In this edition:
* AMSAT at Hamvention 2023
* VUCC Satellite Standings May 2023
* SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 5, 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
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ANS-127 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 May 7
AMSAT at Hamvention 2023
The Dayton Hamvention is coming May 19th-21st! AMSAT’s presence includes several events throughout the weekend and in with eight adjoining booths in Building 1. Highlighting the exhibit will be:
– SatPC32 software demonstrations
– The AMSAT CubeSat Simulator
– The AMSAT Youth Initiative / KidzSat
– AMSAT Engineering staff question and answer table
– OSCAR ground station for live satellite operations
– Annual Membership sign-up and renewals
– AMSAT President’s Club recognition
– AMSAT Board of Directors and Senior Officers Meet and Greet
– AMSAT Store offering AMSAT trinkets, books and Arrow Antennas
– And much more!
The interaction with AMSAT members, satellite operators, designers, and builders makes the whole experience a lot of fun. Meet or renew acquaintances, exchange operating tips, and find out what antennas, software and equipment other AMSAT members use. We currently expect many of AMSAT’s senior officers and board members to be there too.
Thursday, May 18th – Dinner at Tickets
The annual AMSAT “Dinner at Tickets” party will be held at Tickets Pub & Eatery on Thursday, May 18 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT. There is no program or speaker – just good conversation. Everyone is invited regardless of whether or not they helped with setup or plan to work in the booth. Tickets has a great selection of Greek and American food and great company! Food can be ordered from the menu; drinks (beer, wine, sodas and iced tea) are available at the bar.
Come as you are; no reservations required. Bring some friends and have a great time the night before Hamvention. Tickets Pub & Eatery is located at 7 W. Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324. (Telephone (937) 878-9022)
Friday, May 19th – TAPR/AMSAT Banquet
The 14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet will be held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 19th at 18:30 EDT. This dinner is always a highlight of the TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This year’s menu includes:
Cash Bar
Regular and Decaf Coffee, Hot & Iced Tea, Water
Appetizer
– Crudite Platter (with dip on the side)
Buffet
– Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus (Carved on site. Served with horseradish and au jus on the side)
– Santa Fe Chicken (with Pepper Cheese Jalapeno Hollandaise)
– Deep Fried Tempura Shrimp (with Tomato Lemon Aioli)
– Risotto Cake
– Fresh Asparagus
– Smashed Cauliflower
Served to the Table
– Strawberry Fields
– Assorted Dinner Rolls (Served with butter)
Dessert
– Assorted Layer Cake
– Cheesecake
Tickets ($60 each) may be purchased from the AMSAT store at https://www.amsat.org/product/2023-tapr-amsat-joint-hamvention-banquet-registration/. The banquet ticket purchase deadline is Friday, May 12th. Banquet tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the AMSAT booth. There will be no tickets to pick up at the AMSAT booth. Tickets purchased on-line will be maintained on a list with check-in at the door at the banquet center. Seating is limited to the number of meals reserved with the Kohler caterers based on the number of tickets sold by the deadline.
The Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio – about 20 minutes away from the Greene County Fairgrounds.
Saturday, May 20th – AMSAT Hamvention Forum
The AMSAT forum will be held from 1:10 PM – 2:10 PM in Forum Room 2. The forum will include updates on AMSAT’s operations, engineering, and Youth Initivative, and development programs.
Arrive early, grab a seat, take in some air conditioning and catch up on the latest AMSAT happenings!
Other Hamvention Events for Satellite Enthusiasts
Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum – Saturday, May 20 at 9:15 AM in Forum Room 2
AMSAT member Grace Papay (KE8RJU) will present on the topic of “Amateur Radio Satellites Near and Far”
Come support one of AMSAT’s youth ambassadors!
ARISS Events at Hamvention
ARISS will be joining in the Dayton Hamvention experience this year with a booth, a forum and four mini-forums. Dayton Hamvention is May 19-21 in Xenia, Ohio this year.
ARISS’ International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, will lead the main forum, “ARISS 2.0: The future vision for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station” on Saturday at 12:10 PM in Forum Room 2.
In December 1983, Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL, electrified the world via his ham communications from the Space Shuttle Columbia. Starting at Hamvention 2023, ARISS will spend a year celebrating 40 years of amateur radio on human spaceflight vehicles! Our new vision, ARISS 2.0, will expand ARISS youth education outcomes, ham-in space operations, flight hardware systems, and even our space platform (in addition to ISS, think commercial space stations and lunar operations). Learn what ARISS is doing to support ham radio operations on human spaceflight vehicles – now and over the next 40 years. Expect some surprise guests and new announcements.
The ARISS booth will be in building 4, the “Volta” building. Four mini-forums will be hosted in the booth area. Those include:
Friday – 10:00 AM: ARISS Educational Opportunities: SPARKing Interest in Amateur Radio in Teachers and Students
Presented by: Dan White (AD0CQ) ARISS-US Education Committee and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Valparaiso University
Learn how ARISS engages educators and students, including a demonstration of the SPARKI kit and STAR robot.
Friday – 2:00 PM: ARISS Engineering
Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering
Find out more about how ARISS integrates with the space program partners and new design concepts.
Saturday – 10:00 AM: ARISS How To – Intro to working the repeaters on the ISS –
Presented by: Randy Berger (WA0D), ARISS-USA Director of Engineering
Want to know how to get started making contact with and through the ISS or interested in becoming an ARISS technical mentor, find out more in this session.
Saturday – 2:00 PM – ARISS Post-Forum Q&A / Meet and Greet
Hosted by: Frank Bauer (KA3HDO) – ARISS International Chair and the ARISS team
Meet some of the team that makes things happen behind the scenes and get all your ARISS questions answered.
[ANS thanks AMSAT 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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VUCC Satellite Standings May 2023
VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for
April 01, 2023 to May 01, 2023.
| Callsign | April 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| WC7V | 1303 | 1351 |
| N8RO | 1230 | 1258 |
| KF7R | 950 | 975 |
| N0JE | 883 | 914 |
| K9UO | 813 | 828 |
| NS3L | 800 | 826 |
| WA5KBH | 775 | 807 |
| DL2GRC | 750 | 800 |
| F4BKV | 700 | 800 |
| KN2K | 701 | 750 |
| W8LR | 725 | 735 |
| WD9EWK (DM43) | 720 | 727 |
| WB7VUF | 510 | 555 |
| JK2XXK | 429 | 503 |
| OZ9AAR | 400 | 500 |
| N8MR | 452 | 499 |
| HP2VX | 476 | 481 |
| KO9A | 222 | 321 |
| IK3ITB | 200 | 300 |
| DL8GAM | 250 | 275 |
| K3HPA | 258 | 275 |
| JA1GZK | 205 | 256 |
| JE1TNL | 201 | 225 |
| N6PAZ | 177 | 201 |
| N9ZTS | 100 | 201 |
| WD9EWK (DM42) | 175 | 183 |
| JA6SZV | New | 152 |
| JI5USJ | 104 | 152 |
| LB2TG | New | 114 |
| BI1NJI | New | 109 |
| JR0GAS | New | 108 |
| JR8QFG | New | 105 |
| JI5RPT/1 | New | 101 |
Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.
LB2TG is first VUCC Satellite holder from JP33
BI1NJI is first VUCC Satellite holder from OM89
JR8QFG is first VUCC Satellite holder from QN03
JR0GAS no info de QRZ
[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, 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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SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023
Dear radio amateurs! We invite you to participate in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite!
Schedule:
Start of SSTV transmission: 07 May 2023 00:00 UTC;
End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC;
Frequency of MCA “ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY”
437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV;
Telemetry of the MSC “ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY” – https://r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/
Conditions: within 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable.
For image decoding, it is recommended to use RX-SSTV or Robot36 software. Received images must be in their original state and resolution.
Registration of an application for a diploma
An application for a diploma is sent to e-mail. mail [email protected] and should contain:
FULL NAME;
Call sign (if available, if not, indicate “no call sign”);
Date and time of receipt (UTC) of each image;
City and country of reception;
Return address for sending a paper version of the diploma (or a note that the diploma can be sent electronically)
Type of hardware and software used;
Accepted images;
Applications will be accepted during the duration of the program (May 07-12, 2023), as well as a day after the end of the broadcast – until May 14, 2023 00:00 UTC.
Please note that submitting an application means your consent to the processing of personal data specified in it.
Diplomas will be sent within 30 days after the deadline for applications, delivery to recipients will depend on the speed of postal services :).
PS There will be special prizes for those who accept all 6 images in good quality ;).
We wish you all good luck!
73! Team Sputniks!
ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY is NORAD CAT ID 47960, International Designation 2021-022AE
https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960
[ANS thanks R4UAB 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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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 5, 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/
The NanoRacks CubeSats Deployer-25 on board the International Space Station deployed six satellites on 24 April 2023
The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:
ARKSAT 1 NORAD Cat ID 56311 (IARU coordinated frequency 435.450 MHz).
AuroraSat NORAD Cat ID 56312 (IARU coordinated frequencies 437.875 MHz and 2428.000 MHz).
Ex-Alta 2 NORAD Cat ID 56313 (IARU coordinated frequency 436.705MHz).
LightCube NORAD Cat ID 56314 (IARU coordinated frequency 437.175 MHz).
NEUDOSE NORAD Cat ID 56315 (IARU coordinated frequency 436.050 MHz).
YukonSat NORAD Cat ID 56316 (IARU coordinated frequencies 437.875 MHz and 2428.000 MHz).
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Assistant 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.
Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:
No contacts currently scheduled
The crossband repeater continues to be active. 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.
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).
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC.
* Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops.
Service Module radios:
IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS – Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down)
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 12. OFF May 12 about 10:30 UTC. ON May 13 about 13:15 UTC.
* Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater 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
From Mike, N8MR:
I will be in EN84, EN85 and EN76 from Friday, May 26 thru Monday, May 29. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow antenna and SAT controller. Listening for Europe for eastern passes. All QSOs going to LoTW as N8MR.
Major Roves:
I post ’em as soon as I know about ’em. Just be aware that I still work roughly 60 hours a week. Tnx!
Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net.
[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.
+ Dayton Hamvention
May 19-21
Greene County Fair and Expo Center, 210 Fairground Road, Xenia 45385
https://hamvention.org/
+ TAPR/AMSAT Banquet
May 19, 2023
Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio
Reservations are required and available at the AMSAT Store
https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-at-hamvention/.
+ AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas
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. An email message received after a recent presentation:
“I really enjoyed Clint’s presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I’ve tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up.”
[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information]
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Four of the eight Tevel satellites were activated this weekend. The FM transponders on Tevel-3, Tevel-4, Tevel-6, and Tevel-7 were active for 24 hours. Stay tuned for future activations (Thanks to 4Z1DG)
+ Six days of SSTV from MKA ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite. The satellite will transmit 6 different images in Robot 72 mode SSTV starting May 7 0000 GMT and ending May 13 0000 GMT. Frequency is 437.850 MHz. Tracking at https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960. More details at https://r4uab.ru/2023/04/28/07-13-maya-2023-goda-planiruetsya-peredacha-sstv-so-sputnika-orbicraft-zorkiy/ (Thanks to AMSAT-UK & R4UAB)
+ Space.com recently published an article exploring the possiblity that the astronauts on Artemis 2 mission to orbit the moon, currently scheduled for late 2024, could utilize amateur radio. The article can be read at https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-moon-mission-ham-radio
+ AO-73 is currently transmitting a Fitter message from the Radio Society of Great Britain celebrating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on May 6th. The message reads “Have a wonderful day celebrating the coronation of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen – from RSGB via FUNcube1” (Thanks to AMSAT-UK)
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