In this edition:

* HADES-R FM Repeater Activated and Designated Spain-OSCAR 124 (SO-124)
* ARISS Completes Successful FRAM2Ham Simulation Event Using ISS Radio
* Blue Ghost and Resilience: Private Landers on Course for Lunar Touchdowns
* The Space Race Below: How Satellites Are Pushing the Limits in VLEO
* Beyond L1: Solar Sails Aim to Enhance Space Weather Alerts
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 21, 2025
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-054 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2025 Feb 23

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HADES-R FM Repeater Activated and Designated Spain-OSCAR 124 (SO-124)

AMSAT-EA has confirmed that the FM repeater aboard the HADES-R satellite has been successfully activated and is now available for amateur radio operators worldwide. The activation took place on February 19th, 2025, following a series of telemetry and command tests to ensure the satellite’s stability and performance. Early reports indicate that the repeater is functioning as expected, providing strong two-way FM voice communications. AMSAT-EA expressed its gratitude to the amateur radio community for submitting telemetry reports, which contributed to the successful commissioning of the satellite.

HADES-R was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on January 14th, 2025, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. Developed by AMSAT-EA, the satellite carries an FM and digital repeater payload designed to provide communication services to amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide. It was deployed from the D-Orbit ION-SCV-016 orbital transfer vehicle on January 22nd and has since been transmitting telemetry data while undergoing operational testing. With the repeater now active, operators can use the uplink frequency of 145.925 MHz and the downlink frequency of 436.885 MHz for communication, with additional support for digital modes such as APRS and FSK telemetry at various data rates.

At the request of AMSAT-EA, AMSAT has officially designated HADES-R as Spain-OSCAR 124 (SO-124) in recognition of its contributions to amateur satellite communications. This designation underscores the satellite’s role in expanding access to space-based communications for the amateur radio community. AMSAT congratulates AMSAT-EA on this achievement and looks forward to the continued success of this and future projects. Meanwhile, amateur radio operators eagerly anticipate the upcoming launch of HADES-ICM on the Transporter-13 mission in March 2025, which will further enhance satellite-based communication capabilities.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-EA and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator for the above information]

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ARISS Completes Successful FRAM2Ham Simulation Event Using ISS Radio

The FRAM2Ham ISS Simulation event was a success, bringing together amateur radio enthusiasts and educators from around the world. Over five days, participants engaged in a simulated transmissions from the ISS Service Module Radio to mirror real-world conditions aboard a Dragon spacecraft, which will be used for the upcoming FRAM2 mission. This provided valuable practice for the FRAM2Ham competition. The event was organized and run by ARISS (Amateur Radio on the ISS). The ham radio community followed the request to withhold image postings until the official reveal date of February 20th. By the end of the event, 1,975 images had been submitted, with nearly half coming from students and educators, highlighting the educational impact of the initiative.

The FRAM2 mission will be the first human spaceflight in polar orbit, flying over the North and South poles. Named after the polar exploration ship Fram, the mission aims to highlight exploration, curiosity, and technological progress. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch four astronauts from Europe and Australia into orbit for 3-5 days, with a targeted launch in spring 2025. The crew consists of mission commander Chun Wang of Malta, vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen of Norway, pilot Rabea Rogge of Germany, and mission specialist Eric Philips of Australia.

As part of the mission, Rabea Rogge, LB9NJ/KD3AID, will operate the onboard amateur radio system, transmitting SSTV images for a high school and university student competition. These images will also be available to the general public. The FRAM2Ham competition is an experimental radio challenge open to high school and university students, where teams receive SSTV images of three geographical locations transmitted via the onboard ham radio. However, these images will be fragmented and scrambled, requiring participants to piece them together and determine their significance in polar history.

While anyone can receive the images, forming an international team may help solve the puzzle. Participants must correctly identify at least two of the three locations to qualify for prizes, which include QSL cards with space-flown FRAM2 mission stickers. The competition is open to members of educational institutions between the ages of 16-25 years from eligible countries, including Europe (CEPT), the US, Canada, and Australia. The ARISS International team has supported the event by organizing the FRAM2Ham ISS Simulation to help participants develop skills in acquiring images for the competition. For more information, visit the FRAM2HAM website at https://fram2ham.com and the ARISS website at https://ariss.org.

[ANS thanks ARISS and Fram2Ham for the above information]

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Blue Ghost and Resilience: Private Landers on Course for Lunar Touchdowns

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander has successfully lowered its orbit, bringing it closer to the moon’s surface as it prepares for a historic landing attempt. The spacecraft, part of Firefly’s “Ghost Riders in the Sky” mission, completed a three-minute, 18-second engine burn that reduced its altitude to 75 miles (120 kilometers) above the lunar surface. This maneuver marks a critical phase of the mission as the lander remains in this orbit until its descent begins in less than two weeks.

In a recent update on X, Firefly Aerospace shared a video showcasing Blue Ghost’s new perspective of the lunar surface. The company also warned of intermittent communications blackouts as the lander orbits around the moon’s far side. While on the near side, mission teams are receiving data and refining plans for additional engine burns that will bring Blue Ghost even closer to its intended landing site. The mission is on track for touchdown on March 2nd.

Blue Ghost was launched last month aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which contracts private companies to deliver scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to the moon. The lander is carrying 10 NASA payloads designed to study the lunar environment and aid future Artemis program missions.

Sharing its launch aboard the Falcon 9 was another lunar lander, Japan-based ispace’s Resilience. This marks ispace’s second attempt at a moon landing after its first mission ended in failure. Resilience is carrying a micro-rover named Tenacious and follows a different trajectory than Blue Ghost, taking a longer, more energy-efficient route. Unlike Blue Ghost, which will attempt a landing within weeks, Resilience’s descent is planned for late May or early June.

Resilience recently performed a lunar flyby on February 14th, passing within 5,220 miles (8,400 kilometers) of the moon’s surface. The maneuver provided a gravity assist that adjusted its trajectory for a smoother arrival into lunar orbit in early May. The lander captured and transmitted a striking image of the lunar surface from 8,972 miles (14,439 kilometers) away, marking a milestone for Japan’s private space industry.

If successful, Blue Ghost will become the second private spacecraft to land on the moon. The lander is set to operate for one full lunar day, equivalent to about two weeks, before losing power as the sun sets. During that time, its NASA payloads will conduct experiments, collect samples, and test new technology. These efforts will contribute to ongoing lunar exploration and preparations for the Artemis program’s future crewed missions to the moon.

[ANS thanks the Josh Dinner / Mike Wall, Space.com, for the above information]

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The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!

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The Space Race Below: How Satellites Are Pushing the Limits in VLEO

The race to explore the lowest reaches of space is gaining momentum as companies work to deploy satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). This untapped region, situated just above Earth’s atmosphere, presents both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. While traditional satellites operate at altitudes ranging from hundreds to thousands of miles above Earth, these new “sky skimmers” will navigate much lower, skimming the upper reaches of the atmosphere. The potential advantages of VLEO satellites include enhanced Earth observation, improved communications, and the ability to remain operational in orbit indefinitely through advanced propulsion technologies.

Satellites in VLEO face a difficult balancing act. Unlike their higher-altitude counterparts, these spacecraft must contend with significant atmospheric drag, which constantly threatens to pull them back to Earth. Traditional satellites rely on their horizontal momentum to stay in orbit, but in VLEO, this is not enough. To remain aloft, engineers are exploring Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) systems, which harvest atmospheric molecules and convert them into thrust. If successful, these technologies could allow satellites to sustain themselves indefinitely without the need for large fuel reserves.

Several companies and institutions are actively pursuing this technology. The European Space Agency’s Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite was an early attempt to operate in VLEO, using ion propulsion to counteract drag. More recently, startups such as Kreios Space and Stellar Advanced Concepts have been developing ABEP prototypes, with planned test missions in the coming years. Governments are also getting involved, with the U.S. Department of Defense investing millions in research programs such as Otter, which aims to create operational VLEO satellites.

Different companies are taking varied approaches to overcoming the challenges of VLEO. Redwire, a Florida-based aerospace company, is working on a modular satellite concept called SabreSat, designed to minimize drag and potentially operate for up to seven years in VLEO. The company’s European division is also developing a similar spacecraft, Phantom, under the European Space Agency’s Skimsat program. While Phantom will not use air-breathing propulsion, it will incorporate specialized materials and an aerodynamic design to enhance longevity in low orbit.

The benefits of VLEO satellites extend beyond military and scientific applications. Their close proximity to Earth enables higher-resolution imaging, which could be useful for agriculture, disaster monitoring, and environmental studies. Additionally, communications networks, such as satellite-based internet services, could see a significant boost from VLEO technology. Lower-altitude satellites could provide faster connections and direct-to-device communication capabilities, potentially revolutionizing global internet access.

Despite the promise of VLEO, challenges remain. The region is highly dynamic, with atmospheric conditions influenced by solar activity, which can cause unexpected changes in drag forces. Additionally, while VLEO naturally clears debris by pulling defunct satellites back to Earth, high-energy collisions can still send fragments into higher orbits, creating long-term space debris hazards. As the race to dominate VLEO accelerates, companies and governments must address these risks while capitalizing on the immense potential of this new frontier in space technology.

[ANS thanks the Jonathan O’Callaghan, BBC, for the above information]

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Beyond L1: Solar Sails Aim to Enhance Space Weather Alerts

Scientists are developing solar sail satellites as a potential early warning system for geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt technological systems on Earth. These sails, which harness sunlight for propulsion, could enhance space travel and improve forecasting for space weather events.

Solar sailing operates similarly to traditional sailing, except it uses photons from the sun instead of wind. “A lot of us have experienced sailing; it’s exactly like that,” said Irfan Azeem, division chief at NOAA’s Office of Space Weather Observations. “Instead of using air, we’re using the light emitted by the sun to propel our satellites.”

Unlike traditional propulsion systems, solar sails offer a cost-effective means of maneuvering satellites without fuel. “This is a very novel technology,” Azeem added. “We have traditionally relied on propulsion to take satellites from one place to another, and solar sails are providing a new, efficient way to travel in space.” NOAA’s satellites play a vital role in space weather monitoring, gathering data that helps issue warnings for potentially disruptive solar flares.

Currently, satellites like NASA’s Advanced Composition Explorer and NOAA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory track the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the sun that can interact with Earth’s magnetic field. Although current monitoring provides some advance notice of geomagnetic storms, scientists aim to improve lead times by positioning satellites closer to the sun through NOAA’s Space Weather Next program.

One major advantage of solar sails is their ability to travel beyond the Lagrange One Point (L1), a location about 932,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth where satellites currently observe the sun. “L1 provides a semistable orbit for persistent sun monitoring,” Azeem explained. “But if you want to go further, you need chemical rockets. Solar sails offer a cost-effective alternative for moving upstream.” By positioning satellites further ahead in the solar wind, NOAA estimates they could improve geomagnetic storm lead times by 50%.

At the American Meteorological Society’s annual meeting, NOAA provided updates on the Solar Cruiser project, a collaboration with NASA. The full-scale solar sail, set to span 17,793 square feet (1,653 square meters), is under construction. The spacecraft will include four sails, each built separately, with completion expected by February 2026. NOAA aims to secure a rideshare launch by 2029. “I’m most excited about the complexity of integrating different disciplines,” Azeem said. “Advances in material science and other fields are helping us push space weather monitoring to the next level.”

[ANS thanks the Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, for the above information]

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 21, 2025

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

NOTICE: In an effort to minimize confusion between sources of two line element sets, AMSAT is adopting the convention of listing the USSF/NORAD Satellite Catalog name first, followed by any secondary name or names in parentheses. For example, “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added recently where “POEM 4” is the name that appears in the US Space Force Satellite Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the name best known within the amateur satellite community. Expect name changes for affected satellites in the coming weeks as this change is fully implemented.

This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.

[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information]

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ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

+ Recently Completed

Woodward Mill Elementary School, Lawrenceville, Georgia, direct via K4RGK
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor was K4RGK
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-02-20 16:37:28 UTC
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/NfxlSEUOg6A
Congratulations to the Woodward Mill Elementary School students!

Royal Moroccan Air Academy, Marrakech, Morocco, direct via CN8ERA
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor was IN3GHZ
Contact was successful: Fri 2025-02-21 11:12:20 UTC
Congratulations to the Royal Moroccan Air Academy students!

+ Upcoming Contacts

None currently scheduled.

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.

The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html

The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html

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

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Upcoming Satellite Operations

J68HZ (op: WA4PGM) active from 02/26 to 03/04 from grid square FK93.

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]

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AMSAT Ambassador Activities

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.

Midwinter Madness Hamfest – March 22nd, 2025
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Road 134
Buffalo MN 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR

Southeastern VHF Conference 2025 – April 4th thru 5th, 2025
Quality Inn Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37040
https://svhfs.org/wp/2025-conference/
W4FCL

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]

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AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ In 2024, NASA’s Search and Rescue technologies contributed to saving 407 lives in the U.S., including 314 at sea, 41 in aviation incidents, and 52 through personal locator beacons. These efforts are part of the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite-aided search and rescue system, which has helped save over 50,000 lives worldwide since 1982. Using GPS satellites, emergency beacons transmit distress signals to the Cospas-Sarsat network, enabling first responders to locate and rescue those in need. NASA’s Search and Rescue Office, a division of the SCaN Program, has been involved in rescue operations since 1979 and continues to enhance beacon technology for both Earth-based and space missions. The Advanced Next-Generation Emergency Locator (ANGEL) beacon is being developed to support crew recovery efforts, including for Artemis missions returning from deep space. NASA collaborates with NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Air Force, and other agencies to ensure rapid response and rescue operations across land, sea, and air. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information)

+ NASA and SpaceX have decided to swap Crew Dragon spacecraft for the Crew-10 mission, opting to use the previously flown Endurance instead of a newly built capsule to prevent further delays. Endurance, which had been assigned to the private Ax-4 mission, will now support Crew-10, allowing the launch to be accelerated from late March to no earlier than March 12th. The original delay stemmed from setbacks in assembling and testing the new Crew Dragon, pushing the Crew-10 launch from February to March. Crew-9, currently on the ISS, will return a few days after Crew-10 arrives, bringing back NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose extended stay became a political topic after Elon Musk and former President Trump criticized the delay. Williams, however, dismissed claims that she and Wilmore were “abandoned,” stating they were safe and had all necessary resources aboard the station. The change in spacecraft does not alter the Crew-10 lineup, commanded by NASA astronaut Anne McClain, but it raises uncertainty about the Ax-4 mission timeline, which was originally planned for April. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)

+ NASA’s SPHEREx telescope, set to launch no earlier than February 27th aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will explore cosmic reservoirs of life’s building blocks. It will scan space for water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide frozen onto interstellar dust grains, which exist in molecular clouds where stars and planets form. Scientists believe these icy reservoirs played a crucial role in shaping Earth’s oceans and other celestial bodies’ water content. Unlike previous telescopes that analyzed specific regions, SPHEREx will conduct an extensive 3D spectral survey, identifying ice compositions across different environments. The mission aims to resolve longstanding questions about molecular cloud chemistry, particularly why previous missions, like SWAS, detected less gaseous water than expected. By working alongside telescopes such as Webb, SPHEREx will refine our understanding of planet formation and the distribution of essential life-building compounds across the universe. (ANS thanks SpaceDaily for the above information)

+ SpaceX is preparing for its eighth Starship launch (IFT-8) by conducting crucial static fire tests at its Starbase facility in Texas. The company recently ignited all 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster and completed a dynamic engine test for the Starship stage to simulate various in-flight conditions. These tests mark a key milestone before the vehicle’s final stacking, where the two massive components will be joined for launch. Once stacked, the fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy system will stand an impressive 403 feet (123 meters) tall, making it the most powerful rocket ever built. Starship’s previous test flight, IFT-7, had mixed results, with a successful booster catch but a loss of communication with the Starship stage, which ultimately disintegrated over the Caribbean. SpaceX continues to refine the vehicle with each iteration, incorporating new hardware to improve performance and reliability. While IFT-8 could launch by the end of February, the schedule remains dependent on FAA approval and final preparations. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

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Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
* Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
* Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half-time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
* Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.

Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org

In this edition:

* AMSAT-EA’s HADES-R Successfully Deployed and Transmitting Telemetry
* Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on Landmark New Shepard Flight
* Interlune Aims to Mine Lunar Helium-3 for Quantum Computing on Earth
* VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standings for February 2025
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 7, 2025
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-040 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2025 Feb 9

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AMSAT-EA’s HADES-R Successfully Deployed and Transmitting Telemetry

The HADES-R amateur radio satellite, operated by AMSAT-EA, has been successfully deployed and is functioning as expected. According to AMSAT-EA’s update on January 23rd, the satellite is transmitting telemetry data, and the initial health reports indicate that it is in good condition. The team is actively receiving data and preparing to transition the satellite into repeater mode once all necessary checks are completed. Amateur radio operators worldwide are encouraged to share their telemetry reports to assist in confirming its operational status.

Deployment occurred on January 22nd at 15:42 UTC from the D-Orbit ION-SCV-016 orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) after launching on January 14th aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission carried 131 payloads, including amateur radio satellites HADES-R and PARUS-T1. Due to the large number of satellites onboard, deployments were staggered over several days. Early signals were reported by amateur operators, but official confirmation from AMSAT-EA followed later. Transmissions began shortly after deployment, though the FM repeater remains inactive as testing and validation processes continue.

Designed to provide FM voice repeater capabilities, the satellite also supports various digital modes, including FSK telemetry and APRS at up to 1200 bps. It features a downlink frequency of 436.888 MHz, as coordinated by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). While FM voice is its primary mission, it will also transmit experimental data and FSK telemetry. The uplink frequency is 145.925 MHz, supporting FM voice and various digital modes, including AX.25 and APRS. The FM repeater will operate without requiring a subtone, activating via squelch level.

As part of AMSAT-EA’s ongoing efforts to expand amateur radio satellite operations, this spacecraft is the first of two planned replacements for HADES-D (SO-121). The second, HADES-ICM, is expected to launch on the upcoming Transporter-13 mission in March 2025. Both satellites will provide FM and digital communication options, allowing amateur operators to engage in long-distance contacts. Additionally, HADES-ICM will host an experimental payload from the University of Manchester’s Smart IR/Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), testing a low-power active radiator under space conditions. AMSAT-EA has urged the amateur radio community to continue monitoring transmissions and sharing received telemetry data as the satellite progresses towards full operational capability.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-EA and Jose Rodriguez, EB1AO, for the above information]

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Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on Landmark New Shepard Flight

Blue Origin successfully launched its NS-29 mission on February 4th, marking a significant milestone in suborbital research. The mission, which lifted off from the company’s West Texas launch site at 11 a.m. EST (16:00 UTC), was originally scheduled for January 28th but was delayed due to weather and technical issues. This flight was the 29th for the reusable New Shepard vehicle and featured a unique capability: the simulation of lunar gravity in suborbital space.

The NS-29 mission proceeded as planned, with both the booster and the crew capsule executing safe returns to Earth. The booster performed a controlled vertical landing on the designated pad, while the capsule descended under parachutes, touching down in the West Texas desert approximately 10 minutes after launch. However, one of the capsule’s three parachutes did not fully open. Blue Origin officials assured viewers during the live broadcast that the spacecraft is designed to land safely even if not all parachutes fully deploy.

A key feature of this mission was its ability to generate lunar gravity forces—a first for New Shepard. The capsule achieved this by rotating about 11 times per minute for two minutes using its reaction-control thrusters. This capability was developed to support research on lunar-related technologies, benefiting the 30 payloads aboard the spacecraft. Among these, 29 experiments were specifically designed to test innovations applicable to the Moon’s environment.

Blue Origin categorized these experiments into six focus areas: in-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, sensors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry, descent, and landing methods. Many of these experiments were backed by NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, underscoring the space agency’s commitment to developing technology for lunar exploration. With the Artemis program aiming for long-term human presence on the Moon, missions like NS-29 provide valuable data to refine critical systems for future lunar operations.

Notable NASA-supported experiments aboard NS-29 included the Electrostatic Dust Lofting project, which examined how lunar dust becomes electrically charged and moves when exposed to ultraviolet light. Another key experiment, the Lunar-g Combustion Investigation, studied fire behavior in lunar gravity compared to Earth’s, helping to enhance safety in future lunar habitats. Other experiments tested propellant management in low gravity, soil analysis tools, and small satellite propulsion systems, all contributing to advancing space exploration technologies.

New Shepard, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, has been operational since its first uncrewed flight in April 2015. The vehicle made history in 2021 by carrying Jeff Bezos and three others on its first crewed flight. While primarily known for space tourism, with nine of its 29 flights carrying passengers, the system continues to play a critical role in scientific research. The successful NS-29 mission not only demonstrated Blue Origin’s ability to simulate lunar gravity but also reinforced its contribution to advancing space technology in support of NASA’s lunar ambitions.

[ANS thanks the Mike Wall, Space.com, for the above information]

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The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!

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Interlune Aims to Mine Lunar Helium-3 for Quantum Computing on Earth

Interlune, a Seattle-based startup founded by former Blue Origin technologists, is aiming to harvest Helium-3 from the moon to support quantum computing applications on Earth. Helium-3, a rare isotope deposited into the lunar regolith by solar wind, was first identified in samples brought back by NASA’s Apollo missions. While the potential applications of Helium-3 have intrigued scientists for years, recent astrogeological research highlights significant challenges in extracting the isotope. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggests that obtaining commercially viable amounts would require processing millions of tons of lunar regolith, a task comparable to large-scale mining operations on Earth.

Despite these hurdles, Interlune CEO Rob Meyerson remains optimistic. The company envisions an extraction system operating like an agricultural setup, with five harvesters each the size of a large SUV. Meyerson acknowledges that it will take years before the company sees a financial return, but he emphasizes the growing demand for Helium-3 in quantum computing. This isotope plays a critical role in cooling superconducting quantum computers to temperatures close to absolute zero. With quantum computing companies recognizing the need for a stable Helium-3 supply, Interlune believes now is the time to act.

Interlune is not the first to consider the commercial potential of lunar Helium-3. Apollo 17 astronaut and Interlune’s executive chairman, Jack Schmitt, has long advocated its use in nuclear fusion reactors. However, investment interest has shifted towards quantum computing applications, which promise quicker returns. Beyond computing, Helium-3 has other potential uses, including medical imaging and radiation detection. Interlune hopes to eventually supply tens of kilograms per year, a goal that Meyerson believes is both realistic and financially sustainable given current market prices of around $20 million per kilogram.

However, some experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of large-scale Helium-3 extraction from the moon. Laszlo Keszthelyi, a research geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, notes that lunar Helium-3 concentrations range from just 2.4 to 26 parts per billion in Apollo samples. Given these figures, obtaining a single kilogram would require processing between 100,000 and 1 million tons of lunar soil. Keszthelyi stops short of dismissing the endeavor outright, stating that the moon does contain resources—it is merely a question of how they can be effectively utilized.

To address these concerns, Interlune is planning a resource development mission in 2027 to analyze Helium-3 concentrations at a potential mining site. This mission will be followed by a pilot plant in 2029 to demonstrate extraction and processing on the lunar surface. The company’s initial lunar mission will launch through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Interlune is actively securing funding, having already raised $18 million, with plans for another round of fundraising in the near future.

While profitability remains uncertain, experts acknowledge that Interlune’s success will depend on the efficiency of its extraction methods. Chris Dreyer from the Colorado School of Mines notes that certain minerals trap more Helium-3 than others, potentially increasing yield in select locations. However, large-scale excavation will be necessary, posing technical challenges, particularly with lunar dust. Despite these obstacles, Dreyer believes that iterative development—designing, testing, and improving equipment—could make Interlune’s ambitions feasible. As advances in space exploration continue, the prospect of mining Helium-3 on the moon is becoming an increasingly tangible reality.

[ANS thanks the Leonard David, SpaceNews, for the above information]

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VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standings for February 2025

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2025 to February 01, 2025

Callsign	01/01/2025	02/01/2025
K8DP	1629	1737
WA4NVM	1653	1676
WC7V	1451	1611
DF2ET	1102	1602
DL5GAC	New	1576
DL2GRC	1166	1501
AA5PK	1426	1500
N8RO	1401	1490
W5CBF	1224	1326
N0JE	1075	1225
MI6GTY	970	1201
F4BKV	1000	1200
KF7R	1075	1175
N9EAT	1029	1127
AC9O	1001	1126
XE1AO	1000	1111
WI7P	882	1104
N3GS	986	1103
OZ9AAR	900	1100
JK2XXK	503	1086
K9UO	950	1030
KE8RJU	950	1030
EA2AA	875	1026
W2GDJ	705	1022
JN2QCV	726	1016
VE6WQ	814	1007
K6FW	951	1005
K7TAB	814	1003
YO2CMI	820	1003
PR8KW	200	1001
KQ4DO	827	952
N8JCM	New	952
FG8OJ	737	935
HB9AOF	725	907
KN2K	808	907
JL1SAM	601	905
VU2LBW	603	902
KG0D	801	900
W8LR	825	897
N0GVK	701	867
JS1LQI	500	808
K0JM	702	801
IK3ITB	500	800
KK4YEL	674	799
N5BO	650	786
JG6CDH	553	777
N8MR	658	755
KS1G	703	754
KC4CJ	602	751
WD9EWK (DM43)	734	737
KB1HY	648	727
WA4HFN	676	727
N3CAL	480	686
AC9DX	525	682
A65BR	554	676
LY4AA	New	670
N7ZO	350	669
AF5CC	646	651
IK7FMQ	500	651
N6UTC	551	651
VE7PTN	301	635
XE1UYS	505	634
LA6OP	New	632
JN1BPM	426	630
N5EKO	500	622
SA0UNX	362	617
F6GLJ	400	609
EA3TA	503	607
RA3DNC	305	599
XE2YWH	235	595
JA1GZK	435	575
WB7VUF	555	572
VE4MM	536	561
HB9GWJ	476	553
DL6KBG	331	550
WB7QXU	500	550
W9FF	New	545
KH6WI	300	530
KP3V	402	526
KO9A	434	524
AD2DD	356	517
SV8CS	New	511
VA3VGR	352	509
HP2VX	496	508
KF2T	111	505
E70A	New	504
AL7ID	320	502
N9ZTS	400	501
I3BUI	New	500
IK0USO	118	500
JR0GAS	360	500
KA9CFD	New	500
PA7RA	300	495
N6PAZ	350	479
AB1OC	407	476
W3TI	103	465
N7UJJ	308	462
DL8GAM	375	450
N8URE (FM19)	430	450
AG4W	161	438
WO3T	New	437
DJ7NT	234	432
JI5USJ	236	425
K4RGK	362	421
F6EQD	311	420
HC2FG	350	413
JE3HCZ	103	410
W3VHF	250	406
ZS2BK	305	405
NJ2DX	100	404
SP5ULN	156	404
JO4JKL	135	401
KF0QS	301	400
ON4CCN	208	400
K6VHF	276	376
W6AER	302	376
HB9RYZ	248	365
KB3IAI	254	358
KE8AKW	329	358
HB9BIN	New	356
K3HPA	300	350
LA9KY	New	347
N8HRZ	New	337
AG1A	New	335
JH8RZJ	New	328
W0PR	New	327
N4QWF	115	325
JH0BBE	322	324
N9XG	252	310
KG4ERR	New	301
IK8YTA	162	300
K7OGW	New	300
K9JKM	201	300
W6CZ	New	300
XE1BMG	120	300
KG0I	New	297
JE2UFF	185	280
JF3MKC	200	280
KB9DAK	171	278
W6IA	100	278
AA0MZ	276	277
WA3YDZ	New	271
IN3EQZ	New	268
DL5KUA	128	266
W0BZ	New	256
K5WO	New	255
AA0K	New	253
SP7JS	New	253
KH6WI/W9 (EN54)	New	250
I1FQH	173	249
BX1AD	New	237
WA8ZID	226	230
KB4DSL	127	226
N7GR	205	226
DF5SF	New	217
KB2MFS	New	215
IK0WRB	123	213
PU5DDC	200	213
KR7LD	New	211
RA0FF	New	211
PY2YJ	150	210
N4UFO	New	206
K0JQZ	New	205
N2WLS	104	205
WD5GRW	New	205
9A2GA	New	202
EK/RX3DPK	New	200
WD9EWK (DM22)	198	200
WD9EWK (DM31)	187	200
W2HRO	New	192
OK1IN	New	190
WD9EWK (DM42)	183	189
AI9IN	150	175
RA3LAS	New	172
WD9EWK (DM45)	165	170
NK0S	167	169
7J1ADJ	New	164
W4DFU	151	163
JK4JMO	New	161
DH0GSU	152	156
AE5AU	New	153
KJ7SXR	New	151
EA4DEI	100	150
G4BWP	New	150
K2MJP	125	150
KD8RTT	101	150
VE3JO	117	149
IC8TEM	New	147
VE3AAZ	118	147
SV8CKM	New	140
WD9EWK (DM25)	120	138
W0SX	New	134
BD8CBU	New	132
BI8FFH	New	132
DH9DX	New	131
PU8MRS	127	129
XE2/CO6LAR	New	129
N6UTC (DM05)	101	128
ER1KW	New	127
XE2YWH (DL82 – D	114	119
XE2YWH (DL82)	114	119
WK7G	New	118
YC1RIK	New	114
NC0Q	New	108
XE1RCU	New	108
K7AXA	New	104
XE1YD	New	104
BG6HXD	New	103
KK7OVF	New	103
N6NU	New	103
YO6OEV	New	103
4A2MAX	New	102
BI1QGX	New	102
DL3NGN	New	102
N2YZH	New	101
SV2DSJ	New	101
BA7LVG	New	100
K9DOG	New	100
KD2YIB	New	100
LZ3SV	New	100
N5YIZ	New	100
VK5DG	New	100
W4BB	New	100
W4XP	New	100
YB1RQX/P	New	100

DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2025 to February 01, 2025

Callsign	01/01/2025	02/01/2025
OE9DGV	212	213
YO3APJ	162	165
EA2AA	157	158
HB9RYZ	152	153
IK4DRY	122	144
RA3DNC	131	143
IK7FMQ	120	128
SM2OAN	109	117
G4BWP	100	105
R5DT	New	102
WI7P	New	102
I4MKN	New	101
LY4AA	New	100
N0GVK	New	100

N0GVK is first DXCC Satellite holder from EN00. Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders!

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information]

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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.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 7, 2025

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

NOTICE: In an effort to minimize confusion between sources of two line element sets, AMSAT is adopting the convention of listing the USSF/NORAD Satellite Catalog name first, followed by any secondary name or names in parentheses. For example, “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added recently where “POEM 4” is the name that appears in the US Space Force Satellite Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the name best known within the amateur satellite community. Expect name changes for affected satellites in the coming weeks as this change is fully implemented.

The following satellite has been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE distribution:
HyperView 1G (RS66S) NORAD Cat ID 61772 Downlink 436.540 MHz
OBJECT BA (ZIMSAT 2) NORAD Cat ID 71783 Downlink 437.050 MHz

[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information]

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ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

+ Recently Completed

Aznakaevo Schools, Aznakaevo, Aznakaevsky District, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Ivan Vagner
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Sat 2025-02-01 11:15 UTC
Congratulations to the Aznakaevo School students, Ivan, mentor RV3DR, and ground station RC4P!

Public Primary School, La Laupie, France, direct via F5KLF
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor was F6ICS
Contact was successful: Fri 2025-02-07 14:27:07 UTC
Congratulations to the La Laupie Public Primary School students, mentor F6ICS, and ground station F5KLF!

+ Upcoming Contacts

Kant, Kaliningrad, Russia
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Alex Gorbunov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Tue 2025-02-11 09:35 UTC

City of Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park, Clifton, NJ, direct via W2NPT
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is AA6TB
Contact is go for: Wed 2025-02-12 18:14:13 UTC

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.

The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html

The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html

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

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Upcoming Satellite Operations

None currently posted.

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]

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AMSAT Ambassador Activities

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.

Yuma Hamfest and Southwestern Division Convention – February 14th thru 15th, 2025
Yuma County Fairgrounds
2520 East 32nd Street
Yuma, AZ 85365
https://www.yumahamfest.com/
N1UW

Midwinter Madness Hamfest – March 22nd, 2025
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Road 134
Buffalo MN 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR

Southeastern VHF Conference 2025 – April 4th thru 5th, 2025
Quality Inn Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
Clarksville, TN 37040
https://svhfs.org/wp/2025-conference/
W4FCL

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]

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AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ AO-73 was switched back to full-time transponder mode on February 3rd, 2025. The U/V linear transponder is now operating 24/7 after a month-long period of telemetry collection on the satellite’s electrical power system. While some signs of reduced battery capacity are present, the two Lithium-Ion cells continue to perform well, supporting full transponder operation throughout the orbit. AO-73 features an inverting SSB/CW transponder with an uplink passband from 435.150 to 435.130 MHz (LSB) and a downlink passband from 145.950 to 145.970 MHz (USB). With the transponder active, the satellite also transmits BPSK telemetry on 145.935 MHz at 40mW. The collected telemetry data helps assess the long-term health of the 11-year-old satellite. (ANS thanks David Bowman, G0MRF for the above information)

+ NASA has confirmed the crew for Axiom Mission 4, set to launch no earlier than spring 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center. The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot and ESA’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu as mission specialists. Once docked at the International Space Station, the crew will spend up to 14 days conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities. This mission includes the first ISRO astronaut aboard the station and the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay there. NASA sees private astronaut missions as a way to expand access to space and support commercial activity in low Earth orbit. As the agency shifts focus to deep space exploration through Artemis missions, partnerships with private companies help maintain a human presence in space and support research in microgravity. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information)

+ Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) NVS-02 navigation satellite, launched on January 28th aboard a Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark 2 rocket, was intended to replace the IRNSS-1E satellite in geostationary orbit as part of India’s NavIC navigation system. However, ISRO confirmed on February 2nd that the satellite’s onboard propulsion system failed due to oxidizer valves not opening, preventing it from reaching its intended orbit. As a result, NVS-02 remains stuck in an elliptical transfer orbit with a perigee of 165 kilometers (103 miles) and an apogee of 37,582 kilometers (23,354 miles), making it vulnerable to reentry due to atmospheric drag. While the spacecraft’s solar panels and other systems are functioning normally, ISRO is exploring alternative mission strategies to utilize it in its current orbit. The 2,250-kilogram (4,960-pound) satellite was the second of five planned NavIC satellites aimed at enhancing regional navigation services. Its failure raises concerns about the future deployment of the NavIC system, and it remains unclear if any backup propulsion systems could adjust its orbit to prevent early reentry. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)

+ AstroForge, a U.S.-based asteroid mining company, has identified asteroid 2022 OB5 as the target for its upcoming Mission 2, Odin, set to launch in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Odin will serve as a scouting spacecraft, flying as a secondary payload alongside Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 lunar lander, and will separate after the rocket’s upper stage fires for the moon. The spacecraft is expected to take about 300 days to reach the asteroid, where it will conduct a flyby to gather crucial imagery and assess the rock’s mining potential. This mission paves the way for AstroForge’s next endeavor, Vestri, which aims to land on the asteroid and initiate resource extraction, potentially launching in late 2025 as part of another rideshare mission. AstroForge, founded in January 2022, seeks to develop sustainable methods for mining precious metals from asteroids, although its first mission, Brokkr-1, launched in April 2023, failed to activate its onboard refinery technology. The company has also secured a contract with Stoke Space for future launches aboard the Nova rocket to support its ambitious mining goals. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

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Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
* Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
* Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half-time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
* Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.

Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org