AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-248
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/
In this edition:
* AMSAT-EA's GENESIS Satellites Lost in Firefly Alpha Launch Failure * MESAT1 Submitted for IARU Coordination * AO-7 to Enter Full Sunlight Period * Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Recognizes ARISS Organization * VUCC Awards-Endorsements for September 1, 2021 * Call for Papers for the AMSAT Space Symposium * Registration Open for AMSAT Space Symposium * Voting Period for 2021 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Closes September 15th * ARISS News * Upcoming Satellite Operations * Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events * Satellite Shorts From All Over
ANS-248 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2021 Sep 05
AMSAT-EA's GENESIS Satellites Lost in Firefly Alpha Launch Failure
Firefly's first launch attempt for their Firefly Alpha rocket ended approximately 2.5 minutes after liftoff on Thursday evening when an anomaly resulted in the loss of the vehicle. Among the payloads lost were AMSAT-EA's GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N amateur radio satellites.
Felix Paez, EA4GQS, from AMSAT-EA said "we are very proud of all the team work and very grateful for this opportunity Firefly has granted to us." He added, "in January we will launch with SpaceX through Alba Orbital, our FM repeaters Hades and EASAT-2. We will keep you posted."
Other payloads lost on the mission are listed at https://firefly.com/firefly-aerospace-announces-dream-payload-participants/
[ANS thanks for Felix Paez, EA4GQS, and Firefly for the above information]
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MESAT1 Submitted for IARU Coordination
The University of Maine's WiSe-Net Lab has applied for IARU coordination for their 3U CubeSat, MESAT1.
MESAT1 will carry an LTM-1 transponder, provided by AMSAT, that will serve as a linear transponder for amateur radio operators to use for recreation and practice in addition to supporting telemetry and command with the satellite systems. This operation will provide education and training in the radio arts for students at the University of Maine, as they monitor onboard systems and receive telemetry and data from the onboard sensors, including remote sensors. MESAT1 also provides an opportunity for AMSAT to further characterize and test the capabilities of the LTM-1 in orbit, and to gain more flight heritage for the device. The LTM-1 is a 30 kHz wide V/u linear transponder with a 1k2 BPSK beacon.
MESAT1 will also carry an L-band GlobalStar transmitter with a carrier frequency of 1616.25 MHz. This will be used along with the onboard GPS receiver, to provide back to the team early mission TLEs. These will be published on our website as well as on Space Track, to allow our ground station as well as hams worldwide to accurately point antennas and access the LTM-1.
MESAT1 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in June 2022 into a 555 km SSO.
More information is available at https://umaine.edu/wisenetlab/mesat1/
[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information]
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AO-7 to Enter Full Sunlight Period
AO-7 will enter a period of full illumination on September 9, 2021. This full illumination period will last until April 11, 2022.
While in full illumination, the satellite's 24 hour timer will automatically switch between operation in Mode A (145 MHz uplink / 29 MHz downlink) and Mode B (432 MHz uplink / 145 MHz downlink).
The Mode A transponder uses a 145.850 - 145.950 MHz uplink and a 29.400 - 29.500 MHz downlink. Unlike the Mode B transponder, the Mode A transponder is non-inverting. QSOs have been made using small portable 10m antennas for the downlink, but a full size dipole or directional antenna works best.
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
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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/
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Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Recognizes ARISS Organization
Kathryn Lueders, Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA has posted a statement recognizing Amateur Radio On The International Space Station (ARISS) for its accomplishments in promoting STEM initiatives through amateur radio:
NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) networks enable #NASA to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers – even from 350 kilometers above Earth. In addition to connecting the science community on Earth with the groundbreaking research studies and experiments aboard the International Space Station, SCaN enables the space station to act as a unique platform for global STEM outreach and education efforts. For over 20 years, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, a non-profit supported by SCaN, has connected classrooms on Earth with astronauts aboard the space station, allowing students to engage directly with astronauts in real-time. Using ham radio equipment installed on the space station and a ham radio station on the ground, students are able to establish a direct radio connection with the space station and ask the crew questions about living in space and what it takes to become an astronaut. In preparation for their ARISS contact, the students explore a variety of #STEM studies, including space exploration, radio communication, and wireless technologies. With tens of thousands of student participants each year, the ARISS program plays an important role in inspiring the Artemis Generation and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers. Learn more about the ARISS program and how you can bring space into your classroom here: www.ariss.org
[ANS thanks Dave Jordan, AA4KN, ARISS PR, for the above information]
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VUCC Awards-Endorsements for September 1, 2021
Here are the endorsements and new VUCC Satellite Awards issued by the ARRL for the period August 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. Congratulations to all those who made the list this month!
Congratulations to Dave Chasey N9FN on achieving the AMSAT GridMaster Award.
CALL August September
N8RO 1100 1105 WI7P 858 859 AA8CH 750 775 K9UO 653 675 WD9EWK 655 667 (DM43) KE8FZT 500 550 KB9STR 431 508 KS1G 451 484 W8LR 453 479 AK8CW 451 456 (DM37) HP2VX 406 425 VE4MM 350 361 KN2K 300 350 EA2AA 300 346 K5ZM 277 326 K8BL 278 283 KC1MMC 150 230 RA3DNC 156 200 VE3KY 150 182 N2NWK New 173 KD9NGV 100 151 KE7RTB 100 150 W5ERX New 133 DL6GBM 100 114 VY2HF New 103 AA8CH 101 102 (EN84) CM2ESP New 101 JK2XXK New 100 LA9XGA New 100 WA5RR New 100
If you find errors or omissions. please contact me off-list at <mycall>@<mycall>.com and I'll revise the announcement. This list was developed by comparing the ARRL .pdf listings for the two months. It's a visual comparison so omissions are possible. Apologies if your call was not mentioned. Thanks to all those who are roving to grids that are rarely on the birds. They are doing a lot of the work!
[ANS thanks Ron Parsons, W5RKN, for the above information]
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AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control, now manifested for launch on NASA's ELaNa 46 mission. Come along for the ride. The journey will be worth it!
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Call for Papers for the AMSAT Space Symposium Proceedings
This is the first call for papers for the 39th AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 29-31, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza AiRE hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Proposals for symposium presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by October 18 for inclusion in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV at n8fgv at amsat.org.
[ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV, for the above information]
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Registration Open for AMSAT Space Symposium
The 39th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be held Friday through Sunday, October 29-31, 2021, at the Crowne Plaza AiRE in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Registration is now open for the event at https://launch.amsat.org/Events Student registrations are available at $40, and General registration is at $75. Registration for the Saturday evening Symposium Banquet is an additional $55. Full details are available at the registration website.
The Crowne Plaza AiRE is located at 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 55245, adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and only steps away from the METRO Blue Line’s American Blvd. stop. Nearby shopping and tourist attractions include Mall of America, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, and the Minnesota Zoo.
The Symposium includes presentations, exhibit space, and the AMSAT Annual General Meeting. The preliminary schedule is presented at https://launch.amsat.org/event-4414716
The AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting will be held before the Symposium, October 28-29, at the same hotel.
Those attending may make hotel reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952) 854-9000 or (877) 424-4188 (toll free). The group name is Amateur Satellite Group.
Platinum and Titanium members of the AMSAT President's Club receive free admission to the Symposium and receive a complimentary lunch with the President on Saturday afternoon. Please email [email protected] to arrange registration.
Presenters are invited to participate at the Symposium and/or submit a paper to the Symposium Proceedings. Read the Call for Papers at https://www.amsat.org/2021-amsat-symposium-proceedings-call-for-papers/ for more information.
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
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Voting Period for 2021 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Closes September 15th
The nomination period for the 2021 Board of Directors Election ended on June 15, 2021. The following candidates have been duly nominated and their candidate statements can be found at link that follows:
Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO Robert Bankston, KE4AL Jerry Buxton, N0JY Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO
In accordance with our Bylaws, AMSAT must hold an election, even though we have four nominations for four open Director positions. As such, we will host electronic voting on our Member Portal this year, at no cost to the organization. Voting is now open and will close on September 15, 2021.
When members click on the poll link, they will see their ballot (poll question). After choosing from the possible options, click the Submit button to cast your vote. Unlike many online polls, the results of all votes cast, up to the point of your vote, will not be displayed. AMSAT members can only vote once. If you click the poll link again after already voting, a vote submitted message will be displayed. As four seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, all four candidates will be seated on the Board when the voting period concludes on September 15, 2021.
To read candidate biographies visit: https://launch.amsat.org/2021-BoD-Election
AMSAT members may access their ballots at: https://launch.amsat.org/Sys/Poll/25943
[ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]
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ARISS News
The next scheduled ARISS contact is TBD.
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.
Columbus Module radios: IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS - Configured. Supporting cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). Next mode change is to packet operation (145.825 MHz up & down) in late September. Power down for upcoming RS EVA on Sep. 09. Power down for upcoming US EVA on Sep. 12. Supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops.
Service Module radios: Kenwood D710E – STATUS - Radio usually off. Power down for upcoming RS EVA on Sep. 09. Power down for upcoming US EVA on Sep. 12. Supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts and SSTV.
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]
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AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an Amateur Radio package, including two-way communication capability, to be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit.
Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/
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Upcoming Satellite Operations
VE7KPM: CN78, 3-6 September – the 4th & 5th being the big operating days. Might be on the night of the 3rd, and bit on the morning of the 6th.
VE3KY will be returning to FN26 for a three day holiday style operation on Sept 16, 17 and 18. I will operate both linear and FM birds and will hopefully try to update operating times and passes on twitter @busman49.
K8BL: I’ll be going back to FN01, 02 & EN92 soon. Looking to do FN14 this Fall.
VE1VOX: I’ll be operating holiday style Sept 4,5,6 from FN63, FN64. FM only using VE1VOX..
W2, UNITED STATES (Special Event/We Will Never Forget). Members of the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC)[W2GSB] and the Northeast Wireless Radio Club [NW2C] will activate the special event callsign W2T from Fort Totten Park (Army Base) Queens, NY, on September 11th, between 10 am EST to 8 pm EST. Activity is to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Operations will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB, satellites and the Digital modes. Please visit the QRZ.com W2T page after the event to get a downloadable certificate only.
TI200, COSTA RICA (Special Event). Members of the Radio Club of Costa Rica (TI0RC) will be active as TI200I from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, between September 1-30th. Activity is to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Independence of Costa Rica. Operators mentioned are Carlos/ TI2CC, Gus/TI2ALF, Carlos/TI2BSH, Eugenio/TI2CCC, Charlie/TI5CDA, Luis/TI2CLX, Gregory/TI2GBB, Hugo/TI2HAS, Javier/TI2JS, Rob/TI3RCS, Eduardo/TI2SD, Victor/TI2VVV, Alfonso/TI3ATS, Jon/TI5JON, Juan "JC"/TI5VMJ, Kamal/N3KS/TI5, Adrian/TI2LCO, Juan/TI2JCY, Francisco/TI2OKY and Minor/ TI2YO. Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY, PSK31 and the Satellites. QSL via LoTW. For QSL and certificate info: [email protected]
[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, and the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1529 for the above information]
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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.
Northeast HamXposition - Sep 10-12, 2021, Marlborough, MA https://hamxposition.org/
AMSAT will have a booth at the event. Additionally, the following forums on Saturday will be of interest to AMSAT members and those interested in amateur satellites.
AMSAT and Satellite Status Forum Burns Fisher, WB1FJ Burns’ presentation will talk about what is currently going on with AMSAT, including the new on-line membership portal and on-line distribution of The AMSAT Journal, as well as the current state of AMSAT satellites and new satellites that we are working on. Time: 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Room: Princess Room
Getting Started With Amateur Satellites Robert Hayes, KB1SWZ Bob will share tips for the beginner to get started with the “easy” FM satellites. Time: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Room: Princess Room
An ISS Crew Contact: Planning, Execution & Learnings Along the Way Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC Prepare to blast off for an Amateur Radio experience of a lifetime! The ARISS program provides a way that Amateur Radio operators can work with schools and youth groups to talk to an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) using Amateur Radio. Fred will share all the steps needed to secure, prepare for and perform an ISS contact along with a school or youth group. Topics covered include proposal development to secure a contact, education planning around Amateur Radio and other STEM activities, and preparing and testing an Amateur Radio Ground Station to communicate with the ISS. The talk includes video from actual ISS contacts made between schools and astronauts on the ISS. Time: 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Room: Salon A
AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, has online Zoom presentations scheduled in coming weeks with amateur groups in
New Jersey Central New Hampshire North Carolina Conejo Valley CA Sonoma County CA Massachusetts Antelope Valley CA
Contact Clint to arrange other events: Clint Bradford K6LCS, AMSAT Ambassador; ARRL instructor http://www.work-sat.com Email: clintbradford AT mac DOT com (909) 999-SATS (7287) - voicemail/message
[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information]
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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
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Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Hiroyuki Ishida, 7N1PFW, has received the 57th 73 on 73 Award. He completed the requirements for the award exclusively using CW. This award is issued for working 73 unique stations on AO-73 since September 1, 2014. To apply, send a list of your stations worked to n8hm at arrl.net (Thanks to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, 73 on 73 Award Sponsor)
+ JARL has released the FO-29 operation schedule for September. It can be found at https://www.jarl.org/Japanese/3_Fuji/fuji3-202108.htm
+ JAMSAT has released the FO-99 operation scehdule for September. It can be found at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=1605
+ JAXA will launch its Epsilon rocket for the 5th time on October 1st. JA1OGZ has posted a summary of the satellites with amateur payloads on the launch at https://twitter.com/ja1ogz/status/1433236305970794499
+ Congratulations to Dave Chasey, N9FN, on receiving the 33rd AMSAT GridMaster Award. The GridMaster Award is issued to amateurs who work and confirm QSOs via satellite with all 488 grid squares in the continental United States. More information at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/ (Thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards)
+ An acrylic GridMaster desk plaque is now available on the AMSAT store for GridMaster Award recipients. https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-gridmaster-acrylic-desk-plaque/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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 dot org