AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-280
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor at amsat.org.
****************************************************************** AMSAT and ARISS are currently supporting a FundRazr campaign to raise $150,000 for critical radio infrastructure upgrades on ISS. The upgrades are necessary to enable students to continue to talk to astronauts in space via Amateur Radio.
For more information and to DONATE TODAY visit
https://fundrazr.com/arissnextgen?ref=ab_e7Htwa_ab_47IcJ9 ******************************************************************
In this edition:
* WD9EWK on Ham Talk Live * Digital Downloads of Past AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Now Available * AMSAT-DL Rolls Out New On-line Satellite Operating Forum * Deadline Reminders for 2018 AMSAT Space Symposium * Register for the Symposium in the AMSAT Store * Live streaming of AMSAT-UK Colloquium talks * International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students * APRS balloon heading for British Isles and Europe * ExseedSat FM Voice Transponder and APRS Digipeater from India * AMSAT 2018 Golf Shirts and Tee-Shirts Restocked * EMike McCardel, AA8EM Appointed as ANS Senior Editor * Upcoming Satellite Operations * ARISS News * Shorts From All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-280.01 ANS-280 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 280.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
October 7, 2018 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-280.01
WD9EWK on Ham Talk Live
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK/VA7EWK answered questions about operating satellite on the road during Episode 135 of the Ham Talk Live pod cast hosted by Neil Rapp. Patrick has logged thousands of miles on his portable gear, he gave operating tips and some interesting stories from his adventures. Access the pod cast at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS280-WD9EWK
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Digital Downloads of Past AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Now Available
AMSAT is pleased to announce that AMSAT Symposium Proceedings from 1986-2012 and 2016-2017 are now available as digital downloads from the AMSAT Store. Bundles from earlier years are priced at $5 each (1986-1989, 1990-1995, 1996-2000, and 2000-2005). 2006-2012 is priced at $10. The 2016 and 2017 editions are priced at $10 each.
https://tinyurl.com/ANS280-Proceedings
Each year's edition is a separate PDF file. After checkout, purchasers will receive an email containing download links for each year they have purchased. The PDF files are DRM-free, but will be watermarked at the bottom of each page with the notation that the book has been purchased from AMSAT and the purchaser's name.
The 2013, 2014, and 2015 editions will be added as soon as possible. 2018 will be available after this year's Symposium has concluded.
[ANS thanks Paul N8HM for the above information]
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AMSAT-DL Rolls Out New On-line Satellite Operating Forum
AMSAT-DL's website https://amsat-dl.org has been undergoing a lot of changes.
They have now gone one step further and have set up a new online forum at https://forum.amsat-dl.org/
With the upcoming launch of P4-A /Es'hail-2 they they are offering a forum for extensive discussions.
Essentially this is a forum where everyone can report on experiences and knowledge from operating satellites and thereby help other newly interested radio amateurs to become an active member of our satellite community.
All topics pertaining amateur radio satellites and OSCAR's may be discussed there, appropriate categories and forums have been created. If necessary this can be extended at any time and on request.
AMSAT-DL hopes the new forum is well received. You may register there with your callsign (if available) as your name. Of course you can also look around as a "guest".
Experienced users can also check in the settings for new entries and have them delivered by eMail if you wish so.
[ANS thanks Peter, DB2OS, and Chris, DL7AG, for the above information]
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Deadline Reminders for 2018 AMSAT Space Symposium
See detailed information below
Hotel Reservation Deadline is October 10. http://tinyurl.com/Marriott-2018-Symposium-Hotel
Symposium Papers Deadline is October 15. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz at n8fgv at amsat dot org.
Symposium Early Registration Rate Has Expired. Symposium Registration is now $65 thru October 26, 2018. Symposium Registration at the door is $70.
To register for Symposium visit: https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-symposium/
Symposium saturday night banquet reservations are due by October 20. https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-symposium/
SOLD OUT - Sunday's Marshall Space Flight Center Bus Tour.
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Reminder - Registration Deadlines for 2018 AMSAT Space Symposium
Make Your Hotel Reservations by October 10!
Hotel accommodations will be next door at the Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center, 5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama USA. Hotel reservations for the Symposium may be made by individual attendees directly with Marriott reservations at: + 1-(800) 228-9290 or + (256) 830-2222 or + On-line at http://tinyurl.com/Marriott-2018-Symposium-Hotel.
Please mention the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) reference number M-BIHHXTA for the group rate of $104 per night. + The AMSAT group rate is available 10/31/18 to 11/04/18. + Book by 10/10/18. + Marriott perks include free parking for attendees and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Symposium Registration Rates
Registration for the Symposium can be ordered on-line at: https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-symposium/. + $60 Early Registration is now closed. + $65 Registration is October 01, 2018 - October 26, 2018. + $70 Registration at the Door
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AMSAT Annual Saturday Night Banquet Reservations Are Due October 20!
+ Dinner reservations are $50 per person and should be made by October 20th to ensure accommodation. + Register online at: https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-symposium/.
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Reminder - October 15 Deadline for Space Symposium Papers
AMSAT has issued the second call for papers for the 2018 AMSAT-NA Annual Meeting and Space Symposium. The symposium will be held at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL on the weekend of November 2-4. Proposals for papers, symposium presentations, and poster presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. Prospects should send a tentative title of their presentation as soon as possible. The final copy must be submitted by October 15th for inclusion in the printed proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz at n8fgv at amsat dot org.
[ANS thanks AMSAT 2018 Symposium Committee and Dan F8FGV for the above information]
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Register for the Symposium in the AMSAT Store
The AMSAT 2018 Symposium store items have been updated. Keep in mind that registration went up on Monday, October 1.
We now have the ability for Students to register at 50% off.
You can now pre-order printed copies of the AMSAT Symposium Proceedings(those attending get digital copies only)
The Sunday tour has been sold out.
Visit the AMSAT Online store and access the Symposium items at: https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-symposium/
[ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO for the above information]
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Live streaming of AMSAT-UK Colloquium talks
Thanks to volunteers from the British Amateur Television Club (BATC) presentations at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium (part of the RSGB Convention) will be streamed live to a global audience.
The AMSAT-UK Colloquium is taking place in Lecture Room 5 at the RSGB Convention in Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, Timbold Drive, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BZ on the weekend of October 13-14.
The webstream of the Colloquium talks will be available at https://batc.org.uk/live/ (the other talks at the RSGB Convention are not being streamed)
The Live Stream will begin on Saturday morning, October 13 at 9:30am BST (0830 GMT) with the presentation 'ARISS and STEM outreach' by Ciaran Morgan M0XTD in which he will describe the role of amateur radio on the International Space Station and its use in the STEM outreach to young people around the world.
********************************************************************* EDITOR'S NOTE: The schedule shows AMSAT-NA President Joe Spier K6WAO will be speaking, Saturday October 13 10:45-11:30 BST(UTC+1) *********************************************************************
The AMSAT-UK Colloquium is talking place in Lecture Room 5 download the programme schedule from http://rsgb.org/main/about-us/rsgb-convention/rsgb-convention- programme/
Tickets to the event are available at the door or you can book in advance at http://rsgb.org/main/about-us/rsgb-convention/
Recordings of all talks will be posted on the AMSAT-UK YouTube Channel after the event https://www.youtube.com/user/AMSATUK
British Amateur Television Club http://www.batc.org.uk/
[Thanks to AMSAT-UK and Southgate ARC]
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International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students
ARISS News Release No. 18-10 Dave Jordan, AA4KN, ARISS PR
International Space Station Astronauts are Calling CQ Students ARISS-US program's education proposal window is open Oct. 1 - Nov. 30, 2018
September 26, 2018: The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is seeking proposals beginning October 1, 2018, from US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations (working individually or together) to host radio contacts with an orbiting crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between July 1 and December 31, 2019.
Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with learning opportunities about space technologies, communications, and much more through the exploration of Amateur Radio and space. ARISS has been pleased of late, to be one of many possibilities of interest to educators during NASA's A Year of Education on Station, which celebrates an almost 12-month presence of a teacher aboard the ISS. The ARISS program connects students to astronauts on the ISS through a partnership between NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, the American Radio Relay League, other Amateur Radio global organizations and the worldwide space agencies. The program's goal is to inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in Amateur Radio.
Educators report regularly that student participation in the ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers. One educator wrote, "Many of the middle school students who took part in and attended the ARISS contact have selected science courses in high school as a result of that contact." Educators are set- ting up ham radio clubs in schools and learning centers because of students' interest.
ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed, exciting education plan. Students can learn about satellite com- munications, wireless technology, science research conducted on the ISS, radio science, and other STEM subjects. Students learn to use Amateur Radio to talk directly to an astronaut and ask their STEM-related questions. ARISS will help educational organi- zations locate Amateur Radio groups who can assist with equipment for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students.
The proposal window opens October 1, 2018 and the proposal dead- line is November 30, 2018. For proposal guidelines and forms and more details, go to: http://www.ariss.org/hosting-an-ariss-contact-in-the-us.html
Proposal webinars for guidance and getting questions answered will be offered October 11 and October 23, 2018, both at 8 pm Eastern Time. Advance registration is necessary. To sign up, go to http://tinyurl.com/ANS-273-ARISSWebinar
About ARISS Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satel- lite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Center for the Advancement of Science in space (CASIS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forms. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org.
Also join us on Facebook: Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
Follow us on Twitter: ARISS_status
Media Contact: Dave Jordan, AA4KN ARISS PR aa4kn at amsat.org
[ANS thanks Dave Jordan, AA4KN for the above information]
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APRS balloon heading for British Isles and Europe
On Sunday morning, September 30, Bruce VE5BNC launched his first amateur radio floater balloon, VA5BNC-15, from Saskatoon 52.1N, 106.6W, altitude is about 6,700m
Writing on the UKHAS Google Group he says:
It survived the first night and has made it all the way from Saskatoon to somewhere off the east coast of Newfoundland. If I'm very lucky, it will make it across the pond in the next 48 hours [late Wednesday or Thursday].
It should switch to 144.800 MHz FM in the mid-Atlantic, but if there are any European stations that can listen on 144.390 MHz FM, that would be appreciated.
During the day, it beacons once per minute at 13 seconds after the minute and at night, it's on a roughly 15 minute cycle.
See the real-time track of VA5BNC-15 at https://aprs.fi/.
UKHAS Google Group https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/ukhas
Some useful high altitude balloon links https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/balloons/
[ANS thanks Amateur Radio Newsline for the above information]
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ExseedSat FM Voice Transponder and APRS Digipeater from India
A Hyderabad-based Exseed Space Private Limited has constructed 10 cm cube-sized communication satellite, which will be launched into space by the United States-based SpaceX in November. Gurudatta Panda, VU3GDP a member of the eight person development team was interviewed by India's The Hindu newspaper: http://tinyurl.com/ANS-273-ExseedSat
ExseedSat is a 1U cubesat that will provide a multifunction UHF/VHF NBFM amateur communication satellite. It will have various configurable modes, including:
+ UHF to VHF, single channel, narrow band FM transponder + Power output selectable between 1 watt and 0.5 watt + Digipeat feature with APRS on UHF uplink and VHF downlink + Melody mode to play a simple melody of a few notes on special occasions or events to increase student interest/outreach + Expected life of two years, depending upon how long the battery lasts and when the satellite de-orbits naturally
Uplink: 435.340 MHz FM voice with 67 Hz CTCSS tone and APRS digipeater Downlink: 145.900 MHZ FM voice, APRS digipeater, telemetry
See also the on-line article from AMSAT-UK at: https://amsat-uk.org/2018/09/24/exseedsat-amateur-radio-fm- transponder-satel lite/
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]
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AMSAT 2018 Golf Shirts and Tee-Shirts Restocked
Bruce Paige, KK5DO, has announced that the AMSAT office has updated the quantities for the AMSAT 2018 Golf Shirt and the AMSAT 2018 Tee- Shirt.
Some of the sizes are now in stock and some have been increased/ decreased. If you have been looking for one and we did not have your size, please take another look.
[ANS thanks Bruce KK5DO for the above information.]
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EMike McCardel, AA8EM Appointed as ANS Senior Editor
AMSAT President Joe Spier, K6WAO has announced the appointment of E. Michael "EMike" McCardel, AA8EM, former KC8YLD, as Senior Editor for the AMSAT News Service. EMike will performed the scheduling of the rotating editors, proof check the weekly ANS Bulletins, and be responsible for insuring the issue of any AMSAT Special Bulletins. EMike has been an ANS Rotating Editor since November of 2012.
EMike has announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Johns, K0JM and AMSAT Executive Vice President, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM as ANS Rotating Editors. ANS would also like to thank Chris Bradley, AA0CB who is taking a break from ANS due to new job duties.
(ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information)
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Upcoming Satellite Operations
North to Alaska (CO28) – October 5-9, 2018 Tucker, W4FS, will be in Juneau, AK, October 5-9th, using the call sign W4FS/KL7. Weather permitting, he may slip up to Whitehorse to use his new Canadian call VE9FS. Watch his Twitter account for specific plans. https://twitter.com/Whiskey4FoSho
Kure Beach, NC (FM13) – October 13-19, 2018 (Originally 9/22-28. Rescheduled due to Hurricane Florence)
Wayne, NM3B, will be operating holiday style from Kure Beach, NC, October 13-19. Send QSL for confirmation.
Viva Las Vegas (DM26) and Bryce Canyon Nat’l Park – October 14-19 and 19-22, 2018 RJ, WY7AA and Paula will be in Las Vegas DM26, October 14th – 19th, with possible trips to DM25 and DM27 if time allows. Next, they will be in Bryce Canyon October 19th – 22nd, with a possible side trip to DM47/48 gridline. In addition, they will be passing through the corner of DM39 on the way there and back. Hopefully, there will be a good satellite pass at those times. Keep an eye on RJ’s Twitter feed (@WY7AA) and QRZ page for updates.
Eureka, Nanuvut (ER60, EQ79) – October 17 – November 10, 2018 Eureka ARC, VY0ERC, will be operational from October 17 until November 10, 2018. Activity via FM satellites from ER60, EQ79 and close grids is also scheduled. Watch for specific pass announcements on their Twitter feed https://twitter.com/vy0erc
Huntsville to Switzerland, via Long Island (EM64, EM65, EM66, FN30, JN36, JN47) – November 1 – December 7, 2018 Brennan, N4QX, fall ASMAT roving plans:
* EM64, EM65, and EM66 November 1-3 * FN30 November 16-17 * JN36 as HB9/N4QX & from 4U1ITU November 28 – December 7 as work permits * JN47 as HB9/N4QX & HB0/N4QX December 1-2
For now, FM only. Watch Twitter for pass announcements. https://twitter.com/BrennanTPrice. QSLs *exclusively* via Logbook of the World.
Bermuda (DXCC NA-005) – November 12-14, 2018 Tom, N2YTF, will be operating as N2YTF/VP9/P from Bermuda, NA-005 vacation style Nov. 12, 13, 14; all FM passes (and perhaps a few transponder birds). Tom will also be working HF QRP portable from the beach. Tom is looking for a 2m ssb tropo path to some US super station(s). If interested, contact him directly.
Key West, FL (EL94) – November 27 – December 1, 2018 Tanner, W9TWJ, will be vacationing in Key West, Florida from November 27th to December 1 , 2018. While there, he will work as many FM passes as he can (holiday style). Keep an eye on his Twitter feed for pass announcements, https://twitter.com/twjones85
Please submit any additions or corrections to ke4al (at) yahoo.com Updated October 3, 2018
See for more recent updates https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/
[ANS thanks Robert KE4AL for the above information]
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ARISS News
Completed ARISS contacts Since September 12, 2018
+ 2018-09-17 11:45 UTC between Ricky Arnold KE5DAU using ISS callsign NA1SS and Otori Elementary School, Sakai City, Japan, was direct via 8N3OH. ARISS Mentor was Satoshi 7M3TJZ.
+ 2018-09-21 10:15 UTC between Alexander Gerst KF5ONO using ISS callsign NA1SS and Bischöfliche Schule / Technisches Institut, St.Vith, Belgium Contact was telebridge via W6SRJ. ARISS Mentors were Stefan ON6TI and Gaston ON4WF.
+ 2018-09-21 10:15 UTC between Alexander Gerst KF5ONO using ISS callsign NA1SS and Berufliche Schule Direktorat 1 Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany Contact was telebridge via W6SRJ. ARISS Mentor was Stefan ON6TI.
+ 2018-09-26 08:47 UTC between Ricky Arnold KE5DAU using ISS callsign NA1SS and Obie Elementary School, Kurashiki, Japan Contact was direct via 8N4KLO. ARISS Mentor was Satoshi 7M3TJZ.
+ 2018-09-27 17:52 UTC between Serena Aunon-Chancellor KG5TMT using ISS callsign NA1SS and Indian Trails Middle School, Winter Springs, FL,USA Contact was telebridge via VK4KHZ. ARISS Mentor was Dave AA4KN.
+ 2018-10-02 17:45 UTC between Ricky Arnold KE5DAU using ISS callsign OR4ISS and Pell Elementary School, Newport, RI, USA Contact was telebridge via ON4ISS. ARISS Mentors were John K4SQC, lead and Bob WB4SON, assistant
Upcoming ARISS Contact Schedule
Allen Park Elementary School, Lee County School District, Ft. Myers, FL, direct via WØCTL The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS The scheduled astronaut is Serena Aunon-Chancellor KG5TMT Contact is a go for: Mon 2018-10-08 17:05:17 UTC 59 deg
Amur University, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Sergei Propopev Contact is a go for Wed 2018-10-10 08:00 UTC
Robert-Mayer-Gymnasium, Heilbronn, Germany and Realschule & Gymnasium Weingarten, Weingarten, Germany, direct via DN1RMG and DN2RV The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be DPØISS The scheduled astronaut is Alexander Gerst KF5ONO Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-10-10 14:03:32 UTC 61 deg
Ashford School, Ashford, CT, direct via KZ1M The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS) The scheduled astronaut is Serena Aunon-Chancellor KG5TMT Contact is a go for: Wed 2018-10-10 18:39:09 UTC
Kursk University, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS The scheduled astronaut is Sergei Propopev Contact is a go for Fri 2018-10-12 10:40 UTC
[ANS thanks ARISS, Charlie AJ9N and David AA4KN for the above information]
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Shorts From All Over
+ Washington, DC Screening: Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow
Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2018 Time: 7:00 pm Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC
As NASA celebrates its 60th anniversary, this new documentary from Discovery presents a moving portrait of the agency's many accomplishments in space: taking us to the Moon, to the surface of Mars, to the outer edge of our solar system, and beyond. Above and Beyond also sheds light on the vital role NASA has played in measuring the health of our planet. Directed, produced, and narrated by Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning Rory Kennedy (Last Days of Vietnam). Dr. Paul A. Newman, Chief Scientist for Earth Sciences at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, will introduce the screening.
Register for tickets on-line at: https://www.archivesfoundation.org/event/above-and-beyond/
[ANS thanks Eric W3DQ for the above information]
+ Here's a great discussion of Keppler's Equation with equally cool graphics:
https://www.universalworkshop.com/2018/10/03/keplers-equation/
[ANS thanks Keith WD9GET for the above information]
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/EX
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership in the President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive addi- tional benefits. Application forms are available from the AMSAT Office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status. Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information.
73, This week's ANS Editor, EMike McCardel, AA8EM aa8em at amsat dot org