AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-046
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: [email protected]
In this edition:
* Scratch 2 Satellites * Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK * DX Expedition to Desecheo * Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite * ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.01 Scratch 2 Satellites
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.01
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.01
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Two big communications satellites collided in the first-ever crash of two intact spacecraft in orbit, shooting out a pair of massive debris clouds and posing a slight risk to the international space station.
NASA said it will take weeks to determine the full magnitude of the crash, which occurred nearly 500 miles over Siberia on Tuesday.
"We knew this was going to happen eventually," said Mark Matney, an orbital debris scientist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA believes any risk to the space station and its three astronauts is low. It orbits about 270 miles below the collision course. There also should be no danger to the space shuttle set to launch with seven astronauts on Feb. 22, officials said, but that will be re-evaluated in the coming days.
The collision involved an Iridium commercial satellite, which was launched in 1997, and a Russian satellite launched in 1993 and believed to be nonfunctioning. The Russian satellite was out of control, Matney said.
The Iridium craft weighed 1,235 pounds, and the Russian craft nearly a ton.
No one has any idea yet how many pieces were generated or how big they might be.
"Right now, they're definitely counting dozens," Matney said. "I would suspect that they'll be counting hundreds when the counting is done."
[ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information]
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SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.02 Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y SK
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.02
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.02
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO wrote on behalf of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y."
Frank continued, "Those that knew Dieter recognized that he was a 'class act', a great gentleman and colleague who will be sorely missed by all. Dieter was instrumental in leading and supporting many key activities in AMSAT and on the ARISS program."
For ARISS, Dieter led the school contact IRLP/Echolink initiative. Through this amateur radio VOIP system, Dieter and his team substan- tially extended the reach of the school contacts. And through his efforts, tens of thousands of school students and ham radio operators, world-wide, could listen to other school contacts, enhancing education and giving all a better understanding of what it is like to live and work on the ISS.
Frank remembers, "Dieter's diplomacy, teambuilding skills and atten- tion to the details were impeccable and were well respected within the team. He rose to the challenge when I asked him to lead the IRLP/ Echolink team. At the time, there were strong, divergent opinions on the use of IRLP and Echolink on ARISS. He singlehandedly developed a cohesive team that is producing great results and are enjoying working together.
Over the past couple of years, Dieter fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Through it all, Dieter remained the gentle, caring person that we all have grown to love. And during his illness, he remained dedicated to his AMSAT and ARISS causes and responsibilities. When he received the surprising news from the doctors that he had only two weeks to live and despite being weak from a long hospitalization, Dieter got on the e-mail and worked a transition plan to ensure the IRLP/Echolink capabilities on ARISS continues. What a great, compassionate, and loving human being!"
Frank first met Dieter behind the AMSAT Booth at Dayton, where he was one of the mainstay individuals supporting AMSAT efforts at the Ham- vention. Reflecting on Dieter's support to AMSAT, AMSAT Board Member Gould Smith, WA4SXM, stated, "Two years ago Dieter told me that the only reason he came to Dayton was to work in the AMSAT booth and to talk with people about AMSAT". And he supported AMSAT in many other ways, including his efforts as an Area Coordinator, where he mentored a countless number of satellite enthusiasts. We are eternally grateful for all Dieter has done for AMSAT and the ARISS program. And we will miss him dearly."
AMSAT 20 Meter Net Control, Keith Pugh, W5IU remininsced, "My memories of Dieter started during the AO-10 and AO-13 heyday. Dieter was an excellent example of the ideal contributor to our marvelous hobby. He constantly provided positive ideas and assistance for every phase of the AMSAT and ARISS efforts. Never complaining, always jumping in and doing what he suggested - not saying 'why don't you do this.' He will be truly missed by everyone and deserves a special place in Amateur Radio Heaven."
Frank concluded, "On behalf of the ARISS and AMSAT teams, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Schliemann family and friends. We think of especially his wife Tina and his good friend Ron Arsenault, N1NYR, who helped Dieter and the Schliemann family throughout Dieter's long illness."
Alan Sieg WB5RMG went to the visitation and described his experience, "This evening I introduced myself to Dieter's wife Tina. We had never met. When she saw my AMSAT badge she grabbed onto my hand and held it for at least 10 minutes, like we were long-lost friends. She said she was so glad that AMSAT could come to the visitation, and went on to tell me about all the wonderful email and phone calls she has received from all over the world. She understood what AMSAT meant to Dieter, and was so proud that the people of AMSAT recognized what a good man he was. She asked me to let everyone know how thankful she was that Dieter had so many wonderful friends ... Thank You All" from Tina"
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of North Alabama, LLC, 311 Bob Wallace Ave., Ste. 101, Huntsville, AL 35805 or to your favorite charity.
[ANS thanks Frank KA3HDO, Gould WA4SXM, Keith W5IU for the above information]
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SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.03 DX Expedition to Desecheo
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.03
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.03
Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance.
Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not in range of Desecheo.
Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions.
Good Luck on working a new one on satellite!
73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations
[ANS thanks Drew, KO4MA for the above information]
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SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.04 Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.04
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.04
Listen for KAGAYAKI Satellite
The KAGAYAKI satellite has not been heard since it was launched with Japan's January 23 GOSAT satellite. KAGAYAKI was to transmit morse code on FM after separation from the H-2A booster.
If operational KAGAYAKI should be tranmitting morse code on FM or 9600bps packet at 437.375MHz. The command team thinks the sat- ellite'soutput power may very low because the antenna or solar panel has not extended properly. Ground controllers have been searching for a downlink signal using a spectrum analyzer.
Object D is thought to be KAGAYAKI:
OBJECT D 1 33495U 09002D 09036.75334341 -.00000021 00000-0 46489-5 0 433 2 33495 098.0277 148.2199 0008919 016.5422 343.6081 14.70127932 1978
Please monitor for KAGAYAKI. If heard please send your report to Masa, JN1GKZ ([email protected]) and he will relay the information to the command station.
English web site is available. http://www.sorun.co.jp/e_kagayaki/top.html
[ANS thanks Masa, JN1GKZ for the above information]
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SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-046.05 ARISS Status Report for the Week of February 9, 2009
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 046.05
From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
February 15, 2009 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-046.05
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Status Report February 9, 2009
1. Upcoming School Contacts
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was planned & completed for Istituto Comprensivo Pietrasanta1-Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado "Padre Eugenio Barsanti" in Pietrasanta, Lucca, Italy on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:24 UTC. Students have been learning about the planets, planetary systems, rocket technology and radio communications. They have applied their knowledge of English in writing and rehearsing space related questions for the astronaut. They have studied the history of spaceflight and have written essays on space related topics. They have also learned about world geography and have developed cooperation and teamwork skills.
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was scheduled with Alexandroupolis School of Special Education and 11th Alexandroupolis Primary School in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The contact took place on Wednesday, February 11 at 07:43 UTC. Astronomy and amateur radio lectures were given in preparation for the event. Special attention has been given to the role of humanity and science and to the every day life of an astronaut. The ISS courses have been based on ESA's education tool "ISS Education Kit."
2. Canadian Contact Successful
On Monday, February 2, students from Humber College Institute of Technology and Higher Learning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Approximately 100 students gathered in the lab where the radio gear was built and watched as students posed 12 questions to Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. There was national coverage of the event and it was broadcasted on morning television and radio - Canada AM (CTV Network). The Toronto Star and Toronto Sun were also present. The audience reached in Toronto was estimated to be over 3,000,000.
To view the Toronto Sun article, go to: http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/02/02/8237126.html
Toronto Star's story may be found at: http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/581309
For CTV coverage, see: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/students_space_...
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) network carried a 14 minute piece on the Humber College contact that included an 8 minute interview with one of the lead students, followed by a 6 minute clip of the students and Sandy. The story also ran on the show "As it Happens," which is part of CBC's national network program feed and airs coast to coast beginning at 18:30 in each respective time zone. It was then posted on the Web: http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090202.shtml (The interview starts at approximately 16:50 in part one. Contact audio runs from 21:30 to 24:00.)
The February 3 issue of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' (AIAA) Daily Launch also picked up on the news. It posted a summary, "College Students Contact ISS with Home Built Antenna," citing and providing a link to the CBC article: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/02/02/students-iss.html
3. UK Students Radio ISS
Students attending Pilton Bluecoat Junior School in Barnstaple, Devon, England experienced a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Friday, February 6. Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE answered 20 questions posed to her by ten children as an audience of approximately 260 students and guests looked on. Two newspapers covered the event. The contact video is available for viewing. Go to: http://www.it-sparkles.co.uk/ARISS/pilton.aspx
4. ARISS Contact with German School, a Success
On Saturday, February 7, Städtisches Gymnasium Herzogenrath in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany participated in an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. Students were able to have 18 questions answered before the ISS went over the horizon. Approximately 350 students, teachers and parents were in attendance. The national television channel WDR, two radio stations WDR-Radio and Radio Aachen, and a few local newspapers covered the event. The audio was also fed into the EchoLink AMSAT server. The Aachener Zeitung article (in German) may be found here: http://www.az-web.de/lokales/nordkreis-detail-az/803788/ Funk-AG-des-Gymnasiums-Herzogenrath-spricht-live-mit-der-ISS
5. Assam, India Students Speak with Mike Fincke
The College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University in Imphal, Assam, India took part in a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on Sunday, February 8 via telebridge station VK4KHZ in Australia. Fourteen of the 16 questions prepared for the contact were answered by Mike Fincke, KE5AIT. The audio was fed into the EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers and received 9 connections from 6 countries. An article ran in the Morung Express. See: http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/13605.html
6. Article Posted on Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya Contact
On January 7, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was conducted between Mike Fincke, KE5AIT and Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya students in Guwahati, India. The Assam Tribune published an article on the event in its February 7 Horizon supplement. See: http://www.assamtribune.com/feb0709/horizon.html
7. Ellis Elementary School Contact Video
On December 8, 2008, Ellis Elementary School in Belleville, Illinois experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with Sandra Magnus, KE5FYE. St. Louis public television KETC featured the contact on its "Living St. Louis" program. The video has been posted to YouTube. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TuJyNXx0c&eurl=http:// livingstlouis.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/living-st-louis-video -ham-radio/&feature=player_embedded
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[ANS thanks Carol, KB3LKI for the above information]
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In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office.
73, This week's ANS Editor, Dee Interdonato, NB2F nb2f at amsat dot org