AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-182
In this edition:
* Firefly Aerospace's Alpha "Noise of Summer" Mission Rescheduled * Curium One Satellite Set to Test SatNOGS-COMMS Transceiver * SpaceX Falcon Heavy Successfully Launches GOES-U Satellite * GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers July 2024 Rankings * Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 28, 2024 * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * AMSAT Ambassador Activities * 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 https://www.amsat.orghttps://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.orghttps://www.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-182 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2024 Jun 30
________________________________ Firefly Aerospace's Alpha "Noise of Summer" Mission Rescheduled
Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket, originally scheduled for launch on June 27th, has been rescheduled to 9:03 pm PDT on July 1st for its #FLTA005 mission titled "Noise of Summer." This launch will occur from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying NASA payloads and involving a dedicated launch team. For updates closer to the launch window, visit Firefly Aerospace's official website at https://fireflyspace.com/news/.
A highlight of this launch is the ELaNa 43 mission, featuring the deployment of multiple CubeSats, including the University of Maine's MESAT1. This satellite, equipped with a Linear Transponder Module (LTM) from AMSAT, will help conduct experiments designed by Maine schools, contributing to educational and research objectives supported by NASA. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MESAT1-Maines-Fir...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LZJ5C68jqXT4r7W3U5ZVb6?domain=amsat.org MESAT1 being loaded into the satellite dispenser on the Firefly Aerospace rocket. [Credit: University of Maine]
The "Noise of Summer" mission will deploy a total of eight CubeSats using Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket. Alongside MESAT1, these CubeSats include CatSat from the University of Arizona, KUbeSat-1 from the University of Kansas, R5-S4 and R5-S2-2.0 from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Serenity from Teachers in Space, SOC-i from the University of Washington, and TechEdSat-11 (TES-11) from NASA's Ames Research Center. The livestreamed launch, in collaboration with NASASpaceflight, will provide viewers with insights into the intricate operations involved.
MESAT1, beyond its primary mission objectives, will study local temperatures and phytoplankton concentrations using onboard sensors and imaging equipment. It also features a linear transponder for amateur radio use, with telemetry accessible through AMSAT's FoxTelem program, allowing enthusiasts to decode and analyze satellite data. Users can download the latest version of FoxTelem from the AMSAT website (https://www.amsat.org/foxtelem-software-for-windows-mac-linux/) to decode and forward telemetry results to AMSAT's central server for further analysis by engineers and students.
Educational experiments aboard MESAT1, such as ALBEDO, IMAGER, and HAB, developed by Maine schools, aim to study light reflection, coastal water turbidity, and early detection of harmful algal blooms, respectively. These projects highlight the collaborative effort between educational institutions and space agencies to promote scientific learning and environmental awareness. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MESAT1_Fox_Telem_...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/HTfhC82lv1Ty6WkJSwOOwB?domain=amsat.org FoxTelem Version 1.12z3 has been updated for receiving MESAT1 satellite telemetry. [Credit: AMSAT]
Managed under NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative and supported by the Maine Space Grant Consortium, MESAT1 represents a significant milestone as Maine's first small satellite. It will enter a Sun-synchronous orbit, facilitating long-term data collection for climate and environmental studies.
AMSAT's involvement in the mission underscores its role in advancing amateur radio satellite technology and promoting international cooperation in space science. Through initiatives like FoxTelem, AMSAT enables public engagement with satellite telemetry, thereby enhancing participation in space exploration and scientific discovery.
[ANS thanks Firefly Aerospace, University of Maine, and AMSAT for the above information]
________________________________ Curium One Satellite Set to Test SatNOGS-COMMS Transceiver
The upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 rocket will carry the Curium One satellite, a 12-unit CubeSat developed collaboratively by Planetary Transportation Systems and the Libre Space Foundation. A primary focus of this mission is the in-orbit testing of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver, an open-source radio designed to enhance satellite communication capabilities. This mission aims to validate the performance of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver, a dual-band, software-configurable radio transceiver specifically created for Telemetry and Telecommand (TMTC).
The SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver is notable for its dual-band operation in the UHF and SHF bands. It can accommodate a turnstile antenna, which facilitates both transmitting and receiving radio signals. The transceiver's software-configurable nature allows for in-flight adjustments to carrier and intermediate frequencies, bitrate, modulation options, and channel-filter bandwidth, making it highly versatile for various experimental and educational setups. This flexibility is expected to be a significant asset in the mission's success. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SatNOGS-COMMS-Tra...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RKhbC9rmw1IwkAOZt0w5aa?domain=amsat.org The SatNOGS-COMMS board will be verified onboard Curium One CubeSat [Credit: Libre Space]
Curium One's mission represents the first in-orbit demonstration of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver. This testing is crucial for verifying the transceiver's performance in space and will provide valuable data for future missions. The success of this test will also validate the design and functionality of the SatNOGS-COMMS board, which is fully compatible with the extensive SatNOGS Network comprising over 200 ground stations worldwide. IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination is still pending for Curium One after a Libre Space Foundation application was submitted on June 23rd.
One of the standout features of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver is its open-source nature. By making the hardware and software publicly available, the Libre Space Foundation aims to foster a collaborative environment where amateur radio operators, students, and space enthusiasts can contribute to and benefit from the technology. This approach not only democratizes access to advanced space communication technology but also accelerates innovation and learning within the community. This mission could set a precedent for future open-source space technologies. The GitLab repository for the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver can be found at https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs-comms.https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs-comms [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Curium-Satellite-...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/wKuqCgJPjZszAKBgiyHqXI?domain=amsat.org Curium One CubeSat will fly on the first Ariane 6 rocket launch. [Credit: Planetary Transportation Systems
The verification of SatNOGS-COMMS onboard Curium One will supply critical information for the Libre Space Foundation's upcoming PHASMA mission and other future projects. For Planetary Transportation Systems, this mission marks the first in-orbit validation of their satellite design, which is a significant milestone for the company's future endeavors in space technology development. This mission represents a crucial step in their strategic roadmap.
Curium One's mission highlights the potential of open-source satellite technology. By promoting amateur radio and providing educational opportunities in space technology, this mission aims to make space more accessible and affordable for everyone. The data and insights from testing the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver will support more inclusive and innovative uses of space, setting a new standard for collaborative space missions. This mission shows the impact of collaboration and open-source innovation in advancing space exploration and technology.
[ANS thanks the European Space Agency Libre Space Foundation for the above information]
________________________________ The 2024 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now! Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Coin-Both_58...] Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ ________________________________ SpaceX Falcon Heavy Successfully Launches GOES-U Satellite
On June 25, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket successfully lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A at 5:26 p.m. Eastern, carrying the GOES-U weather satellite, the final spacecraft in a series of geostationary weather satellites. This launch featured several notable firsts, overcoming previous weather forecasts that had predicted only a 30% chance of favorable conditions.
The GOES-U satellite, successfully deployed from the Falcon Heavy's second stage four and a half hours after liftoff, after the stage completed a sequence of three burns to place the satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit. Built by Lockheed Martin for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-U will be renamed GOES-19 upon reaching geostationary orbit. After on-orbit commissioning, it will be positioned at 75 degrees east in geostationary orbit, taking over from GOES-16 as the operational GOES-East satellite.
GOES-U carries a suite of earth and space science instruments similar to its predecessors but includes the new Compact Coronagraph (CCOR) instrument for solar observation. CCOR will monitor the solar corona for flares and coronal mass ejections, a crucial function for understanding space weather. This role was previously filled by the nearly 30-year-old Solar and Heliospheric Observatory spacecraft. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GOES-U-SpaceX-Fal...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SyPQCkRPn8hJOAwLsyAsIC?domain=amsat.org GOES-U lifts off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on June 25th, 2024. [Credit: SpaceX]
The GOES-R series, which began with a launch in 2016, has significantly improved weather forecasting. Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service, stated at a pre-launch briefing, "The GOES-R series of satellites, it's been a gamechanger for us." The satellites have enabled new and improved forecasts, warnings, and services that help save lives and protect property.
Among the enhancements in the GOES-R series is a lightning mapper. Pam Sullivan, director of the GOES-R program at NOAA, highlighted its impact, saying it allows meteorologists to better understand storm severity and issue more accurate warnings. "The main thing I hear from forecasters is that they have more confidence in a forecast," she noted.
NOAA is already planning the next generation of geostationary weather satellites, called GeoXO, set to begin launching in 2032. Contracts have been awarded to Lockheed Martin for satellite construction and BAE Systems for sounder and ocean color instruments. Steve Volz, assistant administrator of NOAA's Satellite and Information Service, described GOES-U as "the bridge that connects today's geostationary satellite technology with the technology of tomorrow." [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NOAA-GOES-U-Satel...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/WGUSClYPoxiY2mM9iDlGrJ?domain=amsat.org NOAA's GOES-U satellite undergoing testing by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado. [Credit: Lockheed Martin]
The launch was marked by the synchronized landings of the two Falcon Heavy side boosters at Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission was also the first time NOAA launched a GOES weather satellite on a SpaceX rocket. The three previous GOES-R satellites launched on Atlas 5 rockets from United Launch Alliance (ULA), but SpaceX was awarded the $152.5 million contract for the GOES-U launch in September 2021 after ULA withdrew due to a lack of available Atlas rockets.
The Falcon Heavy's additional performance is a key advantage. Julianna Scheiman, director of NASA science missions at SpaceX, explained that the rocket's capability allows for a significant delta V reduction, meaning the spacecraft requires less energy to reach its final orbit. This efficiency translates into fuel savings and extended operational life for GOES-U, which has a design specification of 15 years. "With the added capability Falcon Heavy is giving us, we expect to be at 20-plus years of fuel life," said NOAA's Sullivan.
The GOES-U launch marked the 10th overall for the Falcon Heavy and the second contracted by NASA, following the Psyche asteroid mission in October 2023. Another Falcon Heavy is set to launch NASA's Europa Clipper mission this October, continuing SpaceX's role in advancing space exploration and weather monitoring capabilities.
[ANS thanks Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, for the above information]
________________________________ GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers July 2024 Rankings
The July 2024 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMaphttps://x.com/GridMasterMap 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.frhttps://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.frhttps://gridmaster.fr/ in order to provide more accurate data.
Updated: 2024-06-28 1 ND9M 26 LU5ILA 51 EA4NF 76 FG8OJ 2 NJ7H 27 N5BO 52 AA5PK 77 DF2ET 3 JA9KRO 28 K8BL 53 JL3RNZ 78 HB9GWJ 4 N5UC 29 DL2GRC 54 SP5XSD 79 PT9BM 5 UT1FG 30 KE4AL 55 AD7DB 80 KI7UXT 6 OE3SEU 31 VE3HLS 56 F4DXV 81 KJ7NDY 7 DL6AP 32 KB5FHK 57 KE9AJ 82 YU0W 8 WI7P 33 KI7UNJ 58 KI7QEK 83 WA9JBQ 9 DP0POL 34 LA9XGA 59 PA3GAN 84 N4DCW 10 N6UA 35 F4BKV 60 XE1ET 85 KB2YSI 11 HA3FOK 36 JO2ASQ 61 N8RO 86 N0TEL 12 K5ZM 37 N7AGF 62 KM4LAO 87 VE3GOP 13 N9IP 38 XE3DX 63 VE1CWJ 88 JM1CAX 14 WY7AA 39 K7TAB 64 SM3NRY 89 CU2ZG 15 W5PFG 40 KE0PBR 65 N4UFO 90 K0FFY 16 AK8CW 41 KI0KB 66 VA3VGR 91 KG4AKV 17 AD0DX 42 KE0WPA 67 W1AW 92 N6UTC 18 F5VMJ 43 PR8KW 68 VA7LM 93 AF5CC 19 WD9EWK 44 VK5DG 69 PT2AP 94 VE6WK 20 AD0HJ 45 N6DNM 70 M1DDD 95 W8MTB 21 DJ8MS 46 EB1AO 71 DL4EA 96 VE7PTN 22 ON4AUC 47 AC0RA 72 LU4JVE 97 K6VHF 23 KX9X 48 JK2XXK 73 W8LR 98 DK9JC 24 ND0C 49 W7WGC 74 AA8CH 99 PT9ST 25 KG5CCI 50 N4AKV 75 VE1VOX 100 VO2AC
[ANS thanks @GridMasterMaphttps://x.com/GridMasterMap for the above information]
________________________________ Need new satellite antennas? Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store!https://www.amsat.org/shop/ [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/cm/LEO-Pack1-300x298.png]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ltupCo2PrVTyr5woSr0poi?domain=amsat.org/ When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/ ________________________________ Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 28, 2024
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 daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.
[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page 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 Contacts
Complejo Educativo Nuestra Señora de Fátima N° 1139 and N° 8119, Pérez, Argentina, Telebridge via VK6MJ The ISS callsign was NA1SS The scheduled crewmember was Jeanette Epps KF5QNU The ARISS mentor was VE6JBJ Contact was successful Thu 2024-06-27 13:38:07 UTC
+ Upcoming Contacts
Moroccan School of Engineering Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco, telebridge via VK6MJ The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Jeanette Epps KF5QNU The ARISS mentor is IN3GHZ Contact is go for: Mon 2024-07-01 12:02:01 UTC
St. Luke's College, Buenos Aires, Argentina, direct via LU4AA The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled crewmember is Mike Barratt KD5MIJ The ARISS mentor is VE6JBJ Contact is go for: Wed 2024-07-03 14:42:53 UTC Watch for Livestreaming via their Instagram accounts: The school: @stlukes.college / Radio Club Argentino: @rca_sociedad_nacional
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 Randy, ND0C: From 24 June thru 7 July, we will be on another family camping vacation, which means another satellite roving expedition! This time, thru WI to MI and back thru IL and IA. No super rare grids but several that may be needed by many. The grids and passes will depend on where/when we happen to be while on the road or camping. This will be all LEO sats: FM & SSB. As always, I will try for EU passes on RS-44 when possible. Looking forward to pushing past the 100 grids-roved milestone.
From Mike, N8MR: I will be in EN57, with roves to EN67 from Friday, June 28 thru Saturday, July 6. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow and Alaskan antennas. Listening for Europe on linear eastern passes. I can rove to EN56, only if needed. Posting passes to hams.athttps://hams.at/ a day in advance. All QSOs to LoTW as N8MR.
VP5/AA5UK will be QRV from FL31 from 23rd June through 5th July. This operation will be holiday style but will cover HF/LEO/MEO. Head over to his VP5/AA5UK QRZ page for all the info you can shake a stick at.
A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.athttps://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]
________________________________ AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
"Moon Day" at the Frontiers of Flight Museum - July 20th, 2024 Dallas Love Field Airport 8008 Herb Kelleher Way Dallas, TX 75235 https://flightmuseum.com/events/
AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellites will be presented to the general public as part of this annual space themed STEAM event. Volunteers to help at the table space and to do contact demos are welcome. Contact tschuessler [at] amsat.orghttps://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KdRZCL9Rk7HzRV3oiV6DzY?domain=amsat.org for more information.
Huntsville Hamfest - August 17th and 18th, 2024 Von Braun Center South Hall 700 Monroe Street SW Huntsville, AL 35801 https://hamfest.org/
AMSAT Booth and Forum / N8DEU and W4FCL
Northeast HamXpostion - August 22nd thru 25th, 2024 Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center 181 Boston Post Road West Marlborough, MA 01752 https://hamxposition.org/
Greater Louisville Hamfest - September 7th, 2024 Paroquet Springs Conference Centre 395 Paroquet Springs Drive Shepherdsville, KY 40165 https://louisvillehamfest.wixsite.com/louisvillehamfest
AMSAT Forum and Information Table / W4FCL
North Star Radio Convention - October 5th, 2024 Hennepin Technical College (North Campus) 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 https://conv2023.tcfmc.org/
AMSAT Forum and Information Table / KØJM and ADØHJ
Central Kentucky Hamfest - October 5th, 2024 Highlands Baptist Church 2032 Parallel Road Lexington, KY 40502 https://www.facebook.com/w9khz/
AMSAT and Educational Satellites Forum and Information Table / AI4SR and W4FCL
2024 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting - October 25th thru 27th, 2024 Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront 3050 N Rocky Point Drive West Tampa, FL 33607 https://www.amsat.org/
[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]
________________________________ Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition? Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle storehttps://www.zazzle.com/store/amsat_gear! 25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMSAT-Car-Flag-e1...]https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/doNFCG6EOvcz1E8yiw1-h7?domain=zazzle.com Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gearhttps://www.zazzle.com/store/amsat_gear ________________________________ Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ The Ariane 6 rocket recently completed its final 'wet dress rehearsal' at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a crucial milestone before its maiden launch. This rehearsal involved loading 180 tons of supercooled propellant into the rocket, cooling its components to cryogenic temperatures, and rolling back the mobile gantry. ESA's Guy Pilchen highlighted that this rehearsal allowed teams to refine launch operations using the actual flight hardware and software. Following fueling, the rocket underwent final preparations for its upcoming launch, expected to confirm its date after data analysis. With payloads ranging from Earth observation to scientific experiments, Ariane 6 aims to secure Europe's independent access to space and advance space exploration. (ANS thanks the European Space Agency for the above information)
+ China's Chang'e 6 probe has returned to Earth on June 25, 2024, with the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon, landing in Inner Mongolia on Tuesday. The successful mission marks a global milestone, with the samples expected to include 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock that could shed light on the geological differences between the moon's near and far sides. The probe landed in the moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin, providing samples from various geological layers. This mission is part of China's growing space rivalry with the U.S. and other nations, aiming to establish China as a technological power. The journey began on May 3 and lasted 53 days, involving drilling into the core and collecting surface rocks. China plans to share the samples with international scientists, hoping to answer fundamental questions about lunar geology and the solar system's early days. (ANS thanks Huizhong Wu, Associated Press, for the above information)
+ NASA called off a planned spacewalk on June 24 due to a malfunction in astronaut Tracy Dyson's spacesuit. Dyson and her crewmate Mike Barratt were preparing to exit the International Space Station to conduct maintenance when a water leak was detected in Dyson's suit cooling unit. This unit is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature during spacewalks. The leak occurred just after the suits were switched to battery power, prompting NASA to abort the mission. Although Dyson reported feeling a bit warm and expressed concerns about potential water damage to electrical connectors, both astronauts were safe throughout the incident. This cancellation follows a similar recent setback on June 13, involving a spacesuit issue, and it raises questions about the potential impact on the return schedule of Boeing's Starliner capsule. (ANS thanks Jackie Wattles, CNN, for the above information)
+ NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who flew Boeing's Starliner capsule to the International Space Station (ISS), have had their return to Earth delayed multiple times due to issues with the spacecraft. Originally planned to stay for about a week, their mission has been extended indefinitely as NASA and Boeing investigate a slow helium leak and malfunctioning thrusters discovered after reaching orbit. The latest delay was announced last week, with no new return date set yet. Despite these issues, the astronauts are assisting with tasks and conducting tests on the ISS, where they are accommodated with sufficient supplies. NASA is taking a cautious approach, allowing data to drive decisions about managing the leaks and thruster performance. This mission aims to certify the Starliner for future routine flights, similar to SpaceX's Crew Dragon service for NASA. (ANS thanks Denise Chow, NBC News, for the above information)
________________________________
Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization). * Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. * Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. * Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.
Contact info [at] amsat.orghttps://www.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.orghttps://www.amsat.org/