In this edition:

* Spain’s URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8
* SpaceX’s Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions
* European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge
* ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role
* Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

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

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

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

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-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 June 18

Spain’s URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8

The URESAT-1 satellite, also known as HADES-B according to its ITU designation, successfully launched into space as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission from Vandenberg AFB on Monday, June 12. The satellite is a joint effort between AMSAT-EA, URE (the Spanish equivalent of ARRL), private companies, and universities.

The URESAT-1 satellite, contained within the D-Orbit ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), was not deployed directly from the Falcon-9 rocket. Instead, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after launch, the Falcon-9 released the OTV, which will orbit the Earth for several days before deploying URESAT-1, along with other satellites.

One of the primary objectives of URESAT-1 is to serve as an FM voice and FSK data repeater. Equipped with a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) camera, the satellite will transmit live images as well as stored images at regular intervals. It also features a chess game, enabling players on Earth to engage in a game against the satellite. Periodically, the satellite will transmit updates on the state of the game, including the chess board, the last movement made, and whether the next move belongs to the players or the satellite.

The specified frequencies for communication with URESAT-1 are as follows: for uplink transmissions, 145.975 MHz or 145.925 MHz (auxiliary frequency) using FM voice without subtone, FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200/2400 bps. For downlink transmissions, the frequency is set at 436.888 MHz, and modes include FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps telemetry, SSTV Robot 36, and a voice beacon with the callsign AO4URE.

To provide further information regarding URESAT-1’s transmissions, the AMSAT-EA organization has made available a comprehensive document that can be accessed at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13366685/AMSAT+EA+-+URESAT-1+Transmissions+description.pdf

For those interested in decoding the telemetry, a Linux x86/ARM decoder is available for download at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13395017/URESAT-1_telemetry_decoder_Linux_X86_ARM_v1.0.zip

A sample file containing the audio of a telemetry file can be found here: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13398144/URESAT-1_sample_FSK_telemetry-chessboard_packet.wav

If URESAT-1 operates as intended, the project team plans to release a Linux program that will allow players to send their chess moves to the satellite, further enhancing the interactive experience.

[ANS thanks Felix Paez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information]

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SpaceX’s Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions

SpaceX’s Transporter-8 mission successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during its afternoon launch window on Monday, June 12. Part of SpaceX’s small satellite (smallsat) rideshare program, Transporter-8 carries dozens of small to pico-sized satellites and orbital test vehicles. This launch marks the 38th Falcon 9 rocket launch of 2023, showcasing the rocket’s significance as the major workhorse in the space industry.

As a rideshare launch, Transporter-8 doesn’t have a primary mission but aims to lower costs for small spacecraft operators. The launch manifest for Transporter-8 includes an eclectic variety of missions. Among them is URESAT-1, a 1.5 P Pocketqube spacecraft from the Spanish Amateur Radio Union (URE) and AMSAT-EA, equipped with an amateur radio payload that will attempt to play chess against opponents on Earth.

Transporter-8’s diverse manifest demonstrates the wide range of missions being pursued, from space manufacturing technology demonstration by Varda Space Industries to two cryptocurrency technology satellites (CRYPTO3 and MOXY-1) and a communications satellite for the Vatican (SpeiSat). This blend of missions highlights the growing importance and potential of small satellite deployments.

With its rideshare model, SpaceX is enabling more affordable access to space for small spacecraft operators. By sharing the launch vehicle with multiple payloads, the costs are distributed among different customers, allowing them to realize their space ambitions at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch.

The success of Transporter-8 adds to SpaceX’s impressive track record, and if the company maintains its launch pace while incorporating successful Falcon Heavy rocket launches, it could be on track to achieve Elon Musk’s ambitious target of 100 rocket launches by the end of 2023. SpaceX’s dedication to advancing space exploration and commercial satellite deployments is evident in its consistent launch operations and commitment to driving innovation in the industry.

[ANS thanks Jon Kelvey, writing for SpaceRef, for the above information]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

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European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Fly Your Satellite! program in collaboration with S5Lab is offering a unique opportunity for radio amateurs around the world. The challenge is to establish communication through the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater, providing a chance to win a special prize: a QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from June 26 to July 30, this challenge allows radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and showcase their communication skills.

LEDSAT, developed by students from Sapienza University in Rome’s S5Lab research team with support from AMSAT Italia, is an educational 1U CubeSat that participated in the second edition of the Fly Your Satellite! program. Its primary objective is to demonstrate a LED-based payload for ground-based optical tracking. The successful launch of LEDSAT on Vega flight VV19 on August 17, 2021, marked a significant milestone for the project. To celebrate the launch, a competition was launched, encouraging participants from around the world to record the first signs of life from the spacecraft.

To participate in the challenge, radio amateurs are invited to send a message to the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station, with the callsign PI9ESA. The digipeater will be activated during specific time windows, with operators stationed at the ground station to receive incoming messages. Upon successful reception of a message, the sender’s callsign and contact details will be documented on a personalized QSL card, acknowledging their accomplishment.

The LEDSAT digipeater can store and retransmit digital messages sent to the satellite, acting as a transponder for long-distance communication. Messages can be retransmitted immediately or with an optional delay of up to two days.

LEDSAT follows a Sun-Synchronous orbit, resulting in two communication windows each day – around midday and midnight – where contact can be established. Participants can predict passes precisely above the ESTEC ground station or their area of residence by using their favorite pass prediction software or obtaining the latest Two-Line Elements for LEDSAT from https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?CATNR=49069.

Due to LEDSAT’s monitoring and housekeeping requirements and the potential high demand from operators, the digipeater activation time slots will follow a pattern of one day ON and one day OFF, with the switch-on/off always occurring at 00:00 UTC. This schedule will begin on Monday, June 26th at 00:00 UTC, and conclude on Sunday, July 30th at 24:00 UTC.

While the challenge is supported by operators on a voluntary basis, efforts will be made to cover as many LEDSAT passes as possible, especially those occurring around local midday on weekdays. A detailed schedule of pass coverage will be published, so participants are advised to regularly check for updates.

The LEDSAT digipeater uplink frequency is 435.310 MHz, the downlink frequency is 435.190 MHz, and the modulation type is GMSK using a CSP + Golay + ASM (AX100 Mode 5) protocol at 1200 baud. The LEDSAT team has prepared a software package and a user manual for connecting to the digipeater, available for download on the LEDSAT website at https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/ledsat-digipeater/.

It is important to note that transmitting to the satellite is prohibited for those who are not licensed radio amateurs. However, non-licensed individuals can still participate in the challenge by listening to the messages transmitted by the ESTEC ground station. If they provide evidence of successful reception, including the date and time, they may also receive a customized QSL card.

Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars, prepare their messages, and not miss the chance to connect and communicate with the LEDSAT spacecraft to receive their QSL card. Let’s come together and make this event a memorable celebration of our shared passion for space exploration and amateur radio communication.

For any inquiries regarding LEDSAT or the digipeater challenge, please email [email protected].

[ANS thanks the European Space Agency along with S5Lab for the above information]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role

ARISS-USA, a 501(c)(3) educational and scientific non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced educator to serve as their Director of Education. The position is part-time and remote, with a one-year probationary period. ARISS provides and operates Amateur Radio systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and elsewhere to inspire, educate, and engage youth and communities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and to support ISS backup communications.

Responsibilities of the Director of Education include developing strategies to maintain and expand the educational outcomes of the ARISS experience, leading the Education Engagement Volunteer Team (EEVT), recruiting and guiding ARISS Education Ambassadors (AEA), coordinating the selection of host organizations for astronaut radio contacts, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM engagement, creating educational lesson plans and kits, ensuring alignment with National Science Standards, collecting and analyzing metrics and survey data, networking with stakeholders and space agencies, and coordinating with ARISS educators in other countries.

The desired candidate should have demonstrated leadership in education, at least three years of teaching experience, a degree in education or a related field, proficiency in virtual technologies, enthusiasm for STEAM education and amateur radio, and U.S. citizenship. Knowledge and experience in amateur radio, coordination with international colleagues, working with partners and sponsors, and interfacing with space agencies are preferred.

The position is remote within the USA, and the anticipated salary for 20 hours per week ranges from $23,000 to $34,500 per year, depending on experience. Flexibility in working hours is allowed as long as deliverables and engagement requirements are met. Interested candidates should submit their resume, CV, and a cover letter to [email protected] by July 15, 2023.

[ANS thanks David Jordan, AA4KN for the above information]

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Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings

The June 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operations, as determined by @GridmasterMasterMap 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: 2023-06-07

1	NSUC	26	N6DNM	51	AD7DB	76	WN9Q
2	ND9M	27	DJ8MS	52	KD8RTT	77	DK9JC
3	NJ7H	28	KE4AL	53	N4UFO	78	VE6WK
4	JA9KRO	29	K8BL	54	N4DCW	79	N6UTC
5	N6UA	30	KE0PBR	55	PT2AP	80	VA3VGR
6	HA3FOK	31	XE3DX	56	KJ7NDY	81	AB5SS
7	AD0HJ	32	LA9XGA	57	AF5CC	82	PT9BM
8	K5ZM	33	EA4NF	58	N0TEL	83	WI4T
9	WYZAA	34	JO2ASQ	59	VO2AC	84	DL4EA
10	AK8CW	35	VE1CWJ	60	KI7UXT	85	N3CRT
11	AD0DX	36	W7WGC	61	KI7QEK	86	N7EGY
12	DL6AP	37	F4DXV	62	AM1SAT	87	LU3EQ
13	N5BO	38	WI7P	63	W8LR	88	JK2XXK
14	N0IP	39	JL3RNZ	64	PR8KW	89	KF7R
15	WD9EWK	40	KE0WPA	65	WA9JBQ	90	PT2AZ
16	W5PFG	41	EB1AO	66	PT9ST	91	KF6JOQ
17	ND0C	42	AA5PK	67	KB2YSI	92	YU0W
18	KX9X	43	AA8CH	68	AC0RA	93	VO1FUA
19	KB5FHK	44	KE9AJ	69	XE1ET	94	W8MTB
20	VE5HLS	45	VA7LM	70	LU4JVE	95	LU5UFM
21	LU5ILA	46	K7TAB	71	K0FFY	96	JR8QFG
22	N7AGF	47	VE1VOX	72	KG4AKV	97	VE7PTN
23	KI7UNJ	48	M1DDD	73	KC7JPC	98	FG8OJ
24	ON4AUC	49	VE3GOP	74	CU2ZG	99	HB9WDF
25	KG5CCI	50	KM4LAO	75	K4DCA	100	K0JM

[ANS thanks @GridmasterMasterMap for the above information]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

MiTEE 1 NORAD Cat ID 47314 (decayed form orbit on 12 June 2023 per Space-Track).

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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.

+ Upcoming Contacts

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is ON6TI
Contact is go for: Tue 2023-06-20 10:16:10 UTC

SPACE (Space Port Area Conference for Educators), Kennedy Space Center, FL, telebridge via VK4KHZ (***)
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is AJ9N and AA4KN
Contact is go for: Wed 2023-06-21 14:52:25 UTC

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is ON6TI
Contact is go for: Thu 2023-06-22 08:38:52 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]

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Upcoming Satellite Operations

To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/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.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]

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Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ AMSAT 2023 Field Day
June 24, 1800 UTC – June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023
More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/.

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/.

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas
More information to follow.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]

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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Congratulations to Ian Parsons, K5ZM, for providing satellite contacts from an impressive 104 grid squares and earning AMSAT VUCC/r Award # 12! The Reverse VUCC or VUCC/r Award, originally introduced by the Central States VHF Society and now carried on by AMSAT, acknowledges the efforts of satellite rovers like Ian. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award. Keep on roving, Ian, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community!

+ Congratulations to Terry, AJ4A, for being awarded GridMaster Award # 57! This prestigious award, introduced by Star Comm Group in 2014 and sponsored by Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, is now entrusted to AMSAT for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. The GridMaster Award recognizes amateurs worldwide who establish two-way communication via amateur satellite with all 488 Maidenhead grids in the contiguous United States of America. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Well done on this remarkable achievement Terry!

+ E2QRP special event station will operate on QO-100 and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that pass over Thailand during IARU QRP Day. The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) operators will be on the air from grid OK04nk on June 16 , 2023 at 12.00 UTC until June 18, 2023 at 5.00 UTC. QSL via Thailand HS Bureau or direct from RAST, G.P.O. Box 2008 Bangkok Thailand. (ANS thanks Tanan Rangseeprom, HS1JAN, for the above information)

+ The Small Satellite Conference provides an extensive series of talks, speed sessions, and posters that focus on successfully carrying out a small satellite mission. From early wildfire detection using CubeSat images to UHF ground stations for controlling satellites, topics vary wildly. The conference takes place August 5-10, 2023 at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (ANS thanks Amateur Radio Daily for the above information)

+ Have your name etched onto a microchip mounted on NASA’s Europa Clipper expedition to explore Jupiter’s icy moon: https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/sign-on/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NASA for the above information)

+ United Launch Alliance (ULA) briefly test-fired the first-stage engines on its new Vulcan Centaur rocket on Wednesday evening (June 7), completing a crucial milestone for the booster’s first flight. Vulcan Centaur is designed to replace ULA’s current fleet of Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy launch vehicles. The first stage can be supplemented with strap-on solid rocket boosters for heavier payloads. ULA is gearing up for the first Vulcan Centaur launch, which is likely to occur in July. The rocket’s primary payload will be Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lunar lander, which will carry payloads for NASA and private companies under the space agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Vulcan Centaur will also carry the KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 demonstration satellites for Amazon. The spacecraft will demonstrate technology for the company’s 3,236-satellite broadband constellation. (ANS thanks the Parabolic Arc for the above information)

+ Capturing footage of the International Space Station (ISS) hurtling through space at approximately 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h) is no mean feat, yet French astrophotographer Thierry Legault has pulled it off yet again. In his latest stunning footage, captured on June 9, Legault imaged the ISS whizzing past three sunspot groups. The entire solar transit lasted just 0.75 seconds. In addition, Legault captured these shots while two NASA astronauts, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, KB3HTZ, were carrying out a spacewalk to install a new solar array outside the station. (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
ad0hj [at] amsat.org

In this edition:

* June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations
* IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite
* eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT
* AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President’s Club Members
* An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 9, 2023
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

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

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

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [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-162 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 Jun 11

June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations

AMSAT solicits nominations for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors election, to be held in the third quarter of the year. The seats of the following four incumbent Directors expire in 2023 and will be filled by this year’s election:

– Jerry Buxton, N0JY
– Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO
– Robert Bankston, KE4AL
– Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO

Further, up to two Alternate Directors may be elected for one-year terms. A valid nomination for Director must be written and requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Written nominations, with the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators’ names, call signs, and contact information, should be sent to the AMSAT Secretary:

Jeff Davis, KE9V
PO Box 11
Yorktown, IN 47396

AMSAT bylaws require that the nomination be written and in the form specified by the Secretary who has elected to accept written nomination materials via mail or in electronic form, including email or electronic image of a paper document. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted.

Email nominations may be sent to jdavis [at] amsat [dot] org.

No matter what means are used, petitions MUST be received by the Secretary no later than June 15, 2023. The Secretary will verify the qualifications of candidates and nominating members or Member Societies as petitions are received, and will notify candidates whether their nominations are in order by the end of June.

[ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary for the above information.]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
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IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite

The Sapling Magnifica, developed by the Stanford Student Space Initiative, is a technology demonstration mission aimed to prove several key technologies necessary for SSI’s satellites to host scientific payloads in the future. These include a magnetorquer-based ADCS, a higher quality camera than on previous Sapling missions, and reaction wheels. The satellite will be either a 1U or a 2U spacecraft. Sapling Magnifica is an Amateur Radio mission that is entirely initiated and developed by undergraduate students, most of whom already have or are studying for their Amateur Radio license.

Amateurs will be able to participate by sending commands to the satellite and receiving images in response. Research will be conducted on image downloading comparing three different modulation techniques: FSK, LoRa, and FLRC. Amateurs will be able to receive images and, if all goes well, take an image on command.

Downlinks have been coordinated on 437.400 MHz and 2427.00 MHz. Planning a launch into a SSO 525km orbit in Q2 or Q3 2023. More info from https://github.com/stanford-ssi.

[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.]

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eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT

Are you an eBay seller? One item, ten items, or a full-time business you can donate a percentage of your winning bid to AMSAT.

To do so, do not list your item with the basic listing tool, select advanced tools. eBay will give you a warning message that it is for large volume sellers, however this is where the eBay for Charity tool is found.

You can “select another nonprofit you love” and search for either AMSAT or Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. Choose the percentage amount of the sale you would like to donate to AMSAT, and boom! When your item sells and the winning bidder pays, eBay will deduct the percentage from your take and forward it to AMSAT.

Please consider giving a piece of the pie to a new satellite and choose AMSAT for your eBay Charity.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President’s Club Members

AMSAT wishes to thank those amateurs who have contributed to the 2023 AMSAT President’s Club during the first quarter of this year. Their generous donations are essential in helping to Keep Amateur Radio is Space.

TITANIUM LEVEL
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
William Brown, K9LF

PLATINUM LEVEL
Doug Tabor, N6UA

GOLD LEVEL MEMBERS
Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
Mark Hammond, N8MH
John Kludt, K7SYS
Glenn Miller, AA5PK

SILVER LEVEL
Warren Fugate, W3WE
Joseph Lynch, N6CL
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
Jason Schwarz, N4JJS

BRONZE LEVEL
Bruce Perens, K6BP
Dave Taylor, W8AAS
David Vine, WA1EAW

CORE LEVEL
George Carr, WA5KBH
Jim Clary, ND9M
Richard Dittmer, KB7SAT
David Hartrum, WA3YDZ
Martin Shinko, KB3AEV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Stefan Wagener, VE4NSA
Jeremy Wyatt, KA2PFD
David York, N8SGZ

2022 Correction
SILVER LEVEL
Jason John Schwarz, N4JJS

President Club members for 2023 receive a limited edition commemorative coin featuring AMSAT OSCAR 10, commemorating the 40th anniversary of its launch; full-color certificate, and cork beverage coasters with the AMSAT logo. To join the 2023 AMSAT President’s Club, go to https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/.

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.]

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An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat

The MRC-100 Hungarian CubeSat is scheduled to launch on a Falcon 9 on June 12 from Vandenburg Space Fore Base. The MRC-100 is the successor to the SMOG-1 CubeSat which was launched in March 2021. The satellite is named to honoring the 100th year anniversary of the HA5MRC Ham Radio Club at the Budapest University of Technology.

To help with decoding the Telemetry on the CubeSat, an RTL-SDR based telemetry receiver was created and an installation script for Raspberry Pi’s and Linux PC’s which installs OpenWebRX along with the satellite receiver software.

The satellite should be receivable with a simple satellite antenna, such as a handheld Yagi, Turnstile, Dipole or quadrifilar-helix antenna. It will be transmitting telemetry at 436.720 MHz. If you have a dish and tracking equipment for it, there is also a high speed downlink at 2267.5 MHz. Like the original SMOG-1, the satellite carries a sensor that is designed to measure human caused electromagnetic pollution. It also carries a camera and an AIS receiver for tracking marine vessels. More information is available at https://www.rtl-sdr.com/.

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

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 9 June 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

VZLUSAT 1 NORAD Cat ID 42790 (decayed form orbit on 06 June 2023 per Space-Track).

The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

SNIPE 4 NORAD Cat ID 56744 (uncoordinated frequency: 437.8000 MHz).
SNIPE 2 NORAD Cat ID 56745 (uncoordinated frequency: 435.9999 MHz).

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, 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.

+ Successful Contacts
About Gagarin From Space, Participants Of The Children’s Creative Competition For The Day Of Cosmonautics, Orel, Russia, direct via RA3ED.
The ISS callsign was RSØISS.
The crewmember was Andrey Fediaev.
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR.
Contact was successful Sunday, June 4, 2023.

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

IN90; June 9-11, 2023
Philippe, EA4NF will be activating the rare grid IN90 in Spain on June 9-11, 2023 on FM and linear LEO satellites. Further details on Twitter @EA4NF_SAT.LoTW confirmations will be issued with the call EA4NF/P

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information.]

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Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ AMSAT 2023 Field Day
June 24, 1800 UTC – June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023
More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/.

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/.

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas
More information to follow.

+ 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.

[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information.]

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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, was interviewed by Eric Guth, 4Z1UG / WA6IGR, on QSO Today Amateur Radio Podcast. Alan tells how he reaches out to educate the general public about the world amateur satellites, and satellite technology using CubeSatSim, for live classroom simulations of satellite communications. Alan also explains how he turns to high-altitude balloon launches as a practical, hands-on approach to bringing amateur payloads closer to space, thereby affording opportunities for tangible experience and simulation. Listen to Alan’s interview at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-162-KU2Y. [ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, for the above information.]

+ Over on his latest video, Matt, from the TechMinds YouTube channel shows us how to receive and decode the packets from the GreenCube digipeater. In his demonstration Matt uses an SDRPlay RSPdx as the receiver, SDR++ as the receiver software, SoundModem as the packet decoder, GreenCube Terminal for displaying the messages, and GPredict for tracking the satellite and compensating for the Doppler effect. He also notes that while a directional antenna on a motorized tracker is recommended, he was able to still receive packets with his omnidirectional terrestrial antennas without much issue. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/Rr87Ci96SRY. [ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]

+ NASA is worried that SpaceX’s giant new Starship vehicle won’t be ready to carry astronauts to the surface of the moon in late 2025, as currently planned. In 2021, the agency selected Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — to be the first crewed lunar lander for its Artemis program of moon exploration. Starship will put astronauts down near the ice-rich lunar south pole on the Artemis 3 mission, in humanity’s first return to the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. Artemis 3 is currently targeted to lift off in December 2025, but it’s unlikely Starship will be able to meet that timeline, NASA officials said. More information at https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-problems-delay-artemis-3-2026. [ANS thanks space.com 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, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org

In this edition:

* Astronauts Engage in Voice Contacts from International Space Station
* The March/April AMSAT Journal is Available
* VUCC Satellite Standings June 2023
* New Record Set with Seventeen People in Earth Orbit Simultaneously
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* Another Delay For Boeing’s Starliner Crew Capsule
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

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

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

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

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

ANS-155 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 June 4

Astronauts Engage in Voice Contacts from International Space Station

Amateur radio enthusiasts were thrilled as astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) engaged in voice contacts as NA1SS over the period of May 25-29. The astronauts, John Shoffner, KO4MJC and Woody Hoburg, KB3HTZ, provided an opportunity for amateur radio operators to establish contact with the orbiting space station.

The Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) program facilitated these voice contacts, allowing radio operators to communicate with the astronauts onboard the ISS. As the news spread on social media, amateur radio operators shared their excitement about making successful contacts with the astronauts.

Hams from different parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom, shared their experiences of communicating with the ISS crew on Twitter. The astronauts were actively seeking information about the location of each station, showing a keen interest in the diverse range of contacts they were making.

The ARISS program encourages participants to submit QSL cards to commemorate their successful contacts. These cards serve as proof of communication with the International Space Station. The ARISS website provides information on how to send in QSL cards and further details about the program. The QSL contacts are regional so find the proper one at: https://ariss.org/qsl-cards.html

For many radio operators, making contact with the International Space Station is a memorable experience. The ability to communicate with astronauts orbiting the Earth, even if only for a brief moment, is a testament to the power of amateur radio and its ability to connect people across vast distances.

As the ARISS program continues to facilitate these voice contacts, space and amateur radio enthusiasts eagerly await further opportunities to establish communication with the astronauts onboard the ISS. The chance to exchange greetings and information with those who reside in space remains a unique experience that showcases the wonders of technology and human ingenuity.

Operators interested in attempting a contact with the ISS crew, should set the downlink frequency to 437.800 MHz FM and listen for activity. The uplink frequency is 145.990 MHz FM with a PL tone of 67 Hz. The ARISS website and the AMSAT status page provide information on the ISS crew’s radio activities. See https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html for details.

[ANS thanks Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ, for the above information.]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
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The March/April AMSAT Journal is Available

The March/April 2023 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal.

Inside the Current Issue

• Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL
• Educational Relations Update – Alan Johnston, KU2Y
• Generative AI and Amateur Radio in Space: A Chatbot Conversation – Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK
• AMSAT CubeSatSim Version 2 Design – Alan Johnston, KU2Y
• Operating Low Elevation DX via GreenCube – Dave Fisher, KG0D
• Evaluating Antennas For LEO Satellites – Terry Osborne, ZL2BAC

The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world. Join AMSAT to get immediate access to the latest issue and archived issues of The AMSAT Journal.

[ANS thanks Joe Koronowski, Editor AMSAT Journal for the above information]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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VUCC Satellite Standings June 2023

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for
May 01, 2023 to June 01, 2023.

Callsign	May	June
K8DP	1425	1500
AA5PK	1282	1324
KF7R	975	1000
NS3L	826	851
K9UO	828	850
AC9O	675	836
KE8RJU	725	825
DF2ET	700	752
W8LR	735	751
G0IIQ	519	750
EA2AA	675	686
KQ4DO	633	675
KS1G	628	655
FG8OJ	531	600
W8MTB	515	600
N9FN	567	569
N8MR	499	509
IK1IYU	101	508
A65BR	260	436
JG6CDH	305	353
KF0QS	205	301
JL1SAM	200	300
WA1ECF	299	300
JN1BPM	178	257
JA1QJI	200	253
N6PAZ	201	223
SA0UNX	New	205
IK1SLD	New	200
W3UTD	New	186
NK0S	159	164
JR0GAS	108	140
N6UTC(DM14)	New	110
NY1V	102	104
G0MOH	New	100
JA9OJM	New	100
JE2UFF	New	100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.
G0MOH is first VUCC Satellite holder from IO70
SA0UNX is first VUCC Satellite holder from JO99
JA9OJM and JE2UFF are first VUCC Satellite holders from PM86

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

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New Record Set with Seventeen People in Earth Orbit Simultaneously

In a remarkable achievement, the number of individuals in Earth orbit has reached a new record high. On May 30, 2023, a total of seventeen people from five different countries were in Earth orbit.

The population in orbit skyrocketed with the launch of China’s Shenzhou 16 mission, which took place on May 29 at 9:31 p.m. EDT. This three-person mission propelled the overall count to a new record. Previously, the record stood at fourteen people, achieved during the privately funded Inspiration4 mission in September 2021.

The current count consists of four crews representing various space agencies and private ventures. The first crew, Shenzhou 16, consists of Chinese taikonauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao, who have joined the astronauts already aboard China’s Tiangong space station. This mission contributes three members to the total count.

The second crew, Shenzhou 15, consists of Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu. They have been residing aboard the Tiangong space station since November 2022 and are expected to return to Earth in early June. Their presence adds another three individuals to the record-breaking count.

The third crew, Expedition 69, comprises seven members from different countries. It includes cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin, and Andrey Fedyaev from Russia’s Roscosmos, as well as astronauts Frank Rubio, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, KB3HTZ, from NASA. Emirati astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi, KI5VTV, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also joins them. These individuals are currently on the International Space Station (ISS), contributing significantly to the total population in orbit.

The fourth crew, Axiom-2, is composed of Axiom Space astronaut Peggy Whitson, private astronaut John Shoffner, KO4MJC, and Saudi Arabian astronauts Ali AlQarni, 7Z1AJ, and Rayyanah Barnawi, 7Z1RB. They departed the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Freedom” on May 30. The Axiom-2 crew splashed down off the Florida panhandle near Panama City around 11 p.m. on May 30, reducing the count to thirteen people.

Interestingly, the current record-breaking count coincides with another milestone. Barnawi, a member of the Ax-2 mission, became the 600th person to enter Earth orbit. She also holds the distinction of being the first Saudi woman in space, as she launched alongside her crew on May 21.

Although the record stands at seventeen people in Earth orbit, it’s worth noting that a recent record for the most people in space (not just in Earth orbit) was set briefly. For approximately five minutes, a total of twenty individuals were off the planet. This record occurred when the six members of Virgin Galactic’s Unity 25 SpaceShipTwo crew embarked on a suborbital spaceflight, coinciding with three Chinese taikonauts residing aboard Tiangong and eleven astronauts, cosmonauts, and spaceflight participants aboard the International Space Station.

The previous record for the most people in space simultaneously was set during Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-19 suborbital flight on December 11, 2021, when there were briefly nineteen individuals off Earth.

Since the year 2000, there has been an unbroken presence of humans in space, starting with the first crew to inhabit the International Space Station. China’s completion of its three-module Tiangong space station last year marks another significant milestone. The Shenzhou 16 crew represents the station’s fifth contingent since 2021.

[ANS thanks Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com Contributor, for the above information]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 2

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

NUDATSat NORAD Cat ID 42787 (decayed form orbit on 28 MAY 2023 per Space-Track).

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

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Another Delay For Boeing’s Starliner Crew Capsule

Boeing and NASA officials said Thursday, June 1, that the first launch of astronauts on Boeing’s delay-prone Starliner crew capsule won’t happen in July after engineers recently discovered a problem with the spacecraft’s parachute system and identified flammable tape around wiring harnesses inside the vehicle.

The technical problems, which escaped detection for years, dealt another setback for Boeing’s Starliner program, already running years behind schedule after a series of issues with software, valves, and other parts of the spacecraft.

NASA wants Boeing’s Starliner to come online as a second U.S. crew transportation provider for the space station. Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft, which was the sole vehicle to carry crews to the space station for nine years, is currently NASA’s backup if SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket or Crew Dragon spacecraft suffer significant delays or failures.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, KD5PLB, were in the final stages of training for launch on the first Starliner crew mission, called the Crew Flight Test, as soon as July 21. They were slated to lift off from Cape Canaveral on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket and fly to the space station on the Starliner spacecraft for a test flight lasting about one week, then return to Earth for a parachute-assisted landing in New Mexico.

That would have paved the way for Boeing to start launching regular NASA crew rotation flights to the space station on a schedule of about once per year beginning in 2024.

Boeing and NASA officials did not provide an estimate for when engineers might resolve the newest technical problems on the Starliner spacecraft.

[ANS thanks SpaceflightNow 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:
About Gagarin From Space, SBEI Secondary School No. 285 of the Krasnoselsky District of St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via R1AIT. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Andrey Fediaev and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful on 2023-05-27 at 16:48 UTCCongratulations to the St. Petersburg students, Andrey, and mentor RV3DR!

About Gagarin From Space, Muslyumovo, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Dmitry Petelin and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful on 2023-05-28 at 14:26 UTC. Congratulations to the Muslyumovo students, Dmitry, and mentor RV3DR!

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The ISS callsign was OR4ISS. The crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi. KI5VTV, and the ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful on Wed 2023-05-31 at 08:42:20 UTC. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI!

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi. KI5VTV, and the ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful on Thu 2023-06-01 07:53:35 UTC. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI!

About Gagarin From Space, MAOU Ust-Ivanovo Secondary School, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via RKØJ. The ISS callsign was RSØISS. The crewmember was Dmitry Petelin and the ARISS mentor was RV3DR. Contact was successful: Thu 2023-06-01 08:10 UTC. Congratulations to the MAOU Ust-Ivanovo Secondary School students, Dmitry, and mentor RV3DR!

Upcoming contacts:
Saint Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev. The ARISS mentor is RV3DR. Contact is go for Sat 2023-06-10 10:15 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]

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Upcoming Satellite Operations

From Jerry, W8LR: June 4 EN80/EN81 gridline. Logging as W8LR and operating on IO-117, RS-44, JO-97, AO-7 Mode B, and AO-91 if available.

Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]

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Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas

AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,
“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”

Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences. An email message received after a recent presentation:

“I really enjoyed Clint’s presentation last night. The fact that he had taken the time to research and know something about his audience and welcomed interaction made it very informative and enjoyable. This was a refreshing change from many canned YouTube presentations I’ve tried to watch, which were poorly done, fuzzy video or muddy audio, or a badly prepared presenter stumbling his way through, with any valuable info lost along the way. Thanks for hooking this one up.”

[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information]

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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ A casual meeting of QO-100 users is being planned for Saturday, June 24, 2023 starting at 19:00 CEST at a restaurant near the HAM RADIO trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Members of AMSAT-DL and QO-100 DX Club have already confirmed their participation. Others interested are asked to confirm their participation at: https://nuudel.digitalcourage.de/PCbXouT7CSXsKPUa More details will follow here shortly before the event. (ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information)

+ Virgin Orbit, the launch provider for AO-109, sold its assets at bankruptcy auction and shut down on May 22. Rocket Lab bought the company’s Long Beach headquarters ($16.1M), Stratolaunch bought their modified 747 ($17M), and Launcher (now owned by Vast) bought a Mojave facility along with sundry equipment ($2.7M). (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ If we received an extraterrestrial message, how would we interpret it? On 24 May, a signal was transmitted by the Trace Gas Orbiter — a European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft orbiting Mars — and was received at the Green Bank Telescope (West Virginia), the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station (Italy), the Allen Telescope Array (California) and the Very Large Array (New Mexico). ESA, SETI, and other partners are asking individuals and groups to take part in decoding and interpreting the content of the message. To participate, go to https://asignin.space/decode-the-message/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and A Sign in Space for the above information)

+ N3FJP Software has recently released Amateur Contact Log 7.0.8 which includes API enhancements to support the SatPC32 interface by Carsten Groen, OZ9AAR: https://moonbounce.dk/hamradio/satpc32-to-aclog-interface.html (ANS thanks Scott Davis, N3FJP, for the above information)

+ The FO-99 operating schedule for June, 2023 is available at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=2274 (ANS thanks JAMSAT 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, Mark Johns, KØJM
k0jm [at] amsat.org