lifetime of personal growth in the field of electronics and radio
communication. Many people holding senior roles in high-tech
industries today owe their careers to an early interest in amateur
radio. Our project aims to provide people of all ages that 'first
contact' with Amateur Radio.”
Club Secretary, Linda Leavold, who has been licensed for more than 30
years with her callsign G0AJJ, is proof that it is not just a male
hobby! She remarked “Being a radio amateur gives one a great sense of
personal achievement especially when you make that long distance
contact with someone on another continent. And its something the whole
family can get involved in.”
Laughing she added “Even my husband Richard joined me on the air after
a couple of years! He got fed up with burnt offerings for meals and
decided to discover just what it was that was occupying my time.
“It doesn't matter where you come from, whether you have any
disabilities or what age you are, Amateur Radio has something to offer
everyone and we want to get out there and show people what they are
missing.”
Although they have a very busy calendar already this year, they
welcome contact from any person or organisation who might be
interested in seeing what they do. The contact details are available
on
www.bittern-dxers.org.uk
[ANS thanks Julian, M0NUX for the above information]
NASA Ground Station for Voyager 2
YouTube tour of Deep Space Tracking Station in Austrailia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rCrfQUcXDI
[ANS thanks Zach, N0ZGO for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Joe Spier, K6WAO
k6wao at amsat dot org
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-204
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* VE9 on Satellite
* Her Majesty's Royal Mint Special Event on Satellites
* V47JA St. Kitts on SO-50
* AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers
* IARU Aligns Satellite Coordination Guidelines with ITU WRC-15 Decisions
* Have you seen the Mayak satellite?
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-204.01
ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 204.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE July 23, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-204.01
VE9 on Satellite
CANADA, VE. Mike, KI1U will be QRV as KI1U/VE9 from Grand Manan
Island, IOTA NA-014, from July 23 to 30. Activity will be on 40 to
10 meters using CW and various digital modes, including possibly the
new mode FT8, as well as possible activity on the FM satellites.
QSL to home call.
[ANS thanks the ARRL DX Bulletin 29 - ARLD029 for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Her Majesty's Royal Mint Special Event on Satellites
Members of the Barry Amateur Radio Society will be operating from 'Her
Majesty's Royal Mint' at Llantrisant, South Wales, UK, call sign - GB4RME
(Royal Mint Experience) between July 30th and August 5, 2017
Locator: IO81HN WAB:ST08
The hours of operation on a daily basis have been limited, but we expect to
be operational between 0800 - 1730 hrs GMT.
It does restrict operation for satellite operations and passes in addition
of course AO-73 operates in data mode Monday to Friday when illuminated
(Auto mode). However on the first Sunday of the event (30th) and the last
day (Saturday 5th August) the transponder mode should be available if
commanded.
The general other activities of the event will be on the HF bands using
CW, SSB, DATA RTTY and JT65.
This event will also include an exhibition and demonstrations of "Amateur
Radio". How key events, especially using satellites and the ISS, are key
players in the role of education and "STEM"
Note also this event also co-incident with the event taking place for "YOTA
2917" (GB17YOTA) and should be significant as a prime contact for
youngsters participating from world wide.
This special event station is a world first, operating from within a Mint,
and a Royal one at that.
Details about the mint can be viewed at:
http://www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience
QSL via GW0ANA, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW and ClubLog.
There will be a Web page set up for the operation on QRZ.com.
[ANS thanks Ken, GW1FY, and Southgate for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
V47JA St. Kitts on SO-50
John, V47JA/W5JON, has been operating on SO-50 from St. Kitts with some
success. The problem for him is that there is terrain in the way from
about 320 degrees, north to east. So he is limited to what he can work
from his house there.
John is putting together what he will need to operate portable from the top
of the hill where he will be able to see down to the horizon to the north.
Once he has everything together he will be able to work down low and work
more stations in the US. He is using an Arrow antenna and two FM mobile
units. He is not a new comeer to the birds but hasn't operated since the
HEO's went away years ago.
He will be on St. Kitts for a few weeks and he hopes to work everyone that
needs it. SO-50 only. He will QSL via LOTW but might wait until he
returns to Texas to get everyone uploaded.
[ANS thanks John, K8YSE, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT 2017 Symposium Call for Papers
This is the first call for papers for the 2017 AMSAT Annual Meeting and
Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 27, 28, 29, 2017 at
the Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, Nevada. Proposals for papers, symposium
presentations and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest
to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your
presentation as soon as possible, with final copy to be submitted by
October 6 for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers
should be sent to Dan Schultz N8FGV at n8fgv at amsat.org
[ANS thanks Dan, N8FGV, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
IARU Aligns Satellite Coordination Guidelines with ITU WRC-15 Decisions
As the global federation of national associations of radio amateurs in more
than 150 countries, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) for many
years has provided frequency coordination services for amateur satellites
free of charge. Often these satellites are constructed by students at
universities and other institutions as a part of their educational
experience. In general, they have been licensed to operate in the amateur-
satellite service, which is defined by the Radio Regulations of the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as having the “…purpose of
self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out
by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio
technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.”
Some administrations have issued experimental licenses for such satellites
operating in amateur-satellite frequency bands. The IARU has coordinated
these satellites as well, to reduce the possibility of harmful interference
that might result from uncoordinated operation. Since 1 July 2014 it has
not been possible to coordinate experimental satellites in the 144-146 MHz
band because of the high probability of harmful interference in this
heavily used band.
Educational satellite projects have grown in popularity as launch
opportunities have increased. In 2012 the ITU World Radiocommunication
Conference took note of the proliferation of what in Resolution 757
(WRC-12) it called “nanosatellites and picosatellites” and invited WRC-18
(now scheduled for 2019) to consider steps to facilitate their deployment
and operation. Two Reports, ITU-R SA.2312 (09/2014) and ITU-R SA.2348
(05/2015), are instructive regarding the characteristics, definitions,
spectrum requirements, and notification procedures of and for such
satellites, which generally must use spectrum below 1 GHz for operational
reasons.
At the following WRC in 2015, in place of Resolution 757 the Member States
of the ITU adopted Resolution 659 (WRC-15) in which it was noted that the
use of 144-146 MHz and 435-438 MHz by non-amateur satellites is not in
accordance with the definition of the amateur-satellite service in the
Radio Regulations. Resolution 659 cites the two reports mentioned above and
makes it clear that the spectrum needs of what are now called “non-
geostationary satellites with short duration missions” should be met either
within the service in which the space station is operating or within the
space operation service. Further, if new or upgraded allocations to the
space operation service are required, studies should be limited to the
frequency ranges 150.05-174 MHz and 400.15-420 MHz.
Accordingly, effective 1 August 2017 the IARU will be following revised
guidelines for satellite frequency coordination.
The strong preference is for all satellites using spectrum allocated to the
amateur and amateur-satellite services to operate under amateur licenses
and within the definition of the amateur-satellite service and the service-
specific Article 25 of the Radio Regulations. The IARU believes the
definition is sufficiently broad to encompass nearly all educational
satellite projects that include giving students hands-on experience with
radiocommunication and are conducted under an amateur license.
The IARU will only coordinate a non-amateur satellite if an administration
directs in writing that it be operated in an amateur-satellite band under
an experimental or other non-amateur
license.
Satellites with combined amateur and non-amateur missions will continue to
be coordinated.
[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you seen the Mayak satellite?
By Deborah Byrd, EarthSky News in HUMAN WORLD | SPACE | July 18, 2017
http://earthsky.org/space/mayak-bright-russian-satellite-july-august-2017
On July 14, an amateur group in Russia launched a small satellite
called Mayak. They said it would become the “brightest shooting star”
in the sky. Why’d they do it? Here’s how to look for it.
A team of young Russians – led by Moscow State Mechanical Engineering
University (MAMI) – managed to raise more than $30,000 on Russian
crowdfunding website Boomstarter, in order to launch their own small
satellite. The satellite is called Mayak, which means beacon in English.
It’s a cubesat, roughly the size of a loaf of bread. And it’s up there.
Mayak went into space on July 14, 2017, as part of a secondary payload,
launched on a Soyuz 2.1v vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
It’ll be orbiting Earth, about 370 miles (600 km) high, for the coming
month. It’s supposed to be very, very bright, so bright that it would,
supposedly, ruin night skies and threaten astronomy.
Satellite tracking websites like Heavens Above are already trying to
follow it, hoping to offer information on Mayak’s passes over various
parts of the world. Heavens Above commented: "A new small satellite
has just been launched which will deploy a large reflector once in
orbit and has the potential to be very bright. We now have a
provisional orbit from Space-Track which you can use to generate
predictions. Please note that the magnitude estimates are possibly
very inaccurate until actual observations are reported."
Heavens-Above.com now has pass predictions up for the new Russian
reflector sat "Mayak," listing it as NORAD ID 2017-042F/42830.
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=42830
Plus Mayak has its own app, available to those who back the project.
See: http://cosmomayak.com/default#mobileapp
How bright is Mayak? Brightness estimates have varied, but the
idea was that it would be the brightest shooting star in the sky.
Some estimated it would be nearly as bright as Venus, the sky’s
brightest planet. Its brightness is part of its purpose, which
is partly, simply, to inspire people.
From Mayak’s website: The main objective of the project is to
make cosmonautics and space research poplar in Russia, as well
as to make scientific and technical researches attractive to
youth.
Also from Mayak’s website:
Question: Why did you build the satellite?
Answer: Everyone is used to think that flying into space is a
privilege of state and military corporations. We wanted to
prove that space is simpler and closer than it seems, and a
team of enthusiasts can launch a satellite into space!
This The video shows Mayak’s launch, along with 72 other
satellites, on July 14, 2017 at 9:36 Moscow Time from the
Baikonur cosmodrome: https://youtu.be/E0X0KfEnJAk
[ANS thanks EarthSky News for the above information]
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Lee McLamb, KT4TZ
kt4tz at amsat dot org
1
0
I apologize for the delay in publishing this week's ANS 197.
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
* 3U CubeSat with FM Transponder Launch Planned for August 16
* International Space Station school contact
* NEON - NASA Educators Online Network
* Tour de France Special Event Station Includes Satellite Operation
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-197.01
ANS-197 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 197.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
July 16, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-197.01
ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan
Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting
around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS
activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most
of the world during the operation period.
The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which
stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio,
specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving
the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for
viewing by the public.
The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection
of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over
the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80
MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120
(PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue
over a two day period.
Since it’s inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham
radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and
inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and
math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through
this chance to capture images directly from space to their
computers.
Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on
other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and
are subject to change at any time.
While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the
most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the
AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The
International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status
for the latest information on this event.
[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
3U CubeSat with FM Transponder Launch Planned for August 16
A 3U CubeSt, FMN-1, is planned for launch on August 16 from China's
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in the Gobi desert, Inner
Mongolia.
FMN-1 will fly an FM repeater:
Uplink: 145.945 MHz FM
Downlink: 435.350 MHz FM (plus telemetry)
A 9k6 BPSK AX25 UHF downlink with an FM uplink on VHF is included.
The main mission of the satellite includes a new component experiment
and deployable solar panels.
IARU coordination information is posted at:
http://www.amsatuk.me.uk/iaru/finished_detail.php?serialnum=567
[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
An International Space Station school contact has been planned with
participants at ISS R&D conference, Washington, D.C. on 20 July. The
event is scheduled to begin at approximately 13:23 UTC. It is
recommended that you start listening approximately 10 minutes before
this time. The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and
30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ.
The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S.
Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz
downlink.
The contact is expected to be conducted in English.
This ARISS contact will be conducted with Youth in Aviation Program
students from the East Coast Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
(ECCTAI) attending the ISS Research and Development conference
as part of the conference's STEM day. ECCTAI is one of the largest
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. chapters in United States and serves the
Washington DC area. ECCTAI is dedicated to keeping alive the
history, achievements, and importance of the original Tuskegee
Airmen.
The term, "Tuskegee Airmen," refers to the men and women, who were
involved in the so-called "Tuskegee Experience", the World War II
Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain
combat aircraft.
ECCTAI strives to increase understanding of the
"Tuskegee Experience" by honoring the accomplishments and
perpetuating
the history of the men and women who participated in the
"Tuskegee Experience" and to introduce young people to the world of
aviation and space through its Youth in Aviation Program (YIAP).
YIAP motivates and inspires America's youth to strive for similar
excellence of these earlier pioneers, exposing them to aviation and
space careers (Level I), attending FAA ground school (Level II) and
receiving aircraft flight instruction or interning at an FAA
certified
A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) facility (Level III).
[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NEON - NASA Educators Online Network ANNOUNCEMENTS
Free STEM Education Webinars From NASA Educator Professional
Development
The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative (EPDC)
at Texas State University is presenting a series of free webinars
open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about
activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring
NASA into your classroom. Registration is required to participate.
To register, simply click on the link provided beneath the webinar
description.
July 17, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Edible Experiments/
The Great American Eclipse / Eclipse Book Reviews (Grades K-12) --
Explore resources for making edible models to teach about lunar and
solar eclipses. Browse websites with hands-on activities on subjects
such as protection from UV rays. Learn about a collection of
children's
literature to use for studying the eclipse. These activities will be
great for summer camps and back-to-school events before the solar
eclipse
on Aug. 21, 2017. Register online to participate.
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263976
July 18, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Guest Scientist --
High-Altitude Ballooning (Grades K-12) -- Get an overview of high-
altitude
ballooning during eclipses with Bernhard Beck-Winchatz from the
STEM Studies Department at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.
Beck-Winchatz has worked on several NASA projects using weather
balloon
flights that provide affordable access to a spacelike environment
for student research. Register online to participate.
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263980
July 19, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: Building Your
Own Eclipse Equipment for Your Classroom on a Budget (Grades K-12) --
Learn how to build inexpensive models to teach solar eclipse concepts
in the classroom. Register online to participate.
https://www.eiseverywhere.com/263974
July 20, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. ET: Solar Eclipse: What, When, Where, How
and Safety (Grades K-12) -- On Aug. 21, 2017, most Americans will
experience
their first total solar eclipse in almost 40 years. What is a solar
eclipse?
Where will the eclipse be visible? When will the eclipse occur? How
can the
eclipse be viewed safely? This webinar will explore these questions
using some of the many NASA resources and classroom lessons
supporting
this solar event. Learn about the important safety of properly
viewing
the eclipse with your students. Register online to participate.
https://www.etouches.com/263468
For the NASA STEM Educator Professional Development webinar schedule,
go to: http://www.txstate-epdc.net/events/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tour de France Special Event Station Includes Satellite Operation
F, France: TM24TDF is a special event call operating around the Tour
de France 2017. QRV until July 21 on HF and via satellites. QSL via
F6KHS (d/B).
[ANS thanks DX Newsletter DXNL 2049 - July 12, 2017 for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ AMSAT Journal Needs Your Words and Wisdom
The AMSAT Journal is looking for interesting articles, experiences
and photos to share with other AMSAT members. Writing for the
Journal is an exellent way both to give back to the AMSAT community
and to help others learn and grow in this most fascinating aspect
of the amateur radio avocation.
Author deadlines for upcoming Journals through 2017 include:
Sept/Oct Edition September 15
Nov/Dec Edition November 15
Send your manuscripts and photos, or story ideas to:
journal (at) amsat.org
For more information visit:
https://www.amsat.org/how-to-write-for-the-amsat-journal/
[ANS thanks Joe KB6IGK for the above information]
+ Need to contact AMSAT-NA?
AMSAT-NA
10605 Concord St, #304
Kensington, MD 20895-2526 USA
Toll-Free: +1 (888) 322-6728
Phone: +1 (301) 822-4376
Fax: +1 (301) 822-4371
info(a)amsat.org
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information]
+ For information on AMSAT and AMSAT-Related Nets visit:
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-and-amsat-related-nets/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information]
+ AMSAT Symposium
AMSAT NA announces that the 2017 AMSAT Space Symposium will be
held on Friday through Sunday, Oct 27, 28, 29, 2017 in Reno,
Nevada. Location will be at the Silver Legacy Resort , 407 N
Virginia Street, in Downtown, Reno.
For more information visit:
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/
With less than four months left for Symposium, now is the time
to start writing your papers and preparing your presentations.
[ANS thanks the Symposium Committee for the above information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Christopher Bradley, KG5JUP
kg5jup at amsat dot org
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-190
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
* AMSAT News Service Welcomes New Rotating Editor
* BIRDS-1 CubeSat Constellation Deployment
* 2017 AMSAT Field Day Satellite Summary Sheets Due Monday July 10
* 2017 Candidates for the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Announced
* New AMSAT Website, Online Store Available
* Satellite DX Opportunities
* Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services Access to Full 76-81 GHz
Band on a Secondary Basis
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-190.01
ANS-190 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 190.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
July 9, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-190.01
ARISS Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary through SSTV Event
In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of ARISS, a Slow Scan
Television (SSTV) event is planned for Thursday, July 20 starting
around 21:25 UTC. The event plans to feature images from ARISS
activities both past and present. This opportunity should cover most
of the world during the operation period.
The event plans to use a computer on the ISS Russian Segment, which
stores images that are then transmitted to Earth using the ham radio,
specifically the onboard Kenwood TM D710 transceiver. Those receiving
the images can post them at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for
viewing by the public.
The 20 year history of ARISS will be displayed through a collection
of 12 unique images sharing the amazing accomplishments of ARISS over
the last two decades. SSTV signals will be sent to earth at 145.80
MHz using FM. The SSTV mode of transmission is expected to be PD 120
(PD 180 may be a second option). The event is expected to continue
over a two day period.
Since it’s inception, Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) has provided students an opportunity, through ham
radio, to engage in conversation with orbiting astronauts and
inspired many to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and
math. Consider how you might inspire students in your area through
this chance to capture images directly from space to their
computers.
Please note that the event, and any ARISS event, is dependent on
other activities, schedules and crew responsibilities on the ISS and
are subject to change at any time.
While preparations are being finalized please check for new and the
most current information on the AMSAT.org and ARISS.org websites, the
AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org, the ARISS facebook at Amateur Radio On The
International Space Station (ARISS) and ARISS twitter @ARISS_status
for the latest information on this event.
[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]
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AMSAT News Service Welcomes New Rotating Editor
The Editors of the AMSAT News Service welcome Christopher R Bradley,
KG5JUP, among the ranks of Rotating Editor for the AMSAT News
Service. Chris is the ARRL Oklahoma Sectin Traffic Manager and
recently completed his Masters degree in IT. Chris currently holds a
General class license and is very interested in public service,
digital modes, and mesh networks. He is active in his local club and
the ARRL. His plans in the hobby include completing a C.E.R.T.
course, updating both his First Aid and CPR, and completing
additional FEMA EMI and A.R.R.L. EMCOMM courses. He is currently
studying for the amateur extra class license exam and hopes to soon
update his ARRL VE creditials and instructor status so as to further
the hobby along. Chris' first assignment will be ANS 197, July 13.
Current editors, Lee McLamb KU4OS, Joe Spier K6WAO and EMike McCardel
AA8EM all welcome his assistance.
If you are interested in serving AMSAT as an ANS editor please
contact Lee McLamb, ku4os at cfl.rr.com
[ANS thanks ANS Editors for the above information]
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BIRDS-1 CubeSat Constellation Deployment
Masahiro Arai JN1GKZ reports the BIRDS Project Newsletter Issue No.
17 shows the deployment of five amateur radio BIRDS-1 CubeSats from
ISS is planned for July 7, 2017.
The IARU reports the satellites will be using CW, 1k2 AFSK FM, audio
FM and 9k6 GMSK downlinks on a coordinated downlink frequency of
437.375 MHz.
On the AMSAT Bulletin Board Masa JN1GKZ writes:
The schedule is:
Time Satellites Location
#1 0900z BIRD-J, BIRD-G, BIRD-M over Fance
#2 0930z BIRD-N, BIRD-B over the south Indian ocean
BIRD-B (BRAC Onnesha) :Bangladesh
BIRD-G (GhanaSat-1, ANUSAT-1):Ghana
BIRD-J (Toki) :Japan
BIRD-M (Mazaalai, NUMSAT-1) :Mongolia
BIRD-N (EduSat-1) :Nigeria
A QSL is issued for a reception report. Please check the BIRDS web
site.
http://birds.ele.kyutech.ac.jp/amateur.html
Live broadcast of the deployment is planned by JAXA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP5YZi5usHc
BIRDS Project Newsletter Issue No.17
http://birds.ele.kyutech.ac.jp/files/BIRDS_Newsletter_Issue_No_17.pdf
73 Masa JN1GKZ Tokyo Japan
Amateur Radio BIRDS-1 CubeSat Constellation
https://amsat-uk.org/2016/08/11/ham-radio-birds-constellation/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
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2017 AMSAT Field Day Satellite Summary Sheets Due Monday July 10
The 2017 AMSAT Field Day Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for
submission of the AMSAT Field Day competition and be received by
KK5DO (email or postal mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT, Monday, July 10,
2017. This is earlier than the due date for the ARRL submissions. The
preferred method for submitting your log is via e-mail to kk5do at
amsat dot org or kk5do at arrl dot net.
Whereas it is too late to use the postal service for your results to
arrive by the submission date, feel free to send photographs or other
interesting information that can be used in an article for the
Journal.
You will receive an email back (within one or two days) from me when
I receive your email submission. If you do not receive a confirmation
message, then I have not received your submission. Try sending it
again or send it to my other email address.
If mailing photographs or other information, the address is:
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
Director of Awards and Contests
PO Box 1598
Porter, TX 77365-1598.
Certificates will be awarded for the first-place emergency
power/portable station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space
Symposium in the fall of 2017. Certificates will also be awarded to
the second and third place portable/emergency operation in addition
to the first-place home station running on emergency power. A station
submitting high, award-winning scores will be requested to send in
dupe sheets for analog contacts and message listings for digital
downloads.
You may have multiple rig difficulties, antenna failures, computer
glitches, generator disasters, tropical storms, and there may even be
satellite problems, but the goal is to test your ability to operate
in an emergency situation. Try different gear. Demonstrate
satellite operations to hams that don't even know the HAMSATS exist.
Test your equipment. Avoid making more than ONE contact via the FM-
only voice HAMSATS or the ISS, and enjoy the event!
Please follow the following form when submitting results:
AMSAT Satellite Summary Sheet - 2017
Satellite and number of Voice QSO's
(example AO-27 1 )
Satellite and number of CW/RTTY/PSK31 etc QSO's
(example AO-07 5 )
Satellite and Up/Downloads
(example UO-11 3 )
Score Calculation
Total Voice QSO's x 1 =
Total CW/RTTY/PSK31 QSO's x 3 =
Total Up/Downloads x 3 =
Grand Total =
Please provide the following information
Your Field Day Callsign
Your Group Name
ARRL Field Day Classification
ARRL Section
Power Source (Select 1)
Emergency
Commercial
Your name and home call
Home address
Any Comments
[ANS thanks Bruce KK5DO for the above information]
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2017 Candidates for the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Announced
The 2017 candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are:
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Clayton Coleman, W5PFG
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Peter Portanova, W2JV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
This year AMSAT-NA will be electing four voting members of the Board
of Directors. These will go to the four candidates receiving the
highest number of votes. In addition, there will be one alternate
chosen, based on the next highest number of votes received.
Ballots will be mailed to the AMSAT-NA membership by July 15, 2017 and
must be received at the AMSAT office by September 15, 2017 in order to
be counted. Those sent outside North America will go by air mail. If
you have not received your ballot package in a reasonable time for
your location, please contact the AMSAT office. Completed ballots
should be returned as promptly as possible, and those from outside
North America preferably by air mail.
Election of Board members is both an obligation as well as an
opportunity by our membership to help shape the future direction of
AMSAT. Please take the time to review the candidate statements that
will accompany the ballot and determine who you wish to see on the
Board. You have the option to vote for up to four candidates.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
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New AMSAT Website, Online Store Available
AMSAT is pleased to announce that an updated website and online store
are now available at www.amsat.org. In addition to cosmetic updates,
this represents a significant upgrade of AMSAT's online capabilities.
The website and store are now fully integrated with the AMSAT
membership database, allowing the eventual implementation of features
such as members-only content and digital distribution of The AMSAT
Journal. In addition, members may now change their mailing address for
delivery of The AMSAT Journal and determine when their membership
expires via their online accounts.
All current AMSAT members and former members whose membership expired
within the past five years have accounts on the online website. These
accounts are not linked to previous AMSAT store accounts, but are
based on information in the AMSAT membership database. If you are a
current member, or former member whose membership has expired within
the past five years, please do not create a new account on the AMSAT
website. Follow these steps to create a password:
1. Click the "My Account" button located on the upper right hand
corner of any page on the website.
2. Click "Lost your password?" beneath the login button.
3. Enter your callsign and click reset password.
4. If your email address is correct in our database, you will receive
an email with instructions to reset your password.
If your email address is not correct in our database, please email
webmaster(a)amsat.org with your callsign and preferred email address. An
administrator will update your email address in the database and you
will then be able to use the above procedure to reset your password.
Please note that we are still in the early stages of transitioning to
this new system and there is still work to be done to reconcile the
new and old membership databases. We appreciate your patience as we
work through any "kinks" that may pop up. For example, many of you
received emails on Thursday afternoon indicating that your passwords
had been reset. Please ignore this message. No further action is
necessary. Report any future problems to an administrator at
webmaster(a)amsat.org.
Thanks to AMSAT's IT Team Leader Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, and Milltown
Web Design of Boston, MA for their efforts in developing the new AMSAT
web presence and thanks to Bruce Paige, KK5DO, for working to update
items in the online store. AMSAT is always looking for volunteers to
develop and update content on the website and maintain the online
store. Members interested in helping, especially those with Wordpress
and Woocommerce experience, are encouraged to email
webmaster(a)amsat.org.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Office for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite DX Opportunities
FP, ST. PIERRE & MIQUELON (Reminder/Update). Eric, KV1J, will once
again be operating from the Island of Miquelon (NA-032, DIFO FP-002
WLOTA 1417, Grid GN17) as FP/KV1J between July 4-18th. Activity will
be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY (but primarily SSB and RTTY)
and the satellites. He will generally be on the highest frequency
band that is open (favoring 12/10m). He will be active in the IARU HF
Contest (July 8-9th), NA QSO Party-RTTY (July 15-16th) and the CQ VHF
Contest [6M only] (July 15- 16th).
ADDED NOTE: Eric, reported this week, "I will try to be on as many
Satellite passes as I can when the WX is good. I am in a new (new to
me) apartment and not sure which way the windows face. It is either
west or north. If they face west, I can try some passes when it get
dark or the WX is not good. Otherwise, I will be outside with my pair
of FT817s and an Arrow antenna. Generally favoring the FO-29, AO-7,
and XW-2* birds. Weekends may be limited since I will concentrating
on the low(er) band and contests. QSL via KV1J, direct or by the
Bureau. Also eQSL and LoTW. For more details and updates, check out
his Web page at:
http://www.kv1j.com/fp/July17.html
PLEASE NOTE: Eric mentions, "I will also be on the analog Satellites
when the WX is good enough to operate from outside."
VP9, BERMUDA. Operators Bob/N2OO and Steve/KU9C will be active as
N2OO/VP9 and KU9C/VP9 from Ed VP9GE's QTH between July 6-11th. During
the IARU HF Championship they will operate VP9HQ, the VP9 IARU
Headquarters callsign. Outside of the contest look for activity on
all HF bands (especially the WARC bands) as well as 6 meters and SO-
50/AO-85 FM satellites. QSL VP9HQ to KU9C, and the /VP9 callsigns to
their home callsign. PLEASE NOTE: QSL VP9HQ via KU9C for this July 8-
9th, 2017 only. The callsign was used in 2014 and that operation is
via Seppo, OH1VR.
YN, NICARAGUA. Rafael, NN3RP, will once again be active as YN2RP
from Nicaragua between July 8th and August 4th. Activity will be on
40-10 meters using CW, SSB, the Digital modes (PSK31/RTTY) and
possibly the satellites. Operations, he states are "mostly evenings
or while driving around the country (SSB)." QSL via his home callsign.
[ANS thanks the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1320 for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services Access to Full 76-81 GHz
Band on a Secondary Basis
In a draft Report and Order (ET Docket No. 15-26) to be considered
at its July 13 open meeting, the FCC is proposing to lift a nearly 2-
decade-old suspension of Amateur Radio access to 76-77 GHz, giving
the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services access to the full 76-81
GHz band on a secondary basis. The FCC also reduced Amateur Radio’s
status from primary to secondary in the 77-77.5 GHz segment, to match
the rest of the 76-81 GHz band, and it imposed a uniform power-level
limit for users of the band. The draft Report and Order (R&O)
concludes that Amateur Radio and vehicular radars will be able to
successfully share the millimeter-wave band with minor adjustments in
the Amateur Service rules. A goal of the proceeding has been to
expand and consolidate the spectrum available worldwide for 76-81 GHz
radar operations. It brings the US Table of Allocations into line
with decisions at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-
15) and makes the entire band available internationally for vehicular
radars operating in the Radiolocation Service (RLS). The FCC said its
proposal “received significant support” and no opposition from
commenters regarding the proposed allocation.
“The rule changes we adopt modifying the regulatory status of
amateur stations and capping their power levels will ensure the
continued operation of amateur stations in this band, and are a
reasonable alternative to expanding the suspension of amateur
operations from the 76-77 GHz band to the remainder of the 76-81 GHz
band or removing the amateur allocations altogether from the 76-81
GHz band,” the draft R&O said. “In addition, these changes, coupled
with the nature of amateur operations in the band (e.g., largely
experimental, occurring temporarily on mountaintops and locations
where motor vehicle operation is not typical, and using antennas
mounted on masts as high as practical), will ensure that the
potential for harmful interference from amateur operations to
vehicular radar operations in the 76-81 GHz band is negligible and
satisfy our efforts to ensure protection for the important safety
functions that vehicular radars will provide.”
The FCC R&O would impose a 55 dBm peak effective isotropic radiated
power (EIRP) limit (316 W EIRP) on Amateur operations in the band.
This is the same as that allowed to vehicular radars. The R&O reasons
that the risk for potential interference between Amateur Radio
operation and RLS operations “is mitigated by the directionality of
vehicular radars’ antennas — downward in orientation and mounted on a
low position on the vehicles.” The R&O also cites the periodic and
transient nature of amateur operations in the band coupled with high
path losses in a band that is conducive to frequency re-use.
In reaching its tentative conclusions in the proceeding relative to
the Amateur allocation, the FCC considered the comments of several
individual radio amateurs as well as ARRL, Bosch, Delphi, the
Automotive Safety Council, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA),
and automakers and their representatives, among others. Several
automotive manufacturers had asked that Amateur Radio be ousted from
the band.
[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS News
+ A Successful contact was made between SCaN/Glenn Research Center,
Brook Park, OH and Astronaut Jack Fischer K2FSH using Callsign
NA1SS. The contact began 2017-06-23 14:25 UTC and lasted about nine
and a half minutes. Contact was Direct via NA8SA
ARISS Mentor was Dave AA4KN.
+ A Successful contact was made between Ufa State Aviation Technical
University will hold a HAM Radio session devoted to the 85th
anniversary of their University, Ufa, Russia and Cosmonaut Fyodor
Yurchikhin RN3FI using Callsign RSØISS. The contact began
2017-06-23 08:25 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes.
Contact was Direct via RZ9WWB.
ARISS Mentor was Sergey RV3DR.
+ A Successful contact was made between About Gagarin From Space.
Ham Radio Session With Slavic Commonwealth International College
Students Summer Camp Participants, Sochi, Russia and Cosmonaut
Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI using Callsign RSØISS. The contact began
2017-06-17 15:10 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes.
Contact was Direct via R2Ø17SS.
ARISS Mentor was Sergey RV3DR.
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule
Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:
About Gagarin From Space International Summer Camp #2 with
Bashkortostan schoolchildren, Ufa, Russia, direct via RZ9WWB
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled astronaut is Fyodor Yurchikhin RN3FI
Contact is a go for 2017-07-15 20:25 UTC
About ARISS
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a
cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the
space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In
the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary
goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled
contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and
students in classrooms or informal education venues. With the help
of experienced amateur radio volunteers, ISS crews speak directly
with large audiences in a variety of public forums. Before and
during these radio contacts, students, teachers, parents, and
communities learn about space, space technologies and amateur radio.
For more information, see www.ariss.org, www.amsat.org, and
www.arrl.org.
[ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above
information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Members have been receiving the May/June 2017 AMSAT Journal in
their mailboxes. Look for yours if you haven't received it yet.
+ Are you planning a DX or rare grid expedition? Please consider
sending details to ans-editor at amsat.org, at least one week
before the event, and we will gladly publish your details.
Would you like to report on your experiences after the event? Send
your stories to ans-editor (at) amsat.org.
+ AMSAT Journal Needs Your Words and Wisdom
The AMSAT Journal is looking for interesting articles, experiences
and photos to share with other AMSAT members. Writing for the
Journal is an exellent way both to give back to the AMSAT community
and to help others learn and grow in this most fascinating aspect
of the amateur radio avocation.
Author deadlines for upcoming Journals through 2017 include:
July/Aug Edition July 15
Sept/Oct Edition September 15
Nov/Dec Edition November 15
Send your manuscripts and photos, or story ideas to:
journal (at) amsat.org
For more information visit:
https://www.amsat.org/how-to-write-for-the-amsat-journal/
[ANS thanks Joe KB6IGK for the above information]
+ Help Requested to Complete Satellite WAS
Bryan KL7CN/W6 is very close to attaining WAS (Worked All States)
in ARRL's LotW (Log of the World)!
He needs only 4 states: Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, and
Rhode Island.
Would any active LotW-using satellite operators mind helping him
out?
Contact Bryan direct
email: bryan (at) KL7CN.net or phone: 408 836 7279
Bryan normally works out of CM98
[ANS thanks Bryan KL7CN/W6 for the above information]
+ Need to contact AMSAT-NA?
AMSAT-NA
10605 Concord St, #304
Kensington, MD 20895-2526 USA
Toll-Free: +1 (888) 322-6728
Phone: +1 (301) 822-4376
Fax: +1 (301) 822-4371
info(a)amsat.org
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information]
+ For information on AMSAT and AMSAT-Related Nets visit:
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-and-amsat-related-nets/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA for the above information]
+ AMSAT Symposium
AMSAT NA announces that the 2017 AMSAT Space Symposium will be
held on Friday through Sunday, Oct 27, 28, 29, 2017 in Reno,
Nevada. Location will be at the Silver Legacy Resort , 407 N
Virginia Street, in Downtown, Reno.
For more information visit:
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-symposium/
With less than four months left for Symposium, now is the time
to start writing your papers and preparing your presentations.
[ANS thanks the Symposium Committee for the above information.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
EMike McCardel, AA8EM
aa8em at amsat dot org
1
0
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-176
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space
including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur
Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building,
launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio
satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur
Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat.org.
In this edition:
* India Launches 40th PSLV With 31 Satellites On-board
* ARISS SSTV Commemorative Activity
* LilacSat-1 Designated LilacSat-OSCAR 90
* Amateurs Recover I-Inspire-2 Satellite
* SARL/AMSAT SA SDR Workshop To Be Held In August
* New Zealand’s KiwiSAT Update
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-176.01
ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 176.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE June 25, 2017
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-176.01
India Launches 40th PSLV With 31 Satellites On-board
An Indian mapping satellite and 30 other payloads vaulted into space Friday
aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, arriving in an on-the-mark
orbit more
than 300 miles above Earth.
Launching on its 40th flight, the PSLV rocketed away from the Satish Dhawan
Space Center, a facility nestled on Sriharikota Island on India’s east
coast, at
0359 GMT Friday (11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday). The 144-foot-tall (44-meter)
launcher
thundered into a mostly sunny sky over the launch base, where liftoff
occurred
at 9:29 a.m. local time
The 1,570-pound (712-kilogram) Cartosat 2E satellite was the primary
passenger
on Friday’s launch, joining a fleet of Earth-imaging platforms built to feed
observations of cities, crops, natural disasters and other targets to Indian
civil and military authorities.
Cartosat 2E radioed ground controllers moments after separation from the
PSLV’s
fourth stage, and engineers confirmed it unfurled its solar panels as
planned.
The PSLV launch team confirmed the upper stage released another Indian
satellite
— NIUSAT — a few seconds after Cartosat 2E. Designed for agricultural
monitoring, NIUSAT is suitcase-sized satellite weighing about 33 pounds (15
kilograms) developed by students at Noorul Islam University in India’s Tamil
Nadu state.
Fifteen other satellites launched Friday also include amateur frequency
downlinks:
Max Valier Satellite 145.860 MHz
Venta 1 437.325 MHz
Pegasus 436.670 MHz
NUDTSat 436.270 MHz
VZLUSAT 1 437.240 MHz
DragSail-CubeSat 437.300 MHz, 2403 MHz, and 2405-2445 MHz
UCLSat 435.975 MHz
InflateSail 436.060 MHz
URSA MAIOR 435.950 MHz
LithuanicaSAT 2 437.265 MHz
SUCHAI 1 437.225 MHz
Aalto 1 437.220 MHz and 2402.00 MHz
Robusta 1B 437.325 MHz
D-Sat 437.505 MHz
skCUBE 437.100 MHz and 2401 MHz
[ANS thanks SpaceFlightNow and the IARU for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS SSTV Commemorative Activity
Special Slow Scan Television (SSTV) transmissions are expected to be
made from
the International Space Station on 145.800 MHz FM around the weekend of
July 15.
In commemoration of their 20th anniversary, the ARISS team is planning to
transmit a set of 12 SSTV images that capture the accomplishments of
ARISS over
that time.
The ARISS SSTV Blog says:
While still to be scheduled, we anticipate the SSTV operation to occur
around
the weekend of July 15. We are planning for at least a 2 day operation,
but are
working for a potential longer operation. Note that all of this
tentative and
may change based on crew scheduling and ISS operations.
Starting with our first meeting in November 1996, our joint operations
on Mir,
becoming the first operational payload on ISS in November 2000 to our 1103rd
school contact (so far), ARISS’ accomplishments have been tremendous. We
have
touched the lives of many and inspired and educated countless students
to pursue
science, technology, engineering and math careers.
Please stay tuned as more details on our SSTV event will be communicated
in the
coming weeks. Please spread the word. And think about how you can get
students
in your area involved in capturing these images. We would love to hear your
stories on how that goes.
[ANS thanks Frank, KA3HDO, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
LilacSat-1 Designated LilacSat-OSCAR 90
OSCAR Number Administrator Bill Tynan, W3XO, has announced that,
pursuant to a request submitted to the AMSAT Board of Directors, the
LilacSat-1 satellite has been assigned the designation LilacSat-OSCAR
90, or LO-90.
LilacSat-OSCAR 90 was designed and constructed by the Harbin Institute
of Technology in Harbin, China as part of the QB50 project to study
the lower thermosphere. It was carried aboard an Orbital-ATK Cygnus
cargo ship, which was launched to the International Space Station on
April 18, 2017, and deployed from the ISS on May 25, 2017.
LO-90 carries a voice transponder with a 145 MHz FM uplink and a 435
MHz digital voice downlink using the Codec2 open source voice codec as
well as a camera open for activation by amateur radio operators
worldwide.
More information about the satellite can be found
http://lilacsat.hit.edu.cn/?page_id=594. A guide for receiving the
downlink prepared by Adam Whitney, K0FFY, can be found at
http://adamwhitney.net/working-lilacsat-1/.
Since the launch of the first amateur radio satellite, OSCAR 1 in
1961, it has been traditional for amateur radio satellites to carry
the name OSCAR, for “Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio”.
AMSAT, which administers the numbering of OSCAR satellites at the
request of the Project OSCAR organization, encourages all
builders/owners of amateur radio satellites that meet the requirements
listed at http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=2478 to apply for an OSCAR
designation.
[ANS thanks Paul, N8HM, for the above information]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateurs Recover I-Inspire-2 Satellite
I-Inspire-2 is a 20 x 10 x 10cm CubeSat built by the University of Sydney in
collaboration with the Australian National University and the University
of New
South Wales (Sydney)
WIA News reports:
On board the tiny spacecraft is an experiment, part of the QB50 project,
designed to “explore the lower thermosphere, for re-entry research and
in-orbit
demonstration of technologies and miniaturised sensors”, as reported in
earlier
editions of the WIA broadcast.
Its operational frequency was coordinated by IARU to be in the satellite
segment
of the 70cm amateur band.
It was placed in orbit from the International Space Station in late May. The
deployment was successful; however there were no signs of life when the
ground
stations started looking for it. The engineering group quickly tested
various
scenarios on the engineering model only to come to the conclusion that,
due to
the extended delay in the deployment, the satellite’s battery was likely
to be
depleted and the satellite was trapped in an endless loop, trying to
deploy its
antenna.
The engineering group suggested that the satellite is still listening albeit
with its antennas in the stowed position. This meant that the satellite
command
receiver might have difficulty receiving any signals from ground control
stations. A set of commands were devised which, if received, would
instruct the
satellite to wait until the battery is charged before attempting to
deploy its
antenna. Both UNSW and ANU ground stations transmitted the recovery
command to
the satellite; however after a week or so of no success it was decided
that more
transmitter power was required to overcome the lack of receiver sensitivity
caused by the still stowed antenna. A request for assistance was passed
to EME
operators around the world and many responses were received.
The greatest hope for a successful recovery was thought to be PI 9 CAM using
high power and a 25 m dish, normally used for radio astronomy but also
EME. They
were scheduled to transmit on the weekend of June 10-11.
On Sunday June 11, during the morning pass, Rob VK1KW reported a strong
signal
every 30 seconds on I-Inspire-2’s frequency. Dimitris VK1SV who is part
of the
ANU team, verified reception from home around midnight. The following
morning
Dimitris drove to the ANU ground station and was able to send commands
to the
satellite for the first time since it was deployed. Many other radio
amateurs
around the world also reported reception of the beacon. The satellite
had come
back to life!
This is a wonderful example of successful collaboration between radio
amateurs
and the academic community. If a frequency outside the radio amateur
band had
been used, it is doubtful that the satellite would have been brought back to
life.
The crew of I-Inspire-2 wishes to thank all radio amateurs involved and is
looking forward to a successful collection of data for the scientific
experiment!
[ANS thanks WIA News and AMSAT-UK for the above information]
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SARL/AMSAT SA SDR Workshop To Be Held In August
The date for the joint SARL/AMSAT SA workshop about enhancing the SDR
experience
has been set for Saturday 12 August 2017 at the National Amateur Radio
Centre.
The workshop will focus on getting more fun from a VHF SDR dongle. The
second
part of the workshop will focus on how to kick start the South African Radio
League monitoring of the increase in the RF noise floor level project
using the
SDR waterfall. Both a HF and VHF dongle will be available as well as a
memory
stick with the required SDR and some fun software.
More details will be published soon. If you are interested in attending the
workshops, please send an e-mail with your details to
admin(a)amsatsa.org.za and
you will be added to a mailing list to keep you up to date with details
of the
workshops in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
You are listening to a news bulletin of the South African Radio League. Take
your hand-held to work this week.
[ANS thanks SARL weekly news in English 2017-6-24 for the above information]
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New Zealand’s KiwiSAT Update
Yes, we’re going into space and you can be part of it!
AMSAT_ZL has reached a staging point in the development of their satellite
project, KiwiSAT. We’re ready to go, ready to get up there!
The KiwiSAT Team has produced a fine unit ready to launch. Then came a
set-back.
Our critically important Leader of the KiwiSAT Engineering Team, Fred
Kennedy
ZL1BYP, was struck down and driven to endure many months of medical
procedures.
This has have left him unable to continue his important work. It’s time for
renewal.
Over time the support team has aged, drifting from their positions of
youth and
ability. Much has been achieved but all to no avail if KiwiSAT sits on a
shelf.
Can you help?
AMSAT-ZL is looking both to its members and to the general New Zealand
amateur
radio population for a coordinator to join the team and lead the project
through
this final stage. We’re making history. We’re going into space!
We need a volunteer “Orbit Insertion Team” consisting of a Launch
Co-ordinator
and as many assistants as he/she requires to undertake the task of
securing a
launch for KiwiSAT. This new team will also take over Fred Kennedy’s
leadership
responsibilities. In parallel, the established
KiwiSAT engineering team will continue their involvement, giving support
along
the way.
Much of the new team’s work will be organisational rather than hands-on
engineering. Involved is arranging final environmental testing of KiwiSAT,
identifying and negotiating a launch, attending the launch and attending to
funding for this final phase. Basic planning is complete, we need action.
Other tasks will undoubtedly be crop up however it is envisaged that the
current
team will ensure the preparation of KiwiSAT to full flight status is
completed.
Offers need to be received by 30 June 2017. The AMSAT-ZL Committee will then
appoint a team and leader. Offers can be advised to the AMSAT-ZL
Secretary, 894
Ponga Road, RD 4, Auckland 2584 or by Email to iana(a)kcbbs.gen.nz or to
myself
tdcarrell(a)gmail.com. Email either of us for more details.
Financial assistance is available to enable the successful applicant to
meet for
a briefing with Fred in Auckland, July this year.
Thank you,
Terry, ZL3QL
President AMSAT-ZL
[ANS thanks Southgate and NZART for the above information]
/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining
donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi-
tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT
Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership
at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu-
dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership
information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Lee McLamb, KU4OS
ku4os at amsat dot org
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