In this edition:
* NASA Selects Three Hams for Artemis Mission
* TAPR/AMSAT Banquet to Be Held May 19
* AMSAT Discord Server Available
* Wordsmiths Wanted by AMSAT
* VUCC Satellite Standing April 2023
* INSPIRE.Sat 7 Launch Imminent
* No Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* 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-099 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 April 09
NASA Selects Three Hams for Artemis Mission
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the four astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term presence at the Moon for science and exploration through Artemis. The agencies revealed the crew members on Monday, April 3, during an event at Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The crew assignments are as follows: Commander Reid Wiseman, KF5LKT, Pilot Victor Glover, KI5BKC, Mission Specialist Christina Hammock Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, KF5LKU. They will work as a team to execute an ambitious set of demonstrations during the flight test.
Presently scheduled for November of 2024, the approximately 10-day Artemis II flight test will launch on the agency’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, prove the Orion spacecraft’s life-support systems, and validate the capabilities and techniques needed for humans to live and work in deep space.
The flight, set to build upon the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission completed in December, 2022 will set the stage for the first woman and first person of color on the Moon through the Artemis program, paving the way for future for long-term human exploration missions to the Moon, and eventually Mars. This is the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach.
This will be Wiseman’s second trip into space, serving previously as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for Expedition 41 from May through November 2014. Wiseman has logged more than 165 days in space, including almost 13 hours as lead spacewalker during two trips outside the orbital complex. He participated in ARISS contacts during the mission.
The mission will also be Glover’s second spaceflight, serving previously as pilot on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1, which landed May 2, 2021, after 168 days in space. As a flight engineer aboard the space station for Expedition 64, he contributed to scientific investigations, technology demonstrations, and participated in four spacewalks. He also made numerous ARISS school contacts from the ISS.
Koch also will be making her second flight into space on the Artemis II mission. She served as flight engineer aboard the space station for Expedition 59, 60, and 61. Koch set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with a total of 328 days in space and participated in the first all-female spacewalks.
Representing Canada, Hansen is making his first flight to space. A colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces and former fighter pilot, Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science in space science from Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, and a Master of Science in physics from the same institution in 2000, with a research focus on Wide Field of View Satellite Tracking. He was one of two recruits selected by CSA in May 2009 through the third Canadian Astronaut Recruitment Campaign and has served as Capcom in NASA’s Mission Control Center at Johnson and, in 2017, became the first Canadian to be entrusted with leading a NASA astronaut class, leading the training of astronaut candidates from the United States and Canada. Although a Canadian citizen, he holds a U.S. Amateur license and callsign.
[ANS thanks NASA 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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14th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet to Be Held May 19
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 banquet speaker will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Kohler Presidential Banquet Center is located at 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio – about 20 minutes away from the Greene County Fairgrounds.
Tickets ($60 each) may be purchased from the AMSAT store (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.
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
AMSAT Discord Server Available
The AMSAT IT Team has issued a reminder that one of several communication services that AMSAT-NA maintains for the greater amateur radio community is the AMSAT Discord server.
General information about the Discord server may be found at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-discord-server/ For those already familiar with Discord, the direct link to join the server is https://discord.com/invite/xbTXcPJHyt
Although often hidden in the background (QRN perhaps?), the AMSAT-NA IT Volunteer Team works very hard to maintain, and improve, services such as the Mailman lists (reflectors), the callsign e-mail forwarding service, the AMSAT-NA website, the TLE (Keps) server, the GitLab instance, and the Discord server. Together with other volunteers, the team does its best to deliver services that work for YOU.
Those who have an interest in volunteering for AMSAT-NA, and have Linux server administration, programming/DevOps experience, or other experience in IT, please contact the team at [email protected]. We would love to talk more about how you might contribute to our community.
[ANS thanks Matthew Alberti, KM4EXS, AMSAT IT Team for the above information]
Wordsmiths Wanted by AMSAT
Some hams have the skills to build satellites, others can code software apps. But even for those who aren’t the technical type, there are still ways to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
AMSAT News Service (ANS) is always eager to have volunteers as editors of the weekly bulletins. Editors gather news items related to amateur satellite operations and package them for distribution worldwide. The process requires attention to detail on matters of grammar, spelling, and style — but soldering or programming skills are not required, and the time commitment is flexible.
For more information, contact k0jm at amsat.org
[ANS thanks Mark Johns, K0JM, ANS Senior Editor, 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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VUCC Satellite Standing April 2023
The following is the VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for March 01, 2023 to April 01, 2023.
——————————————–
| Callsign | March | April |
|---|---|---|
| KO4MA | 1786 | 1933 |
| AA5PK | 1162 | 1282 |
| N8RO | 1173 | 1230 |
| VE1CWJ | 609 | 1000 |
| KF7R | 925 | 950 |
| N0JE | 879 | 883 |
| K9UO | 777 | 813 |
| NS3L | 785 | 800 |
| DL2GRC | 725 | 750 |
| N4UFO(EM95) | New | 730 |
| W8LR | 703 | 725 |
| EA2AA | 665 | 675 |
| KQ4DO | 600 | 633 |
| KG0D | 415 | 600 |
| KB1HY | 457 | 521 |
| WB7QXU | 400 | 451 |
| VA7LM | 104 | 400 |
| WA2FHJ | New | 321 |
| JG6CDH | 235 | 305 |
| VA3VGR | 209 | 302 |
| EA3TA | 200 | 301 |
| AG7NR | 200 | 250 |
| HB9RYZ | New | 248 |
| HC2FG | 154 | 239 |
| XE2YWH | 114 | 235 |
| JE1TNL | 150 | 201 |
| JA1QJI | 109 | 200 |
| WD9EWK(DM22) | 195 | 198 |
———————————————
Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.
BH8DKD is first VUCC Satellite holder from China and OM10
E29AHU is first VUCC Satellite holder from Thailand and NK93
N4UFO is first VUCC Satellite holder from EM34
PV8DX is first VUCC Satellite holder from FJ92
F6EQD is first VUCC Satellite holder from JN05
DL5KUA is first VUCC Satellite holder from JO53
[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information]
INSPIRE.Sat 7 Launch Imminent
The INSPIRE-Sat 7 satellite is scheduled to be launched on the SpaceX Transporter 7 mission on 11 April 2023 at 06:48 UTC. The INSPIRE-Sat 7 satellite is a university project carried out by the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (France) on behalf of LATMOS (UVSQ, Sorbonne University, Université Paris Saclay, CNRS).
This satellite is a demonstrator for experimenting new technologies with a strong involvement of students. This satellite allows the experimentation of miniaturized remote sensing sensors that could be used for multi-point observation of essential climate variables (ECV) and the ionosphere.
INSPIRE-Sat 7 carries :
* A 435.200 MHz telemetry channel with BPSK mode – GR3UH 9k6
* An FM transponder with an uplink of 145.830 MHz and a downlink of 435.200 MHz. The FM transponder is expected to be active at least twice a month, depending on the satellite power budget.
* The SPINO card that will be activated for experimentation
To receive the telemetry, a software has been developed: KissTool. It is available for Windows & Linux:
Linux: https://site.amsat-f.org/download/118791/?tmstv=1680945385
Windows : https://site.amsat-f.org/download/118784/?tmstv=1680945385
The user manual is available in French ( https://site.amsat-f.org/josast-kisstool/ ) and English ( https://code.electrolab.fr/xtof/josast/-/blob/27-new-application-for-spino/ApplicationKissTool/src/site/markdown/UserManual.md )
[ANS thanks Christophe Merceur, AMSAT-Francophone president, 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 April 6
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/
As of April 6, there are no additions or deletions to the weekly AMSAT-NA TLE distribution.
[ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, 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.
Completed:
Collège Saint-Anatoile, Salins-Les-Bains, France, telebridge via ON4ISS. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Steve Bowen, KI5BKB. The ARISS mentor is F6ICS. Contact was successful: Friday 2023-04-07 14:27:26 UTC 86 degrees elevation. Congratulations to the Collège Saint-Anatoile students, Steve, and mentor F6ICS!
Specific link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/live_stream?channel=UCy6st8UemV-88B0PbRlT5sw
Otherwise: School Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@technofg/streams
Vologda, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Dimitri Petelin. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Sat 2023-04-08 10:35 UTC
Upcoming
Kaliningrad, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Sunday 2023-04-09 11:20 UTC
Yekaterinburg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Wednesday 2023-04-12 09:05 UTC
Shchelkovo, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Andrey Fediaev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Wednesday 2023-04-12 10:35 UTC
Vyborg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Andrey Fediaev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Sat 2023-04-15 09:50 UTC
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 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.
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
On April 9 Doug, VA7LM, will be making a quick trip and traveling through CO55 and CO64, possibly others. Look for him after 1600z mostly linear sats. He will update via Twitter if he has coverage.
Ray, KN2K, hopes to be QRV from the FM28/FM29 gridline in Delaware on 11 April. Watch his Twitter and/or https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ for updates.
Jerry, W8LR, will rove in West Virginia, EM88, on 15 & 16 April:
2334z 15th IO-117 Asia, NA, SA, EU, AF, Eur-Asia
0335z 16th IO-117 SA, NA, AF, EU, Eur-Asia
1643z 16th RS-44 SA, NA, EU (ed: I do not have QRG info)
1729z 16th IO-117 SA, NA, EU, Eur-Asia
2150z 16th IO-117 AS, NA, SA, EU, AF, Eur-Asia
Log as W8LR/R
Nick, M1DDD will operate as MM1DDD/P on 18-22 April
IO74/IO75 18th
IO66/IO76 19th & 20th
IO67/IO77 21st
IO86 22nd
Watch Nick’s Twitter and/or https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/ for updates.
[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, has a few satellite presentations scheduled…
Omaha, Nebraska – 04/14
Tennessee – 04/20
Pennsylvania – 05/02
Ohio, tailored to young students and the ISS – 05/08
Great Britain – 05/11
Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let Clint know! He 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 the AMSAT Events page for the above information]
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Lockheed Martin announced a subsidiary called Crescent Space which will develop a lunar communications network called Parsec, starting with two 250kg spacecraft in lunar orbit. Details may be found at https://lmt.co/43hWWE6 (ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information)
+ The combination of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center hosted 57 launches in 2022, more than any other launch range in the world and more launches than any other country except China. For now, the level of launch activity at the Cape remains manageable. But warning signs are emerging. One is that the Cape is effectively full. The infrastructure to support those launch sites, such as power, commodities and roads, is aging. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)
+ Two Roscosmos cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut took a short ride around the space station inside the Soyuz MS-23 crew ship relocating it from the Poisk module to the Prichal docking module early Thursday, April 6. Commander Sergey Prokopyev guided the MS-23 to its new docking port flanked by flight engineers Dmitri Petelin and Frank Rubio. The relocation opens up Poisk’s airlock for future Roscosmos spacewalks in Orlan spacesuits and frees its docking port for the upcoming ISS Progress 84 resupply mission. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information)
+ Launch company Virgin Orbit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy April 4, having failed to achieve financial orbit after burning through more than $1 billion. (ANS thanks SpaceNews 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, Mark Johns, KØJM
k0jm [at] amsat.org