ANS-301 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

by

In this edition:

* AMSAT Board of Directors Elects Officers
* 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium Held in Tampa
* GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers November 2024 Rankings
* CatSat Commissioning is Near
* Administration Eases Restrictions On Space-Related Exports
* Intelsat Satellite Explodes In Orbit
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* Reflect Orbital To Sell Sunlight Using In-Space Mirrors
* 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 http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

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

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

ANS-301 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2024 Oct 27

AMSAT Board of Directors Elects Officers

At its meeting prior to the 2024 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, the AMSAT Board of Directors elected their officers for 2024-25.

  • Robert Bankston, KE4AL, President
  • Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, Executive Vice President
  • Jerry Buxton, NØJY, Vice President – Engineering
  • Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, Vice President – Operations
  • Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Vice President – Educational Relations
  • Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, Vice President – Development
  • Steve Belter, N9IP, Treasurer
  • Douglas Tabor, N6UA, Secretary

Newly elected First Alternate Director Douglas Tabor, N6UA, has replaced Jeff Davis, KE9V, who stepped down prior to the meeting as AMSAT’s Secretary. The AMSAT Board of Directors expresses its appreciation to Jeff for his work during his tenure as Secretary.

The position of Vice President – User Services remains vacant.

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Board of Directors for the above information]

2024 Coins Are Still Available!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!

42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium Held in Tampa

The 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting took place from October 25-27, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront in Tampa, Florida. This year’s Symposium focused on the latest developments in amateur radio satellite communications, with a variety of paper sessions and events throughout the weekend.

Scheduled presentations included:

  • AMSAT-UK Payload on Jovian-1 CubeSat, David Bowman, GØMRF
  • CARD-SAT®: A Step Forward for Satellite Miniaturization by Adrian Totu, YO3HOT
  • Working QO-100 from Beyond the Nominal Footprint by Graham Shirville, G3VZV
  • AMSAT & ARISS Over the Past 40 Years by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO
  • MO-122 (MESAT1) Commissioning Recap by Mark Hammond, N8MH
  • AMSAT-HB Update by Michael Lipp, HB9WDF
  • Fox Plus Update by Mike Moore, K4MVM
  • AMSAT CubeSatSim Education Update and Software Overview by Alan Johnston, KU2Y
  • Integration of the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator for Education and Research by Rachel Jones, KO4HLC
  • ARISS Engineering Update – ISS, Lunar, and Commercial Activities by Randy Berger, WAØD
  • Automation and Remote Control of the Inter-Operable Radio System (IORS) on the ISS by Chris Thompson, VE2TCP/GØKLA
  • Getting Ready to Receive HamTV from the ISS by Graham Shirville, G3VZV
  • GOLF-TEE Flight Software and Bus Overview by Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
  • Determination of Orbiting Spacecraft Space Vectors Solely from In-flight Position Measurements by Joseph DiVerdi, KØNMR
  • AMSAT Engineering Update by Jerry Buxton, NØJY

Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, presenting on GOLF-TEE’s flight software. [Photo: AMSAT]

In addition, the AMSAT Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon, and the AMSAT Banquet was to take place on Saturday evening. A breakfast for AMSAT Ambassadors was scheduled for Sunday morning.

Symposium Proceedings will be available for members on the AMSAT Member Portal as soon as AMSAT volunteers can process the upload.

[ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, for the above information]

GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers November 2024 Rankings

The November 2024 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data.

Updated: 2024-10-25

1 ND9M 26 KX9X 51 N6DNM 76 LU4JVE
2 NJ7H 27 ON4AUC 52 JK2XXK 77 AA8CH
3 JA9KRO 28 KG5CCI 53 EB1AO 78 VE1VOX
4 UT1FG 29 N5BO 54 SM3NRY 79 FG8OJ
5 N5UC 30 K8BL 55 EA4NF 80 PT9BM
6 DL6AP 31 KE4AL 56 JL3RNZ 81 KJ7NDY
7 OE3SEU 32 KB5FHK 57 XE1ET 82 KI7UXT
8 WI7P 33 VE3HLS 58 AA5PK 83 YUØW
9 DPØPOL 34 KIØKB 59 DF2ET 84 KB2YSI
10 K5ZM 35 KI7UNJ 60 KI7QEK 85 N6UTC
11 N6UA 36 LA9XGA 61 SP5XSD 86 N4DCW
12 HA3FOK 37 PA3GAN 62 F4DXV 87 WA9JBQ
13 WY7AA 38 F4BKV 63 AD7DB 88 JM1CAX
14 N9IP 39 JO2ASQ 64 VE1CWJ 89 VE3GOP
15 W5PFG 40 BA1PK 65 KE9AJ 90 NØTEL
16 AK8CW 41 N7AGF 66 N8RO 91 KG4AKV
17 ADØDX 42 VK5DG 67 VA7LM 92 W8MTB
18 DL2GRC 43 XE3DX 68 KM4LAO 93 KØFFY
19 LU5ILA 44 VA3VGR 69 W1AW 94 CU2ZG
20 F5VMJ 45 KEØWPA 70 W8LR 95 VE7PTN
21 N4AKV 46 PR8KW 71 N4UFO 96 K6VHF
22 WD9EWK 47 K7TAB 72 DL4EA 97 AF5CC
23 NDØC 48 KEØPBR 73 HB9GWJ 98 VE6WK
24 ADØHJ 49 ACØRA 74 PT2AP 99 DK9JC
25 DJ8MS 50 W7WGC 75 M1DDD 100 BG7QIW

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information]

Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store.

When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

CatSat Commissioning is Near

CatSat, a 6U cubesat, was blasted into orbit on July 4, 2024. After some delay, the microwave transponder should be available soon.

The concept was presented at the AMSAT annual symposium on two successive years. The design has not changed significantly since then. See https://catsat.arizona.edu for current info.

The project was run by the University of Arizona students with major support by Rincon Research Corp. (onboard DSP and HF electronics) and FreeFall Aerospace (patch, HF whip, and high-gain 10 GHz. inflatable antenna.) The spacecraft bus was supplied by Gomspace.

Something strange happened during launch or satellite deployment, and the satellite is believed to be damaged by an unknown mechanism. The UHF command and control antenna appears not to have deployed and the main spacecraft computer reboots an irregular pattern. The student team has done an excellent job of keeping the spacecraft under control while troubleshooting the problems, but this has slowed the commissioning process.

CatSat with inflated spherical microwave antenna [Artist’s rendering: University of Arizona]

SATELLITE MODES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO HAMS

  1. The HF experiment (also known as the WSPR experiment) captures the entire HF band by sampling it with a 50 MHz analog to digital converter. Digital processing in an FPGA creates up to four sub-bands which are stored in CatSat memory. The tuned frequency and bandwidth of these four receivers will likely be changed from time to time on a schedule to be determined. Then the captured pre-detection data will be stored in CatSat’s AstroSDR memory until it can be dumped to our 6.1 meter dish in Tucson. There the sub-band data streams will be extracted and placed on the internet where interested hams will have access. The intent is to provide an opportunity for hams to experiment with ionospheric propagation as viewed by a satellite without having to actually build a ground station. If they work HF stations using FT-8 or WSPR when the satellite is active they will be able to use the internet to access what the satellite was hearing. They may even discover some novel propagation mechanism.
  2. At the start of each data capture 32k samples of I-Q data will be captured at 50 MHz sample rate. These data can be Fourier transformed to create a spectral power plot of the entire HF band at that location.
  3. The 10 GHz downlink modulation is DVB-S2. At the time of planning the downlink, there was a lot of AMSAT interest in using DVB-S2 as a downlink modulation for proposed high orbit birds. That drove our decision. Receiving this link will be a challenge for most stations, unless the inflatable antenna experiment is successful and we point that antenna at your location.
  4. 5.663 GHz to 10.47 GHz transponder with 200 kHz Bandwidth. During design review of CatSat it was realized that there was space for an additional 5 GHz patch antenna on the spacecraft. The AstroSDR could receive 5.663 GHz and translate it to the IF input of the 10.47 GHz transceiver. So a 200 KHz linear transponding mode was added. It is one of the first ham satellites to use these microwave bands.


PHOTO OF CATSAT SPECTRUM Oct 20, 2024 at Tech Park
10 GHz Patch used for transmitting generally pointed towards ground station.
6.1 meter AzArray dish for receiving
Max elevation 29 degrees
LCP on left screen
RCP on right screen
2 MHz/div and 10 dB per division
Comment: Transmitting 2 MSymbols/per second of DVB-S2 Dummy Frames
Strong stable signal smoothly varying with time peaking about 20 dB SNR in 2 MHz band.

[ANS thanks Mike Parker, KT7D for the above information]

Administration Eases Restrictions On Space-Related Exports

The Biden administration on Oct. 17 eased export restrictions on U.S. commercial space companies to ship certain satellite and spacecraft-related items to allies and partners.

The changes are intended to make it easier for the growing U.S. commercial space industry to expand sales while also protecting national security and foreign policy interests.

Certain items involving remote sensing spacecraft or space-based logistics assembly, and servicing spacecraft will no longer need licenses for shipment to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the Commerce Department said in the statement.

Some less sensitive satellite and spacecraft parts and components will no longer require licenses for shipment to over 40 countries. The countries include Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and most of the European Union, a person familiar with the matter said.

In addition, the Commerce Department will do away with license requirements for the least sensitive items like electrical connectors for most of the world, but not countries of concern like Russia and China, the person said.

A proposed rule also was published regarding the transfer of jurisdiction of certain space-related defense articles from the State Department to the Commerce Department, making it easier to export them to close allies and partners.

The rules come after a proposed rulemaking nearly five years ago and a December 2023 National Space Council request.

[ANS thanks Reuters for the above information]

Intelsat Satellite Explodes In Orbit

An Intelsat communication satellite built by Boeing has exploded and broken up in geostationary orbit. Intelsat confirmed the news in a press release on Oct. 21, declaring the satellite a “total loss.” The U.S. Space Force said it is tracking around 20 associated pieces but “has observed no immediate threats” to other satellites so far (Roscosmos said it was tracking 80 fragments). The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but the news is another blow for Boeing following Starliner’s failed crew test flight, problems with the 737 Max and delays to the 777x.

Intelsat said it’s working to move customers to its other satellites or third party spacecraft. “A Failure Review Board has convened to complete a comprehensive analysis of the cause,” the company wrote. The satellite was uninsured, a spokesperson told SpaceNews.

EpicNG [Artist’s rendering: Intelsat]

The explosion fragments could still pose a risk to other satellites. “The problem is that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the orbits of these fragments at the moment,” said a spokesperson for Spaceflux, a UK company that tracks objects in orbit. “They can be potentially dangerous for other satellites but we do not know that yet.”

Intelsat 33e is one of six “EpicNG” satellites built by Boeing, and uses the latter’s 720MP satellite platform equipped with 16 hydrazine-powered engines built by Aerojet Rocketdyne. The type is widely used for telephone, internet and satellite TV/radio broadcast services.

It entered service three months late due to an issue with its primary thruster, and another propulsion issue reduced its service life by 3.5 years. The first EpicNG satellite, Intelsat 29e, was declared a total loss in 2019 after just three years in service, reportedly due to a meteoroid impact or wiring flaw.

[ANS thanks Engadget for the above information]

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for Oct. 25

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/.

None reported.

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information]

Reflect Orbital To Sell Sunlight Using In-Space Mirrors

Instead of being constrained by the physical reality that limits the sun to its daily cycle, imagine a future where the sun can be turned on and off like a flashlight.

This is the future that Reflect Orbital imagines is possible. The startup is developing satellites that would deploy large mirrors to precisely reflect sunlight onto specific points on the ground. Rings of satellites in sun-synchronous orbit would follow the terminator, or the line that separates night and day, providing additional sunlight before dawn and after dusk.

Illustration of illuminated sites [Image: Reflect Orbital]

According to Reflect’s two co-founders, CEO Ben Nowack and CTO Tristan Semmelhack, this extra sunlight could increase the amount of solar power delivered to the electricity grid. Instead of building more solar farms, the pair thinks we can simply increase the amount of power generated at the ones that already exist.

The pair say they are still playing with the final configuration for its production-scale vehicles, like the exact size of the reflective array or the final number of satellites that will make up the constellation. But they are starting small, and the first orbital mission will fly a subscale prototype with a reflector that’s 10 by 10 meters.

Many of the debunking videos cite the 10 by 10 meter figure, which is too small to reflect an economically meaningful amount of sunlight on the ground. A news article from earlier this year also said that the constellation will be just 57 satellites.

But Semmelhack said these figures are inaccurate; 57 satellites ringing Earth will guarantee a half hour of service twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening, the minimum to achieve the plans to “extend the day.” The pair also say that 10 by 10 meters is “just a starting point”: Full-scale production vehicles will deploy arrays that are much larger, around 50 by 50 meters or bigger, with the planned constellation growing to “thousands to tens of thousands” of satellites.

“The 10 by 10 is our demonstration that will be brighter than a full moon, roughly 400,000 times less bright than the sun at noon,” Nowack explained over email. “Our production service is targeting 1/5 noon sunlight brightness and will use 100’s – 1000’s of larger vehicles focused at one spot. A 50 by 50 satellite is actually on the small end.”

But even given these additional details, the satellites would still need to be capable of maintaining highly precise control over their mirrors on orbit, and do this across many thousands of satellites. It will be a huge challenge.

[ANS thanks Aria Alamalhodaei and TechCrunch for the above information]

ARISS NEWS

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

COMPLETED:
Magnet Innovation Center, Inlet Beach, FL, direct via WD9GIU
The ISS callsign was NA1SS. The crewmember was Nick Hague, KG5TMV.
The ARISS mentor was AA4KN
Contact was successful: Thu 2024-10-24 15:23:10 UTC 39 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the Magnet Innovation Center students, Nick, mentor AA4KN, and ground station WD9GIU!

TO BE RESCHEDULED:
Ceip San Ignacio Del Viar, Alcalá Del Rio, Spain, direct via EG7SIV
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit, KD5MDT.
The ARISS mentor is IKØUSO
Cancelled due to change of crew sleep schedule. ARISS is working very hard to see if this school can be rescheduled for this week.
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/rLyPkJ0MAPE

UPCOMING:
Coastal Community School, Satellite Beach, FL, direct via KD4GPI
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams, KD5PLB.
The ARISS mentor is AJ9N
Contact is go for: Wed 2024-10-30 13:42:01 UTC 42 deg

Colegio Parroquial el Savador, Yerba Buena, Argentina, direct via LU5KHF
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit, KD5MDT.
The ARISS mentor is VE6JBJ
Contact is go for: Wed 2024-10-30 15:32:26 UTC 82 deg

The next proposal window for U.S. schools and educational organizations to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS opens October 7, 2024 for contacts to be scheduled for July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. This proposal window is due to ARISS by November 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (Nov. 18, 2024, 07:59 UTC). Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org.

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). Ham TV and SSTV systems are currently 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.

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Satellite Operations

Guyana: Aldir, PY1SAD (ZZ1M), operates from Georgetown as 8R1TM between Oct. 12 and Nov. 24 on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via satellites. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com. (From DXNL 2427 – October 9, 2024)

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]

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.

November 2-3, 2024
Stone Mountain Hamfest, ARRL State Convention
Stone Mountain, GA
https://stonemountainhamfest.com/
K4RGK

November 9, 2024
Oro Valley Amateur Radio Club
Marana Middle School
11285 West Grier Rd.
Marana, AZ 85653
https://www.tucsonhamradio.org/copy-of-hamfest-2022
N1UW

February 20-22, 2025
Yuma HAMCON
Yuma, AZ
N1UW

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

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ HADES-D (SO-121) is decaying fast so it will only last a few days. Current height is near 355 km. Control operators are manually turning on the internal amplifier, so some passes could be in high power, depending on the zone. This has to be done each day because the on board computer is resetting this configuration each 24 hours. (ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, of AMSAT-EA for the above information.)

+ In addition to SO-121 (above), UVSQ-Sat, XW-2D and XW-2B are predicted to decay from orbit within days or weeks. (ANS thanks AMSAT-AR [http://lu7aa.org/reenter.asp] for the above information.)

+ The ARRL has released LoTW configuration file version 11.29 adding support for QSOs via MESAT-1 (as MO-122) and SONATE-2 (as SONATE). (ANS thanks ARRL for the above information.)

+ FUNcube (AO-73) is now in Autonomous mode, meaning high power telemetry when in daylight, and transponder in when the satellite is in eclipse. Controllers are watching the effect on its 11 year old batteries. If the batteries suffer badly they will revert to Eclipse mode. All telemetry will be gratefully received — see http://data.amsat-uk.org/ui/fc1-fm for details. (ANS thanks David Johnson, G4DPZ, Honorable Secretary, AMSAT-UK, of the FUNcube Team for the above information.)

+ Crew-8 members, NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, KCØTOR, Michael Barratt, KD5MIJ, Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, RZ3DSE, all woke up late on Oct. 21, having shifted their sleep schedules in anticipation of Monday’s departure from the International Space Station. However, they spent the rest of the day continuing their daily exercise routines and standard housekeeping tasks aboard the orbiting lab. NASA and SpaceX officials delayed the undocking until late Wednesday, Oct. 23 due to unfavorable weather conditions near the multiple splashdown zones off the coast of Florida. Splashdown was early Friday, Oct. 25. During routine medical assessments on the recovery ship, an additional evaluation of the crew members was requested out of an abundance of caution. One crew member remained hospitalized Friday evening. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information.)

+ NASA will use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for its two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station in 2025 as it continues to evaluate if it will require Boeing to perform another test flight of its Starliner spacecraft. In an Oct. 15 statement, NASA said it will use Crew Dragon for both the Crew-10 mission to the ISS, scheduled for no earlier than February 2025, and the Crew-11 mission scheduled for no earlier than July. Crew-10 will fly NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers along with astronaut Takuya Onishi from the Japanese space agency JAXA and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov. NASA has not yet announced the crew for the Crew-11 mission. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information.)

+ The Mauritius Amateur Radio Society (MARS) portable team, on Oct. 20, enabled many young Scouts of the Mauritius Scout Association (MSA) to communicate with other Scouts around the World on QO-100 GEO satellite. See photos at https://3b8mars.org/2024/10/21/jota-2024/ (ANS thanks Jean Marc Momple, 3B8DU, for the above information.)

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

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

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

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor, Mark Johns, KØJM
mjohns [at] amsat.org

ANS-294 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

by

In this edition:

* 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium to Proceed After Hurricane Milton
* 2024 AMSAT-UK Colloquium: A Weekend of Satellite Innovation and Collaboration
* SpaceX Achieves First Super Heavy Booster Catch in Landmark Starship Flight
* NASA’s Europa Clipper Embarks on Epic Journey to Explore Alien Ocean World
* European Spacecraft Launches to Investigate NASA’s Asteroid Defense Test
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 18, 2024
* 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-294 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2024 Oct 20

42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium to Proceed After Hurricane Milton

The 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will take place from October 24-27, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront in Tampa, Florida. Originally at risk due to damage from Hurricane Milton, the hotel has completed repairs, allowing the event to proceed as scheduled. All Symposium activities, including presentations, social events, and the annual banquet, will be held in the same ballroom due to rescheduled events at the venue. While there may be minor schedule adjustments, AMSAT is confident the event will run smoothly.

Registration for the Saturday banquet and Sunday breakfast has closed, but attendees who have secured their spots can look forward to a full weekend of activities. The Symposium kicks off with the AMSAT Board of Directors meeting on October 24-25, followed by paper sessions and the AMSAT Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 26. The weekend will conclude with the AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast on Sunday, October 27, offering a relaxed setting for further networking and discussion.

This year’s Symposium will focus on the latest developments in amateur radio satellite communications, with a variety of paper sessions and events throughout the weekend. The Friday night AMSAT Reception and Auction will provide an informal space for participants to connect and exchange ideas. If you have anything of interest that you can donate for the auction, please bring it along! AMSAT remains excited to host the event despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton and looks forward to celebrating the community’s passion for space-based communications. More information can be found at https://launch.amsat.org/event-5833792.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]

2024 AMSAT-UK Colloquium: A Weekend of Satellite Innovation and Collaboration

The AMSAT-UK Colloquium took place last weekend, bringing together enthusiasts and experts from the amateur satellite community. Held as a dedicated stream within the RSGB Convention, the event featured a range of presentations on the latest advancements in satellite technology and space-related topics. The Colloquium provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with cutting-edge developments and network with fellow amateur radio operators.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the AMSAT-UK Annual General Meeting, where key updates and future plans were discussed. In addition to the technical sessions, attendees enjoyed social gatherings, including the AMSAT Gala Dinner, which fostered further collaboration and exchange of ideas. The event continues to serve as a cornerstone for the amateur satellite community, offering both knowledge and inspiration for future projects.

Presentations from the 2024 AMSAT-UK Colloquium are available on YouTube. Provided below are links to the individual topics from both Saturday and Sunday.

Opening Address Prof Sir Martin Sweeting, G3YJO https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=860s
Getting Started with Satellites Heather Nickalls, MØHMO https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=1535s
Report on Operations via Q0100 from North America Ravi Gopan, MØXUU & Graham Shirville, G3VZV https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=5340s
FUNcube Lite on Jovian-1 David Bowman, GØMRF https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=9095s
Surrey and Space Based Solar Power Professor Craig Underwood, G1WTW https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=16110s
FUNcube Update Dave Johnson, G4DPZ https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=19735s
ARISS-UK Update / 40 years of Amateur Radio on Human Space Flight Ciaran Morgan, MØXTD https://www.youtube.com/live/4ve4q43pdF0?t=24205s
An SDR Transponder Update Martin Ling, MØLNG https://www.youtube.com/live/uOHP2G_-ryU?t=345s
Automated Reception of FUNcube, APRS and Weather Satellite Pictures Iain Young, G7III https://www.youtube.com/live/uOHP2G_-ryU?t=4930s
AMSAT-DL Update Peter Gülzow, DB2OS https://www.youtube.com/live/uOHP2G_-ryU?t=8515s
AMSAT-NA Burns Fisher, WB1FJ https://www.youtube.com/live/uOHP2G_-ryU?t=19305s

[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]

SpaceX Achieves First Super Heavy Booster Catch in Landmark Starship Flight

SpaceX successfully launched its fifth Starship vehicle on October 13, 2024, marking a milestone with the unprecedented recovery of the Super Heavy booster at the launch site. The mission, dubbed “Flight 5” by SpaceX, lifted off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, at 8:25 a.m. Eastern time. The launch represented a significant step in SpaceX’s long-term goal of achieving rapid reusability for its massive Starship/Super Heavy system.

The key innovation in this test was the planned recovery of the Super Heavy booster, known as Booster 12. After liftoff, the booster performed a series of precise maneuvers to guide itself back to the launch site. The booster was caught by a pair of mechanical arms—often referred to as “chopsticks”—mounted on the launch tower. About seven minutes after liftoff, the arms closed around the top of the booster, just below its grid fins, successfully completing the first-ever “catch” of a returning booster.

Final phases of Flight 5 Booster 12 catch as seen from the top of SpaceX’s second Starship tower at Starbase. [Credit: @SpaceX]
SpaceX officials expressed excitement over the achievement, which is critical for the company’s vision of rapid reflight capability. The ability to land the booster directly on the launch pad and prepare it for another flight within days or even hours is a key component of SpaceX’s goal to make space travel more efficient. “I don’t know what to say!” Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president and chief operating officer, posted on social media along with a video of the landing, capturing the surprise and enthusiasm following the success.

The mission’s second stage, Starship, flew on a suborbital trajectory, reaching a peak altitude of 212 kilometers before reentering the atmosphere. Unlike the booster, Starship was not intended to be recovered. It performed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, where it exploded several seconds after touchdown. SpaceX noted improvements to Starship’s heatshield from previous flights, which allowed it to survive reentry in better condition.

Super Heavy used its three center Raptor engines to precisely steer into position between the Mechazilla arms. [Credit: SpaceX]
The launch came just hours after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX an updated launch license. The revised license, issued after concerns about environmental impacts, allows SpaceX to conduct the next flight—Flight 6—without needing a new authorization. The changes to the license included adjustments to the areas where debris, such as the interstage ring, might land, and an analysis of sonic boom impacts from the returning Super Heavy booster.

The environmental analysis, a requirement for the revised license, determined that there would be no significant impacts from the mission. However, SpaceX is still required to conduct monitoring and take measures to protect the local wildlife surrounding the Boca Chica site. The FAA granted SpaceX the ability to proceed with Flight 6 under the same conditions, but the company must comply with strict regulations, including submitting monitoring data and environmental reports.

[ANS thanks Jeff Foust, SpaceNews.com, for the above information]

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NASA’s Europa Clipper Embarks on Epic Journey to Explore Alien Ocean World

NASA’s highly anticipated Europa Clipper mission officially launched on Monday, October 14, 2024, embarking on a journey to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa. The spacecraft lifted off at 12:06 p.m. Eastern Time aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, described by NASA commentator Derrol Nail as unveiling “the mysteries of an enormous ocean lurking beneath the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa,” marks the beginning of an ambitious astrobiology mission.

The Falcon Heavy’s 27 first-stage Merlin engines roared to life as the rocket ascended, with the two side boosters detaching about three minutes into flight. Separation of the second stage occurred shortly afterward, and Europa Clipper was deployed on its interplanetary trajectory nearly an hour later. Mission control successfully established communication with the probe, confirming that the spacecraft’s solar arrays had deployed as planned, signaling a smooth start to its mission.

Artist’s illustration depicts NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft in orbit over Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. [Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech]
Monday’s launch faced a slight delay due to Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast last week, forcing NASA to close the Kennedy Space Center temporarily. Originally scheduled for October 10, the launch was pushed back while teams secured Europa Clipper inside a SpaceX hangar near Pad 39A. This marked the 11th Falcon Heavy launch and only the second time the rocket has been used for an interplanetary mission.

The Europa Clipper mission has faced a long and complex path to the launchpad. Initially, NASA intended to launch the probe using its Space Launch System (SLS), a powerful moon rocket still in development in the mid-2010s. However, repeated delays in the SLS program, along with NASA’s commitment to using the early SLS vehicles for its Artemis moon missions, forced the agency to opt for a commercial alternative. A 2021 budget proposal allowed NASA to choose SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, though the shift meant the mission’s journey to Jupiter would take nearly six years instead of three.

Europa Clipper’s massive solar arrays have a span of more than 100 feet (30.5 meters) when unfolded. [Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett]
At the heart of the mission is Europa, a moon thought to harbor a vast subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. Europa has long intrigued scientists as one of the best places in the solar system to search for signs of life. However, NASA emphasizes that Europa Clipper’s mission is not to find life directly but to assess the moon’s habitability. The spacecraft, carrying a suite of nine science instruments, will study the composition of Europa’s ocean, investigate its icy shell, and look for any signs of recent activity.

After a journey of nearly six years, Europa Clipper is expected to enter orbit around Jupiter in April 2030, where it will begin an extended series of flybys of Europa. Over the course of its mission, the probe will make close passes to the moon, gathering data that could inform future missions, including a potential lander. The mission is set to conclude in 2034, with NASA planning to crash Europa Clipper into Jupiter’s moon Ganymede to avoid contaminating Europa’s pristine environment.

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

European Spacecraft Launches to Investigate NASA’s Asteroid Defense Test

A European spacecraft, along with two CubeSats, has launched to investigate the aftermath of NASA’s first planetary defense mission, known as DART. The European Space Agency’s Hera mission took off on October 7, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The mission aims to study the consequences of NASA’s 2022 mission, which deliberately crashed a spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos, changing its orbit.

The Hera mission, slated to arrive at Dimorphos and its larger companion asteroid Didymos in 2026, is expected to offer a detailed “crash scene investigation,” according to European scientists. NASA’s DART mission had tested whether a kinetic impact, or crashing a spacecraft into a celestial body at high speeds, could alter the object’s trajectory. While neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, Dimorphos was chosen for the experiment because of its size, which is comparable to asteroids that could potentially be hazardous in the future.

Hera’s main spacecraft undergoes vibration testing at ESA’s ESTEC Test Centre in the Netherlands. [Credit: ESA/SJM Photography]
Observations following DART’s collision with Dimorphos in September 2022 revealed that the spacecraft succeeded in altering the asteroid’s orbital period by about 32 to 33 minutes. However, many questions remain unanswered, such as whether the impact merely left a crater or completely reshaped Dimorphos. The Hera mission is tasked with solving these mysteries by providing detailed data on the structure and composition of both asteroids, which will further refine planetary defense strategies.

Hera is scheduled to reach the Didymos system in late 2026, after a mid-March 2025 flyby of Mars to gain the necessary momentum. During the flyby, Hera will test its suite of instruments and observe Mars’ moon Deimos, capturing data that will support Japan’s upcoming Martian Moons eXploration mission. Once Hera arrives at the Didymos system, it will spend six weeks conducting surveys of both asteroids, using a variety of instruments to study their shapes, masses, and thermal properties.

The Milani CubeSat will perform close-up mineral prospecting of the Dimorphos asteroid and survey its surrounding dust. [Credit: ESA]
Hera will also release two CubeSats, Juventas and Milani, to conduct more specific investigations. Juventas will use radar to probe the interior of Dimorphos, while Milani will study the mineral composition and dust environment of both asteroids. These CubeSats will communicate their findings to Hera and relay the data back to Earth, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into the double-asteroid system.

Ultimately, the Hera mission could end with experimental landings on either Didymos or Dimorphos, further extending its ability to study the asteroids up close. Scientists hope the data collected will deepen understanding of how asteroid deflection technology can be used to protect Earth from future threats. As Patrick Michel, principal investigator of the Hera mission, noted, while DART was a success, Hera will complete the story by offering crucial details that could inspire future planetary defense initiatives.

[ANS thanks Ashley Strickland, CNN, for the above information]

Need new satellite antennas?
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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 18, 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 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/.

The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE distribution:
DORA NORAD Cat ID 61502 IARU coordinated downlink 436.825 MHz
CySat-1 NORAD Cat ID 61501 IARU coordinated downlink 436.375 MHz

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

ARISS NEWS

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

+ Recently Completed Contacts

Istituto Comprensivo “Elena Lucrezua Corner”, Fossò, Italy, direct via IQ3RW
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Sunita Williams KD5PLB
The ARISS mentor was IZ2GOJ
Contact was successful for: Fri 2024-10-18 09:09:46 UTC

Colegio Cervantes, Torreon. Mexico, Telebridge via K6DUE
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor was VE3TBD
Contact was successful for: Fri 2024-10-18 16:59:43 UTC

TEACH-NW Charter School, Springfield, OR, direct via KJ7NLL
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Sunita Williams KD5PLB
The ARISS mentor was N7GZT
Contact was successful for: Fri 2024-10-18 18:27:52 UTC
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/Yarcl0FgiA4?t=1860s

+ Upcoming Contacts

The Robert Drake Primary School, Essex, UK, telebridge via K6DUE
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams KD5PLB
The ARISS mentor is MØXTD
Contact is go for: Mon 2024-10-21 09:42:16 UTC

Ceip San Ignacio Del Viar, Alcalá Del Rio, Spain, direct via EG7SIV
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is IK0USO
Contact is go for: Mon 2024-10-21 11:33:54 UTC

Magnet Innovation Center, Inlet Beach, FL, direct via WD9GIU
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague KG5TMV
The ARISS mentor is AA4KN
Contact is go for: Thu 2024-10-24 15:23:10 UTC

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

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]

Upcoming Satellite Operations

Guyana: Aldir, PY1SAD (ZZ1M), operates from Georgetown as 8R1TM between  Oct. 12 and Nov. 24 on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via satellites. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com. (From DXNL 2427 – October 9, 2024)

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]

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,

AMSAT Ambassadors delight in spreading the word regarding AMSAT and satellite operations. Think a lively, informative – and FUN – 60-75-minute presentation would be appropriate for YOUR members?

I have three Zoom presentations coming up: Southern CA, Maine, and Germany (!).

175 presentations so far … and each is customized to my audiences. NEVER have I given the exact same show twice! Between 20 and 26 “slides” are unique to each presentation.

Clint Bradford K6LCS
AMSAT Ambassador
ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator, Legacy Circle member
Work-Sat.com
+01 951-533-4984 (cell)

Pacificon 2024, ARRL Pacific Division Conference – October 18th thru 20th, 2024
San Ramon Marriott
2600 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA  94583
https://www.pacificon.org/

WU0I

2024 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting – October 25th thru 27th, 2024
Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
3050 N Rocky Point Drive West
Tampa, FL 33607
https://www.amsat.org/

SmallSat Education Conference – October 26th thru 27th, 2024
AMF Center for Space Education, Kennedy Space Center – Visitor Center
M6-306 405 State Road
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
http://www.smallsateducation.org

Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, will be presenting “Classroom Activities with the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator” showcasing the work by the CubeSatSim Educational Materials Team: Paul Graveline (sk), K1YUB, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, Mark Samis, KD2XS and David White, WD6DRI.

Stone Mountain Hamfest, ARRL State Convention – November 2nd and 3rd, 2024
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
2405 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30042
https://stonemountainhamfest.com/

K4RGK

Oro Valley Amateur Radio Club – November 9th, 2024
Marana Middle School
11285 West Grier Road
Marana, AZ 85653
https://www.tucsonhamradio.org/copy-of-hamfest-2022

N1UW

Yuma HAMCON – February 20th thru 22nd, 2025
Yuma, AZ

N1UW

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

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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

Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ On October 4, United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan rocket, despite one of the solid-propellant strap-on boosters encountering an anomaly 37 seconds after liftoff. The booster emitted sparks and debris, but the rocket continued its ascent and reached orbit. This mission is part of the certification process for the Vulcan rocket, which will soon carry national security payloads for the U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). ULA included a dummy payload and technology experiments to gather data and validate the rocket’s performance. The booster issue is under investigation, but the key mission objectives were met, according to ULA CEO Tory Bruno. The Vulcan rocket, powered by Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines, will replace ULA’s Delta 4 and Atlas 5 rockets, positioning the company for future success in the competitive space market. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information)

+ Four astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are awaiting their return as mission managers monitor unfavorable weather conditions off the coast of Florida. The Crew-8 mission, which includes NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Mike Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, is nearing its conclusion after seven months in space. While they prepare for their journey home, the crew spent the week relaxing and engaging in pre-departure activities. A weather briefing occurred on Wednesday, October 16, at 11 a.m. EDT, assessing conditions for their splashdown. Mission managers are now targeting a new undocking time of no earlier than 3:05 a.m. EDT on Sunday, October 20. (ANS thanks SciTechDaily for the above information)

+ The FAA authorized SpaceX to resume Falcon 9 flights on October 11, following a suspension caused by an upper stage anomaly during the Crew-9 mission on September 28. The anomaly occurred when the Merlin engine burned 500 milliseconds longer than planned, resulting in reentry outside its designated zone. SpaceX conducted an investigation, and the FAA approved their corrective actions, though neither disclosed specific details of the findings. A special exception had been made for the European Space Agency’s Hera mission on October 7, as it posed no public safety risk. With the issue resolved, Falcon 9 operations fully resumed on October 15. SpaceX marked its return with a double Starlink mission, launching from both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral on the same day. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)

+ Following Hurricane Helene, T-Mobile and Starlink activated their satellite texting service in preparation for Hurricane Milton to ensure Florida residents could stay connected despite potential cellular outages. After the Federal Communications Commission granted emergency approval, the service enabled T-Mobile users to send and receive basic texts, including 911 messages, even if the network went down. Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites were also employed to send emergency alerts to all phones and carriers in the affected areas. Users could determine if their phone connected to a Starlink satellite by the presence of one to two bars of signal and the network name displaying “T-Mobile SpaceX.” The satellite service worked best outdoors or near windows, although users sometimes had to retry sending messages if they didn’t go through on the first attempt. SpaceX has also delivered over 10,000 Starlink kits in response to Hurricane Helene, as part of ongoing recovery efforts. (ANS thanks Engadget for the above information)

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

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

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

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

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

ANS-287 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

by

AMSAT News Service

ANS-287
October 13, 2024

In this edition:

  • Status Note – 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
  • Final Call for Papers
  • ARISS SSTV Event Continues Until Monday October 14
  • Call for ARISS Proposals From U.S. Educators
  • Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for October 10, 2024
  • 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/

Status Note – 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting

Hurricane Milton impacted the Tampa area on October 9th and 10th. As recovery from the storm continues, the AMSAT Symposium team will be in communication with hotel representatives as soon as possible to determine whether the Symposium will be able to proceed as planned. We will let all registrants know the status as soon as possible. If the in-person Symposium is canceled, we will hold a virtual event on Saturday, October 26th.

The 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday through Saturday, October 25-26, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront in Tampa, Florida.

Highlights of all scheduled events include:

  • AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting, October 24-25
  • 42nd AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 25-26
  • Friday Night Social and Auction, October 25
  • AMSAT Banquet and Reception, October 26
  • AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast (all are welcome), October 27

Note – if you wish to register guests for the banquet and/or breakfast who are not attending the Symposium sessions, you must register for each event separately and include your guests with your banquet and breakfast tickets.

If you are interested in presenting or submitting a paper for inclusion in the Symposium Proceedings, please see the Call for Papers.

IMPORTANT: The deadline for Symposium registrations if you want to include the Saturday evening banquet or Sunday breakfast is Friday, October 18th. Meals cannot be ordered after that date.

Click Here to Register Now

Hotel Reservations

The rate for a standard room with two Queen beds is $169.00 plus state and local taxes of 14.5%. Rooms may be available for check-in on Wednesday, October 23 and check out Sunday, October 27.

Rooms can be reserved at https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/radioamateursatellite/.

Reservations may also be made by phone at 813-888-8800. Reference AMSAT to receive the group rate.

Note: If you are planning on driving to the Symposium or renting a car, parking charges are $20 per night for overnight parking. 

We, at AMSAT, are excited to be able to host our 42nd annual Symposium this year. We hope that you can join us in celebrating Amateur Radio in Space.

Schedule

Thursday, October 24, 2024

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM AMSAT Board Meeting
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Pre-Registration Check-in

Friday, October 25, 2024

8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon AMSAT Board Meeting (Closed Session)
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM AMSAT Symposium Kickoff, President’s Welcome
1:15 PM – 5:00 PM Paper Sessions
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Informal Dinner on your own
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AMSAT Reception and Auction, Cash Bar Available

Saturday, October 26, 2024

8:00 AM – 11:45 AM Registration
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM AMSAT Symposium Welcome
8:15 AM – 12:00 Noon Paper Sessions
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Paper Sessions
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM AMSAT Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Attitude Adjustment (Social), Cash Bar
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM AMSAT Banquet, Cash Bar

Sunday, October 27, 2024

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast (All are welcome)

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Symposium Committee for the above information]

Final Call for Papers

Papers continue to be accepted for the 42nd annual AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 25-27, 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront in Tampa, Florida.

Proposals for symposium papers and presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by October 18 for inclusion in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV at [email protected]

[ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV, AMSAT Symposium Proceedings Editor for the above information]

ARISS SSTV Event Continues Until Monday October 14

ARISS is planning a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) experiment from the International Space Station started this past Tuesday and is scheduled to run until Monday, October 14, at 14:10 GMT.

The transmission frequency will be 145.800 MHz FM, using SSTV mode PD120. The ISS callsign will be RS0ISS.

The SSTV transmissions will be made using the station in the Russian ISS Service Module. The equipment used is a Kenwood D710 transceiver running about 25 watts output which provides a very strong signal enabling reception using simple equipment. Images received by amateurs world-wide during previous transmissions can be seen at http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV.

Amateurs can receive the SSTV pictures directly from the space station by connecting the audio output of their two-meter transceiver via a simple interface to the soundcard on a Windows PC or an Apple iOS device. On Windows PC’s the free application MMSSTV can be used to decode the signal, on Apple iOS devices you can use the SSTV app for compatible modes. For Linux systems try QSSTV.

The ISS puts out a strong signal so even a 2M handheld with a 1/4 wave antenna will be enough to receive it but one’s chances of success are significantly improved with the use of a handheld beam antenna. The FM transmission uses 5 kHz deviation which is standard in much of the world. Many FM rigs can be switched been wide and narrow deviation FM filters. For best results you should select the filter for wider deviation FM. Handhelds all seem to have a single wide filter fitted as standard.

Reports are requested: please send ARISS uploading your decoded pictures in the official ARISS SSTV gallery: https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/

An SSTV Award is also available. To get this award one should receive and decode at least one picture in the session. The quality of the received image does not have to be perfect, but good enough to be able to identify. Rules for earning the award are available at https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv/.

Useful information to receive the pictures can be found here at https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/

Follow ARISS on X for official updates during the event https://x.com/ARISS_Intl.

[ANS thanks ARISS and AMSAT-UK for the above information]

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Call for ARISS Proposals from U.S. Educators

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact contact dates. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.

The deadline to submit a proposal is November 17th, 2024. Proposal information and more details such as expectations, proposal guidelines and the proposal form can be found at www.ariss.org. An ARISS Introductory Webinar session will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at 7 PM ET. The Zoom link to sign up is: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpfuqpqzwiGdSZl0IXCPV6XP2OznBnaOIN

The Opportunity

Crew members aboard the International Space Station will participate in scheduled Amateur Radio contacts. These radio contacts are approximately 10 minutes in length and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a question-and-answer session.

An ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and classrooms and communities. ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS. Students also will have an opportunity to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio science. Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in dates and times of the radio contact.

Amateur Radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe present educational organizations with this opportunity. The ham radio organizations’ volunteer efforts provide the equipment and operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and students around the world using Amateur Radio.

Please direct any questions to education at ariss-usa.org .

[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]

Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for October 10, 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/

CIRBE NORAD Cat ID 56188 Decayed from orbit on or about 04 October 2024

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information]

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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.

Istituto Comprensivo “Elena Lucrezua Corner”, Fossò, Italy, direct via IQ3RW

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams KD5PLB
The ARISS mentor is IZ2GOJ

Contact is go for: Fri 2024-10-18 09:12:01 UTC 42 deg

Colegio Cervantes, Torreon. Mexico, Telebridge via K6DUE (***)

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague KG5TMV
The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD

Contact is go for: Fri 2024-10-18 17:02:04 UTC 63 deg

TEACH-NW Charter School, Springfield, OR, direct via KJ7NLL

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams KD5PLB KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is W4NTR

Contact is go for: Fri 2024-10-18 18:30:14 UTC 57 deg
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@KJ7NLL/streams

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.

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

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

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

Upcoming Satellite Operations

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.

Guyana: Aldir, PY1SAD (ZZ1M), operates from Georgetown as 8R1TM between  Oct. 12 and Nov. 24 on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via satellites. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com. (From DXNL 2427 – October 9, 2024)

[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

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.

Scheduled Events

Pacificon 2024, ARRL Pacific Division Conference
October 18-20, 2024

San Ramon, CA
WU0I

2024 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 25-27, 2024

Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
3050 N Rocky Point Dr W
Tampa, FL 33607

SmallSat Education Conference
October 26-27, 2024

Kennedy Space Center
http://www.smallsateducation.org

Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, will be presenting “Classroom Activities with the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator” showcasing the work by the CubeSatSim Educational Materials Team: Paul Graveline (sk), K1YUB, Alan Johnston, KU2Y, Fredric Raab, KK6NOW, Mark Samis, KD2XS and David White, WD6DRI.

Stone Mountain Hamfest, ARRL State Convention
November 2-3, 2024

Stone Mountain, GA
K4RGK

Oro Valley Amateur Radio Club
November 9, 2024

Marana Middle School
11285 West Grier Rd.
Marana, AZ 85653
https://www.tucsonhamradio.org/copy-of-hamfest-2022
N1UW

Yuma HAMCON
February 20-22, 2025

Yuma, AZ
N1UW

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

Satellite Shorts from All Over

+ The SONATE-2 digipeater is now operating continuously, though interruptions are possible. Details available at https://www.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/space-technology/projects/active/sonate-2/information-for-radio-amateurs/ (ANS thanks the SONATE-2 team for the information)

+ MO-122’s transponder will be off for a few days to evaluate the battery status. (Thanks to Mark Hammond, N8MH, AMSAT Director and Command Station for the information)

+ AMSAT has requested that the ARRL add MO-122 and SONATE-2 (as SONATE) to the list of valid satellites for LoTW.

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

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

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

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
n8hm [at] arrl.net

ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002

ANS-280 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

by

In this edition:

  • MESAT1 Designated MESAT1-OSCAR 122 (MO-122)
  • ARISS Slow Scan TV Transmissions Begin Tuesday
  • SDRplay Announces the nRSP-ST Networked Receiver
  • VUCC Satellite Standing October 2024
  • Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 4, 2024
  • 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 http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

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

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

ANS-280 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2024 OCT 06

MESAT1 Designated MESAT1-OSCAR 122 (MO-122)

On July 4, 2024 at 04:04 UTC, the MESAT1 satellite was launched on a Firefly Alpha launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Developed by the University of Maine, the satellite carries an earth imaging experiment and an AMSAT-provided LTM-1 linear transponder to provide services to amateur radio enthusiasts around the world. The satellite has been commissioned and the transponder is currently active.

At the request of University of Maine, AMSAT hereby designates MESAT1 as MESAT1-OSCAR 122 (MO-122). We congratulate the University of Maine, thank them for their contribution to the amateur satellite community, and wish them continued success on this and future projects.

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

The 2024 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

ARISS Slow Scan TV Transmissions Begin Tuesday

ARISS is planning a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) experiment from the International Space Station, scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 8, at 16:00 GMT and running until Monday, October 14, at 14:10 GMT.

There will be an interruption on Friday, October 11, for planned school contacts over Europe.

The transmission frequency will be 145.800 MHz FM, using SSTV mode PD120. The ISS callsign will be RS0ISS.

The SSTV transmissions will be made using the station in the Russian ISS Service Module. The equipment used is a Kenwood D710 transceiver running about 25 watts output which provides a very strong signal enabling reception using simple equipment. Images received by amateurs world-wide during previous transmissions can be seen at http://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV.

Amateurs can receive the SSTV pictures directly from the space station by connecting the audio output of their two-meter transceiver via a simple interface to the soundcard on a Windows PC or an Apple iOS device. On Windows PC’s the free application MMSSTV can be used to decode the signal, on Apple iOS devices you can use the SSTV app for compatible modes. For Linux systems try QSSTV.

The ISS puts out a strong signal so even a 2M handheld with a 1/4 wave antenna will be enough to receive it but one’s chances of success are significantly improved with the use of a handheld beam antenna. The FM transmission uses 5 kHz deviation which is standard in much of the world. Many FM rigs can be switched been wide and narrow deviation FM filters. For best results you should select the filter for wider deviation FM. Handhelds all seem to have a single wide filter fitted as standard.

Reports are requested: please send ARISS uploading your decoded pictures in the official ARISS SSTV gallery: https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/

Useful information to receive the pictures can be found here at https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/

Follow ARISS on X for official updates during the event https://x.com/ARISS_Intl.

[ANS thanks ARISS and AMSAT-UK for the above information.]

Registration Deadline Looms for 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting

The 42nd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday through Saturday, October 25-26, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront in Tampa, Florida.

Highlights of all scheduled events include:

AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting, October 24-25
42nd AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting, October 25-26
Friday Night Social and Auction, October 25
AMSAT Banquet and Reception, October 26
AMSAT Ambassador Breakfast (all are welcome), October 27

If you are interested in presenting or submitting a paper for inclusion in the Symposium Proceedings, please see https://www.amsat.org/2024-symposium/call-for-papers-2024.

IMPORTANT: The deadline for Symposium registrations if you want to include the Saturday evening banquet or Sunday breakfast is Friday, October 18th. Meals cannot be ordered after that date. Register now at https://launch.amsat.org/event-5833792.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]

Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store.

When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.

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

SDRplay Announces the nRSP-ST Networked Receiver

SDRplay Limited has announced the imminent launch of the nRSP-ST, an all-in-one, plug-and-play networked SDR receiver. The nRSP-ST was demonstrated publicly for the first time at the UK National Hamfest this week.

(Editors Note: AMSAT News Service does not typically run new product announcements, but the nRSP-ST seems to provide satellite enthusiasts and operators with a radically new opportunity to deploy multiple stations to collect telemetry over wide-spread areas. This announcement does not constitute an endorsement by ANS.)

This SDR addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a plug-and-play solution for remote reception. In addition to providing this functionality, SDRPlay claims to have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel “IQ Lite” mode, which delivers channels of IQ data more efficiently. The device also introduces the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location. SDRPlay thinks the nRSP-ST will be ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location.

The nRSP-ST key features include:

  • A truly “plug and play” integrated, networked general coverage receiver that combines a receiver, a host computer and other functionality in one box. Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible.
  • The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2GHz with no gaps.
  • Remotely monitoring of up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas.
  • Multi-platform SDRconnectTM software that supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms.
  • Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes.
  • All modes support visualization of up to 10MHz spectrum bandwidth.
  • Two remote connection options: use a remote SDRconnect client or use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones.
  • The ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
  • Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements.
  • The nRSP-ST with SDRconnectTM is configurable for whatever network bandwidth is available:
  • In “Full IQ” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g.for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity).
  • In “IQ Lite” mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client).
  • In “Compact” mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections).

SDRPlay is aiming to launch the nRSP-ST in the Fall of 2024 with a price of under $500 USD. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-280-nRSP-ST

[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]

VUCC Satellite Standing October 2024

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for September 01, 2024 to October 01, 2024.

K8DP 1701 1737
WI7P 1078 1104
JK2XXK 1036 1086
JN2QCV 908 1016
EA2AA 982 1011
W8LR 859 887
JS1LQI 701 808
N8MR 731 755
KS1G 703 754
LY4AA 555 670
XE2YWH 118 595
W9FF 450 525
KO9A 472 524
VA3VGR 352 509
HP2VX 500 508
KA9CFD 283 500
N6PAZ 450 472
K4RGK 362 421
JE3HCZ 103 410
NJ2DX 365 404
K3HPA 300 350
SP7JS 207 253
RA0FF New 211
W2HRO New 192
DH0GSU 152 156
AE5AU 101 153
XE2YWH (DL82 – D 114 119
XE2YWH (DL82) 114 119
YC1RIK New 114
N5YIZ New 100
W4XP New 100

Congratulations to the new VUCC Satellite holders.
RA0FF is first VUCC Satellite holder from Asiatic Russia and QN16.
YC1RIK is first VUCC Satellite holder from OI33.

DXCC Satellite has still not been updated since May

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

Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!


25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space

https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for October 4, 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 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/.

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

OreSat0 NORAD Cat ID 52017 Decayed from orbit on 29 September 2024.

MESAT1 has been redesignated as MO-122.

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.]

ARISS NEWS

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

ARISS News

Upcoming Contacts
School No. 2, Veliky Ustyug, Russia direct via TBD.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Ivan Vagner.
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR.
Contact is go for Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 10:50 UTC.

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tengku Ampuan Hajjah Afzan Pahang, Jerantut, Malaysia, direct via 9M2RPN.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams, KD5PLB.
The ARISS mentor is Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ.
Contact is go for: Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:58 UTC.

European School of Varese, Varese, Italy, direct via IQ2XH.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams, KD5PLB.
The ARISS mentor is Ferrario Gianpietro, IZ2GOJ.
Contact is go for: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 08:22 UTC.

Jaanimmarik Ilinniarvik School, Jaanimmarik Iliniavik, Kuujjuaq, QC, Canada, Telebridge via IK1SLD.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague, KG5TMV.
The ARISS mentor is Steven McFarlane, VE3TBD.
Contact is go for: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 13:13 UTC.

Greenville Jr HS, Greenville, IL, direct via AD9OV.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS.
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit, KD5MDT.
The ARISS mentor is Gordon Scannell, KD8COJ.
Contact is go for Friday, October 11, 2024 at 14:32 UTC.

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

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.]

Upcoming Satellite Operations

No operations listed.

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, and Alex Ners, K6VHF, for the above information.]

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.

October 18-20, 2024
Pacificon 2024, ARRL Pacific Division Conference
San Ramon, CA
WUØI

October 25-27, 2004
AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
Double Tree Rocky Point Waterfront Hotel
Tampa Bay, FL

November 2-3, 2024
Stone Mountain Hamfest, ARRL State Convention
Stone Mountain, GA
https://stonemountainhamfest.com/
K4RGK

November 9, 2024
Oro Valley Amateur Radio Club
Marana Middle School
11285 West Grier Rd.
Marana, AZ 85653
https://www.tucsonhamradio.org/copy-of-hamfest-2022
N1UW

February 20-22, 2025
Yuma HAMCON
Yuma, AZ
N1UW

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

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

Satellite Shorts From All Over

  • For those who missed the 2024 CubeSat Developers Workshop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California last April, all recorded presentations are now available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/@cubesat5793/streams. CPCL is Cal Poly’s CubeSat laboratory where the CubeSat standard originated, and where the CubeSat Design Specification is maintained and published. In addition to providing the CDS, CPCL hosts the annual CubeSat Developer’s Workshop in San Luis Obispo, and provides a central point for CubeSat community resources. [ANS thanks cubesat.org for the above information.]
  • The 2025 SmallSat Conference is scheduled for August 11-13, 2025 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The theme for the conference is Reaching New Horizons – New orbit. Same mission. Innovation and growing demand are driving the increased use of small satellites across a diverse global ecosystem. Both government and commercial sectors are pursuing proliferated networked constellations for global monitoring and connectivity. National space agencies and academia use small satellites for exploration, science, and fundamental research. The conference organizers have put out the first call for papers and for exhibitors. Abstracts are due by February 4 at 11:59 PM MT. More information is available at https://smallsat.org. [ANS thanks SmallSat.org for the above information.]
  • SpaceX is pausing Falcon 9 launches again after the upper stage on the Crew-9 launch experienced an ‘off-nominal deorbit burn’ that led to missing its expected landing zone in the ocean—Crew-9, along with its two empty seats for stranded astronauts Williams and Wilmore, successfully reached the ISS without issue. [ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.]

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

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

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

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org