ANS-351 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* ARISS Marks 40th Anniversary of STS-9 with Special Slow Scan Television Event
* HADES-D Satellite: Successful Telecommand Response and FM Repeater Tests Ongoing
* WRC-23 Reaches Acceptable Conclusion on 23-Centimeter Issue
* How the 18th Space Defense Squadron Averts Catastrophe at 17,000 Miles Per Hour
* CubeSat Technology and 3D Printing Combine for Emergency Broadband in Disaster Zones
* Satellite Top 100 Rovers December 2023 Rankings
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 15, 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 https://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-351 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 Dec 17

ARISS Marks 40th Anniversary of STS-9 with Special Slow Scan Television Event

In a collaborative effort spanning ARISS teams worldwide, a special Slow Scan Television (SSTV) event is currently underway to mark the 40th Anniversary of NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-9. SSTV transmissions from the International Space Station (ISS) are being broadcast on 145.800 MHz using the PD120 format. The scheduled times for the event are from December 16 at 10:15 UTC | 5:15 AM ET through December 19 around 1800 UTC | 1:00 PM ET.

On November 28, 1983, the Space Shuttle Columbia carried Owen Garriott, W5LFL (SK), into orbit. He was equipped with a specially customized Motorola MX-340 two-meter handheld radio and an antenna attached to the shuttle’s window. The first amateur radio contact from space took place shortly before crossing the west coast on December 1, 1983, when Columbia executed a roll maneuver exposing the antenna toward Earth. W5LFL began calling CQ, and at 02:38 UTC, Lance Collister, WA1JXN, in Frenchtown, MT, answered the call, marking the first amateur radio QSO with a human in space.

A flurry of QSOs followed over the next several days before Columbia returned to Earth on December 8th. Notable amateur operators in the log included Senator Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, and King Hussein of Jordan, JY1. Slow Scan Television has also been an integral part of Amateur Radio in Human Spaceflight since its early days, with Tony England, WØORE, paving the way by sending ten images via Slow Scan Television on Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51F in the summer of 1985.

Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about this ISS Slow Scan Television Event, such as how to decode SSTV images and track the ISS, can be found at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/faq.php. You can apply for the ARISS SSTV Award by uploading your decoded image and completing the Application Form using the information provided at https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv. Don’t forget that you can receive a QSL Card from the International Space Station by receiving and decoding a SSTV image. More information about how to obtain a QSL Card can be found at https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html.

ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) hopes that you can participate in another exciting International Space Station SSTV event. This is a great opportunity to share the magic of amateur radio with your friends and family. Watch for event updates to be posted on X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com/ARISS_Intl. Remember to have fun and best of luck with your SSTV image decoding attempts!

[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]


HADES-D Satellite: Successful Telecommand Response and FM Repeater Tests Ongoing

The HADES-D satellite, launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-9 (TR-9) mission on November 11, 2023, has successfully completed a month in orbit. AMSAT-EA reports that, following its separation from the ION SCV-013 Orbital Transfer Vehicle two weeks ago, HADES-D is responding well to telecommands from the ground control station.

Current tests on the FM voice repeater show promising results, demonstrating its effectiveness. However, adjustments to the squelch level are under consideration due to the current configuration requiring increased power for activation. HADES-D’s health status has been confirmed through telemetry, CW, and FM voice beacon receptions from various Earth locations.

Telemetry signals in FSK, CW, and FM voice beacon, operating at 436.666 MHz downlink, transmit to Earth at 0.25 Watts. Demodulation and decoding software for satellite telemetry are available on AMSAT-EA’s website under the Project tab (https://www.amsat-ea.org/proyectos). The FM repeater, with a 40mW power output, may require a robust antenna for optimal receive performance.

Developed alongside the URESAT Antonio de Nebrija, both utilizing the pocketQubes 1.5P platform, HADES-D features advanced solar panels and increased processing capacity. These advancements enable the satellite to transmit telemetry and repeat signals at higher speeds. The incorporation of an FM transponder for voice communications also allows for message retransmission in FSK. Efforts are ongoing to confirm the final Two-Line Elements for streamlined operations.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-EA for the above information]

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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/
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WRC-23 Reaches Acceptable Conclusion on 23-Centimeter Issue

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) continues through December 15, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)’s primary effort focused on Agenda Item 9.1 topic b to address amateur use of the 23-centimeter band and co-frequency use by several radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) systems in the 1240 – 1300 MHz band.

IARU’s work that began four years ago with a preparatory study in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) to address this agenda item has finally come to a close. Our concerted engagement in the ITU-R working parties, study groups, and WRC preparatory meetings ensured that the amateur services were properly represented during the development of two published ITU-R reports: M.2513 and M.2532. An ITU-R Recommendation, M.2164, followed these, which formed the basis for the discussions at WRC-23.

During the WRC-23 deliberations, strong positions were expressed by all parties involved.

The result is a well-supported compromise for a footnote in the Radio Regulations regarding amateur and amateur satellite service operation in the 1240 -1300 MHz range. The footnote reminds administrations and amateurs of the need to protect the primary RNSS from interference, and it provides guidance for administrations to allow both services to continue to operate in this portion of the spectrum.

Administrations are the bodies that govern amateur radio in their respective countries, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.

The Conference Plenary compromise was formally adopted on December 8 and is not subject to further consideration during the final week of WRC-23. The IARU team continues its work on other WRC issues, including developing agendas for future conferences.

IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, noted, “This is a very good result for the amateur services. The decision reached at WRC-23 on this agenda item makes no change to the table of allocations nor incorporates by reference M.2164 into the Radio Regulations. The addition of a footnote that provides guidance to administrations in the event of interference to the RNSS is a good regulatory outcome for amateurs and the primary users of this band.”

The WRC also agreed to suppress Resolution 774, which closes the issue and satisfies the agenda item. Read more in ARRL News at https://www.arrl.org/news/wrc-23-reaches-acceptable-conclusion-on-23-centimeter-issue

[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information]


How the 18th Space Defense Squadron Averts Catastrophe at 17,000 Miles Per Hour

In the vast expanse of space, where countless manmade objects hurtle through Low Earth Orbit at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour, a dedicated group of guardians stands watch to prevent potential collisions that could disrupt crucial communication, navigation, and scientific satellites. The 18th Space Defense Squadron (SDS), part of the Space Force, operates from its headquarters at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, employing advanced technology and surveillance systems to track and identify potential collision risks in real-time.

The 18th SDS, often referred to as the “lighthouse of space,” utilizes the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) to monitor over 45,000 objects in Earth’s orbit. Ground-based sensors, including the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System, capture rapid digital photos of the night sky, revealing satellites as tiny streaks. Computers analyze these streaks to calculate the satellites’ positions, providing vital data for collision risk assessments, as explained in a recent press release from the Space Operations Command.

Key components of the SSN include ground-based radar systems such as the AN/FPS-85 and AN/FYS-3 Phased Array Radars, capable of tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously. The ‘Space Fence,’ located in the Marshall Islands, employs an array system that broadcasts constant bands of energy, tracking objects passing through its coverage. On-orbit platforms like the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite ensure year-round tracking above earthly obstructions like weather and daylight.

Maintaining an ever-growing catalog of space objects on Space-Track.org, the 18th SDS collaborates with its counterpart, the 19th SDS, to predict satellite trajectories and avert potential collisions. In the crowded expanse of low Earth orbit, the squadron remains vigilant, recognizing the heightened risk posed by unexpected satellite fragments that could lead to disastrous collisions.

Space Operations Command (SpOC) recently outlined four categories of fragmentation events: anomalous debris-causing events, breakup events, collisions, and mission-related events. Anomalous events occur due to factors like corrosion or fatigue, leading to slow-speed fragment dispersal. Breakup events, generating large amounts of rapidly spreading debris, can be unintentional or intentional, as seen in anti-satellite missile tests. Collisions, exemplified by the 2009 incident involving a Russian military satellite and a commercial Iridium satellite, prompt heightened awareness and response. Mission-related events involve the fragmentation of payloads or unintentional separation of non-payload components.

Members of the 18th SDS remain vigilant for changes in orbital parameters, indicators of potential satellite stress or gas release, which could precede fragmentation events. Specialized software assists in tracking satellite trajectories and determining the origin and trajectory of debris in case of fragmentation. Timely warnings to affected satellite operators enable them to make necessary adjustments, minimizing collision risks.

Despite the 18th SDS’s capabilities, over a million objects under 10 cm remain untrackable but pose significant collision threats. The act of maneuvering to avoid collisions consumes satellite fuel and shortens their lifespan. Recognizing the limitations, a recent call by the research group RAND advocates for an international space traffic management system (STM) to enhance coordination and communication among satellite operators.

The current state of managing space objects is described by RAND researchers as “informal, ad hoc, and often ill-coordinated,” approaching a tipping point. Urging proactive governance structures, the researchers emphasize the need for the space community to build systems ensuring the safety and sustainability of critical space assets, services, and activities before a crisis necessitates action.

[ANS thanks David Roza, Senior Editor, Air & Space Forces Magazine for the above information]


CubeSat Technology and 3D Printing Combine for Emergency Broadband in Disaster Zones

Researchers from the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), the University of Luxembourg, and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) have developed a nanosatellite technology aimed at delivering swift emergency broadband connectivity to disaster-stricken regions. This innovative solution combines CubeSat technology with 3D printing, allowing for rapid deployment to enhance communication for emergency services in complex situations.

Professor Carlos Monzo Sánchez of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya emphasizes the project’s significance, stating, “Our project provides a solution that means a communications network to provide help in emergency situations can be established quickly.” The core technology is the CubeSat standard for nanosatellites, known for their cost-effectiveness and small size, manufactured on a 3D printer in just 90 minutes.

The CubeSats are then elevated above disaster zones using balloons, utilizing LoRa (low-power long-range radio) communication with the ground. Raúl Parada, a researcher at CTTC and the paper’s first author, explains, “Our solution enables communication over long distances and provides a scalable system for a large number of users that is reusable anywhere and at any time.”

The team’s prototypes leverage the Semtech SX1278 LoRa transceiver, connected to a simple metal ruler antenna. The 1U CubeSat, housing the transceiver, is equipped with a sensor package comprising a Bosch Sensortec BME280 environmental sensor, a TDK InvenSense MPU-9250 inertial measurement unit (IMU), a Hanwei MQ-135 air quality sensor, and a Roithner LaserTechnik GUVA-S12SD ultraviolet light sensor. These sensors are linked to an Arduino Nano microcontroller, with a GPS receiver added later to facilitate satellite recovery.

Emphasizing the practicality of their design, Monzo explains, “Our solution is designed to provide a rapid service in complex scenarios, and as such, we have prioritized its ease of deployment over its use as a telecommunications solution in normal situations.” The researchers aim to refine the infrastructure further, focusing on minimizing deployment times and ensuring adaptability to a wide range of situations.

The team’s work has been published in the journal Aerospace under open-access terms, marking a significant stride in leveraging technology to enhance emergency response capabilities in disaster-stricken areas.

[ANS thanks Gareth Halfacree, Technical Author, writing for hackster.io, 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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Satellite Top 100 Rovers December 2023 Rankings

The December 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @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.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: 2023-12-12

1ND9M26K8BL51F4DXV76DF2ET
2NJ7H27KE4AL52KE9AJ77WA9JBQ
3N5UC28LU5ILA53JL3RNZ78W8LR
4JA9KRO29DL2GRC54VE1CWJ79K0FFY
5DL6AP30KI7UNJ55KM4LAO80VE3GOP
6WI7P31VE3HLS56PA3GAN81OE3SEU
7HA3FOK32KB5FHK57VK5DG82KJ7NDY
8N9IP33LA9XGA58N4UFO83KB2YSI
9N6UA34N7AGF59SM3NRY84CU2ZG
10WY7AA35F4BKV60KI7QEK85N0TEL
11AD0DX36XE3DX61VA7LM86DL4EA
12W5PFG37N6DNM62N8RO87VE6WK
13K5ZM38KE0PBR63PT2AP88VE7PTN
14DP0POL39KE0WPA64W1AW89AF5CC
15AK8CW40JO2ASQ65XE1ET90HB9GWJ
16UT1FG41K7TAB66AA8CH91PT9ST
17AD0HJ42AC0RA67M1DDD92DK9JC
18WD9EWK43W7WGC68VE1VOX93JM1CAX
19ON4AUC44PR8KW69VA3VGR94KG4AKV
20KG5CCI45JK2XXK70FJ8OJ95VO2AC
21KX9X46EA4NF71PT9BM96LW2DAF
22ND0C47SP5XSD72KI7UXT97KI0KB
23N5BO48AA5PK73LU4JVE98KC7JPC
24DJ8MS49AD7AB74N4DCW99AB5SS
25F5VMJ50EB1AO75YU0W100N6UTC

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information]


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 15, 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 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

Harbor Creek School, Harborcreek, PA, direct via KC3SGV
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ
The ARISS mentor is KD8COJ
Contact was successful: Mon 2023-12-11 13:45:04 UTC
Congratulations to the Harbor Creek School students, Andreas, and mentor KD8COJ!

Primary School of Zipari Kos, Zipari, Greece, direct via SV5BYR
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ
The ARISS mentor is IKØWGF
Contact was successful: Thu 2023-12-14 13:17:31 UTC
Watch the Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzRrMguN-VI

+ Upcoming Contacts

No upcoming school contacts are scheduled.

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 listed as temporarily stowed. Look for SSTV transmissions on 145.800 MHz between December 16th through December 19th.

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]

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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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Upcoming Satellite Operations

Jonathan N4AKV will be operating FM, linear, and GreenCube satellite passes in maidenhead grids EM75/76/85/86 (Tennessee) from December 18th through December 20th. Check for passes listed on http://hams.at and watch Jonathan’s Twitter feed for any updates (https://twitter.com/N4AKV_).

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.

+ 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Positive Impact of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Thursday February 22nd through Saturday February 24th, 2024
Center for Space Education: Astronauts Memorial Foundation
Kennedy Space Center, M6-306 405 State Road, FL 32899
https://www.ariss.org/overview.html

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ AO-73 (FUNcube-1), managed by AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL, has reactivated its transponder after a meticulous year of battery management. Launched a decade ago, the satellite faced challenges with its battery struggling to reach the nominal 8.3V charge. Recent efforts, including strategic transmitter shutdowns during eclipse periods, have improved the situation. The battery voltage now varies between 8.13V in sunlight and 7.8V at the end of an eclipse, a significant improvement. AO-73 is currently transmitting low-power BPSK telemetry on 145.935MHz, featuring an inverting mode U/V transponder uplink ranging from 435.130 to 435.150 MHz, with a downlink set at 145.970 to 145.950 MHz. The satellite maintains a high spin rate of approximately 30 rpm, requiring manual tuning for the 70 cm input due to the receiver’s temperature drift. This development reopens exciting opportunities for radio operators interested in exploring AO-73’s capabilities after its temporary hiatus. (ANS thanks David Bowan, G0MRF, AMSAT-UK for the above information)

+ NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, now in interstellar space, is experiencing a communication glitch, preventing the transmission of scientific or systems data. The 46-year-old spacecraft can receive commands, but its flight data system (FDS) is no longer communicating as expected with the telecommunications unit (TMU). The FDS compiles data into a package for transmission, but it’s currently stuck in a repeating pattern of ones and zeros. Voyager’s engineering team is investigating, but a solution may take weeks. The spacecraft’s age and technology from the 1970s present unique challenges, and previous malfunctions required creative software workarounds. Despite past issues, finding solutions for Voyager’s challenges is a slow process, involving consultation of decades-old documents. (ANS thanks Josh Dinner, Content Manager & Writer, Space.com, for the above information)

+ Blue Origin is set to resume New Shepard suborbital launches no earlier than December 18th, marking the vehicle’s first potential flight in over 15 months. The uncrewed mission, NS-24, will follow a mishap in September 2022 when a structural failure in the BE-3PM engine led to a capsule landing safely while the propulsion module crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration closed its investigation in September 2023, outlining 21 corrective actions for Blue Origin, including technical modifications and organizational changes. The delay in resuming flights prompted speculation about the company’s priorities, but it has since won a NASA contract for a lunar lander, introduced an orbital transfer vehicle, and progressed with the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle and Orbital Reef space station projects. During this hiatus, Virgin Galactic began commercial service with its SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, but announced plans to shift to quarterly flights in 2024 and eventually halt operations to focus on new suborbital vehicles. (ANS thanks Jeff Foust, writing for SpaceNews, for the above information)

+ NASA astronaut Frank Rubio grew tomatoes in space using hydroponic techniques to demonstrate space agricultural methods on the International Space Station (ISS). After harvesting one of the first tomatoes grown in space, Rubio misplaced it during a public event with school kids, sparking a humorous search on the ISS. In the microgravity environment, anything unanchored can float away, and despite spending hours searching, Rubio never found the tomato. The mystery ended when the remaining ISS crew announced they had located the tomato, clearing Rubio of suspicions that he had eaten it. Rubio’s historic mission on the ISS, lasting over a year, set a record for the longest a US astronaut has spent in microgravity, initially planned for six months. (ANS thanks Jackie Wattles, Space & Science Writer, CNN, 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

ANS-344 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:
* Proposal Submitted to ESA for Geostationary Microwave Amateur Payload
* ARISS Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Owen Garriott’s STS-9 Operation
* AMSAT Publishes 2022 Financial Review and IRS Form 990
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 7, 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-344 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 December 10

Proposal Submitted to ESA for Geostationary Microwave Amateur Payload

A proposal has been submitted to the European Space Agency (ESA) by AMSAT-UK, the British Amateur Television Club (BATC), and AMSAT-NA, with input from members of the UK Microwave Group for a geostationary microwave amateur payload with planned coverage of at least part of North America. This proposal was submitted in response to a presentation at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium from Frank Zeppenfeldt, PD0AP, of ESA, who has secured €250,000 in funding to investigate the possibility of an amateur satellite or payload in geostationary orbit.
The proposal notes the desire for coverage of all ESA member and cooperating states, but that it is not possible for a satellite in geostationary orbit to cover the entirety of this territory, which ranges from Cyprus at approximately 34 degrees east to western Canada at approximately 141 degrees west and lays out example coverage from three slots: 5 degrees west, 30 degrees west, and 47 degrees west. In a later section, the proposal also discusses two non-geostationary orbit options that could provide the desired coverage: a tundra orbit and a high earth orbit just below the geostationary belt.
The amateur radio and educational payload proposed consists of two 5.6 GHz uplink and 10 GHz downlink transponders (Mode C/x) – one 250 kHz wide with 20 watts of output for narrowband modes such as SSB, CW, and narrowband digital mdoes and one 1 MHz wide with 20 watts of output for wideband modes, including amateur television. The transponder design would include an optional SDR block for signal regeneration. Additionally, a 24 GHz receiver would also function as a transponder uplink. The proposal also calls for a 47 or 74 GHz multimode beacon or additional downlink transmitter, an earth-pointing camera with a still image downlink as part of the telemetry or beacon for educational outreach, and a red or near-infrared laser experiment aimed towards Western Europe. All downlink signals would be phase coherent with timing by GPS reference or a chip-scale atomic clock.
More information about the ESA opportunity can be found in PD0AP’s AMSAT-UK Colloquium presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FTvlEyDa1Y 
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK, the British Amateur Television Club (BATC), AMSAT-NA, and the UK Microwave Group for the above information]
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 LAST CALL!
           
        The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are still available! 
    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! 
  
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ARISS Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Owen Garriott’s STS-9 Operation

ARISS has been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first ham in space. On November 28, 1983, the Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off with Owen Garriott, W5LFL. Onboard was a specially customized Motorola MX-340 two meter handheld radio and an antenna that attached to the shuttle’s window.
Shortly before crossing the west coast on December 1, 1983, Columbia executed a roll manuever that exposed the antenna toward earth and W5LFL began to call CQ. At 02:38 UTC, Lance Collister, WA1JXN, in Frenchtown, MT answered his CQ and made the first amateur radio QSO with a human in space. A rush of QSOs followed over the next several days before Columbia returned to Earth on December 8th. Among the amateur operators in the log were Senator Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, and King Hussein of Jordan, JY1.
Videos including QSOs from orbit have been posted to the ARISS YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@ARISSlive/videos
On December 7th, ARISS hosted a webinar with Owen’s son, Richard Garriott, W5KWQ, who later operated the amateur radio station aboard the International Space Station. An archived video of the webinar can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys0Jjn40Y_A
During the webinar, ARISS International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, announced that Richard Garriott would be the keynote speaker at ARISS’s 40th anniversary celebration event in February 2024. Details for this event can be found at https://www.ariss.org/overview.html
Additionally, in celebration of the STS-9 mission, ARISS teams worldwide have come together to prepare an SSTV event.
SSTV from the ISS will be sent on 145.800 MHz using the PD120 format. Transmissions are scheduled to begin on December 16th at 10:15 UTC and end on December 19th at around 18:00 UTC.
Melissa Gaskill, a science author from Austin, Texas, has written a comprehensive review about the 40-year history of amateur radio in space. In her article, “Ham Radio in Space: Engaging with Students Worldwide for 40 Years,” Gaskill explores the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), which is now known as Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). The article can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/ham-radio-in-space-engaging-with-students-worldwide-for-40-years/
Gaskill said that while she wrote the article, she is not an expert on thesubject but there are many who are including Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, International Space Station (ISS) Ham Project Coordinator since 2004.
Ransom said that amateur radio in space was a possibility even before 1983, when Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL (SK), made history during the STS-9 Space Shuttle Columbia mission with the first amateur radio contact from space. NASA had been looking for ways to bring amateur radio to Skylab (a space station designed as an orbiting workshop for scientific research) and even the moon.
[ANS thanks ARISS and the ARRL for the above information]

AMSAT Publishes 2022 Financial Review and IRS Form 990

AMSAT has posted its IRS Form 990 and 2022 Financial Review on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/audit-and-other-financial-reports/
AMSAT publishes its financial statements as reviewed by an independent accountant as part of its commitment to transparency regarding its financial status with its membership and donors.
In 2022, AMSAT had total revenue of $306,801 and total expenses of $129,261. As of December 31, 2022, AMSAT reported net assets totaling $1,494,470.
In the decade between 2012 and 2022, AMSAT’s reserves increased by nearly 250% while designing, constructing, and launching five Fox-1 satellites and working on several other projects, including GOLF, Fox Plus, the Linear Transponder Module, and the AMSAT CubeSatSim.
AMSAT thanks its membership and donors for their generous support over the years. Keeping amateur radio in space is an endeavor that requires significant financial resources. Despite the currently healthy status of AMSAT’s finances, spending on hardware acquisitions for construction of GOLF and Fox Plus is expected to ramp up over the coming year, so please consider a donation if you are able.
AMSAT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your contributions may be tax deductible. If you need to make a Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement account by the end of the year, please also consider making a donation to AMSAT from your RMD. Donations may be made at https://www.amsat.org/donate/
AMSAT also needs donations of time from interested volunteers with both technical and non-technical skills. Please visit https://www.amsat.org/volunteer-for-amsat/ and consider volunteering for AMSAT.
[ANS thanks AMSAT 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.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 7, 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/
HADES-D may not be correctly associated with its object number; use TLEs with caution.
The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:
EIRSAT-1 NORAD Cat ID 58472 IARU coordinated downlink on 437.100 MHz
ENSO NORAD Cat ID 58470 IARU coordinated downlink on 436.500 MHz and beacon at 14.099 MHz
The following satellites have been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:
CTIM NORAD Cat ID 52950 Decayed from orbit on or about 4 December 2023
Move-IIb NORAD Cat ID 44398 Decayed from orbit on or about 4 December 2023
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements 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
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

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:
Harbor Creek School, Harborcreek, PA, direct via KC3SGV
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ
The ARISS mentor is KD8COJ
Contact is go for: Mon 2023-12-11 13:45:04 UTC 46 deg
Obninsk, 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 Konstantin Borisov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Wed  2023-12-13 09:15 UTC
Primary School of Zipari Kos, Zipari, Greece, direct via SV5BYR
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Andreas Mogensen KG5GCZ
The ARISS mentor is IKØWGF
Contact is go: Thu 2023-12-14 13:17:31 UTC 26 deg(
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).
* Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops.
Service Module radios:
IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS – Temporarily stowed. Default mode is for packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down)
* Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops.
SSTV (Kenwood D710) – STATUS – OFF. Default mode is for scheduled SSTV operations (145.800 MHz down)
* Next planned operation date(s): 40th Anniversary of STS 9 (PD120 mode) – Schedule is Dec. 16 at 10:15 UTC | 5:15 AM ET through Dec. 19 around 1800 UTC | 1:00 PM ET.
* Specifically configured for SSTV 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

No scheduled operations are listed at this time.
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 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

+ EB1AO reports the successful telecommand of AMSAT Spain’s HADES-D satellite. A test of the FM transponder is expected to follow.
+ The Russian resupply mission to the International Spacee Station, Progress MS-25, launched on Dec. 1 and then had to be manually docked due to issues with its automated rendezvous system. Cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, RN3DX, and Nikolai Chub, monitoring the approach from the station’s Zvezda module, took over by remote control at the direction of Russian flight controllers and deftly guided the vehicle in for docking early on Dec. 3. (ANS thanks CBS News for the above information)
+ Hubble temporarily took a break from science operations while NASA investigates faulty readings from one of its gyroscopes, just as the telescope hit 30 years on from STS-61, the mission that corrected its optics and brought the iconic space telescope to full operation. On December 8th, Hubble returned to science operations with all three of its gyroscopes operational and the spacecraft healthy. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NASA for the above information)
+ With moderate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) inbound and our Sun heading into its solar maximum faster than anticipated, it’s an excellent time to watch for auroras. However, the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that the geomagnetic storms pose risks of increased atmospheric drag and other risks for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NOAA 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

ANS-337 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* Update on AMSAT’s Participation in ESA Geostationary Project
* September/October 2023 Edition of The AMSAT Journal Available
* ISS Resupply Will Interrupt ARISS Activity
* ISS SSTV Event December 7-8, 2023
* VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing December 2023
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 1, 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-337 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 DEC 03

Update on AMSAT’s Participation in ESA Geostationary Project

Following the recent AMSAT Symposium where David Bowman, G0MRF, presented information on the ESA Geostationary payload investigation, an offer was extended to AMSAT to participate with AMSAT-UK in developing a proposal for submittal to ESA. AMSAT Director and Vice President – Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, volunteered on short notice to represent AMSAT in these initial discussions. An additional Canadian AMSAT representative is desired and welcome to participate in future meetings and discussions.

After a meeting on November 26th, an initial proposal to ESA was being finalized for submittal on December 4th. More information will be forthcoming soon.

[ANS thanks AMSAT Director and Vice President – Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, for the above information.]


September/October 2023 Edition of The AMSAT Journal Available

AMSAT members can now go to the member portal (https://launch.amsat.org/) and download the latest edition on The AMSAT Journal. The AMSAT Journal is published online in full-color. This edition is 38 pages jam-packed with the latest updates on key AMSAT projects. Topics in this issue include:

– Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President
– AMSAT Awards Update – Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Awards Manager
– Education and CubeSat Simulator Update – Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP, Educational Relations
– PACSAT BBS Operations – Chris Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ/VE2TCP
– PACSAT Software Architecture – Chris Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ/VE2TCP and Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
– ARISS Update – Dave Taylor, W8AAS
– Engineering Update – Jerry Buxton, N0JY; Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY; Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO

Attention AMSAT members: You should receive an email alert that a new edition of The AMSAT Journal is available. If you are not receiving that email, it means your email is not on file in out membership system. You can add or update your email information by logging in the member portal (https://launch.amsat.org/) and updating your profile. If you have trouble doing this, please write info[at]amsat[dot]org and we will assist you.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]

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LAST CALL for 2023 AMSAT President’s Club Coins!

The year is almost over and, when it is,
the 2023 coins will no longer be available.

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/
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ISS Resupply Will Interrupt ARISS Activity

NASA will provide live launch and docking coverage of the Roscosmos Progress 86 cargo spacecraft carrying about three tons of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 70 crew aboard the International Space Station.

The unpiloted spacecraft is scheduled to launch on Friday, December 1,2023 at 09:25 UTC (4:25 A.M. EST) on a Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

NASA coverage will begin at 4 A.M. on the NASA+ streaming service via the web <https://plus.nasa.gov/> or the NASA app <https://www.nasa.gov/connect/apps.html>.

The Progress spacecraft will be placed into a two-day, 34-orbit journey to the station, leading to an automatic docking to the Poisk module at 6:14 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Coverage of rendezvous and docking will begin at 5:30 a.m. on NASA Television and the agency’s website. As always, all amateur radio activity aboard the ISS is suspended during docking maneuvers.

The spacecraft will remain at the orbiting laboratory for approximately six months, then undock for a destructive but safe re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to dispose of trash loaded by the crew.

[ANS thanks NASA for the above information.]


ISS SSTV Event December 7-8, 2023

Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are planning to transmit Slow Scan TV (SSTV) images on 145.800 MHz FM probably using the SSTV mode PD-120.

The transmissions are part of the Moscow Aviation Institute SSTV experiment (MAI-75) and will be made from the amateur radio station RS0ISS in the Russian ISS Service module (Zvezda) using a Kenwood TM-D710E transceiver. It appears the theme for this session will highlight one of MAI’s cosmonaut graduates – Yuri Usachov. Currently scheduled days and times are:

Thu 2023-12-07 08:55 UTC to 14:25 UTC
Fri 2023-12-08 08:15 UTC to 14:10 UTC

Days and times are subject to change due to the operational requirements of the ISS.

Reminder – No ARISS award will be available for this session since it is not transmitted globally.

[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.]

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Need new satellite antennas? Purchase 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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VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing December 2023

+ VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for November 01, 2023 to December 01, 2023.

Call1-Nov1-Dec
KO4MA19332000
K8DP15751581
AA5PK13821404
N8RO13681384
DL2GRC10041108
DF2ET10001102
KF7R10501075
PS8ET9251000
K9UO926950
KE8RJU905950
OZ9AAR800900
EA2AA825856
KQ4DO808827
W8LR818825
FG8OJ639737
HB9AOF604725
KS1G655703
WA6DNR457605
JL1SAM511601
W0NBC437563
JG6CDH515553
A65BR513532
XE1UYS327505
IK3ITB400500
IK7FMQ453500
N3CAL435471
N6RVI100380
SA0UNX205362
JR0GAS250360
AD2DD261356
KG4AKV254355
HC2FG276350
N6PAZ326342
DK3ZLNew319
KB8CRNew301
AL7IDNew261
K6VHF201250
N7GR179205
K9JKM114201
JF3MKC175200
JI5RPT/1101200
K9AQ109200
WD9EWK(DM45)160165
N4QX152157
AA0DWNew141
N6UTC(DM15)New126
JF1CDXNew105
KT6CANew103
W3TI101103
NJ2DXNew100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.
AL7ID is first VUCC Satellite holder from BP64

+ DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for November 01, 2023 to December 01, 2023.

OE9DGV208210
F6BKI203207
YO2CMI169173
ZS1LS153160
EA2AA152154
DL6GBM125152
HB9RYZ137139
LA6OP123136
SP3AU130136
DL9RAN100125
FG8OJ111114
SM2OAN100109
CT1ETENew104
TF1A100102
JA0FSBNew101
K9UO100101
EA5RMNew100
KB9STRNew100
KN2KNew100
LA0FANew100
N0JENew100

Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders.
KN2K is first DXCC Satellite holder from VA

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, 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

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for December 1, 2023

The following satellite has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

NEUDOSE NORAD Cat ID 56315 Decayed from orbit on or about 28 November 2023

The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

HADES-D NORAD Cat ID 58294 IARU coordinated downlink on 436.666 MHz
VERONIKA NORAD Cat ID 58261 IARU coordinated downlink on 436.680 MHz
KAFASAT NORAD Cat ID 58317 IARU coordinated downlinks 435.835 MHz and 2404.400 MHz

AMSAT thanks Nico Janssen for positively identifying these spacecraft and associating them with object numbers.

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/

[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

Carl-Maria-von-Weber-Schule Eutin, Eutin, Germany, direct via DKØOH/Telebridge and Gymnasium in Loekamp, Marl, Germany, telebridge via DKØOH.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Andreas Mogensen, KG5GCZ.
The ARISS mentor is IN3GH.
Contact is go for Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:36 UTC.

Orangeburg Christian Academy, Orangeburg, SC, direct via N7GZT.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS.
The scheduled crewmember is Jasmin Moghbeli, KI5WSL.
The ARISS mentor is KD8COJ.
Contact is go for Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 15:19 UTC.
Watch for Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/orangeburgchristianacademy

Obninsk, Russia, direct via TBD.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Konstantin Borisov.
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR.
Contact is go for Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 09:15 UTC.

+ Completed Contacts

Gagarin From Space Performance Of An Amateur Radio Communication Session With Pupils Of Schools Of Aznakaevsky District Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan. Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P.
The ISS callsign was RSØISS.
The crewmember was Konstantin Borisov.
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR.
Contact was successful on November 25, 2023 at 14:08 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.

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

None scheduled at this time.

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 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.


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Eirsat-11 was successfully launched on Friday, December 1, 2023 from Florida aboard a Space X ride. On the first pass over Europe EIRSAT-1 was almost 10 minutes late on the preliminary TLE set and almost 4 minutes early on the projected TLE set. The launch team will try to develop better parameters. Since this was a classified launch, TLEs may not be published by he usual sources, so the team will have to develop its own TLE set. [ANS thanks Nico Janssen, PA0DLO, for the above information.]

+ A fascinating article describes the development of the CubeSat standard by AMSAT member Bob Twiggs, KE6QMD, and co-inventor Jordi Puig-Suari, an aerospace engineering professor at California Polytechnic State University. Searching for a way to simplify the projects—and cut out build time — Twiggs thought, “What if we made [the satellite] a cube and put solar cells on all sides so no matter which way it rotated, it was going to get charged?” With some spare solar cells from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he went down to a local shop and found a 4 X 4 X 4-in. transparent box. It was also around that time—in 1999—that an infamous error caught Twiggs’ attention. That year a mix-up between Imperial and metric units by a Lockheed Martin engineering team caused NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter to burn up in the red planet’s atmosphere, ending the mission early. “I said, ‘It’s about time students learn metric,’” he says. “I wonder what this [4-in. box] is in metric? Well, it turned out to be just almost 10 cm.” Read the entire article at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-337-Twiggs. [ANS thanks Aviation Week Network for the above information.]

+ An innovative experiment flying aboard NASA’s Psyche mission just hit its first major milestone by successfully carrying out the most distant demonstration of laser communications. The tech demo could one day help NASA missions probe deeper into space and uncover more discoveries about the origin of the universe. The experiment beamed a laser encoded with data from far beyond the moon for the first time. The test data was sent from nearly 10 million miles (16 million kilometers) away and reached the Hale Telescope at the California Institute of Technology’s Palomar Observatory in Pasadena, California. Read the entire article at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-337-Laser. [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