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ANS-176 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 24 Jun '23

24 Jun '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-176 In this edition: * Two Awards Available from AMSAT-UK Regarding EO-88's Impending Re-Entry * URESAT-1 Deployed * Harbin Institute of Technology Developing New Lunar Amateur Radio Satellite * How Many Satellites Can We Safely Fit In Earth Orbit? * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 22, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-176 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 June 25 Two Awards Available from AMSAT-UK Regarding EO-88's Impending Re-Entry As you may be aware, Solar Cycle 25 has already shown that we cannot yet predict what the sun will be doing with any great accuracy. Sunspots, X-class solar flares and CMEs (coronal mass ejections) are increasing in frequency and intensity on a daily basis. The peak of Solar Cycle 25 was not expected until late 2024 or early 2025 but it may be coming earlier and have a higher intensity than was predicted. One result of this increased activity is that the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of the earth becomes warmer and expands upwards. This means that spacecraft in low earth orbit experience more drag or resistance as a result of the increase in the number atoms they are having to displace as they travel around the globe. As a consequence, the spacecraft loose more kinetic energy and start to descend lower in orbital height, which, of course, makes the problem worse and a fiery end to the spacecraft is hastened. The actual effect is also dependant on the drag coefficient of the particular spacecraft…simply how much mass (the more the better) to how much surface area (the less the better). So in CubeSat terms, a 1U CubeSat, fairly full of stuff with a mass near the maximum of 1.3kg, will probably be better off than a half empty 3U CubeSat with deployable solar panels and other drag inducing protuberances. All TLEs (Two Line Elements) include a parameter called drag, it is usually a very small number preceeded by four or more zeros! Although this parameter is calculated by the system, it is not usually precise or even stable, so cannot be used to accurately predict deorbit dates when looking forward many weeks/months. It can give us a guide though! Alarm bells should ring when we only see two leading zeros. How does this effect our activities? Well for the FUNcube family, there are presently three active members! FUNcube-1, AO-73 was launched almost ten years ago in November 2013 into an elliptical polar orbit of approx 682×595 km. Presently those numbers are around 640×570 km so probably not too much to worry about. The drag number from the TLEs is, at the time of writing, 0.000074, a good number. The same applies to JY1SAT, JO-97. This was launched in December 2018 into a 573×590 km polar orbit. Presently those numbers are around 557×573 km and the current drag is listed as 0.000076. Unfortunately, however, the same cannot by said for Nayif-1, EO-88. This spacecraft was launched in February 2017 into a 496×507 km polar orbit. Currently the orbit parameters show a height of around 320 km with the drag at 0.00319. It is now well below the ISS and much lower than at launch. As mentioned, largely due to the random nature of the our star’s flux output on a day to day basis, it is not possible at this stage to accurately predict the likely deorbit date but it seems that it will certainly be before the end of this year. As the spacecraft continues to perform 100% nominally this is a great shame. Presently it is switching autonomously from high power telemetry when in daylight and with lower power telemetry and the transponder active when in darkness. The solar panels, battery and power system also continue to be reporting nominal numbers, essentially unchanged since the day of launch. It will therefore be a really sad moment when re-entry occurs but in the meantime everyone is encouraged to use the spacecraft whilst it remains available. To mark the event of EO-88/Nayif’s demise, AMSAT-UK is offering two awards. These will be individual framed certificates. Firstly, to the station who submits the last telemetry to the FUNcube Data Warehouse and also to who “guesses” or calculates the re-entry time and date most accurately. Submissions for this award must be made to EO88(a)amsat-uk.org before midnight (UTC) on July 4th 2023. So time is short to get your entries in. Good luck! [ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ URESAT-1 Deployed The URESAT-1 satellite, also known as HADES-B according to its ITU designation, successfully launched into space as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission from Vandenberg AFB on Monday, June 12. The satellite is a joint effort between AMSAT-EA, URE (the Spanish equivalent of ARRL), private companies, and universities. The URESAT-1 satellite, contained within the D-Orbit ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), was not deployed directly from the Falcon-9 rocket. Instead, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after launch, the Falcon-9 released the OTV. URESAT-1 was deployed from the OTV at approximately 12:10 UTC on June 22, 2023. As of this writing, signals have not yet been received from the satellite. One of the primary objectives of URESAT-1 is to serve as an FM voice and FSK data repeater. Equipped with a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) camera, the satellite will transmit live images as well as stored images at regular intervals. It also features a chess game, enabling players on Earth to engage in a game against the satellite. Periodically, the satellite will transmit updates on the state of the game, including the chess board, the last movement made, and whether the next move belongs to the players or the satellite. The specified frequencies for communication with URESAT-1 are as follows: for uplink transmissions, 145.975 MHz or 145.925 MHz (auxiliary frequency) using FM voice without subtone, FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200/2400 bps. For downlink transmissions, the frequency is set at 436.888 MHz, and modes include FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps telemetry, SSTV Robot 36, and a voice beacon with the callsign AO4URE. To provide further information regarding URESAT-1's transmissions, the AMSAT-EA organization has made available a comprehensive document that can be accessed at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13366685/AMSAT+EA+-+URESAT-1+Transmis… For those interested in decoding the telemetry, a Linux x86/ARM decoder is available for download at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13395017/URESAT-1_telemetry_decoder_L… A sample file containing the audio of a telemetry file can be found here: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13398144/URESAT-1_sample_FSK_telemetr… If URESAT-1 operates as intended, the project team plans to release a Linux program that will allow players to send their chess moves to the satellite, further enhancing the interactive experience. [ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Harbin Institute of Technology Developing New Lunar Amateur Radio Satellite Lunar OSCAR II is a lunar amateur radio payload developing by a team consists of students in Harbin Institute of Technology and international amateur radio enthusiasts. Its baseline functions include telemetry, digital image downlink from an infrared camera, and digipeater with JT4G uplink/downlink. It will also provide chances for uploading and testing new waveforms and algorithms for radio communications and measurements in very long distance. Amateur radio orbit determination experiments, for example Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), are also possible with these links. Harbin Institute of Technology has previously successfully developed the first lunar amateur radio satellite, Longjiang-2 / DSLWP-B. (LO-94) As a subsequent mission, Lunar OSCAR II will continue offering various resources for communications relay and amateur radio research, and promoting the cooperation of amateur radio communities. The Lunar OSCAR II payload will be on board a lunar microsatellite with a volume of about 300x200x100 mm3 and a mass of about 14 kg and will utilize downlinks on UHF for telemetry and images using 250/500 baud GMSK with turbo codes and Digipeater using 4.375 baud $FSK with convolutional coding (JT4G). More information is available at https://by2hit.github.io/. The satellite is planned for a launch from Wenchang in 2024. A downlink on 437.750 MHz has been coordinated. [ANS thanks the IARU and Harbin Institute of Technology for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- How Many Satellites Can We Safely Fit In Earth Orbit? Just 10 years ago, a mere thousand or so operational satellites may have orbited our planet, but there will be tens or even hundreds of thousands a decade from now. Experts have been sounding alarm bells for years that Earth orbit is getting a bit too crowded. So how many satellites can we actually launch to space before it gets to be too much? Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist and astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics warns the first signs that things are getting a little too tense are, in fact, already present. "It's going to be like an interstate highway, at rush hour in a snowstorm with everyone driving much too fast," he told Space.com when asked what the situation in orbit will be like if existing plans for satellite megaconstellations such as SpaceX's Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon Kuiper come to fruition. "Except that there are multiple interstate highways crossing each other with no stoplights." McDowell's British colleague Hugh Lewis is another frequently heard voice of caution. In a post published on Twitter on Jan. 13, Lewis stated that "the overall number of conjunctions predicted for 2022 was 134% higher than the number for 2020 and 58% higher than 2021, exceeding 4 million." That doesn't mean that on 4 million occasions objects in space came close to a collision — just that managing traffic in space is getting much more complicated than it has ever been in the past. Take SpaceX's Starlink as an example. According to information submitted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in December last year, SpaceX's autonomous collision-avoidance system performed 26,037 orbital avoidance maneuvers with its Starlink satellites in the two-year period between Dec. 1, 2020 and Nov. 30, 2022. That means each Starlink satellite of the nearly 4,000 that have been launched to date performed, on average, 12 avoidance maneuvers during that time. But the size of SpaceX's current constellation is less than 10% of what the company plans to deploy. Within the next 10 years, the number of Starlink satellites in orbit may rise to 42,000. Add to that the up to 4,000 satellites that OneWeb wants to launch, another 3,200 of Amazon's Kuiper craft and 13,000 satellites of China's envisioned Guowang system, and it becomes obvious that things are set to get much more heated. According to the FCC document, SpaceX claims that each of its satellites has a sufficient amount of fuel on board to perform 350 collision-avoidance maneuvers over its expected five-year lifetime. But that number could be reached remarkably soon, according to Lewis' calculations. In short, less than five years from now, Starlink satellites may be running out of fuel in a shorter period of time than their designed lifetime because of the sheer number of avoidance maneuvers they will have to perform. [ANS thanks Tereza Pultarova, writing for Space.com, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 22, 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ This week there are no additions or deletions to the weekly AMSAT-NA TLE distribution. [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: No contacts currently scheduled The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. ARISS Radio Status Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD. * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD. * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations Adrian (AA5UK) is heading back to the Cayman Islands. He will be operating as ZF2AE/ZF8 from Little Cayman June 25 to June 29th (EK99wp). He plans to rent a car June 28th/29th and will try to make it to FK09 grid at the other end to the island, time permitting. He will operate from Grand Cayman as ZF2AE June 30th to July 3rd (EK99ki) with focus on cross Atlantic contacts via AO7, RS44, FO-29 and IO-117. He will be relocating to Seven Mile Beach to operate from July 4th – July 7th in EK99hi and will try to mix it up on the passes with focus on Western passes. The gear will be FT-1634 with Alaskan Arrow antenna. For IO-117, he will be using an IC-7000. Operation will be holiday style. Please follow him on Twitter @ZF2AE and @AA5UK and watch for the latest announcements. He also plans to periodically operate HF with focus on RTTY, FT8/FT4 and other digital modes. QSL information on QRZ.com. LOTW preferred. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 20-21, 2023 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation: "I really enjoyed Clint's presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I've tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up." [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + For rocket geeks, an interesting video shows the dynamics of SpaceX’s new stage separation technique, which will be tested on Starship, separating the booster and upper stage without pusher pistons (like Falcon) or explosives (like many traditional rockets). The video may be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yesni8HUEA4 (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + Although their identities have been widely circulated previously, the European Space Agency (ESA), on June 20, formally announced the personnel who will make up SpaceX Crew-7. They are NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, KI5WSL, commander; ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, KG5GCZ, from Denmark, who will serve as pilot; as well as JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW, from Japan, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, from Russia, who will both serve as mission specialists. This crew will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida later this summer on a SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, and will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months. (ANS thanks ESA for the above information) + Spei Satelles is a 3U CubeSat created by the students and teachers of the Polytechnic of Turin. During its stay in orbit, Spei Satelles will transmit a radio signal that can be received by amateurs. The signal contains messages of hope from the magisterium of Pope Francis. Spei Satelles (the Latin words for Satellite of Hope) operates in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit at about 525 km of altitude from the Earth's surface. At a frequency of 437.5MHz (Editor's note - this satellite is not coordinated by the IARU and AMSAT encourages radio amateurs to decline to offer telemetry collection or other technical support to groups that launch satellites that are not IARU coordinated and do not offer amateur communications opportunities) it transmits GMSK at 9600 bit/s AX.25. Spei Satelles also contains a nanobook, a 2x2x0.2 mm silicon slab on which the images, speeches, and readings by Pope Francis on March 27, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, were imprinted by nanotechnologies. The satellite hitched a ride aboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket launching from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 10, after being blessed by Pope Francis on March 29 at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. (ANS thanks Religion News Service and Polytechnic of Turin for the above information) + Congratulations to Olivier Tymkiw, HB9GWJ, on receiving AMSAT Rover Award # 077! To earn the AMSAT Rover Award, participants must accumulate a combined total of 25 points through various achievements in portable satellite operations outside their home grid square. The AMSAT Rover Award was established to recognize and honor the accomplishments of satellite operators who engage in rover operations. Rover operations involve the activation of grid squares outside one's home grid, utilizing various satellite transponders and modes to establish communication links. A breakdown of the points system along with a list of past AMSAT Rover Award recipients can be found at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/. Keep on roving, Olivier, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community! + Virgin Galactic will launch its first commercial spaceflight on June 27th. https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-first-commercial-spaceflight-june-2023 (ANS thanks space.com) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] amsat.org

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ANS-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Mitch Ahrenstorff (AD0HJ) 17 Jun '23

17 Jun '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-169 In this edition: * Spain's URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8 * SpaceX's Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions * European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge * ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role * Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 June 18 Spain's URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8 The URESAT-1 satellite, also known as HADES-B according to its ITU designation, successfully launched into space as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission from Vandenberg AFB on Monday, June 12. The satellite is a joint effort between AMSAT-EA, URE (the Spanish equivalent of ARRL), private companies, and universities. The URESAT-1 satellite, contained within the D-Orbit ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), was not deployed directly from the Falcon-9 rocket. Instead, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after launch, the Falcon-9 released the OTV, which will orbit the Earth for several days before deploying URESAT-1, along with other satellites. One of the primary objectives of URESAT-1 is to serve as an FM voice and FSK data repeater. Equipped with a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) camera, the satellite will transmit live images as well as stored images at regular intervals. It also features a chess game, enabling players on Earth to engage in a game against the satellite. Periodically, the satellite will transmit updates on the state of the game, including the chess board, the last movement made, and whether the next move belongs to the players or the satellite. The specified frequencies for communication with URESAT-1 are as follows: for uplink transmissions, 145.975 MHz or 145.925 MHz (auxiliary frequency) using FM voice without subtone, FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200/2400 bps. For downlink transmissions, the frequency is set at 436.888 MHz, and modes include FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps telemetry, SSTV Robot 36, and a voice beacon with the callsign AO4URE. To provide further information regarding URESAT-1's transmissions, the AMSAT-EA organization has made available a comprehensive document that can be accessed at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13366685/AMSAT+EA+-+URESAT-1+Transmis… For those interested in decoding the telemetry, a Linux x86/ARM decoder is available for download at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13395017/URESAT-1_telemetry_decoder_L… A sample file containing the audio of a telemetry file can be found here: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13398144/URESAT-1_sample_FSK_telemetr… If URESAT-1 operates as intended, the project team plans to release a Linux program that will allow players to send their chess moves to the satellite, further enhancing the interactive experience. [ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- SpaceX's Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions SpaceX's Transporter-8 mission successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during its afternoon launch window on Monday, June 12. Part of SpaceX's small satellite (smallsat) rideshare program, Transporter-8 carries dozens of small to pico-sized satellites and orbital test vehicles. This launch marks the 38th Falcon 9 rocket launch of 2023, showcasing the rocket's significance as the major workhorse in the space industry. As a rideshare launch, Transporter-8 doesn't have a primary mission but aims to lower costs for small spacecraft operators. The launch manifest for Transporter-8 includes an eclectic variety of missions. Among them is URESAT-1, a 1.5 P Pocketqube spacecraft from AMSAT-EA and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union (URE), equipped with an amateur radio payload that will attempt to play chess against opponents on Earth. Transporter-8's diverse manifest demonstrates the wide range of missions being pursued, from space manufacturing technology demonstration by Varda Space Industries to two cryptocurrency technology satellites (CRYPTO3 and MOXY-1) and a communications satellite for the Vatican (SpeiSat). This blend of missions highlights the growing importance and potential of small satellite deployments. With its rideshare model, SpaceX is enabling more affordable access to space for small spacecraft operators. By sharing the launch vehicle with multiple payloads, the costs are distributed among different customers, allowing them to realize their space ambitions at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch. The success of Transporter-8 adds to SpaceX's impressive track record, and if the company maintains its launch pace while incorporating successful Falcon Heavy rocket launches, it could be on track to achieve Elon Musk's ambitious target of 100 rocket launches by the end of 2023. SpaceX's dedication to advancing space exploration and commercial satellite deployments is evident in its consistent launch operations and commitment to driving innovation in the industry. [ANS thanks Jon Kelvey, writing for SpaceRef, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge The European Space Agency's (ESA) Fly Your Satellite! program in collaboration with S5Lab is offering a unique opportunity for radio amateurs around the world. The challenge is to establish communication through the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater, providing a chance to win a special prize: a QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from June 26 to July 30, this challenge allows radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and showcase their communication skills. LEDSAT, developed by students from Sapienza University in Rome's S5Lab research team with support from AMSAT Italia, is an educational 1U CubeSat that participated in the second edition of the Fly Your Satellite! program. Its primary objective is to demonstrate a LED-based payload for ground-based optical tracking. The successful launch of LEDSAT on Vega flight VV19 on August 17, 2021, marked a significant milestone for the project. To celebrate the launch, a competition was launched, encouraging participants from around the world to record the first signs of life from the spacecraft. To participate in the challenge, radio amateurs are invited to send a message to the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station, with the callsign PI9ESA. The digipeater will be activated during specific time windows, with operators stationed at the ground station to receive incoming messages. Upon successful reception of a message, the sender's callsign and contact details will be documented on a personalized QSL card, acknowledging their accomplishment. The LEDSAT digipeater can store and retransmit digital messages sent to the satellite, acting as a transponder for long-distance communication. Messages can be retransmitted immediately or with an optional delay of up to two days. LEDSAT follows a Sun-Synchronous orbit, resulting in two communication windows each day – around midday and midnight – where contact can be established. Participants can predict passes precisely above the ESTEC ground station or their area of residence by using their favorite pass prediction software or obtaining the latest Two-Line Elements for LEDSAT from https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?CATNR=49069. Due to LEDSAT's monitoring and housekeeping requirements and the potential high demand from operators, the digipeater activation time slots will follow a pattern of one day ON and one day OFF, with the switch-on/off always occurring at 00:00 UTC. This schedule will begin on Monday, June 26th at 00:00 UTC, and conclude on Sunday, July 30th at 24:00 UTC. While the challenge is supported by operators on a voluntary basis, efforts will be made to cover as many LEDSAT passes as possible, especially those occurring around local midday on weekdays. A detailed schedule of pass coverage will be published, so participants are advised to regularly check for updates. The LEDSAT digipeater uplink frequency is 435.310 MHz, the downlink frequency is 435.190 MHz, and the modulation type is GMSK using a CSP + Golay + ASM (AX100 Mode 5) protocol at 1200 baud. The LEDSAT team has prepared a software package and a user manual for connecting to the digipeater, available for download on the LEDSAT website at https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/ledsat-digipeater/. It is important to note that transmitting to the satellite is prohibited for those who are not licensed radio amateurs. However, non-licensed individuals can still participate in the challenge by listening to the messages transmitted by the ESTEC ground station. If they provide evidence of successful reception, including the date and time, they may also receive a customized QSL card. Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars, prepare their messages, and not miss the chance to connect and communicate with the LEDSAT spacecraft to receive their QSL card. Let's come together and make this event a memorable celebration of our shared passion for space exploration and amateur radio communication. For any inquiries regarding LEDSAT or the digipeater challenge, please email cubesats(a)esa.int. [ANS thanks the European Space Agency along with S5Lab for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role ARISS-USA, a 501(c)(3) educational and scientific non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced educator to serve as their Director of Education. The position is part-time and remote, with a one-year probationary period. ARISS provides and operates Amateur Radio systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and elsewhere to inspire, educate, and engage youth and communities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and to support ISS backup communications. Responsibilities of the Director of Education include developing strategies to maintain and expand the educational outcomes of the ARISS experience, leading the Education Engagement Volunteer Team (EEVT), recruiting and guiding ARISS Education Ambassadors (AEA), coordinating the selection of host organizations for astronaut radio contacts, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM engagement, creating educational lesson plans and kits, ensuring alignment with National Science Standards, collecting and analyzing metrics and survey data, networking with stakeholders and space agencies, and coordinating with ARISS educators in other countries. The desired candidate should have demonstrated leadership in education, at least three years of teaching experience, a degree in education or a related field, proficiency in virtual technologies, enthusiasm for STEAM education and amateur radio, and U.S. citizenship. Knowledge and experience in amateur radio, coordination with international colleagues, working with partners and sponsors, and interfacing with space agencies are preferred. The position is remote within the USA, and the anticipated salary for 20 hours per week ranges from $23,000 to $34,500 per year, depending on experience. Flexibility in working hours is allowed as long as deliverables and engagement requirements are met. Interested candidates should submit their resume, CV, and a cover letter to candidates(a)ariss-usa.org by July 15, 2023. [ANS thanks David Jordan, AA4KN for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings The June 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operations, as determined by @GridmasterMasterMap on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data. Updated: 2023-06-07 1 N5UC 26 N6DNM 51 AD7DB 76 WN9Q 2 ND9M 27 DJ8MS 52 KD8RTT 77 DK9JC 3 NJ7H 28 KE4AL 53 N4UFO 78 VE6WK 4 JA9KRO 29 K8BL 54 N4DCW 79 N6UTC 5 N6UA 30 KE0PBR 55 PT2AP 80 VA3VGR 6 HA3FOK 31 XE3DX 56 KJ7NDY 81 AB5SS 7 AD0HJ 32 LA9XGA 57 AF5CC 82 PT9BM 8 K5ZM 33 EA4NF 58 N0TEL 83 WI4T 9 WY7AA 34 JO2ASQ 59 VO2AC 84 DL4EA 10 AK8CW 35 VE1CWJ 60 KI7UXT 85 N3CRT 11 AD0DX 36 W7WGC 61 KI7QEK 86 N7EGY 12 DL6AP 37 F4DXV 62 AM1SAT 87 LU3EQ 13 N5BO 38 WI7P 63 W8LR 88 JK2XXK 14 N9IP 39 JL3RNZ 64 PR8KW 89 KF7R 15 WD9EWK 40 KE0WPA 65 WA9JBQ 90 PT2AZ 16 W5PFG 41 EB1AO 66 PT9ST 91 KF6JOQ 17 ND0C 42 AA5PK 67 KB2YSI 92 YU0W 18 KX9X 43 AA8CH 68 AC0RA 93 VO1FUA 19 KB5FHK 44 KE9AJ 69 XE1ET 94 W8MTB 20 VE3HLS 45 VA7LM 70 LU4JVE 95 LU5UFM 21 LU5ILA 46 K7TAB 71 K0FFY 96 JR8QFG 22 N7AGF 47 VE1VOX 72 KG4AKV 97 VE7PTN 23 KI7UNJ 48 M1DDD 73 KC7JPC 98 FG8OJ 24 ON4AUC 49 VE3GOP 74 CU2ZG 99 HB9WDF 25 KG5CCI 50 KM4LAO 75 K4DCA 100 K0JM [ANS thanks @GridmasterMasterMap for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: MiTEE 1 NORAD Cat ID 47314 (decayed form orbit on 12 June 2023 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Upcoming Contacts Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV The ARISS mentor is ON6TI Contact is go for: Tue 2023-06-20 10:16:10 UTC SPACE (Space Port Area Conference for Educators), Kennedy Space Center, FL, telebridge via VK4KHZ (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV The ARISS mentor is AJ9N and AA4KN Contact is go for: Wed 2023-06-21 14:52:25 UTC Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV The ARISS mentor is ON6TI Contact is go for: Thu 2023-06-22 08:38:52 UTC The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down). As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/. A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT 2023 Field Day June 24, 1800 UTC - June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023 More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/. + Small Satellite Conference August 5-10, 2023 Utah State University, Logan, UT More information at: https://smallsat.org/. + AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas More information to follow. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Congratulations to Ian Parsons, K5ZM, for providing satellite contacts from an impressive 104 grid squares and earning AMSAT VUCC/r Award # 12! The Reverse VUCC or VUCC/r Award, originally introduced by the Central States VHF Society and now carried on by AMSAT, acknowledges the efforts of satellite rovers like Ian. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award. Keep on roving, Ian, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community! + Congratulations to Terry, AJ4A, for being awarded GridMaster Award # 57! This prestigious award, introduced by Star Comm Group in 2014 and sponsored by Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, is now entrusted to AMSAT for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. The GridMaster Award recognizes amateurs worldwide who establish two-way communication via amateur satellite with operators in all 488 Maidenhead grids in the contiguous United States of America. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Well done on this remarkable achievement Terry! + E2QRP special event station will operate on QO-100 and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that pass over Thailand during IARU QRP Day. The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) operators will be on the air from grid OK04nk on June 16 , 2023 at 12.00 UTC until June 18, 2023 at 5.00 UTC. QSL via Thailand HS Bureau or direct from RAST, G.P.O. Box 2008 Bangkok Thailand. (ANS thanks Tanan Rangseeprom, HS1JAN, for the above information) + The Small Satellite Conference provides an extensive series of talks, speed sessions, and posters that focus on successfully carrying out a small satellite mission. From early wildfire detection using CubeSat images to UHF ground stations for controlling satellites, topics vary wildly. The conference takes place August 5-10, 2023 at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (ANS thanks Amateur Radio Daily for the above information) + Have your name etched onto a microchip mounted on NASA’s Europa Clipper expedition to explore Jupiter's icy moon: https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/sign-on/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NASA for the above information) + United Launch Alliance (ULA) briefly test-fired the first-stage engines on its new Vulcan Centaur rocket on Wednesday evening (June 7), completing a crucial milestone for the booster’s first flight. Vulcan Centaur is designed to replace ULA’s current fleet of Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy launch vehicles. The first stage can be supplemented with strap-on solid rocket boosters for heavier payloads. ULA is gearing up for the first Vulcan Centaur launch, which is likely to occur in July. The rocket’s primary payload will be Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lunar lander, which will carry payloads for NASA and private companies under the space agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Vulcan Centaur will also carry the KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 demonstration satellites for Amazon. The spacecraft will demonstrate technology for the company’s 3,236-satellite broadband constellation. (ANS thanks the Parabolic Arc for the above information) + Capturing footage of the International Space Station (ISS) hurtling through space at approximately 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h) is no mean feat, yet French astrophotographer Thierry Legault has pulled it off yet again. In his latest stunning footage, captured on June 9, Legault imaged the ISS whizzing past three sunspot groups. The entire solar transit lasted just 0.75 seconds. In addition, Legault captured these shots while two NASA astronauts, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren "Woody" Hoburg, KB3HTZ, were carrying out a spacewalk to install a new solar array outside the station. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ ad0hj [at] amsat.org

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ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for June 11, 2023
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 10 Jun '23

10 Jun '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-162 In this edition: * June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations * IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite * eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT * AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President's Club Members * An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 9, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 Jun 11 June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations AMSAT solicits nominations for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors election, to be held in the third quarter of the year. The seats of the following four incumbent Directors expire in 2023 and will be filled by this year’s election: – Jerry Buxton, N0JY – Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO – Robert Bankston, KE4AL – Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO Further, up to two Alternate Directors may be elected for one-year terms. A valid nomination for Director must be written and requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Written nominations, with the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators’ names, call signs, and contact information, should be sent to the AMSAT Secretary: Jeff Davis, KE9V PO Box 11 Yorktown, IN 47396 AMSAT bylaws require that the nomination be written and in the form specified by the Secretary who has elected to accept written nomination materials via mail or in electronic form, including email or electronic image of a paper document. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted. Email nominations may be sent to jdavis [at] amsat [dot] org. No matter what means are used, petitions MUST be received by the Secretary no later than June 15, 2023. The Secretary will verify the qualifications of candidates and nominating members or Member Societies as petitions are received, and will notify candidates whether their nominations are in order by the end of June. [ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite The Sapling Magnifica, developed by the Stanford Student Space Initiative, is a technology demonstration mission aimed to prove several key technologies necessary for SSI's satellites to host scientific payloads in the future. These include a magnetorquer-based ADCS, a higher quality camera than on previous Sapling missions, and reaction wheels. The satellite will be either a 1U or a 2U spacecraft. Sapling Magnifica is an Amateur Radio mission that is entirely initiated and developed by undergraduate students, most of whom already have or are studying for their Amateur Radio license. Amateurs will be able to participate by sending commands to the satellite and receiving images in response. Research will be conducted on image downloading comparing three different modulation techniques: FSK, LoRa, and FLRC. Amateurs will be able to receive images and, if all goes well, take an image on command. Downlinks have been coordinated on 437.400 MHz and 2427.00 MHz. Planning a launch into a SSO 525km orbit in Q2 or Q3 2023. More info from https://github.com/stanford-ssi. [ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT Are you an eBay seller? One item, ten items, or a full-time business you can donate a percentage of your winning bid to AMSAT. To do so, do not list your item with the basic listing tool, select advanced tools. eBay will give you a warning message that it is for large volume sellers, however this is where the eBay for Charity tool is found. You can “select another nonprofit you love” and search for either AMSAT or Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. Choose the percentage amount of the sale you would like to donate to AMSAT, and boom! When your item sells and the winning bidder pays, eBay will deduct the percentage from your take and forward it to AMSAT. Please consider giving a piece of the pie to a new satellite and choose AMSAT for your eBay Charity. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President's Club Members AMSAT wishes to thank those amateurs who have contributed to the 2023 AMSAT President's Club during the first quarter of this year. Their generous donations are essential in helping to Keep Amateur Radio is Space. TITANIUM LEVEL Barry Baines, WD4ASW Alan Biddle, WA4SCA William Brown, K9LF PLATINUM LEVEL Doug Tabor, N6UA GOLD LEVEL MEMBERS Burns Fisher, WB1FJ Mark Hammond, N8MH John Kludt, K7SYS Glenn Miller, AA5PK SILVER LEVEL Warren Fugate, W3WE Joseph Lynch, N6CL Bruce Paige, KK5DO Jason Schwarz, N4JJS BRONZE LEVEL Bruce Perens, K6BP Dave Taylor, W8AAS David Vine, WA1EAW CORE LEVEL George Carr, WA5KBH Jim Clary, ND9M Richard Dittmer, KB7SAT David Hartrum, WA3YDZ Martin Shinko, KB3AEV Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Stefan Wagener, VE4NSA Jeremy Wyatt, KA2PFD David York, N8SGZ 2022 Correction SILVER LEVEL Jason John Schwarz, N4JJS President Club members for 2023 receive a limited edition commemorative coin featuring AMSAT OSCAR 10, commemorating the 40th anniversary of its launch; full-color certificate, and cork beverage coasters with the AMSAT logo. To join the 2023 AMSAT President's Club, go to https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/. [ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat The MRC-100 Hungarian CubeSat is scheduled to launch on a Falcon 9 on June 12 from Vandenburg Space Fore Base. The MRC-100 is the successor to the SMOG-1 CubeSat which was launched in March 2021. The satellite is named to honoring the 100th year anniversary of the HA5MRC Ham Radio Club at the Budapest University of Technology. To help with decoding the Telemetry on the CubeSat, an RTL-SDR based telemetry receiver was created and an installation script for Raspberry Pi's and Linux PC's which installs OpenWebRX along with the satellite receiver software. The satellite should be receivable with a simple satellite antenna, such as a handheld Yagi, Turnstile, Dipole or quadrifilar-helix antenna. It will be transmitting telemetry at 436.720 MHz. If you have a dish and tracking equipment for it, there is also a high speed downlink at 2267.5 MHz. Like the original SMOG-1, the satellite carries a sensor that is designed to measure human caused electromagnetic pollution. It also carries a camera and an AIS receiver for tracking marine vessels. More information is available at https://www.rtl-sdr.com/. [ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 9 June 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: VZLUSAT 1 NORAD Cat ID 42790 (decayed form orbit on 06 June 2023 per Space-Track). The following satellites have been added to this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: SNIPE 4 NORAD Cat ID 56744 (uncoordinated frequency: 437.8000 MHz). SNIPE 2 NORAD Cat ID 56745 (uncoordinated frequency: 435.9999 MHz). [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Successful Contacts About Gagarin From Space, Participants Of The Children's Creative Competition For The Day Of Cosmonautics, Orel, Russia, direct via RA3ED. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Andrey Fediaev. The ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful Sunday, June 4, 2023. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations IN90; June 9-11, 2023 Philippe, EA4NF will be activating the rare grid IN90 in Spain on June 9-11, 2023 on FM and linear LEO satellites. Further details on Twitter @EA4NF_SAT.LoTW confirmations will be issued with the call EA4NF/P [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT 2023 Field Day June 24, 1800 UTC - June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023 More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/. + Small Satellite Conference August 5-10, 2023 Utah State University, Logan, UT More information at: https://smallsat.org/. + AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas More information to follow. + AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, “Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!” Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, was interviewed by Eric Guth, 4Z1UG / WA6IGR, on QSO Today Amateur Radio Podcast. Alan tells how he reaches out to educate the general public about the world amateur satellites, and satellite technology using CubeSatSim, for live classroom simulations of satellite communications. Alan also explains how he turns to high-altitude balloon launches as a practical, hands-on approach to bringing amateur payloads closer to space, thereby affording opportunities for tangible experience and simulation. Listen to Alan's interview at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-162-KU2Y. [ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, for the above information.] + Over on his latest video, Matt, from the TechMinds YouTube channel shows us how to receive and decode the packets from the GreenCube digipeater. In his demonstration Matt uses an SDRPlay RSPdx as the receiver, SDR++ as the receiver software, SoundModem as the packet decoder, GreenCube Terminal for displaying the messages, and GPredict for tracking the satellite and compensating for the Doppler effect. He also notes that while a directional antenna on a motorized tracker is recommended, he was able to still receive packets with his omnidirectional terrestrial antennas without much issue. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/Rr87Ci96SRY. [ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.] + NASA is worried that SpaceX's giant new Starship vehicle won't be ready to carry astronauts to the surface of the moon in late 2025, as currently planned. In 2021, the agency selected Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — to be the first crewed lunar lander for its Artemis program of moon exploration. Starship will put astronauts down near the ice-rich lunar south pole on the Artemis 3 mission, in humanity's first return to the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. Artemis 3 is currently targeted to lift off in December 2025, but it's unlikely Starship will be able to meet that timeline, NASA officials said. More information at https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-problems-delay-artemis-3-2026. [ANS thanks space.com for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org

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ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for June 4
by Mark Johns, K0JM 03 Jun '23

03 Jun '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-155 In this edition: * Astronauts Engage in Voice Contacts from International Space Station * The March/April AMSAT Journal is Available * VUCC Satellite Standings June 2023 * New Record Set with Seventeen People in Earth Orbit Simultaneously * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution * Another Delay For Boeing’s Starliner Crew Capsule * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 June 4 Astronauts Engage in Voice Contacts from International Space Station Amateur radio enthusiasts were thrilled as astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) engaged in voice contacts as NA1SS over the period of May 25-29. The astronauts, John Shoffner, KO4MJC and Woody Hoburg, KB3HTZ, provided an opportunity for amateur radio operators to establish contact with the orbiting space station. The Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) program facilitated these voice contacts, allowing radio operators to communicate with the astronauts onboard the ISS. As the news spread on social media, amateur radio operators shared their excitement about making successful contacts with the astronauts. Hams from different parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom, shared their experiences of communicating with the ISS crew on Twitter. The astronauts were actively seeking information about the location of each station, showing a keen interest in the diverse range of contacts they were making. The ARISS program encourages participants to submit QSL cards to commemorate their successful contacts. These cards serve as proof of communication with the International Space Station. The ARISS website provides information on how to send in QSL cards and further details about the program. The QSL contacts are regional so find the proper one at: https://ariss.org/qsl-cards.html For many radio operators, making contact with the International Space Station is a memorable experience. The ability to communicate with astronauts orbiting the Earth, even if only for a brief moment, is a testament to the power of amateur radio and its ability to connect people across vast distances. As the ARISS program continues to facilitate these voice contacts, space and amateur radio enthusiasts eagerly await further opportunities to establish communication with the astronauts onboard the ISS. The chance to exchange greetings and information with those who reside in space remains a unique experience that showcases the wonders of technology and human ingenuity. Operators interested in attempting a contact with the ISS crew, should set the downlink frequency to 437.800 MHz FM and listen for activity. The uplink frequency is 145.990 MHz FM with a PL tone of 67 Hz. The ARISS website and the AMSAT status page provide information on the ISS crew's radio activities. See https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html for details. [ANS thanks Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The March/April AMSAT Journal is Available The March/April 2023 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal. Inside the Current Issue Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL Educational Relations Update - Alan Johnston, KU2Y Generative AI and Amateur Radio in Space: A Chatbot Conversation - Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK AMSAT CubeSatSim Version 2 Design - Alan Johnston, KU2Y Operating Low Elevation DX via GreenCube - Dave Fisher, KG0D Evaluating Antennas For LEO Satellites - Terry Osborne, ZL2BAC The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world. Join AMSAT to get immediate access to the latest issue and archived issues of The AMSAT Journal. [ANS thanks Joe Koronowski, Editor AMSAT Journal for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC Satellite Standings June 2023 VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for May 01, 2023 to June 01, 2023. ------------------------------------------------------------ Callsign May June K8DP 1425 1500 AA5PK 1282 1324 KF7R 975 1000 NS3L 826 851 K9UO 828 850 AC9O 675 836 KE8RJU 725 825 DF2ET 700 752 W8LR 735 751 G0IIQ 519 750 EA2AA 675 686 KQ4DO 633 675 KS1G 628 655 FG8OJ 531 600 W8MTB 515 600 N9FN 567 569 N8MR 499 509 IK1IYU 101 508 A65BR 260 436 JG6CDH 305 353 KF0QS 205 301 JL1SAM 200 300 WA1ECF 299 300 JN1BPM 178 257 JA1QJI 200 253 N6PAZ 201 223 SA0UNX New 205 IK1SLD New 200 W3UTD New 186 NK0S 159 164 JR0GAS 108 140 N6UTC (DM14) New 110 NY1V 102 104 G0MOH New 100 JA9OJM New 100 JE2UFF New 100 ------------------------------------------------------------ Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. G0MOH is first VUCC Satellite holder from IO70 SA0UNX is first VUCC Satellite holder from JO99 JA9OJM and JE2UFF are first VUCC Satellite holders from PM86 [ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- New Record Set with Seventeen People in Earth Orbit Simultaneously In a remarkable achievement, the number of individuals in Earth orbit has reached a new record high. On May 30, 2023, a total of seventeen people from five different countries were in Earth orbit. The population in orbit skyrocketed with the launch of China's Shenzhou 16 mission, which took place on May 29 at 9:31 p.m. EDT. This three-person mission propelled the overall count to a new record. Previously, the record stood at fourteen people, achieved during the privately funded Inspiration4 mission in September 2021. The current count consists of four crews representing various space agencies and private ventures. The first crew, Shenzhou 16, consists of Chinese taikonauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao, who have joined the astronauts already aboard China's Tiangong space station. This mission contributes three members to the total count. The second crew, Shenzhou 15, consists of Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu. They have been residing aboard the Tiangong space station since November 2022 and are expected to return to Earth in early June. Their presence adds another three individuals to the record-breaking count. The third crew, Expedition 69, comprises seven members from different countries. It includes cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and Andrey Fedyaev from Russia's Roscosmos, as well as astronauts Frank Rubio, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren "Woody" Hoburg, KB3HTZ, from NASA. Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, KI5VTV, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also joins them. These individuals are currently on the International Space Station (ISS), contributing significantly to the total population in orbit. The fourth crew, Axiom-2, is composed of Axiom Space astronaut Peggy Whitson, private astronaut John Shoffner, KO4MJC, and Saudi Arabian astronauts Ali AlQarni, 7Z1AJ, and Rayyanah Barnawi, 7Z1RB. They departed the ISS aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon "Freedom" on May 30. The Axiom-2 crew splashed down off the Florida panhandle near Panama City around 11 p.m. on May 30, reducing the count to thirteen people. Interestingly, the current record-breaking count coincides with another milestone. Barnawi, a member of the Ax-2 mission, became the 600th person to enter Earth orbit. She also holds the distinction of being the first Saudi woman in space, as she launched alongside her crew on May 21. Although the record stands at seventeen people in Earth orbit, it's worth noting that a recent record for the most people in space (not just in Earth orbit) was set briefly. For approximately five minutes, a total of twenty individuals were off the planet. This record occurred when the six members of Virgin Galactic's Unity 25 SpaceShipTwo crew embarked on a suborbital spaceflight, coinciding with three Chinese taikonauts residing aboard Tiangong and eleven astronauts, cosmonauts, and spaceflight participants aboard the International Space Station. The previous record for the most people in space simultaneously was set during Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-19 suborbital flight on December 11, 2021, when there were briefly nineteen individuals off Earth. Since the year 2000, there has been an unbroken presence of humans in space, starting with the first crew to inhabit the International Space Station. China's completion of its three-module Tiangong space station last year marks another significant milestone. The Shenzhou 16 crew represents the station's fifth contingent since 2021. [ANS thanks Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com Contributor, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 2 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: NUDATSat NORAD Cat ID 42787 (decayed form orbit on 28 MAY 2023 per Space-Track). [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT-NA Assistant Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Another Delay For Boeing’s Starliner Crew Capsule Boeing and NASA officials said Thursday, June 1, that the first launch of astronauts on Boeing’s delay-prone Starliner crew capsule won’t happen in July after engineers recently discovered a problem with the spacecraft’s parachute system and identified flammable tape around wiring harnesses inside the vehicle. The technical problems, which escaped detection for years, dealt another setback for Boeing’s Starliner program, already running years behind schedule after a series of issues with software, valves, and other parts of the spacecraft. NASA wants Boeing’s Starliner to come online as a second U.S. crew transportation provider for the space station. Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft, which was the sole vehicle to carry crews to the space station for nine years, is currently NASA’s backup if SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket or Crew Dragon spacecraft suffer significant delays or failures. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, KD5PLB, were in the final stages of training for launch on the first Starliner crew mission, called the Crew Flight Test, as soon as July 21. They were slated to lift off from Cape Canaveral on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket and fly to the space station on the Starliner spacecraft for a test flight lasting about one week, then return to Earth for a parachute-assisted landing in New Mexico. That would have paved the way for Boeing to start launching regular NASA crew rotation flights to the space station on a schedule of about once per year beginning in 2024. Boeing and NASA officials did not provide an estimate for when engineers might resolve the newest technical problems on the Starliner spacecraft. [ANS thanks SpaceflightNow for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Recently completed: About Gagarin From Space, SBEI Secondary School No. 285 of the Krasnoselsky District of St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via R1AIT. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Andrey Fediaev and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful on 2023-05-27 at 16:48 UTCCongratulations to the St. Petersburg students, Andrey, and mentor RV3DR! About Gagarin From Space, Muslyumovo, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Dmitry Petelin and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful on 2023-05-28 at 14:26 UTC. Congratulations to the Muslyumovo students, Dmitry, and mentor RV3DR! Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The ISS callsign was OR4ISS. The crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi. KI5VTV, and the ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful on Wed 2023-05-31 at 08:42:20 UTC. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI! Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi. KI5VTV, and the ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful on Thu 2023-06-01 07:53:35 UTC. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI! About Gagarin From Space, MAOU Ust-Ivanovo Secondary School, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via RKØJ. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Dmitry Petelin and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful: Thu 2023-06-01 08:10 UTC. Congratulations to the MAOU Ust-Ivanovo Secondary School students, Dmitry, and mentor RV3DR! Upcoming contacts: Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Sat 2023-06-10 10:15 UTC The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down). As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations From Jerry, W8LR: June 4 EN80/EN81 gridline. Logging as W8LR and operating on IO-117, RS-44, JO-97, AO-7 Mode B, and AO-91 if available. Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation: "I really enjoyed Clint's presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I've tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up." [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + A casual meeting of QO-100 users is being planned for Saturday, June 24, 2023 starting at 19:00 CEST at a restaurant near the HAM RADIO trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Members of AMSAT-DL and QO-100 DX Club have already confirmed their participation. Others interested are asked to confirm their participation at: https://nuudel.digitalcourage.de/PCbXouT7CSXsKPUa More details will follow here shortly before the event. (ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information) + Virgin Orbit, the launch provider for AO-109, sold its assets at bankruptcy auction and shut down on May 22. Rocket Lab bought the company’s Long Beach headquarters ($16.1M), Stratolaunch bought their modified 747 ($17M), and Launcher (now owned by Vast) bought a Mojave facility along with sundry equipment ($2.7M). (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information) + If we received an extraterrestrial message, how would we interpret it? On 24 May, a signal was transmitted by the Trace Gas Orbiter -- a European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft orbiting Mars -- and was received at the Green Bank Telescope (West Virginia), the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station (Italy), the Allen Telescope Array (California) and the Very Large Array (New Mexico). ESA, SETI, and other partners are asking individuals and groups to take part in decoding and interpreting the content of the message. To participate, go to https://asignin.space/decode-the-message/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and A Sign in Space for the above information) + N3FJP Software has recently released Amateur Contact Log 7.0.8 which includes API enhancements to support the SatPC32 interface by Carsten Groen, OZ9AAR: https://moonbounce.dk/hamradio/satpc32-to-aclog-interface.html (ANS thanks Scott Davis, N3FJP, for the above information) + The FO-99 operating schedule for June, 2023 is available at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=2274 (ANS thanks JAMSAT for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Mark Johns, KØJM k0jm [at] amsat.org

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ANS-148 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 27 May '23

27 May '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-148 In this edition: * 2023 Hamvention Wrap-Up * AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager Retires * New SO-50 Distance Record * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 25, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-148 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 May 28 2023 Hamvention Wrap-Up The 2023 Dayton Hamvention is in the books! It was a great weekend in Xenia, OH and at the various other events in the surrounding area. The AMSAT booth and satellite demo area saw continuous traffic and attendees had an excellent time at the informal AMSAT Dinner at Tickets on Thursday evening and the TAPR/AMSAT Banquet on Friday evening. The AMSAT forum from Saturday afternoon can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTYTVTzJlXk&t=14680s (the ARISS forum precedes the AMSAT forum, so you can back up the live stream to view that) The video presented at the AMSAT forum featuring AMSAT engineers can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6zTtJZPfL8 Grace Papay, KE8RJU, gave a talk at the Youth Forum on "Amateur Radio Satellites Both Near and Far" and her presentation can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-jsYYHY8w&t We hope everyone enjoyed Hamvention this year and hope to see everyone in Xenia next May! [ANS thanks the AMSAT Hamvention Team for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager Retires It is time for me to retire from the position of AMSAT-NA Orbital Elements Manager. I have held this position since October 8, 1993, when I inherited it from Dick Campbell, WR5RW (formally N3FKV). I also inherited a BASIC sorting program from Dick which has faithfully produced the AMSAT TLE format each week for almost 30 years. Today I have to use an emulator, but it consistently produces the format we (and our computer tracking programs) expect to see. But, have no fear, Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P has been developing a software-based system that pulls the TLE data directly from the internet (Space-Track, 18SPCS), formats it, and sends it out to the amateur radio community. Joe has been testing it for over a month now and it is ready to go! It has been a privilege to serve AMSAT as Orbital Elements Manager and I will miss the Thursday night routine of sending out the AMSAT TLE. But to those who have helped me along the way … thanks. Special thanks to Keith Pugh (W5IU Silent key), Dick Campbell (WR5RW), Nico Janssen (PA0DLO), and also to Joe Fitzgerald (KM1P) for stepping up to the job. [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ New SO-50 Distance Record A new distance record has been claimed on SO-50. During a SOTA activation of Pine Mountain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on May 24, 2023 at 13:16 UTC, Joe Werth, KE9AJ, worked George Mamjis, MI0ILE, in Northern Ireland. KE9AJ's location was EN55wu90gp and MI0ILE's location was IO64wn80. The distance between the two locations is 5,584 km. The previous record on this satellite was 5,523 km - set by F4DXV and N1AIA on October 24, 2018. [ANS thanks Joe Werth, KE9AJ, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 25, 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ This week there are no additions or deletions to the weekly AMSAT-NA TLE distribution. [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Muslyumovo, Tatarstan, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petelin The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Sun 2023-05-28 14:25 UTC Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV The ARISS mentor is ON6TI Contact is go for: Wed 2023-05-31 08:42:20 UTC 66 deg Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV The ARISS mentor is ON6TI Contact is go for: Thu 2023-06-01 07:53:35 UTC 51 deg Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petelin The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Thu 2023-06-01 08:10 UTC Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Sat 2023-06-10 10:15 UTC The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. ARISS Radio Status Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). * Powering off for U.S. EVA targeting June 09. OFF June 08 about TBD. ON June 10 about TBD. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting June 28. OFF June 27 about TBD. ON June 29 about TBD. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD. * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * Powering off for U.S. EVA targeting June 09. OFF June 08 about TBD. ON June 10 about TBD. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting June 28. OFF June 27 about TBD. ON June 29 about TBD. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD. * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations From Mike, N8MR: I will be in EN84, EN85 and EN76 from Friday, May 26 thru Monday, May 29. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow antenna and SAT controller. Listening for Europe for eastern passes. All QSOs going to LoTW as N8MR. Major Roves: I post ’em as soon as I know about ’em. Just be aware that I still work roughly 60 hours a week. Tnx! Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation: "I really enjoyed Clint's presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I've tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up." [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + John Shoffner, KO4MJC, pilot of the Axios Space AX-2 mission, was reported to have made casual QSOs from the ISS via the ISS repeater on May 25, 2023. (Thanks to ARISS for this information) + The Tevel-3 and Tevel-6 satellites will be active through May 29, 2023 at 18:35 UTC. Downlink frequency = 436.400 MHz, Uplink frequency = 145.970MHz NO PL tone. (Thanks David Greenberg, 4X1DG, for this information) + Four CubeSats developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) were launched on a Korean NURI rocket this past week. These CubeSats were not IARU coordinated and the downlink of one of the satellites is on 437.800 MHz. This has the potential to cause QRM to the ISS FM repeater. (Thanks PE0SAT for the above information) + URESAT Antonio de Nebrija is expected to launch on the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission on June 8th. Details available at https://www-ure-es.translate.goog/uresat-antonio-de-nebrija-sera-lanzado-el… (Thanks to URE for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] amsat.org

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ANS-141 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Mitch Ahrenstorff (AD0HJ) 20 May '23

20 May '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-141 In this edition: * Eleven U.S. Schools Moved Forward in ARISS Selection Process * Tevel Satellites Added to ARRL Logbook of the World * SpaceX Ax-2 Mission Is 'Go' For May 21 Launch * 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election - Call for Nominations * 2023 AMSAT Field Day - Rules * 2023 AMSAT Field Day - More Thoughts * How Moon-based Telescopes Could Revolutionize Astronomy * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-141 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 May 21 Eleven U.S. Schools Moved Forward in ARISS Selection Process Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is pleased to announce the schools/host organizations selected for the January-June 2024 window. A total 11 of the submitted ARISS Education Proposals during the recent proposal window have been accepted to move forward in the processes of planning to host a scheduled amateur radio contact with crew on the ISS. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities. The ARISS program anticipates that NASA will be able to provide scheduling opportunities for these US host organizations. They are now at work completing an acceptable equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham radio contact. Once their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS operations team, the final selected schools/organizations will be scheduled as their availability and flexibility match up with the scheduling opportunities offered by NASA in January through June 2024. The schools and host organizations are: Belmont Elementary School Woodbridge, Virginia Mountain View Elementary Marietta, Georgia Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, Florida Lilburn Elementary School Lilburn, Georgia Tooele County School District Tooele, Utah Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering Huntsville, Alabama Thrive Home School Academy Colorado Springs, Colorado Pleasant Knoll Middle School Ft. Mill, South Carolina Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School Center for Innovation Raleigh, North Carolina Washington State Science and Engineering Fair Bremerton, Washington Girl Scout Troop 1089 Sacramento, California [ANS thanks Dave Jordan, AA4KN for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Tevel Satellites Added to ARRL Logbook of the World The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), "The National Association for Amateur Radio," has recently added the Tevel satellites, numbers one through eight, to the list of acceptable satellites in its widely used Logbook of the World (LoTW) online system. Those who have made contacts using these satellites may now upload those QSOs to LoTW for possible confirmation, if the other station has done likewise. It will be necessary to first update the TQSL configuration file, following the prompt when that program is opened. The current list of accepted satellites for LoTW may always be found in the LoTW help pages at: https://lotw.arrl.org/lotw-help/frequently-asked-questions/#sats Most published identification for the Tevel satellites, including many distributions of Keplerian elements, show these satellites as Tevel-1, Tevel-2, etc. Unfortunately, LoTW will only accept the names of the satellites in all upper case and without the hyphen: TEVEL1, TEVEL2, etc. If using a log program that copies the satellite name directly from a tracking program, such as SatPC32, the logged satellite name may not match what LoTW is expecting, resulting in an error or rejected upload. SatPC32 has a provision for correcting this issue. SatPC32 users may edit the AmsatNames.txt file in order to translate the satellite name from that in the Keplerian elements file to a name compatible with LoTW. By clicking on the ? on the top line of the SatPC32 window, and selecting "Auxiliary Files" from the pull down menu, the user may select AmsatNames.txt and the file will open for editing. Being careful to follow the directions at the top of the text file, the following lines can be added to AmsatName.txt in order to effect the translation: 51013 22002AF TEVEL1 51069 22002CP TEVEL2 50988 22002E TEVEL3 51063 22002CH TEVEL4 50998 22002Q TEVEL5 50999 22002R TEVEL6 51062 22002CG TEVEL7 50989 22002F TEVEL8 Once added, the file must be saved (Ctrl-S) before being closed. Using the same ? and Auxiliary Files pull down, the satellite names in the Doppler.SQF file should also be changed to upper case without hyphens, and the file saved. When the SatPC32 program is restarted, the satellites previously named Tevel-1, Tevel-2, and following, will appear as TEVEL1, TEVEL2, and following, in the satellite list. It will then be necessary to open the SatPC32 Satellite menu and delete the lower case names from the list of selected active satellites, and to then re-select the new, upper case names from the left column of available satellites. While an inconvenient chore in the short term, once these changes have been made to SatPC32, any log program that copies the satellite name directly from the tracking program will automatically record the correct name for upload to LoTW. This will make use of Logbook of the World very efficient for all future contacts with the Tevel satellites. The same feature can be utilized for other satellites that may have different designations, such as some of the CAS satellites that go by several names. [ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- SpaceX Ax-2 Mission Is 'Go' For May 21 Launch The second-ever private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) remains on track to lift off this weekend. The crew includes three licensed amateurs: John Shoffner, KO4MJC; Ali Alqarni, 7Z1AJ; and Rayyanah Barnawi, 7Z1RB. If all goes according to plan, Ax-2 will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 21:37 UTC on Sunday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. The Ax-2 astronauts will ride a SpaceX Dragon capsule to the orbiting lab, getting there around 13:30 UTC on Monday, May 21. The mission will spend eight days docked to the ISS. That's a slight change from the previous plan, which had called for a 10-day ISS stay. During their stay, the amateurs on the AX-2 crew will attempt several ARISS contacts, and may possibly offer opportunities for general amateur QSOs with the ISS. As its name suggests, Ax-2 will be the second crewed flight to the ISS operated by Axiom Space using SpaceX hardware. The first, Ax-1, sent four people to the orbiting lab for more than two weeks in April 2022. That crew was quite active on amateur radio during their stay on the ISS. Ax-2 is also groundbreaking. Two of the mission's crewmembers, Barnawi and AlQarni, will become the first Saudi Arabians to visit to the ISS. Barnawi will be the first Saudi woman ever to reach space. The other crewmember is former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who now works for Axiom and will command the mission. Whitson has racked up a total of 665 days off Earth — more than any other American and any other woman. NASA currently requires that all private astronaut flights to the ISS be led by a former agency astronaut. [ANS thanks Space.com and ARISS for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election - Call for Nominations AMSAT solicits nominations for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors election, to be held in the third quarter of the year. The seats of the following four incumbent Directors expire in 2023 and will be filled by this year's election: - Jerry Buxton, N0JY - Joesph Armbruster, KJ4JIO - Robert Bankston, KE4AL - Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO Further, up to two Alternate Directors may be elected for one-year terms. A valid nomination for Director must be written and requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Written nominations, with the nominee's name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators' names, call signs, and contact information, should be sent to the AMSAT Secretary: Jeff Davis, KE9V PO Box 11 Yorktown, IN 47396 AMSAT bylaws require that the nomination be written and in the form specified by the Secretary who has elected to accept written nomination materials via mail or in electronic form, including email or electronic image of a paper document. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted. Email nominations may be sent to jdavis(a)amsat.org. No matter what means are used, petitions MUST be received by the Secretary no later than June 15th. The Secretary will verify the qualifications of candidates and nominating members or Member Societies as petitions are received, and will notify candidates whether their nominations are in order by the end of June. [ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2023 AMSAT Field Day Rules The AMSAT Field Day 2023 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators. Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite. Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses satellites (Ex: SO-50). CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three points as outlined below. 1. Analog Transponders ARRL rules apply, except: - Each phone, CW, and digital segment ON EACH SATELLITE TRANSPONDER is considered to be a separate band. - CW and digital (RTTY, PSK-31, etc.) contacts count THREE points each. - Stations may only count one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM satellite. If a satellite has multiple modes such as V/u and L/s modes both turned on, one contact each is allowed. If the PBBS is on - see Pacsats below, ISS (1 phone and 1 digital), Contacts with the ISS crew will count for one contact if they are active. PCSat (I, II, etc.) (1 digital), - The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single satellite transponder is prohibited. 2. Digital Transponders We have only APRS digipeaters and 10m to 70cm PSK transponders (see Bob Bruninga's article in the March/April, 2016 issue of the AMSAT Journal). Satellite digipeat QSO's and APRS short-message contacts are worth three points each, but must be complete verified two-way exchanges. The one contact per FM satellite is not applied to digital transponders. The use of terrestrial gateway stations or internet gateways (i.e. EchoLink, IRLP, etc.) to uplink/downlink is not allowed. For the Pacsats (FalconSat-3) or 'Store and Forward' hamsats, each satellite is considered a separate band. Do not post "CQ" messages. Simply upload ONE greeting message to each satellite and download as many greeting messages as possible from each satellite. The subject of the uploaded file should be posted as Field Day Greetings, addressed to ALL. The purpose of this portion of the competition is to demonstrate digital satellite communications to other Field Day participants and observers. Do not reply to the Field Day Greetings addressed to ALL. The following uploads and downloads count as three-point digital contacts. (a) Upload of a satellite Field Day Greetings file (one per satellite). (b) Download of Satellite Field Day Greetings files posted by other stations. Downloads of non-Field Day files or messages not addressed to ALL are not to be counted for the event. Save DIR listings and message files for later "proof of contact." You may make contacts with GreenCube, IO-117 and each one will count as 3 points as do other digital contacts. Please note AMSAT uploaded messages do not count for QSO points under the ARRL rules. Sample Satellite Field Day Greetings File: Greetings from W5MSQ Field Day Satellite station near Katy, Texas, EL-29, with 20 participants, operating class 2A, in the AMSAT-Houston group with the Houston Amateur Television Society and the Houston QRP club. All the best and 73! Note that the message stated the call, name of the group, operating class, where they were located (the grid square would be helpful) and how many operators were in attendance. 3. Operating Class Stations operating portable and using emergency power (as per ARRL Field Day rules) are in a separate operating class from those at home connected to commercial power. On the report form simply check off Emergency or Commercial for the Power Source and be sure to specify your ARRL operating class (2A, 1C, etc.). And Finally... The Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for submission of the AMSAT Field Day competition and be received by KK5DO (e-mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. This year, we are using the same due date as the ARRL. The only method for submitting your log is via e-mail to kk5do(a)amsat.org or kk5do(a)arrl.net. I have not had a mail-in entry in over 6 years, probably even longer than that. Add photographs or other interesting information that can be used in an article for the Journal. You will receive an e-mail back (within one or two days) from me when I receive your e-mail 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 e-mail address. Certificates will be awarded for the first-place emergency power/portable station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space Symposium in the fall of 2023. 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! [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director, for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2023 Field Day - More Thoughts It's that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as a "picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!" The event takes place during a 23-hour period on the fourth weekend of June. For 2023 the event takes place during a 27-hour period from 1800 UTC on Saturday June 24, 2023 through 2100 UTC on Sunday June 25, 2023. Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 24 can operate only 24 hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur satellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. This year should be as easy as last year since we have more than 10 transponders and repeaters available. Users should check the AMSAT status page at http://www.amsat.org/status/ and the pages at https://www.amsat.org/two-way-satellites/ for what is available in the weeks leading up to Field Day. To reduce the amount of time to research each satellite, see the current FM satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/fm-satellite-frequency-summary/ and the current linear satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/linear-satellite-frequency-summary/ If you are considering ONLY the FM voice satellites, there are ISS, SO-50, AO-91, PO-101 and possibly LilacSat. It might be easier this year to make that one FM contact for the ARRL bonus points with so many FM birds. The congestion on FM LEO satellites is always so intense that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite. This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. It was suggested during past field days that a control station be allowed to coordinate contacts on the FM satellites. There is nothing in the rules that would prohibit this. This is nothing more than a single station working multiple QSO's. If a station were to act as a control station and give QSO's to every other field day station, the control station would still only be allowed to turn in one QSO per FM satellite while the other station would be able to submit one QSO. The format for the message exchange on the ISS or other digital packet satellite is an unproto packet to the other station (3-way exchange required) with all the same information as normally exchanged for ARRL Field Day, e.g.: W6NWG de KK5DO 2A STX KK5DO de W6NWG QSL 5A SDG W6NWG de KK5DO QSL If you have worked the satellites on Field Day in recent years, you may have noticed a lot of good contacts can be made on some of the less-populated, low-earth-orbit satellites like FO-29, AO-7, EO-88 or the XW satellites. During Field Day the transponders come alive like 20 meters on a weekend. The good news is that the transponders on these satellites will support multiple simultaneous contacts. The bad news is that you can't use FM, just low duty-cycle modes like SSB and CW. [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director, for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- How Moon-based Telescopes Could Revolutionize Astronomy The exploration of the Moon is experiencing a renaissance with numerous missions planned to visit the lunar surface in the coming years. While there are various motivations for these missions, such as geopolitical interests and the search for lunar resources, the field of astronomy is expected to greatly benefit from this renewed focus on the Moon. One significant advantage is the lunar far side, which provides a radio-quiet environment, shielded from human-generated radio signals and solar interference. This makes it an ideal location for radio astronomy, especially for studying the cosmic "dark ages" and the structure of the early universe. The Moon's stability and the presence of shadowed craters at its poles offer opportunities for optical, infrared, and gravitational wave astronomy, as well as the potential detection of radio waves from exoplanet magnetospheres. However, there is a need to balance lunar exploration activities with protecting the unique scientific value of certain lunar locations. The far side of the Moon, shielded from Earth's radio signals and the Sun during the lunar night, provides an unparalleled radio-quiet environment. This makes it an ideal platform for conducting low-frequency radio astronomy, enabling the study of the cosmic "dark ages" and the early universe's hydrogen clouds. The 21cm wavelength emissions from neutral hydrogen in the early universe, shifted to longer wavelengths due to the universe's expansion, can be studied from the lunar far side, offering insights into the universe's early stages. The far side of the Moon also holds potential for detecting radio waves from exoplanet magnetospheres and signals from intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations. The long wavelengths of these radio waves require a radio-quiet environment, making the far side an ideal location for such observations. Furthermore, exploring unexplored regions of the radio spectrum may lead to unexpected discoveries of new phenomena. However, it is crucial to ensure that human activities on the far side do not create unwanted radio interference that could hinder these observations and scientific endeavors. Apart from radio astronomy, the Moon's unique characteristics and stable environment also offer advantages for other types of astronomy. Infrared telescopes, which are sensitive to heat, can benefit from the cold, shadowed craters at the lunar poles that provide natural shielding. The low gravity on the Moon allows for the construction of larger telescopes than what is feasible in free space. This could make the Moon the future hub for infrared astronomy. Additionally, the lunar surface, bombarded by solar wind and cosmic rays for billions of years, holds a wealth of information about the Sun and the Milky Way's evolution. While the current era of lunar exploration promises significant advancements in astronomy, there is a need to protect lunar locations that are uniquely valuable for scientific research. Human activities and plans for resource extraction, such as water-ice from shadowed craters, must be carefully managed to minimize interference with astronomical observations. Preserving the pristine environment of the lunar far side and other scientifically important regions will be crucial to ensure the long-term benefits of lunar exploration for astronomy. [ANS thanks Ian Crawford, Professor of Planetary Science and Astrobiology, Birkbeck, University of London for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Upcoming Contacts Saudi Space Commission (SSC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, direct via HZ1SAR The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be HZØISS The scheduled crewmember is John Shoffner, Ali Alqarni 7Z1AJ, or Rayyanah Barnawi 7Z1RB The ARISS mentor is IZ2GOJ Contact is go only if AX2 launches 2023-05-21 for: Wed 2023-05-24 11:08:38 UTC 23 deg Middlesboro School System, Middlesboro, KY, telebridge via IK1SLD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled crewmember is John Shoffner KO4MJC The ARISS mentor is AA6TB Contact is go only if AX2 launches 2023-05-21 for: Thu 2023-05-25 15:07:12 UTC 33 deg St. Francis Xavier High School, Gloucester, ON, Canada, telebridge via VK4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Warren Hoburg KB3HTZ The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD Contact is go for: Fri 2023-05-26 16:32:49 UTC 25 deg The Children’s Inn at NIH (National Institutes of Health), Bethesda, Maryland, telebridge via ON4ISS The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS The scheduled crewmember is John Shoffner KO4MJC The ARISS mentor is W8AAS Contact is go only if AX2 launches 2023-05-21 for: Fri 2023-05-26 17:31:38 UTC 90 deg Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Andrey Fediaev The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Sat 2023-05-27 16:50 UTC Muslyumovo, Tatarstan, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petelin The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Sun 2023-05-28 14:25 UTC Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petelin The ARISS mentor is RV3DR Contact is go for Thu 2023-06-01 08:10 UTC The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations K5ZM: From 14th through part of 21st May, I’ll be in RDU where I’ll be based in FM05. Then on the 21st, I fly into PWM and after a short road trip, I’ll be in FN54 through the 26th. In each location, the usual scenario will apply: emphasis will be on grid lines whenever possible. I would love to do the 56/66/57/67 confluence but I’m not sure how much time I’m willing to invest in locating the owner of that field! Pass list(s) are under development. Watch Twitter and hams.at for the minutia. Ray, KN2K, will be active in FM08, May 21 and 22. Details at hams.at and on Twitter. From Mike, N8MR: I will be in EN84, EN85 and EN76 from Friday, May 26 thru Monday, May 29. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow antenna and SAT controller. Listening for Europe for eastern passes. All QSOs going to LoTW as N8MR. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, Wonderful clubs in Florida and Southern CA heard our “Work the Easy Satellites” presentation this week. I swapped date for the England club with another speaker/topic - we are re-scheduling to the Summer. Upcoming dates for Escondido CA, Daytona FL, Sevierville TN, and Baraboo WI are being confirmed. Clint Bradford K6LCS work-sat.com 951-533-4984 “Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!” [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Satellite Shorts From All Over + AMSAT News Service welcomes its newest weekly editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ. Mitch is a Life Member of AMSAT who has confirmed over five thousand contacts via satellite, activated eighty seven Maidenhead grid squares, and completed his AMSAT GridMaster Award in 2022. News tips can be forwarded to Mitch, and to all ANS editors, at ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org. (ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, Senior Editor, for the above information) +The Providence Radio Association, W1OP will attempt SSB and FM satellites QSO's from the Alan S. Feinstein Middle School, in Coventry, RI on Tuesday May 23rd. This will be part of a presentation on ham radio to about 350 students in their 8th grade STEM program. N1DM will be the operator and will attempt to work any available satellites during the demo portion of the program which will occur somewhere in the period of 1300 to 1500 UTC. W1OP/N1DM requests if you make a QSO in addition to call and grid square you give your STATE or PROVINCE. (ANS thanks Dom Mallozzi, N1DM for the above information.) + China’s secretive spaceplane may have performed multiple recaptures of an object it released into orbit during its recently completed second flight as part of on-orbit testing. Private firm Leolabs, which provides space situational awareness data through its global network of radars for tracking objects in low Earth orbit, said its analysis found evidence of what appeared to be at least two and possibly three capture/docking operations with a co-orbiting object. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information) + Around 7,000 satellites circle the Earth, generating a massive volume of data on a daily basis. This wealth of information, operated by various governments and commercial entities, can prove challenging for researchers looking to fully harness the potential of these orbital sensors. Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have introduced a digital platform named the New Observing Strategies Testbed (NOS-T), a tool that facilitates the exchange of limited, approved data messages, ensuring data sharing without revealing sensitive information, control algorithms, or proprietary technologies. Leveraging multiple satellites enables continuous monitoring of specific locations, which can be applied to tasks such as wildfire detection and landslide prediction.(ANS thanks SpaceDaily for the above information) + SpaceX’s launch of 51 more Starlink internet satellites Wednesday, May 10 from California marked the 200th consecutive successful mission for the company’s Falcon rocket family, a record unmatched by any other space launch vehicle. (ANS thanks SpaceFlight Now for the above information) + China’s Tianzhou 6 cargo ship lifted off on a resupply mission to the country’s Tiangong space station on May 10 – the first since the station was completed in November. The uncrewed ship – carrying 7.4 tons of fuel, food and other supplies – was launched on top of a Long March 7 rocket from the Wenchang spaceport in southern China’s Hainan island, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The upgraded Tianzhou cargo spacecraft has expanded capacity, which means China will need to launch a Tianzhou mission once every eight months, instead of every six months, as previously. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ ad0hj [at] amsat [dot] org

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ANS-134 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for May 14, 2023
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 13 May '23

13 May '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-134 In this edition: * Call for Nominations - 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election * Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, is Guest Speaker at 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet * AMSAT and ARISS Events at Hamvention * 2023 AMSAT Field Day Rules * 2023 Field Day - More Thoughts * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-134 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 May 14 Call for Nominations - 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election AMSAT solicits nominations for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors election, to be held in the third quarter of the year. The seats of the following four incumbent Directors expire in 2023 and will be filled by this year's election: - Jerry Buxton, N0JY - Joesph Armbruster, KJ4JIO - Robert Bankston, KE4AL - Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO Further, up to two Alternate Directors may be elected for one-year terms. A valid nomination for Director must be written and requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Written nominations, with the nominee's name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators' names, call signs, and contact information, should be sent to the AMSAT Secretary: Jeff Davis, KE9V PO Box 11 Yorktown, IN 47396 AMSAT bylaws require that the nomination be written and in the form specified by the Secretary who has elected to accept written nomination materials via mail or in electronic form, including email or electronic image of a paper document. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted. Email nominations may be sent to jdavis(a)amsat.org. No matter what means are used, petitions MUST be received by the Secretary no later than June 15th. The Secretary will verify the qualifications of candidates and nominating members or Member Societies as petitions are received, and will notify candidates whether their nominations are in order by the end of June. [ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, is Guest Speaker at 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Dr. Nathaniel A. Frissell, W2NAF, will be the guest speaker at the 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Hamvention Banquet. He will talk about the upcoming solar eclipses and the exciting ways hams are contributing to the scientific research around these events. Dr. Frissell is a Space Physicist and Electrical Engineer at the University of Scranton's Physics and Engineering Department. Dr. Frissell has a passion for radio science and remote sensing of the ionosphere. He was introduced to space physics and space weather in middle and high school through the hobby of amateur (ham) radio, where he was fascinated by long-distance radio propagation and the variability imposed on it by the geospace system. In addition to leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in this field, it enabled him to found and lead the Ham radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI, hamsci.org), a citizen science collective that aims to bring together the professional research and the amateur radio communities. This has led to the Solar Eclipse QSO Party, a nationwide ham radio experiment to study the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse (hamsci.org/seqp), and an ongoing collaboration with the amateur radio electrical engineering organization TAPR (tapr.org) to develop a Personal Space Weather Station (hamsci.org/swstation). For his efforts, the amateur radio community has awarded him the prestigious 2017 Yasme Foundation Excellence award and the 2019 Dayton Amateur Radio Association Amateur of the Year Award. In 2019, Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation grant to fund a 3-year initiative to measure modulations produced in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The grant supports a collaborative team to develop the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station, a modular, multi-instrument, ground-based space science observation platform used to study variability in the coupled geospace system and to better understand HF radio propagation. In 2021, he was awarded a $481,260 grant through the NASA Space Weather Applications Operations Phase II Research Program. Frissell served as principal investigator for a research project entitled, "Enabling Space Weather Research with Global Scale Amateur Radio Datasets." He collaborated with Philip Erickson, W1PJE, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory and Bill Engelke, AB4EJ, at the University of Alabama. "This grant includes significant funding for participation of Scranton undergraduate students in this research, as well as support for new computation resources," Frissell said. He explained that the grant will fund "the development of an empirical model for the prediction of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) in high-frequency radio communications while investigating the geophysical drivers of these disturbances." The grant covers two years of work. Frissell said that the predictive, empirical TID models being developed uses data collected by the Reverse Beacon Network, WSPR, and PSKreporter - automated, global-scale radio communication observation networks operated by the amateur radio community. Undergraduate students help the faculty researchers to create algorithms used for the model development. This NASA award complements a 5-year National Science Foundation grant of more than $616,000 that Frissell received in 2020. That investigation aims to understand the source of TIDs observed in amateur radio and other scientific datasets. In addition, Dr. Frissell has a long-time passion for teaching and education. He earned his B.S. in Physics and Music Education from Montclair State University (2007). He voluntarily coordinated and taught amateur radio license classes and radio and astronomy merit badge classes. An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor Member, Dr. Frissell taught science and technology for six summers at Forestburg Scout Reservation in New York, and taught amateur radio with the K2BSA group at multiple Boy Scout National Scout Jamborees. [ANS thanks AMSAT, TAPR and the ARRL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- AMSAT and ARISS Events at Hamvention + Thursday, May 18th – Dinner at Tickets The annual AMSAT “Dinner at Tickets” party will be held at Tickets Pub & Eatery on Thursday, May 18 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT. There is no program or speaker – just good conversation. Everyone is invited regardless of whether or not they helped with setup or plan to work in the booth. Tickets has a great selection of Greek and American food and great company! Food can be ordered from the menu; drinks (beer, wine, sodas and iced tea) are available at the bar. Come as you are; no reservations required. Bring some friends and have a great time the night before Hamvention. Tickets Pub & Eatery is located at 7 W. Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Telephone (937) 878-9022) + Saturday, May 20th – AMSAT Hamvention Forum The AMSAT forum will be held from 1:10 PM – 2:10 PM in Forum Room 2. The forum will include updates on AMSAT’s operations, engineering, and Youth Initiative, and development programs. Arrive early, grab a seat, take in some air conditioning and catch up on the latest AMSAT happenings! + Saturday, May 20 - Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum – Saturday, May 20 at 9:15 AM AMSAT member Grace Papay (KE8RJU) will present on the topic of “Amateur Radio Satellites Near and Far.” The time is 9:15 AM in Forum Room 2. Come support one of AMSAT’s youth ambassadors! + Saturday at 12:10 PM - ARISS 2.0: The future vision for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station ARISS International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, will lead the main forum Forum Room 2. In December 1983, Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL, electrified the world via his ham communications from the Space Shuttle Columbia. Starting at Hamvention 2023, ARISS will spend a year celebrating 40 years of amateur radio on human spaceflight vehicles! Our new vision, ARISS 2.0, will expand ARISS youth education outcomes, ham-in space operations, flight hardware systems, and even our space platform (in addition to ISS, think commercial space stations and lunar operations). Learn what ARISS is doing to support ham radio operations on human spaceflight vehicles – now and over the next 40 years. Expect some surprise guests and new announcements. + The ARISS booth will be in building 4, the “Volta” building. Four mini-forums will be hosted in the booth area. Those include: - Friday – 10:00 AM: ARISS Educational Opportunities: SPARKing Interest in Amateur Radio in Teachers and Students Presented by: Dan White (AD0CQ) ARISS-US Education Committee and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Valparaiso University. Learn how ARISS engages educators and students, including a demonstration of the SPARKI kit and STAR robot. - Friday – 2:00 PM: ARISS Engineering Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering. Find out more about how ARISS integrates with the space program partners and new design concepts. - Saturday – 10:00 AM: ARISS How To – Intro to working the repeaters on the ISS Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering. Want to know how to get started making contact with and through the ISS or interested in becoming an ARISS technical mentor, find out more in this session. - Saturday – 2:00 PM – ARISS Post-Forum Q&A / Meet and Greet Hosted by: Frank Bauer (KA3HDO) – ARISS International Chair and the ARISS team. Meet some of the team that makes things happen behind the scenes and get all your ARISS questions answered. [ANS thanks AMSAT and ARISS for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2023 AMSAT Field Day Rules The AMSAT Field Day 2023 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators. Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite. Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses satellites (Ex: SO-50). CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three points as outlined below. 1. Analog Transponders ARRL rules apply, except: - Each phone, CW, and digital segment ON EACH SATELLITE TRANSPONDER is considered to be a separate band. - CW and digital (RTTY, PSK-31, etc.) contacts count THREE points each. - Stations may only count one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM satellite. If a satellite has multiple modes such as V/u and L/s modes both turned on, one contact each is allowed. If the PBBS is on - see Pacsats below, ISS (1 phone and 1 digital), Contacts with the ISS crew will count for one contact if they are active. PCSat (I, II, etc.) (1 digital), - The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single satellite transponder is prohibited. 2. Digital Transponders We have only APRS digipeaters and 10m to 70cm PSK transponders (see Bob Bruninga's article in the March/April, 2016 issue of the AMSAT Journal). Satellite digipeat QSO's and APRS short-message contacts are worth three points each, but must be complete verified two-way exchanges. The one contact per FM satellite is not applied to digital transponders. The use of terrestrial gateway stations or internet gateways (i.e. EchoLink, IRLP, etc.) to uplink/downlink is not allowed. For the Pacsats (FalconSat-3) or 'Store and Forward' hamsats, each satellite is considered a separate band. Do not post "CQ" messages. Simply upload ONE greeting message to each satellite and download as many greeting messages as possible from each satellite. The subject of the uploaded file should be posted as Field Day Greetings, addressed to ALL. The purpose of this portion of the competition is to demonstrate digital satellite communications to other Field Day participants and observers. Do not reply to the Field Day Greetings addressed to ALL. The following uploads and downloads count as three-point digital contacts. (a) Upload of a satellite Field Day Greetings file (one per satellite). (b) Download of Satellite Field Day Greetings files posted by other stations. Downloads of non-Field Day files or messages not addressed to ALL are not to be counted for the event. Save DIR listings and message files for later "proof of contact." You may make contacts with GreenCube, IO-117 and each one will count as 3 points as do other digital contacts. Please note AMSAT uploaded messages do not count for QSO points under the ARRL rules. Sample Satellite Field Day Greetings File: Greetings from W5MSQ Field Day Satellite station near Katy, Texas, EL-29, with 20 participants, operating class 2A, in the AMSAT-Houston group with the Houston Amateur Television Society and the Houston QRP club. All the best and 73! Note that the message stated the call, name of the group, operating class, where they were located (the grid square would be helpful) and how many operators were in attendance. 3. Operating Class Stations operating portable and using emergency power (as per ARRL Field Day rules) are in a separate operating class from those at home connected to commercial power. On the report form simply check off Emergency or Commercial for the Power Source and be sure to specify your ARRL operating class (2A, 1C, etc.). And Finally... The Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for submission of the AMSAT Field Day competition and be received by KK5DO (e-mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. This year, we are using the same due date as the ARRL. The only method for submitting your log is via e-mail to kk5do(a)amsat.org or kk5do(a)arrl.net. I have not had a mail-in entry in over 6 years, probably even longer than that. Add photographs or other interesting information that can be used in an article for the Journal. You will receive an e-mail back (within one or two days) from me when I receive your e-mail 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 e-mail address. Certificates will be awarded for the first-place emergency power/portable station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space Symposium in the fall of 2023. 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! [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 2023 Field Day - More Thoughts It's that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as a "picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!" The event takes place during a 23-hour period on the fourth weekend of June. For 2023 the event takes place during a 27-hour period from 1800 UTC on Saturday June 24, 2023 through 2100 UTC on Sunday June 25, 2023. Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 24 can operate only 24 hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur satellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event. This year should be as easy as last year since we have more than 10 transponders and repeaters available. Users should check the AMSAT status page at http://www.amsat.org/status/ and the pages at https://www.amsat.org/two-way-satellites/ for what is available in the weeks leading up to Field Day. To reduce the amount of time to research each satellite, see the current FM satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/fm-satellite-frequency-summary/ and the current linear satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/linear-satellite-frequency-summary/ If you are considering ONLY the FM voice satellites, there are ISS, SO-50, AO-91, PO-101 and possibly LilacSat. It might be easier this year to make that one FM contact for the ARRL bonus points with so many FM birds. The congestion on FM LEO satellites is always so intense that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite. This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. It was suggested during past field days that a control station be allowed to coordinate contacts on the FM satellites. There is nothing in the rules that would prohibit this. This is nothing more than a single station working multiple QSO's. If a station were to act as a control station and give QSO's to every other field day station, the control station would still only be allowed to turn in one QSO per FM satellite while the other station would be able to submit one QSO. The format for the message exchange on the ISS or other digital packet satellite is an unproto packet to the other station (3-way exchange required) with all the same information as normally exchanged for ARRL Field Day, e.g.: W6NWG de KK5DO 2A STX KK5DO de W6NWG QSL 5A SDG W6NWG de KK5DO QSL If you have worked the satellites on Field Day in recent years, you may have noticed a lot of good contacts can be made on some of the less-populated, low-earth-orbit satellites like FO-29, AO-7, EO-88 or the XW satellites. During Field Day the transponders come alive like 20 meters on a weekend. The good news is that the transponders on these satellites will support multiple simultaneous contacts. The bad news is that you can't use FM, just low duty-cycle modes like SSB and CW. [ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ARISS NEWS Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. + Upcoming Contacts Webb Bridge Middle School, Alpharetta, GA, telebridge via IK1SLD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Warren Hoburg, KB3HTZ. The ARISS mentor is W4NTR. Contact is go for Friday, May 19, 2023 at 18:20:31 UTC. Watch for Livestream at www.ariotti.com starting 15min before AOS. Fairview Elementary, Olathe, KS, telebridge via VK4ISS. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Warren Hoburg, KB3HTZ. The ARISS mentor is AJ9N. Contact is go for Friday, May 19, 2023 at 18:58:08 UTC. Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Dmitry Petelin. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 19:15 UTC. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations + IO74TJ; May 15-17 David, G0MRF has booked a short trip over to the Isle of Man, travelling out very early on Monday, May 15 and leaving the Island Wednesday, May 17 in the afternoon. The callsign will be GD0MRF/P. He will be taking an IC-9700 and some LEO equipment as well as a dish/converters for QO-100. Plans are as follows: - Monday, May 15 from 08:00 UTC. QO-100. Will start with FT modes and move to SSB later in the day. If no takers later, he will move onto LEO/MEO. - Tuesday, May 16 will focus on LEO/MEO. Mainly JO-97, RS-44 and IO-117; Especially any passes that cover NA. - Wednesday, May 17th he will have a short time to drive around the Isle of Man TT course, but will come back on QO-100 for about one hour mid-morning for anyone who missed him on Monday. QSL via LoTW. Updates while he's on Twitter @g0mrf. + EN84, EN85 and EN76; May 26-May 29. Mike, N8MR will be using an Icom 9700, Arrow antenna and SAT controller. Listening for Europe for eastern passes. All QSOs going to LoTW as N8MR. [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + Dayton Hamvention May 19-21 See "AMSAT and ARISS Events at Hamvention" above for scheduled events. Greene County Fair and Expo Center, 210 Fairground Road, Xenia 45385 https://hamvention.org/ + AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, “Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!” [ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + The 27-year-old FO-29 is still operational, but is in a period of periodic eclipses. JAMSAT control ops turn it on during some weekend passes over Japan, and it remains on while in the sun. But because the batteries failed long ago, it turns itself off again during eclipse. When the satellite returns to full sun, it will become reliable once again. Also, the FO-99 operating schedule for May is at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=2128. [ANS thanks JAMSAT for the above information.] + When the crewed Artemis II mission makes its lunar flyby in late 2024, we’ll be able to see video of the moon like never before — and it’s all thanks to lasers. Along for the historic journey to the moon will be the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System, or O2O — making Artemis II the first crewed lunar flight to demonstrate laser communications technology. The O2O system will be capable of returning high-resolution images and video of the lunar surface back to Earth with a downlink rate of up to 260 megabits per second. The laser system will also be able to send and receive procedures, flight plans, voice messages and other communications between the Orion spacecraft and mission control on Earth. Read the complete story at https://www.cnn.com/search?q=laser&from=0&size=10&page=1&sort=newest&types=…. [ANS thanks cnn.com for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org

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ANS-130 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin for May 10, 2023
by Frank Karnauskas (N1UW) 10 May '23

10 May '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-130 In this edition: * TAPR/AMSAT Hamvention Banquet Ticket Deadline is Friday, May, 12, 2023. * Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAS, is Guest Speaker at 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org. You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-130 AMSAT News Service Special Bulletin To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 MAY 10 TAPR/AMSAT Hamvention Banquet Ticket Deadline is Friday, May, 12, 2023. The deadline for ordering tickets for the 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Hamvention Banquet is only two days away - the deadline for purchasing banquet ticket is Friday, May 12th! Remember, there will be no banquet ticket sales at the AMSAT booth or at the banquet door. The 14th annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet will be held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 19th at 18:30 EDT. This dinner is always a highlight of the TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This year’s banquet speaker is Dr. Nathaniel A. Frissell, W2NAF, who will talk about the upcoming solar eclipses and the exciting ways hams are contributing to the scientific research around these events. The Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio – about 20 minutes away from the Greene County Fairgrounds. Tickets ($60 each) may be purchased from the AMSAT store. The banquet ticket purchase deadline is Friday, May 12th. Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the AMSAT booth. There will be no tickets to pick up at the AMSAT booth. Tickets purchased on-line will be maintained on a list with check-in at the door at the banquet center. Seating is limited to the number of meals reserved with the Kohler caterers based on the number of tickets sold by the deadline. Order your tickets online at: https://www.amsat.org/product/2023-tapr-amsat-joint-hamvention-banquet-regi… [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAS, is Guest Speaker at 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Dr. Nathaniel A. Frissell, W2NAF, will be the guest speaker at the 2023 TAPR/AMSAT Hamvention Banquet. He will talk about the upcoming solar eclipses and the exciting ways hams are contributing to the scientific research around these events. Dr. Frissell is a Space Physicist and Electrical Engineer at the University of Scranton’s Physics and Engineering Department. Dr. Frissell has a passion for radio science and remote sensing of the ionosphere. He was introduced to space physics and space weather in middle and high school through the hobby of amateur (ham) radio, where he was fascinated by long-distance radio propagation and the variability imposed on it by the geospace system. In addition to leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in this field, it enabled him to found and lead the Ham radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI, hamsci.org), a citizen science collective that aims to bring together the professional research and the amateur radio communities. This has led to the Solar Eclipse QSO Party, a nationwide ham radio experiment to study the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse (hamsci.org/seqp), and an ongoing collaboration with the amateur radio electrical engineering organization TAPR (tapr.org) to develop a Personal Space Weather Station (hamsci.org/swstation). For his efforts, the amateur radio community has awarded him the prestigious 2017 Yasme Foundation Excellence award and the 2019 Dayton Amateur Radio Association Amateur of the Year Award. In 2019, Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation grant to fund a 3-year initiative to measure modulations produced in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The grant supports a collaborative team to develop the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station, a modular, multi-instrument, ground-based space science observation platform used to study variability in the coupled geospace system and to better understand HF radio propagation. In 2021, he was awarded a $481,260 grant through the NASA Space Weather Applications Operations Phase II Research Program. Frissell served as principal investigator for a research project entitled, “Enabling Space Weather Research with Global Scale Amateur Radio Datasets.” He collaborated with Philip Erickson, W1PJE, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory and Bill Engelke, AB4EJ, at the University of Alabama. “This grant includes significant funding for participation of Scranton undergraduate students in this research, as well as support for new computation resources,” Frissell said. He explained that the grant will fund “the development of an empirical model for the prediction of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) in high-frequency radio communications while investigating the geophysical drivers of these disturbances.” The grant covers two years of work. Frissell said that the predictive, empirical TID models being developed uses data collected by the Reverse Beacon Network, WSPR, and PSKreporter — automated, global-scale radio communication observation networks operated by the amateur radio community. Undergraduate students help the faculty researchers to create algorithms used for the model development. This NASA award complements a 5-year National Science Foundation grant of more than $616,000 that Frissell received in 2020. That investigation aims to understand the source of TIDs observed in amateur radio and other scientific datasets. In addition, Dr. Frissell has a long-time passion for teaching and education. He earned his B.S. in Physics and Music Education from Montclair State University (2007). He voluntarily coordinated and taught amateur radio license classes and radio and astronomy merit badge classes. An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor Member, Dr. Frissell taught science and technology for six summers at Forestburg Scout Reservation in New York, and taught amateur radio with the K2BSA group at multiple Boy Scout National Scout Jamborees. [ANS thanks AMSAT, TAPR and the ARRL for the above information.] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW. n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org

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ANS-127 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 06 May '23

06 May '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-127 In this edition: * AMSAT at Hamvention 2023 * VUCC Satellite Standings May 2023 * SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023 * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 5, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-127 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 May 7 AMSAT at Hamvention 2023 The Dayton Hamvention is coming May 19th-21st! AMSAT’s presence includes several events throughout the weekend and in with eight adjoining booths in Building 1. Highlighting the exhibit will be: - SatPC32 software demonstrations - The AMSAT CubeSat Simulator - The AMSAT Youth Initiative / KidzSat - AMSAT Engineering staff question and answer table - OSCAR ground station for live satellite operations - Annual Membership sign-up and renewals - AMSAT President's Club recognition - AMSAT Board of Directors and Senior Officers Meet and Greet - AMSAT Store offering AMSAT trinkets, books and Arrow Antennas - And much more! The interaction with AMSAT members, satellite operators, designers, and builders makes the whole experience a lot of fun. Meet or renew acquaintances, exchange operating tips, and find out what antennas, software and equipment other AMSAT members use. We currently expect many of AMSAT's senior officers and board members to be there too. Thursday, May 18th - Dinner at Tickets The annual AMSAT "Dinner at Tickets" party will be held at Tickets Pub & Eatery on Thursday, May 18 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT. There is no program or speaker - just good conversation. Everyone is invited regardless of whether or not they helped with setup or plan to work in the booth. Tickets has a great selection of Greek and American food and great company! Food can be ordered from the menu; drinks (beer, wine, sodas and iced tea) are available at the bar. Come as you are; no reservations required. Bring some friends and have a great time the night before Hamvention. Tickets Pub & Eatery is located at 7 W. Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Telephone (937) 878-9022) Friday, May 19th - TAPR/AMSAT Banquet The 14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet will be held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 19th at 18:30 EDT. This dinner is always a highlight of the TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This year’s menu includes: Cash Bar Regular and Decaf Coffee, Hot & Iced Tea, Water Appetizer – Crudite Platter (with dip on the side) Buffet – Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus (Carved on site. Served with horseradish and au jus on the side) – Santa Fe Chicken (with Pepper Cheese Jalapeno Hollandaise) – Deep Fried Tempura Shrimp (with Tomato Lemon Aioli) – Risotto Cake – Fresh Asparagus – Smashed Cauliflower Served to the Table – Strawberry Fields – Assorted Dinner Rolls (Served with butter) Dessert – Assorted Layer Cake – Cheesecake Tickets ($60 each) may be purchased from the AMSAT store at https://www.amsat.org/product/2023-tapr-amsat-joint-hamvention-banquet-regi…. The banquet ticket purchase deadline is Friday, May 12th. Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the AMSAT booth. There will be no tickets to pick up at the AMSAT booth. Tickets purchased on-line will be maintained on a list with check-in at the door at the banquet center. Seating is limited to the number of meals reserved with the Kohler caterers based on the number of tickets sold by the deadline. The Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio – about 20 minutes away from the Greene County Fairgrounds. Saturday, May 20th - AMSAT Hamvention Forum The AMSAT forum will be held from 1:10 PM - 2:10 PM in Forum Room 2. The forum will include updates on AMSAT's operations, engineering, and Youth Initivative, and development programs. Arrive early, grab a seat, take in some air conditioning and catch up on the latest AMSAT happenings! Other Hamvention Events for Satellite Enthusiasts Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum - Saturday, May 20 at 9:15 AM in Forum Room 2 AMSAT member Grace Papay (KE8RJU) will present on the topic of “Amateur Radio Satellites Near and Far” Come support one of AMSAT’s youth ambassadors! ARISS Events at Hamvention ARISS will be joining in the Dayton Hamvention experience this year with a booth, a forum and four mini-forums. Dayton Hamvention is May 19-21 in Xenia, Ohio this year. ARISS’ International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, will lead the main forum, “ARISS 2.0: The future vision for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station” on Saturday at 12:10 PM in Forum Room 2. In December 1983, Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL, electrified the world via his ham communications from the Space Shuttle Columbia. Starting at Hamvention 2023, ARISS will spend a year celebrating 40 years of amateur radio on human spaceflight vehicles! Our new vision, ARISS 2.0, will expand ARISS youth education outcomes, ham-in space operations, flight hardware systems, and even our space platform (in addition to ISS, think commercial space stations and lunar operations). Learn what ARISS is doing to support ham radio operations on human spaceflight vehicles – now and over the next 40 years. Expect some surprise guests and new announcements. The ARISS booth will be in building 4, the “Volta” building. Four mini-forums will be hosted in the booth area. Those include: Friday - 10:00 AM: ARISS Educational Opportunities: SPARKing Interest in Amateur Radio in Teachers and Students Presented by: Dan White (AD0CQ) ARISS-US Education Committee and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Valparaiso University Learn how ARISS engages educators and students, including a demonstration of the SPARKI kit and STAR robot. Friday - 2:00 PM: ARISS Engineering Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering Find out more about how ARISS integrates with the space program partners and new design concepts. Saturday – 10:00 AM: ARISS How To - Intro to working the repeaters on the ISS – Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering Want to know how to get started making contact with and through the ISS or interested in becoming an ARISS technical mentor, find out more in this session. Saturday – 2:00 PM – ARISS Post-Forum Q&A / Meet and Greet Hosted by: Frank Bauer (KA3HDO) – ARISS International Chair and the ARISS team Meet some of the team that makes things happen behind the scenes and get all your ARISS questions answered. [ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ VUCC Satellite Standings May 2023 VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for April 01, 2023 to May 01, 2023. ------------------------------------------------------------ WC7V 1303 1351 N8RO 1230 1258 KF7R 950 975 N0JE 883 914 K9UO 813 828 NS3L 800 826 WA5KBH 775 807 DL2GRC 750 800 F4BKV 700 800 KN2K 701 750 W8LR 725 735 WD9EWK (DM43) 720 727 WB7VUF 510 555 JK2XXK 429 503 OZ9AAR 400 500 N8MR 452 499 HP2VX 476 481 KO9A 222 321 IK3ITB 200 300 DL8GAM 250 275 K3HPA 258 275 JA1GZK 205 256 JE1TNL 201 225 N6PAZ 177 201 N9ZTS 100 201 WD9EWK (DM42) 175 183 JA6SZV New 152 JI5USJ 104 152 LB2TG New 114 BI1NJI New 109 JR0GAS New 108 JR8QFG New 105 JI5RPT/1 New 101 ------------------------------------------------------------ Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. LB2TG is first VUCC Satellite holder from JP33 BI1NJI is first VUCC Satellite holder from OM89 JR8QFG is first VUCC Satellite holder from QN03 JR0GAS no info de QRZ [ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023 Dear radio amateurs! We invite you to participate in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite! Schedule: Start of SSTV transmission: 07 May 2023 00:00 UTC; End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC; Frequency of MCA "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" 437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV; Telemetry of the MSC "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" - https://r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/ Conditions: within 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable. For image decoding, it is recommended to use RX-SSTV or Robot36 software. Received images must be in their original state and resolution. Registration of an application for a diploma An application for a diploma is sent to e-mail. mail radioamateur(a)sputnix.ru and should contain: FULL NAME; Call sign (if available, if not, indicate “no call sign”); Date and time of receipt (UTC) of each image; City and country of reception; Return address for sending a paper version of the diploma (or a note that the diploma can be sent electronically) Type of hardware and software used; Accepted images; Applications will be accepted during the duration of the program (May 07-12, 2023), as well as a day after the end of the broadcast - until May 14, 2023 00:00 UTC. Please note that submitting an application means your consent to the processing of personal data specified in it. Diplomas will be sent within 30 days after the deadline for applications, delivery to recipients will depend on the speed of postal services :). PS There will be special prizes for those who accept all 6 images in good quality ;). We wish you all good luck! 73! Team Sputniks! ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY is NORAD CAT ID 47960, International Designation 2021-022AE https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960 [ANS thanks R4UAB for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 5, 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ The NanoRacks CubeSats Deployer-25 on board the International Space Station deployed six satellites on 24 April 2023 The following satellites have been added to this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: ARKSAT 1 NORAD Cat ID 56311 (IARU coordinated frequency 435.450 MHz). AuroraSat NORAD Cat ID 56312 (IARU coordinated frequencies 437.875 MHz and 2428.000 MHz). Ex-Alta 2 NORAD Cat ID 56313 (IARU coordinated frequency 436.705MHz). LightCube NORAD Cat ID 56314 (IARU coordinated frequency 437.175 MHz). NEUDOSE NORAD Cat ID 56315 (IARU coordinated frequency 436.050 MHz). YukonSat NORAD Cat ID 56316 (IARU coordinated frequencies 437.875 MHz and 2428.000 MHz). [ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Assistant Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: No contacts currently scheduled The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. ARISS Radio Status Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC. * Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD. * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC. * Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD. * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations From Mike, N8MR: I will be in EN84, EN85 and EN76 from Friday, May 26 thru Monday, May 29. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow antenna and SAT controller. Listening for Europe for eastern passes. All QSOs going to LoTW as N8MR. Major Roves: I post ’em as soon as I know about ’em. Just be aware that I still work roughly 60 hours a week. Tnx! Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + Dayton Hamvention May 19-21 Greene County Fair and Expo Center, 210 Fairground Road, Xenia 45385 https://hamvention.org/ + TAPR/AMSAT Banquet May 19, 2023 Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio Reservations are required and available at the AMSAT Store https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-at-hamvention/. + AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation: "I really enjoyed Clint's presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I've tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up." [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Four of the eight Tevel satellites were activated this weekend. The FM transponders on Tevel-3, Tevel-4, Tevel-6, and Tevel-7 were active for 24 hours. Stay tuned for future activations (Thanks to 4Z1DG) + Six days of SSTV from MKA ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite. The satellite will transmit 6 different images in Robot 72 mode SSTV starting May 7 0000 GMT and ending May 13 0000 GMT. Frequency is 437.850 MHz. Tracking at https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960. More details at https://r4uab.ru/2023/04/28/07-13-maya-2023-goda-planiruetsya-peredacha-sst… (Thanks to AMSAT-UK & R4UAB) + Space.com recently published an article exploring the possiblity that the astronauts on Artemis 2 mission to orbit the moon, currently scheduled for late 2024, could utilize amateur radio. The article can be read at https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-moon-mission-ham-radio + AO-73 is currently transmitting a Fitter message from the Radio Society of Great Britain celebrating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on May 6th. The message reads "Have a wonderful day celebrating the coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen - from RSGB via FUNcube1" (Thanks to AMSAT-UK) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] amsat.org

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ANS-120 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
by Paul Stoetzer 29 Apr '23

29 Apr '23

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-120 In this edition: * XW-2A Satellite Decays * 14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet * SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023 * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for April 27, 2023 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites. The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it. Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/ ANS-120 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002 DATE 2023 Apr 30 XW-2A Satellite Decays The popular linear transponder satellite XW-2A has decayed from orbit. Launched on September 19, 2015 on the maiden flight of the CZ-6 rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center along with several other amateur radio satellites, including XW-2B, XW-2C, XW-2D, and LilacSat-2, XW-2A was a 25 kg microsat. Two other amateur radio satellites, XW-2E and XW-2F, rode piggyback on XW-2A. After launch, XW-2E and XW-2F deployed and XW-2A performed an orbit lowering manuever. The record distance achieved on XW-2A was a transatlantic QSO between EA4NF in Spain and VE1CWJ in Nova Scotia in August 2022 - a distance of 4,751 km. [ANS thanks CAMSAT, AMSAT, and Gunter's Space Page for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10. Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet The 14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet will be held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 19th at 18:30 EDT. This dinner is always a highlight of the TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This year's menu includes: Cash Bar Regular and Decaf Coffee, Hot & Iced Tea, Water Appetizer - Crudite Platter (with dip on the side) Buffet - Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus (Carved on site. Served with horseradish and au jus on the side) - Santa Fe Chicken (with Pepper Cheese Jalapeno Hollandaise) - Deep Fried Tempura Shrimp (with Tomato Lemon Aioli) - Risotto Cake - Fresh Asparagus - Smashed Cauliflower Served to the Table - Strawberry Fields - Assorted Dinner Rolls (Served with butter) Dessert - Assorted Layer Cake - Cheesecake Tickets ($60 each) may be purchased from the AMSAT store at https://www.amsat.org/product/2023-tapr-amsat-joint-hamvention-banquet-regi…. The banquet ticket purchase deadline is Friday, May 12th. Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the AMSAT booth. There will be no tickets to pick up at the AMSAT booth. Tickets purchased on-line will be maintained on a list with check-in at the door at the banquet center. Seating is limited to the number of meals reserved with the Kohler caterers based on the number of tickets sold by the deadline. The Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio – about 20 minutes away from the Greene County Fairgrounds. [ANS thanks the AMSAT Hamvention Team for the above information.] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows, and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023 Dear radio amateurs! We invite you to participate in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite! Schedule: Start of SSTV transmission: 07 May 2023 00:00 UTC; End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC; Frequency of MCA "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" 437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV; Telemetry of the MSC "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" - https://r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/ Conditions: within 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable. For image decoding, it is recommended to use RX-SSTV or Robot36 software. Received images must be in their original state and resolution. Registration of an application for a diploma An application for a diploma is sent to e-mail. mail radioamateur(a)sputnix.ru and should contain: FULL NAME; Call sign (if available, if not, indicate “no call sign”); Date and time of receipt (UTC) of each image; City and country of reception; Return address for sending a paper version of the diploma (or a note that the diploma can be sent electronically) Type of hardware and software used; Accepted images; Applications will be accepted during the duration of the program (May 07-12, 2023), as well as a day after the end of the broadcast - until May 14, 2023 00:00 UTC. Please note that submitting an application means your consent to the processing of personal data specified in it. Diplomas will be sent within 30 days after the deadline for applications, delivery to recipients will depend on the speed of postal services :). PS There will be special prizes for those who accept all 6 images in good quality ;). We wish you all good luck! 73! Team Sputniks! ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY is NORAD CAT ID 47960, International Designation 2021-022AE https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960 [ANS thanks R4UAB for the above information] +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 31, 2023 Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/ SSS-2B NORAD Cat ID 56184 (uncoordinated frequency: 435.8000 MHz). Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for the identification of the above satellite. The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution: XW-2A NORAD Cat ID 40903 (Decayed 04/25/2023 per Space-Track.org). [ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ARISS News Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide. Quick list of scheduled contacts and events: Council Rock High School South, Holland, PA, direct via KC3JND (***) The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz The scheduled crewmember is Steve Bowen KI5BKB (***) The ARISS mentor is AB1OC Contact is go for: Mon 2023-05-01 12:43:15 UTC 79 deg (***) Watch for Livestream at www.crsarc.org/live The crossband repeater continues to be active. If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know. Comments on making general contacts I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities. Typical daily schedule Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours Workday start to Workday end=12 hours Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours The crew's usual waking period is 0730 - 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They're usually free most of the weekend, as well. SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements. And don’t forget that the packet system is active. As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol. ARISS Radio Status Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 03. OFF May 03 about 14:00 UTC. ON May 05 about 07:40 UTC. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC. * Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD. * Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops. Service Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 03. OFF May 03 about 14:00 UTC. ON May 05 about 07:40 UTC. * Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC. * Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD. * Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops. The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html [ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Upcoming Satellite Operations Quick Hits: VE3GOP has been in EO74. I’m checking to see where/when the next stop is. Major Roves: I post ’em as soon as I know about ’em. Just be aware that I still work roughly 60 hours a week. Tnx! Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net. [ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. + Dayton Hamvention May 19-21 Greene County Fair and Expo Center, 210 Fairground Road, Xenia 45385 https://hamvention.org/ + TAPR/AMSAT Banquet May 19, 2023 Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio Reservations are required and available at the AMSAT Store https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-at-hamvention/. + AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting October 20-21, 2013 Dallas, Texas AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events. AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says, "Think a 75-minute presentation on "working the easy satellites" would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!" Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation: "I really enjoyed Clint's presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I've tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up." [ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite Shorts From All Over + Max, SA5IKN, has released LEO Satellite Observer. Coded by ChatGPT, it can plot FM and Linear stations with different markers, plot your maximum range & CQ zones, predict passes in one click with SatMatch, and display upcoming roves via Hams.at. https://dxer.site/leo-satellite-observer.html + CQ's WAZ Satellite Awards list has been updated. Thanks to IO-117, the number of WAZ Satellite award holders has nearly doubled this year. https://cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_awards/cq_waz_awards/April23-Satellite-List… -------------------------------------------------------------------- Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/ In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to: * Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms. Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information. 73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! This week's ANS Editor, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] amsat.org

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