2024 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet at Hamvention to be Held Friday May 17th
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
2024 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet at Hamvention to be Held Friday May 17th
The 15th annual AMSAT/TAPR Banquet will be held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 17th 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 Bill Reed, NX5R, AMSAT PACSAT Project Manager, who will highlight the forthcoming PACSAT digital communications payload.
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. The banquet ticket purchase deadline is Friday, May 10th. 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.
Menu
Set out as guests arrive
Crudite Platter with dip on the side
Dinner Buffet
Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au jus Carved on site. Served with horseradish and au jus on the side.
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 Contributing Editor,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] amsat.org
ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
AMSAT-DL Proposes Next Generation GEO/MEO Amateur Radio Payload
AMSAT-DL’s ERMINAZ Satellites Complete IARU Frequency Coordination
LoRa Digipeater Satellite from the U. S. Naval Academy Scheduled for 2025 Launch
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 29, 2024
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
AMSAT-DL Proposes Next Generation GEO/MEO Amateur Radio Payload
At the request of the IARU, the European Space Agency (ESA) is supporting an initiative to define a future amateur radio satellite payload in geostationary orbit. The implementation is to take place through collaborative cooperation between internal, industrial and amateur radio participants. This activity will consolidate the requirements of the amateur and commercial satellite industry, weigh up different payload options, address the future user segment, develop scenarios for the financing, procurement and operation of such a payload, and investigate possibilities for placement on geostationary platforms.
This past weekend, AMSAT-DL released their proposal. AMSAT-UK, along with the British Amateur Television Club, AMSAT-NA, and the UK Microwave Group previously made a separate proposal. AMSAT-DL’s proposal is written by the authors Kai Siebels, DH0SK and Matthias Bopp, DD1US. The proposal takes into account the technical requirements and needs of radio amateurs. Various aspects such as orbit, satellite and platform as well as payload are taken into account.
Among the possible orbits such as MEO, HEO and GEO, the GEO orbit has proven to be the most suitable due to the extensive experience with OSCAR-100. A good compromise for the orbit position would be at ~43 degrees West to also support Eastern European countries and most of North America.
A payload for amateur radio should allow the greatest possible scope for experiments on different bands. Six bands could be used for the uplink to enable experiments with different frequencies. The main uplink band is the 13 cm band, the main downlink band is the 3 cm band. All proposed band / NB transponder combinations can be implemented at the ground station with very reasonable effort.
A dedicated AMSAT (Amateur Radio) mission based on an ESA-supported Micro GEO provides opportunities for several additional experiments that support AMSAT’s education, science and development goals to inspire young people with amateur radio technology. Finally, such a mission could also provide an excellent platform for disaster/emergency communications directly via the GEO satellite transponders.
Micro GEO and QO-100
Micro GEO satellites are a new class of small geostationary communications satellites. They are around a tenth of the size of traditional geostationary satellites and typically measure just one cubic meter. This smaller size makes them significantly cheaper to manufacture and launch, allowing satellite operators to offer customized regional services or gap fillers that would not be financially feasible with large satellites.
The amateur radio payload “QO-100” on the Es’hail-2 geostationary satellite, is a groundbreaking platform for the amateur radio community as it represents the first geostationary payload for amateur radio. The exemplary collaboration between AMSAT-DL, QARS and commercial partners on this project to integrate amateur radio payloads into a commercial satellite is a sign of the ongoing cooperation between the amateur radio community and the commercial space industry. This synergy can open up new avenues for amateur radio projects in space. QO-100 serves as a bridge between traditional approaches and new possibilities, while remaining firmly rooted in the principles of amateur radio. Its presence in geostationary orbit is a triumph for the amateur radio community and a sign that amateur radio can continue to play an important role in the exploration and use of space.
SYNCART 2.0 on the Heinrich Hertz satellite
The Heinrich Hertz Satellite Mission (also known as H2Sat) is a national, geostationary communications and research satellite. It was planned by the Space Agency of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on behalf of the BMWi as part of the German government’s space strategy and serves both independent payloads (“hosted payloads”) and the in-orbit verification (IOV) of technologies as well as for research purposes.
The objectives of the amateur radio payload were as follows:
Development of the geostationary orbit for the amateur radio service
Communication resource for emergency and disaster radio (with low-power, small, simple technology)
In-orbit verification of SDX technologies
Promoting the spread of microwave technology
Gaining new insights by studying propagation conditions in the 76 GHz band for satellite applications
Provision of a signal for the calibration of antennas, converters and receivers, in particular for radio astronomical applications
Stimulating the acquisition of scientific and technical education, especially among schoolchildren and young people, by providing a permanently available satellite resource, e.g. for use in teaching, research and education
Acquisition of concrete knowledge and experience with satellite technologies and corresponding research opportunities in order to provide the space industry with highly qualified specialists.
The concept aimed to make efficient and effective use of any remaining H2Sat capacity.
The Heinrich Hertz feasibility study was completed in 2010. Planning phase B was carried out from 2011 to 2013. In July 2012, AMSAT-DL submitted its proposal for an amateur radio payload. Unfortunately, important positions on the antenna deck and with the payloads were already occupied at this point. There was also an approach for a Ka/Ka relaying transponder, but its use would have been limited to two small spot beams to northern Germany and southern Germany. At the time, this did not seem justifiable to our members and the amateur radio community in terms of the cost/benefit ratio. After it became clear that an amateur radio payload on the Heinrich Hertz satellite in the proposed form was not feasible, the proposal was finally withdrawn in September 2012.
Miraculously, however, a new window opened just a few months later! Initial talks and contacts were held as early as December 2012, which ultimately led to an amateur radio payload on the Es’hail-2 satellite, also known as Qatar-OSCAR 100 or QO-100. Es’hail-2/QO-100 was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on November 15, 2018. This project is a joint initiative of the Qatar Satellite Company, the Qatar Amateur Radio Society and AMSAT-DL. The satellite was built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and is located in a geostationary orbit at 26° East.
AMSAT-DL’s ERMINAZ Satellites Complete IARU Frequency Coordination
AMSAT-DL’S ERMINAZ satellites have completed frequency coordination with the IARU.
The ERMINAZ mission is a syndicated multi-PocketQube mission with a total of 7 PQs under the leadership of AMSAT-Germany, which also holds the launch contract with RFA under DLR support. The project is in collaboration between AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-EA (Spain), ESERO-Germany (Bochum Observatory) and Libre Space Foundation (Greece). The mission is to promote, advance and develop knowledge about space and amateur radio. ERMINAZ-1U & ERMINAZ-1V will transmit telemetry, images, provide a digipeat/store/forward functionally to all radio amateurs worldwide. ERMINAZ-1U will operate in the UHF amateur satellite band, while ERMINAZ-1V will operate in the VHF amateur satellite band. Only non-proprietary, open source and documented protocols, accessible to radio amateurs, will be used. This includes CCSDS telemetry, CW beacon, SSDV images, digipeater, AX.25 und possibly other modes. Telemetry and sensor data from radiation sensor and triaxial accelerometer / gyroscope / magnetometer will allow any radio amateur to participate by extending his knowledge about space. In addition, a digipeater and store & forward function will allow licensed radio amateurs to use ERMINAZ-1U/1V as a relay to communicate with other radio amateurs worldwide. The mission will conduct several experiments with different types of modulations, bandwidths, data rates and framing schemes: GFSK with data rate from 9600 up to 19200 GFSK with data rate from 9600 up to 19200 bits/s GMSK with data rate from 9600 up to 19200 bits/s BPSK with data rate from 9600 up to 19200 bits/s QPSK data rate from 19200 up to 38400 bits/s Frames will using three different framing schemes configurable upon the mission requirements: CSDS (residual or suppressed carrier) or IEEE 802.15.4 (preamble, sync) or AX.25. Planning a launch by RFA-Rocket Factory Augsburg AG from SaxaVord Spaceport into a 500km polar orbit not earlier than August 2024 together with UNNE-1 (HADES-E) and MARIA-G (HADES-F) from AMSAT-EA and QUBIK 5 from LibreSpace.
Up and downlinks on 145.965 MHz (ERMINAZ-1V) and 435.775 MHz (ERMINAZ-1U) have been coordinated.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL and the IARU for the above information]
LoRa Digipeater Satellite from the U. S. Naval Academy Scheduled for 2025 Launch
A 3U CubeSat. USNA-16 will provide UHF LoRa digipeater service to the amateur radio service. Additionally, USNA-16 is a university-student educational amateur radio mission. It will test a modular CubeSat design and integration, as well as the efficacy of student-designed passive magnetic pointing scheme for S-band operation. INCHsat payload will provide UHF service to the amateur radio service. In addition INCHsat payload is a university, student lead, educational amateur radio mission. It will test custom designed and built components. Specifically it will test a custom on-board computer, a custom radio (based off the OpenLST), a custom motherboard, and a custom antenna deployment system. USNA-16 is a student educational amateur radio mission. It will test a modular CubeSat design and integration, as well as student-designed passive magnetic pointing scheme. TT&C will occur at UHF (437.235 MHz, will be designated as UHF-TTC in this document) and data downlinks will occur at 2.42GHz, both within the amateur bands and both using the LoRa protocol. This will be the first satellite launched by USNA using LoRa, with a potential future application of APRS over LoRa. USNA-16 will also provide UHF LoRa digipeater service at 437.235 MHz to facilitate communication between amateur operators. INCHSat is a student educational amateur radio mission built by students at the University of Maryland, including the licensee, KC3VBJ. There are no paid employees. The main goal is to enhance the aerospace skills of students in a professional context. The students are learning about satellites and space mission development and space communication by designing, building, and launching a payload onboard a cube satellite. The payload consists of a custom onboard computer, the radio, basic sensors, motherboard, and an antenna deployment system. Communication with the payload will be performed on the 437 MHz band from a ground station that will be constructed on the UMD campus. This payload radio (437MHz) will be designated as UHF-PLD in this document. USNA-16 will have a LoRa digipeater to serve the amateur satellite community. LoRa offers low-power beyond-line-of-sight digital UHF communications to the amateur community. Additionally, USNA-16 is a student educational amateur service mission that communicates on amateur frequencies. This will be the first satellite launched by USNA using the LoRa protocol, with a potential future application of APRS over LoRa. INCHsat payload is for the purpose of the training of UMD students in the construction and development of aerospace components. It also tests the components that we have developed on our own for future missions and research purposes with no commercial benefit. INCHsat payload will have a radio based on the open source OpenLST from Planet Labs to serve the amateur satellite community. INCHsat payload is also a student educational amateur service mission that will be communicating data obtained on amateur frequencies. Pending the mission success the code and schematics of the components used will be published as a cheaper alternative for amateur teams looking to launch a cube satellite. Proposing these downlinks UHF-TTC, 437.235 MHz, U/D, LoRa protocol @ 3.42 kbps data rate and on S-band, 2.42 GHz, LoRa protocol @ 60 kbps data rate. UHF LoRa Digipeater: 437.235 MHz UHF-PLD : Frequency range is 430-445 MHz GSFK-2 @ 7416 baud protocol. Planning an NG STP-29A launch from Vandenberg in Jan 2025 into a 500 km 60 degree inclination orbit with 10 CubeSats to orbit as part of the OSP-4 program, with a total approximate mass of 400kg. Other university CubeSats on STP-29A include AggieSat-6, Auris, MOCI and INCA-2. More info at https://www.usna.edu/SSEL/Programs/index.php#nass
Coordination for downlinks on 437.235 MHz and 2420 MHz has been provided.
[ANS thanks the U.S Naval Academy and the IARU for the above information]
The 2024 Coins Are Here Now!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 29, 2024
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 following satellite has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:
XW-2E NORAD Cat ID 40909 Decayed from orbit on or about 28 March 2024
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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.
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, direct via NN4ER
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Loral O’Hara KI5TOM, Matthew Dominick KCØTOR, Jeanette Epps KF5QNU, or Mike Barratt KD5MIJ
The ARISS mentor is AJ9N
Contact is go for: Wed 2024-04-03 15:22:17 UTC 34 deg
Collège Théodore Monod, Gagny, France, direct via TM2ISS
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Loral O’Hara KI5TOM, Jeanette Epps KF5QNU, Matthew Dominick KCØTOR, or Mike Barratt KD5MIJ
The ARISS mentor is F6ICS
Contact is go for: Thu 2024-04-04 14:51:07 UTC 55 deg
Volga State University, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Aleksandr Grebyonkin RZ3DSE
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Sun 2024-04-07 09:20 UTC
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
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.
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.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
Upcoming Satellite Operations
Quick Hits:
Jay Stephenson, WA1JAY, pays a visit to Paradise Isl. from March 15 to April 2. QRV as C6A/WA1JAY on HF (SSB, FT4/8) and via FM satellites. QSL via ClubLog OQRS, LoTW.
Major Roves:
NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND SAT DXPEDITION 2024
First bits from TM4J…!
Additionally, F4DXV will be QRV for RS-44 at 1227z on 1st April, listening for NA, Caribbean, and SA. No QRG info at the moment.
F4DXV Jérôme (@F4DXV) and EA4NF Philippe (@EA4NF_SAT) announce that they will be actívating Noirmoutier island EU-064 IN86 from April 1 to 4, 2024 with the special callsign TM4J
In an exciting initiative, Jérôme F4DXV and Philippe EA4NF are preparing for an exceptional expedition to the island of Noirmoutier from 1 to 4 April 2024. Bearing the special call sign TM4J, this experienced team will devote themselves entirely to exploring satellite possibilities, offering a unique opportunity to radio enthusiasts the world over.
This international expedition will focus entirely on the LEO, GEO (QO-100) and MEO (GREENCUBE IO-117) satellites, with a variety of modes and operators. Jérôme and Philippe, experts in the field of portable satellite communications, will provide 24-hour coverage over several days, offering an unrivalled experience from this picturesque island in the Vendée.
This International DXpedition is the 1st 100% SAT from this French island.
Jérôme F4DXV:
120 DXCC LEO SAT
6 international DX expeditions by satellite
24 world distance records on LEO SAT
Philippe EA4NF:
126 DXCC LEO SAT
16 international DX expeditions by satellite
1 world distance record on LEO SAT
Captivating videos of their performances are available on YouTube, offering a glimpse of their expertise in amateur satellite communications in portable situations.
The main objective of this expedition is to maximise contacts with various countries during the 3-day activation, while offering operators around the world the rare opportunity to contact the highly coveted IN86 grid, in addition to accumulating DXCC and IOTA contacts.
Funded entirely by the two operators, the expedition will benefit from state-of-the-art technical resources, enabling uninterrupted activity 24 hours a day.
This initiative also aims to raise awareness of amateur radio among the general public, by highlighting satellite communication both to visitors on site and through the media.
Jérôme and Philippe will be happy to answer any questions you may have about amateur radio communication via satellite.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, for the above information]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an 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
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.
Dayton Hamvention 2024
Friday May 17th through Sunday May 19th, 2024
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
120 Fairground Road
Xenia, OH 45385 https://hamvention.org
[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information]
Satellite Shorts from All Over
+ Shields up! On October 19, 1989, a monstrous X13 class solar flare triggered a geomagnetic storm so strong that auroras lit up the skies worldwide the following day. Had you been flying around the Moon at that time, you would have absorbed a dose that would most likely kill you within a month or so. This is why the Orion spacecraft that is supposed to take humans on a Moon fly-by mission this year has a heavily shielded storm shelter for the crew. But shelters like that aren’t sufficient for a flight to Mars. To obtain protection comparable to what we enjoy on Earth would require hundreds of tons of material, and that’s simply not possible in orbit. The primary alternative—using active shields that deflect charged particles just like the Earth’s magnetic field does—was first proposed in the 1960s. Today, we’re finally close to making it work. Fascinating full article at https://bit.ly/3PANp67 (ANS thanks ARS Technica for the above information.)
+ Not an April Fool’s joke: The U.S. Army has conducted a series of experiments, beginning in 1904 and continuing into the 1970s, on using trees as shortwave antennas. “It would seem that living vegetation may play a more important part in electrical phenomena than has been generally supposed. If, as indicated… in these experiments, the earth surface is already generously provided with efficient antennas which we have but to utilize for communications.” For complete details on how to turn the oak in your yard into a radiator for the 60 meter band, there’s a 55-page scientific paper at https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0742230.pdf (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.)
+ I’ve been workin’ on the railroad: Northrop Grumman Corporation was selected this month by DARPA to further develop the concept of building a moon-based railroad network as part of the broader 10-year Lunar Architecture Capability Study. The envisioned lunar railroad network could transport humans, supplies and resources for commercial ventures across the lunar surface. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.)
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 is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
ARISS 40th Anniversary Celebration Held at Kennedy Space Center
AMSAT-Francophone Hosts 7th Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) March 16th and 17th
VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of March 1, 2024
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 1, 2024
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
ARISS 40th Anniversary Celebration Held at Kennedy Space Center
ARISS held their 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Positive Impact of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight at Kennedy Space Center on February 22-24.
Highlights of the event included a surprise live telebridge contact with the ISS via K6DUE where students present at the conference were able to ask questions of Astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli aboard the ISS.
It was also announced that the repaired HamTV module will launch on the SpaceX-30 resupply mission, scheduled for launch on March 12th. HamTV sends a 2.3 GHz amateur television video signal from the ISS to support student contacts and other projects.
Discussions were held regarding the Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) initiative with plans for amateur radio aboard Lunar Gateway. Teams are currently working with spectrum planners for frequencies between 2.4 and 10.5 GHz and the CAVIAR prototype on-station radio was demonstrated.
Lou McFadin, W5DID, received a special achievement award. Lou has been active in amateur radio in human spaceflight since STS-9.
The keynote speaker for the weekend was Richard Garriott, W5KWQ. His conference keynote was a retrospective of his father’s amateur radio efforts entitled “Owen Garriott, W5LFL, Ham Radio Pioneer” and he also delieved a banquet keynote entitled “Exploration Endeavors in Space: Experiences and Leadership as a Private Astronaut and in Space Communication in LEO, to the Moon and Beyond.”
Stay tuned to ANS for further reports from this event.
[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]
AMSAT-Francophone Hosts 7th Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) March 16th and 17th
The AMSAT-Francophone is organizing the seventh Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) on March 16 and 17, 2024 in Nanterre. This event, held within the framework of its general assembly, aims to bring together both amateur radio satellite users and the designers of these satellites (whether they are amateurs, students, or academics). The goal is to share and exchange ideas about their passion and projects.
Here are the formats of activities that will be offered during these two days:
Conferences: These will last between 20 to 30 minutes.
Working sessions on predefined topics.
Unconference, where you get to define the topic.
Admission to the conferences is free, and on-site catering will be available for your convenience.
In addition, here are some additional details:
More than 20 conferences will be part of the program.
Participatory moments will take place (in a Grid format).
Over 17 speakers will share their knowledge and experiences.
The conferences will be broadcast on QO100 and Twitch
[ANS thanks AMSAT-Francophone for the above information]
The 2024 Coins Are Here Now!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of March 1, 2024
VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
February 01, 2024 to March 01, 2024
Call
1-Feb
1-Mar
WC7V
1457
1550
AA5PK
1426
1450
N8RO
1423
1444
DF2ET
1200
1300
MI6GTY
970
1201
N0JE
1100
1175
KF7R
1100
1128
F4BKV
1000
1100
VE6WQ
814
1007
YO2CMI
820
1003
WI7P
882
975
N8JCM
917
952
JK2XXK
503
903
EA2AA
883
892
KQ4DO
853
880
KK4YEL
674
728
N8MR
675
684
JG6CDH
605
677
VE7PTN
301
635
IK3ITB
500
604
LA6OP
458
600
N7ZO
501
600
N3CAL
525
580
DL6KBG
500
550
VE4MM
536
550
WB7QXU
500
550
HP2VX
496
500
I3BUI
New
500
JA1GZK
435
500
F6EQD
311
420
PA7RA
300
408
ZS2BK
305
405
KH6WI
300
400
N6PAZ
369
386
JI5USJ
301
355
LA9KY
New
347
K6VHF
276
300
K7OGW
New
300
DL5KUA
128
266
KB9DAK
171
255
JF3MKC
200
250
BX1AD
New
237
KB2MFS
New
215
PU5DDC
200
213
N2WLS
104
205
W6CZ
103
200
WD9EWK (DM42)
183
189
7J1ADJ
New
164
KJ7SXR
New
151
N4UFO
New
150
BD8CBU
New
132
KA9CFD
New
126
HB9BIN
New
119
BI1QGX
New
102
N2YZH
New
101
AA0K
New
100
AG1A
New
100
LZ3SV
New
100
VK5DG
New
100
Congratulations to the new VUCC holders!
LZ3SV is first VUCC Satellite holder from Bulgaria and KN21
BX1AD is first VUCC Satellite holder from Taiwan and PL04
KJ7SXR is first VUCC Satellite holder from CN86
HB9BIN is first VUCC Satellite holder from JN37
LA9KY is first VUCC Satellite holder from JP65
BI1QGX is first VUCC Satellite holder from ON80
7J1ADJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from PL36
VK5DG is first VUCC Satellite holder from QF02
DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
February 01, 2024 to March 01, 2024
Call
1-Feb
1-Mar
OE9DGV
210
212
SM3NRY
171
174
G4WFQ
143
173
RA3S
101
161
YO2KHK
151
156
OZ9AAR
151
153
DK9JC
100
152
ZS4TX
128
152
UX0FF
135
147
YO2RR
138
142
F6AOJ
129
139
SP3AU
137
138
PA7RA
113
133
IK5CBE
New
131
IW7DOL
122
127
K8DP
122
125
XE1MEX
115
122
FG8OJ
114
116
LA0FA
109
112
UW7LL
New
107
NS3L
100
104
EA5RM
101
103
DL5KUA
New
101
AC9O
New
100
Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders!
IK5CBE is first DXCC Satellite holder from JN53
DL5KUA is first DXCC Satellite holder from JO53
[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information]
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 1, 2024
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 following satellite has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:
IT-SPINS NORAD Cat ID 49017 Decayed from orbit on or about 25 February 2024
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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.
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.
“IES Pedro Simón” Abril High School, Alcaraz, Spain, telebridge via K6DUE
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Loral O’Hara KI5TOM
The ARISS mentor is IKØUSO
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
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.
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.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
Upcoming Satellite Operations
Quick Hits:
From…me! (K5ZM) I’ll be heading back to SGU for some sorely needed R & R and will be there from Saturday, 2 Mar through Saturday, 9 Mar and leaving on the morning of the 10th. Rove-wise, the main objectives are reactivations of the DM46/DM47 & DM56/DM57 gridlines, plus a trip just a bit farther south for the DM44/DM45 gridline -that will be new /r for me. Given the windshield time involved, I’m thinking these will take the form of a Mon/Wed/Fri scenario, but that’s not set in stone. I don’t necessarily care about the order in which I do them. Let me know your thoughts. I’ll probably hit DM36 (and of course DM37) and maybe another grid or two in between.
Major Roves:
NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND SAT DXPEDITION 2024
F4DXV Jérôme (@F4DXV) and EA4NF Philippe (@EA4NF_SAT) announce that they will be actívating Noirmoutier island EU-064 IN86 from April 1 to 4, 2024 with the special callsign TM4J
In an exciting initiative, Jérôme F4DXV and Philippe EA4NF are preparing for an exceptional expedition to the island of Noirmoutier from 1 to 4 April 2024. Bearing the special call sign TM4J, this experienced team will devote themselves entirely to exploring satellite possibilities, offering a unique opportunity to radio enthusiasts the world over.
This international expedition will focus entirely on the LEO, GEO (QO-100) and MEO (GREENCUBE IO-117) satellites, with a variety of modes and operators. Jérôme and Philippe, experts in the field of portable satellite communications, will provide 24-hour coverage over several days, offering an unrivalled experience from this picturesque island in the Vendée.
This International DXpedition is the 1st 100% SAT from this French island.
Jérôme F4DXV:
120 DXCC LEO SAT
6 international DX expeditions by satellite
24 world distance records on LEO SAT
Philippe EA4NF:
126 DXCC LEO SAT
16 international DX expeditions by satellite
1 world distance record on LEO SAT
Captivating videos of their performances are available on YouTube, offering a glimpse of their expertise in amateur satellite communications in portable situations.
The main objective of this expedition is to maximise contacts with various countries during the 3-day activation, while offering operators around the world the rare opportunity to contact the highly coveted IN86 grid, in addition to accumulating DXCC and IOTA contacts.
Funded entirely by the two operators, the expedition will benefit from state-of-the-art technical resources, enabling uninterrupted activity 24 hours a day.
This initiative also aims to raise awareness of amateur radio among the general public, by highlighting satellite communication both to visitors on site and through the media.
Jérôme and Philippe will be happy to answer any questions you may have about amateur radio communication via satellite.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, for the above information]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an 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
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.
Dayton Hamvention 2024
Friday May 17th through Sunday May 19th, 2024
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
120 Fairground Road
Xenia, OH 45385 https://hamvention.org
[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information]
Satellite Shorts from All Over
+ Longtime satellite operator and AMSAT member George Carr, WA5KBH, became a silent key on Sunday, February 25, 2024. His obituary can be found at https://www.johnsonfuneralhome.net/obits/deacon-george-k-carr-ii/. George was a frequent and friendly presence on amateur satellites for many years. AMSAT extends our condolences to George’s family and friends.
+ Bob Heil, K9EID, became a silent key this past week after a battle with cancer. From the Heil Facebook page:
“Our beloved founder, Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID, is now a Silent Key. Bob fought a valiant, year-long battle with cancer, and passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Bob’s lifelong passion for amateur radio was clear to everyone involved in the hobby. Everything Bob did for the betterment and growth of amateur radio – from his instructional handbooks and countless presentations to his support of the ARRL and youth programs – was based on the foundation and spirit of service. Bob was an Elmer to all of us. While Bob’s presence will dearly be missed, his impact on the hobby and everyone in it will forever be felt. On behalf of Bob to all ham radio operators worldwide, 73.”
Dr. Heil was a longtime friend of AMSAT and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.
(ANS thanks Heil for the above information.)
+ After spending over a decade on a mission in space, a defunct 5,000 pound satellite returned to Earth on Feb. 21, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean somewhere between Alaska and Hawaii. After tracking the dead satellite for most of the day, the European Space Agency confirmed the satellite had returned to earth by about 19:30 UTC. ERS-2 launched in 1995 and was initially planned to serve the ESA for three years. However, it remained in operation until 2011, providing data for over 5,000 projects, including tracking Earth’s shrinking polar ice, sea levels and atmospheric make-up. The majority of the 2.5 ton satellite disintegrated in Earth’s atmosphere, though remaining debris likely landed in the north Pacific. (ANS thanks USA Today for the above information.)
+ The International Space Station (ISS) took more than a quarter-century, 42 space launches, and $150 billion to build. Voyager Space is cooperating with multiple companies and space agencies, including Europe’s Airbus, American defense contractor Northrop Grumman, and — intriguingly — Hilton Hotels, to build a “Starlab” commercial space station to replace the aging ISS. On Jan. 31, the Starlab space station team announced that it had hired SpaceX to launch its entire Starlab space station to Low Earth Orbit “in a single mission prior to the decommissioning of the International Space Station.” SpaceX will use its new Starship megarocket for this mission. Furthermore, “Starlab will … be fully outfitted on the ground, and ready to permanently host four crew members in LEO to conduct microgravity research and advanced scientific discovery,” say the companies. (ANS thanks Yahoo! Finance and the Motley Fool for the above information.)
+ India has unveiled four Air Force pilots who have been shortlisted to travel on the country’s maiden space flight scheduled for next year. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send three astronauts to an orbit of 400km and bring them back after three days. India’s space agency, ISRO, has been carrying out a number of tests to prepare for the flight. The officers were introduced as Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. If it succeeds, India will become only the fourth country to send a human into space after the Soviet Union, the U.S. and China. (ANS thanks the BBC for the above information.)
+ SLIM, the wrong-side-up Japanese lander, which had been hibernating through the two-week-long, -130 °C lunar night and the following week of unfavorable illumination angles (due to its aforementioned tipsy state), has somewhat surprisingly responded to commands from JAXA. The mission was not originally designed to survive the frigid night time temperatures. However, in a bit of situational irony, the agency had to shut the lander down again almost immediately due to overheating of the communications equipment in the 100 °C+ lunar mid-day. (ANS thanks the Orbital Index for the above information.)
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 is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV-1) Amateur Telemetry Received
AMSAT CubeSatSim Beta Release – v1.3
VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of February 1, 2024
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 2, 2024
Request to Reconsider Decommissioning of IO-117 Under Evaluation by Italian Space Agency
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
After just over six years in orbit, Fox-1D, designated as AMSAT-OSCAR 92 (AO–92), likely re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on February 3, 2024 (Space-Track had not issued the final decay message as of the time of this writing.)
AO-92 was a 1U CubeSat developed and built by AMSAT. It carried a single-channel transponder for mode U/v in FM and also had an L-band converter (the AMSAT L-band downshifter experiment), which allowed the FM transponder to be switched to an uplink in the 23 cm band.
In addition to the transponders, the satellite carried the following scientific and technical payloads:
High Energy Radiation CubeSat (HERCI) built by the University of Iowa
Camera Experiment built by Virginia Tech
MEMS GYRO Experiment built by Penn State-Erie
The satellite had a single whip antenna for the 70 cm and 23 cm bands (uplink), as well as an antenna for the 2m band (downlink).
AO-92 was launched on January 12, 2018 at 03:59 UTC on an Indian PSLV XL rocket, along with the main payloads Cartosat-2F, NovaSAR-S, and 31 other small satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, India. At 05:17 UTC, the antennas were deployed over the North Pole and the satellite began to operate. At 05:28 UTC the first telemetry was received.
On the 03:25 UTC pass on January 26, 2018, AMSAT Vice President – Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, announced that AO–92 had been commissioned and formally turned the satellite over to AMSAT Operations. AMSAT Vice President – Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, then declared that AO–92 was open for amateur use.
Rick Behma, VE4AMU, working AO-92 in Mode L/v with a Kenwood TM-941 mobile transceiver and Comet CYA-1216E yagi crossed with 2 meter Arrow II elements.
In addition to a very popular U/v transponder, the satellite provided a couple of unique capabilities. First was the L-band downshifter experiment, which was generally activated for 24 hours each Sunday while the satellite was able to support it. Pre-launch estimates suggested that approximately 100 watts ERP would be required to access the satellite, but much lower power outputs proved to be usable. Many stations operated through the satellite with radios such as the Alinco DJ-G7T at 1 watt of output into handheld antennas of between between 10 and 16 elements. At least one station reported accessing the satellite with just a simple whip antenna on 23 cm.
The camera, developed by students at Virginia Tech, also proved to be popular and delivered many good pictures, with the last photos received on September 19, 2020. An archive of all of the photos captured by ground stations can be found at https://www.amsat.org/tlm/showImages.php?id=4.
The distance record on AO-92’s U/v mode was 5,011 km – a transatlantic QSO between F4DXV and VE1VOX that took place on August 10, 2020. The record via the L/v mode was 4,202 km between OA4/XQ3SA and XE1MEX on June 3, 2020.
By early 2021, the aging NiCd cells – having been purchased in the early 2010s along with the rest of the Fox-1 battery cells – had degraded to the point where the satellite was entering safe mode on every eclipse. It was rarely operational in recent months. The transponder was occasionally turned on, but usually defaulted into “Safe Mode” at the next eclipse. The last telemetry frame was received from the satellite on October 27, 2023 at 01:36 UTC.
By every measure, AO–92 was a tremendously successful amateur radio satellite, providing educational and research benefits to AMSAT’s university partners, as well as providing several years of reliable FM communication for amateurs. Its useful life far exceeded the average operational lifespan for commercial or educational CubeSats.
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, for the above information]
The First Amateur Radio Station on the Moon
A rendering of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on the lunar surface. [Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, image]The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully landed their Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on January 19, 2024. Just before touchdown, SLIM released two small lunar surface probes, LEV-1 and LEV-2.
LEV-2 collects data while moving on the lunar surface, and LEV-1 receives the data.
The JAXA Ham Radio Club (JHRC), JQ1ZVI, secured amateur radio license JS1YMG for LEV-1, which has been transmitting Morse code on 437.41 MHz since January 19. The probe uses a 1 W UHF antenna with circular polarization and is transmitting “matters related to amateur business.”
Radio amateurs have been busy analyzing JS1YMG’s signal, with Daniel Estévez’s, EA4GPZ, blog introducing the method and extraction results for demodulating Morse code from the signal, as well as extracting the code string.
It’s unclear how long signals will be heard. JAXA has said that SLIM was not designed to survive a lunar night, which lasts about 14 days, and is due to return in a few days.
SLIM was launched on September 6, 2023, and landed on January 19, 2024, with the mission of analyzing the composition of rocks to aid research about the origin of the moon. SLIM’s landing made Japan the fifth country to achieve a soft touchdown on the moon. The landing was achieved with exceptional precision — within 180 feet of its targeted touchdown location.
[ANS thanks ARRL News for the above information]
The 2024 Coins Are Here Now!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV–1) Amateur Telemetry Received
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed on January 20, 2024, that the Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV–1), a small robot deployed from the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), successfully conducted activities on the lunar surface. The telemetry data were sent directly from the small robot.
According to telemetry data, after deployment from SLIM, LEV–1 executed planned leaping movements and direct communication with ground stations, including inter-robot test radio wave data transmission from the Transformable Lunar Robot (LEV-2, nicknamed “SORA-Q”). On the other hand, image acquisition on the lunar surface has not been confirmed as of now.
Currently, LEV–1 has completed its planned operational period on the lunar surface, depleted its designated power, and is in a standby state on the lunar surface. While the capability to resume activity exists contingent on solar power generation from changes in the direction of the sun, efforts will be maintained to continue receiving signals from LEV–1.
Both LEV–1 and LEV-2 have become Japan’s first lunar exploration robots. Additionally, the small LEV–1 with a mass of 2.1 kg (including a 90g communication device), achieved successful direct communication with Earth from the moon. This is considered as the world’s smallest and lightest case of direct data transmission from approximately 380,000 kilometers away.
Furthermore, the accomplishment of LEV–1‘s leaping movements on the lunar surface, inter-robot communication between LEV–1 and LEV-2, and fully autonomous operations represent groundbreaking achievement. It would be regarded as a valuable technology demonstration for future lunar explorations, and the acquired knowledge and experience will be applied in upcoming missions.
Moreover, the transmission of UHF band radio waves from LEV–1 as part of outreach efforts has encouraged participation from amateur radio operators globally, and we have been receiving reports of successful signal receptions. This initiative provided an opportunity for the public to be directly engaged in lunar exploration missions. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the LEV–1 mission.
[ANS thanks the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Daniel Estevez, EA4GPZ/M0HXM, for the above information]
AMSAT CubeSatSim Beta Release – v1.3
You might have heard about it or seen it at Hamvention or Symposium, but the official release of the new Beta CubeSatSim hardware and software is finally here!!
The new beta PCB board set v1.3 is shown in Figure 1, the new board stack is shown in Figure 2, and the new frame and solar panels is in Figure 3.
Figure 1. AMSAT CubeSatSim Beta PCB Board Set. From left to right, battery board, STEM Payload board, and Solar board (the replacement for the Main board)
Figure 2. AMSAT CubeSatSim Beta Board Stack
Figure 3. AMSAT CubSatSim Beta Frame and Solar Panels
Here are some links to information about the Beta release:
The AMSAT CubeSatSim is a low-cost, fully functional open source model of a CubeSat nano-satellite. It has the following features:
Working solar panels and rechargeable batteries
Multi-channel voltage, current, and temperature telemetry transmitted in the Amateur Radio UHF band generated by a Raspberry Pi Zero single board computer
Telemetry decoding using AMSAT’s FoxTelem software or APRS software
STEM Payload board with Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller with sensors
Tape measure dipole or SMA antenna with integrated Low Pass Filter
3D printed frame
Here is a summary of the changes with the new beta hardware and software:
New FM transceiver module for better frequency stability and simple command and control receiver to change telemetry modes using RF
More modern and cheaper Raspberry Pi Pico micro controller on STEM Payload board
SSTV camera images now display callsign and battery status overlay
Can be modified to fly as a balloon payload with 500mW FM output for SSTV, APRS, or CW transmissions with software support on Pico for a serial GPS module
Lower parts cost and easier to source. All parts can now be sourced from electronics distributors and Amazon including easy to find solar panels. New BOM uses Octopart electronic part inventory site with one click distributor ordering (https://CubeSatSim.org/bom-beta)
Redesigned for blue INA219 voltage and current sensors instead of more expensive purple ones
Battery board now has integrated voltage and current sensor
Simpler electrical power system with no boost converter or charge control modules
Kits can be built with through hole parts except for a few surface mount parts. Fully assembled boards will hopefully be available in the future using SMT parts
Transmit and receive frequencies easily configurable from default 434.9 MHz and 435 MHz
During this beta period, we ask for your help in testing the new hardware and software and making sure that all the instructions and documentation are accurate. To help with this, I am pleased to announce that past purchasers of the CubeSatSim v1 PCB board sets are eligible for a free beta v1.3.2 set of PCB boards. Just email me ku2y at arrl.net! I will verify the order and ship you a new set of 3 blank boards. The boards will have the surface mount components already mounted. The first one hundred who contact me in the next three months will be eligible to receive them. For other orders, you will be able to choose between the v1 boards or the new beta v1.3.2 boards.
73,
Alan Johnston, PhD
KU2Y
AMSAT Vice President for Educational Relations
P.S. AMSAT has CubeSatSim Loaners available to ship to your event or presentation or STEM outreach activity – just contact me if you have an upcoming event email at ku2y at arrl.net or on social media at @[email protected]
[ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President – Educational Relations for the above information]
VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of February 1, 2024
VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
January 01, 2024 to February 01, 2024
Call
1-Jan
1-Feb
WC7V
1451
1457
N8RO
1401
1423
W5CBF
1224
1326
DL5GAC
New
1300
DF2ET
1102
1200
KF7R
1075
1100
N0JE
1075
1100
N3GS
986
1038
OZ9AAR
900
1000
N8JCM
New
917
EA2AA
875
883
KQ4DO
827
853
W8LR
825
841
W2GDJ
705
822
FG8OJ
737
801
VU2LBW
603
751
WD9EWK (DM43)
734
736
JL1SAM
601
700
N8MR
658
675
AF5CC
646
651
JG6CDH
553
605
N6UTC
551
600
WB7VUF
555
572
N5EKO
500
550
N3CAL
480
525
F6GLJ
400
501
N7ZO
350
501
DL6KBG
331
500
SA0UNX
362
463
LA6OP
New
458
AD2DD
356
403
KF2T
111
399
N6PAZ
350
369
JH8RZJ
New
328
AG4W
161
314
JI5USJ
236
301
AA0MZ
276
277
NJ2DX
100
260
IK8YTA
162
243
N7GR
205
226
KR7LD
New
211
PY2YJ
150
210
WD9EWK (DM22)
198
200
WD9EWK (DM31)
187
195
IK0WRB
123
174
W0SX
New
134
WK7G
New
118
K7AXA
New
104
SP7JS
New
104
W6CZ
New
103
YO6OEV
New
103
BA7LVG
New
100
Congratulations to the new VUCC holders!
W6CZ is first VUCC Satellite holder from DM07
W0SX is first VUCC Satellite holder from DM37
LA6OP is First VUCC Satellite holder from JP67
YO6OEV is First VUCC Satellite holder from KN26
SP7JS is First VUCC Satellite holder from KO00
BA7LVG is First VUCC Satellite holder from OL63
DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
January 01, 2024 to February 01, 2024
Call
1-Jan
1-Feb
HB9BZA
158
188
PS8ET
160
178
F4BKV
150
171
G4GIR
163
167
PA3FWP
127
157
EA2AA
154
156
I3BUI
142
155
AC4G
151
152
OZ9AAR
125
151
EA6VQ
127
145
HB9RYZ
141
145
IK4CIE
133
143
HB9GWJ
129
134
RA3DNC
107
131
W5CBF
100
130
DL2QB
100
120
LA0FA
102
109
N3GS
100
108
IK8YTA
New
100
Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders!
IK8YTA is first DXCC Satellite holder from JN70
[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information]
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 2, 2024
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/
This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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.
Request to Reconsider Decommissioning of IO-117 Under Evaluation by Italian Space Agency
On Thursday, January 25, 2024 S5Lab posted on X that the GreenCube (IO-117) Digipeater would be permanently deactivated on February 5th.
Designed and developed by students of Sapienza University of Rome, IO-117 is the first satellite to carry an amateur radio payload into a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) of approximately 6,000 km.
The message from S5Lab read:
Dear Friends,
After one year and a half of operations, it is time to conclude the GreenCube operations with the planned de-commissioning activities. After the conclusion of the nominal experiment and with the digipeater payload active for more than one year, we will perform the passivation operations for the satellite.
The planned passivation operations will be executed on Monday, 5 February 2024, at 00:00 UTC. From that day, GreenCube will be completely passivated and the digipeater will be switched off for good.
We want to thank everyone that endorsed, supported or participated in the mission and the radio amateur community that enthusiastically became a true part of our project. We hope that GreenCube will somehow be part of your memories of radio amateurs, space engineering enthusiasts, and we hope to involve you soon in many more adventures.
Thanks once again for the unbelievable memories shared together… See you soon!
The GreenCube Team at S5Lab
That afternoon, AMSAT sent a letter to S5Lab expressing the organization’s desire to leverage our decades of experience and work with S5Lab, AMSAT Italia, other AMSAT organizations, and the amateur satellite community at large to overcome any obstacles, regulatory or otherwise, to keeping IO-117 in service for as long as possible. AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-F, and other amateur satellite organizations also expressed similar sentiments. Peter Goodhall, 2M0SQL, began a petition on change.org that garnered over 1,500 signatures from amateur radio operators around the world in one week.
On the afternoon of Friday, February 2, 2024, AMSAT Italia made the following announcement:
AMSAT Italia would like to inform the amateur community that its request to the Italian Space Agency, the owner of the GREENCUBE satellite, to reconsider its decision of decommissioning the satellite is under evaluation.
Waiting for its decision, IO-117 is still operational.
The GreenCube satellite was born as a scientific experiment placed in MEO orbit which successfully concluded its mission.
IO-117 is the HAM Radio part of the satellite consisting of a digipeter which was promoted by AMSAT Italia and coordinated by IARU-R1.
At the moment AMSAT Italia is committed to promoting the continuation of the mission for the HAM Radio part of Greencube.
AMSAT Italia BoD
During its lifetime, IO-117 has proved to be a popular resource, allowing amateurs all over the world to obtain ARRL’s Worked All States (WAS) and DX Century Club (DXCC) awards via satellite and to boost their VHF/UHF Century Club (VUCC) grid totals. A strong presence by Japanese amateurs has allowed many to work all the Japanese prefectures. A few DXpeditions, such as TX5S to Clipperton Island, have also brought gear for IO-117 along and provided rare DX entities via satellite. Multiple future DXpeditions also plan IO-117 activities. AMSAT is hopeful that the satellite’s lifetime can be extended.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK, AMSAT-DL, AMSAT-IT, AMSAT, Peter Goodhall, 2M0SQL, and S5Lab 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.
Lilburn Elementary School, Lilburn, GA, direct via K4RGK
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Jasmin Moghbeli KI5WSL
The ARISS mentor is K4RGK
Contact is go for: Wed 2024-02-07 14:24:10 UTC 57 deg
School of Telecommunications Engineering, ETSIT Valencia (Universitat Politecnica de Valencia), Valencia, Spain, direct via EA5RKP
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Loral O’Hara KI5TOM
The ARISS mentor is IKØUSO
Contact is go for: Fri 2024-02-09 08:12:46 UTC 31 deg
School TBD, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Nikolay Chub
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for 2024-02-15 08:20 UTC
The Service Module radio is temporarily stowed.
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
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.
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.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
Upcoming Satellite Operations
IO-117!!
JR5JAQ/6 will be QRV from PM53 and PM62 in Oita prefecture for a few days. He will also be active from PM62 in Miyazaki prefecture later in the week. Check hams.at for individual pass times.
JS3KKT/3 will be QRV from PM74 (prefecture unknown) just one day before the planned passivation of Greencube. Refer to hams.at for additional info.
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]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an 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
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.
Scheduled Events
Orlando HamCation 2024
Friday February 9th through Sunday February 11th, 2024
Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park
4603 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida 32808 https://www.hamcation.com
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
Dayton Hamvention 2024
Friday May 17th through Sunday May 19th, 2024
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
120 Fairground Road
Xenia, OH 45385 https://hamvention.org
[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information]
Satellite Shorts from All Over
+ NASA announced the crew assignments on January 31 for the SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station. They will join Expedition 71 and 72 crew members no earlier than August, and will arrive at the space station for a short duration handover with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8. Launching aboard the Dragon spacecraft will be NASA astronauts Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Nick Hague, KG5TMV, and Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson, KD5DZE, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov. The four crew members are preparing to conduct a wide-ranging set of operational and research activities, including ARISS contacts. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information)
+ After more than 3 years in orbit, AO-109 remains operational and usable for QSOs using modes such as FT4 despite extremely low power output. SSB QSOs are also possible with high gain receive antennas. Due to a failed final power amplifier transistor, the total output power of AO-109 is approximately 8 mW.
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 is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
pictures, with the last photos received on September 19, 2020. An archive of all of the photos captured by ground stations can be found at 
