AMSAT News Service
ANS-144
May 24, 2026
In this edition:
* OrigamiSat-2 Receives Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) Designation from AMSAT
* AMSAT Opens Candidate Nominations for 2026 Board of Directors Election
* AMSAT Forum Covers Education, Operations, and Future Satellite Projects
* Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 Adds New Twist to Satellite Operating
* Hamvention 2026 Brings Estimated $35 Million Impact to Xenia Region
* Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for May 22, 2026
* ARISS News
* 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/
OrigamiSat-2 Receives Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) Designation from AMSAT
OrigamiSat-2, one of eight satellites launched aboard Rocket Lab’s Kakushin Rising mission for JAXA on April 23, 2026, has now received an official OSCAR designation from AMSAT. Developed by the Institute of Science Tokyo, the satellite has been assigned the designation Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) following a request submitted through the Japan Amateur Satellite Association (JAMSAT). The announcement came after satellite teams confirmed successful deployment and initial on-orbit operations.
The 3U CubeSat was designed to demonstrate lightweight deployable membrane antenna technology and promote amateur use of the 5.8 GHz band. Mission goals include testing a high-gain deployable reflector array antenna, demonstrating its performance in orbit, and helping establish methods for future advanced satellite systems. OrigamiSat-2 carries both UHF and C-band transmitters and aims to expand amateur radio experimentation beyond traditional VHF and UHF operations.
Reports from the satellite team indicate the 5.8 GHz downlink has already been confirmed operational. Amateur satellite observers have expressed interest in monitoring activity from outside Japan as additional operational details become available. OrigamiSat-2 now joins the long-running OSCAR satellite tradition under its new designation, Fuji-OSCAR 126, continuing the international partnership between satellite developers and the amateur radio community.
[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT President / OSCAR Number Administrator, and Shiro Sakai, JH4PHW, JAMSAT President, for the above information]
AMSAT Opens Candidate Nominations for 2026 Board of Directors Election
AMSAT has officially opened the nomination period for its 2026 Board of Directors election, which will take place during the third quarter of the year.
Three director positions are set to expire in 2026. The current board members whose seats are up for election are:
- Mark Hammond, N8MH
- Bruce Paige, KK5DO
- Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
In addition to these three full Director roles, up to two Alternate Directors may also be elected to serve one-year terms.
To nominate a candidate, a written submission is required. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, along with the same details for either five AMSAT members in good standing or one Member Society endorsing the candidate.
Nominations should be directed to the AMSAT Secretary:
Douglas Tabor, N6UA
1133 Verlan Way
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Per AMSAT’s bylaws, all nominations must follow the format specified by the Secretary. Doug Tabor has indicated that nominations will be accepted in both hard copy (via postal mail) and digital formats (including email or scanned documents). However, fax submissions are not permitted.
Email nominations should be sent to: dtabor [at] amsat [dot] org
All nomination petitions must be received by the Secretary no later than June 15. After the submission deadline, the Secretary will confirm the eligibility of each candidate and the supporting members or societies, with final notification to candidates provided by the end of June.
[ANS thanks Doug Tabor, N6UA, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]
AMSAT Forum Covers Education, Operations, and Future Satellite Projects
AMSAT presented its annual Hamvention forum on Saturday afternoon at Dayton Hamvention 2026, providing attendees with updates on educational outreach efforts, satellite operations, ongoing engineering projects, and future spacecraft development. AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, opened the session and noted a packed program schedule covering topics ranging from youth initiatives and CubeSat education tools to next-generation satellite hardware and the GOLF-TEE mission.
AMSAT Vice President for Development Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, highlighted AMSAT’s BuzzSat youth initiative, a community-based outreach program designed to introduce younger audiences to satellites and space technology through accessible educational materials. Rather than focusing initially on amateur radio itself, BuzzSat uses topics such as weather satellites, agriculture, climate monitoring, and space exploration to engage students before introducing amateur radio concepts. The initiative includes a downloadable coloring book and a growing collection of interactive educational courses for middle and high school students.
AMSAT Vice President for Educational Relations Alan Johnston, KU2Y, provided updates on the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator project, a low-cost educational satellite emulator designed for STEM instruction and amateur radio training. The CubeSatSim transmits actual telemetry and can emulate several on-orbit satellites while removing complexities such as Doppler shift and satellite tracking. Johnston demonstrated command and control functions including telemetry mode changes and crossband repeater operation and noted that complete systems, classroom loaner kits, and simplified CubeSatSim Lite versions are now available.
AMSAT Vice President for Operations Mark Hammond, N8MH, reviewed currently active amateur satellites and encouraged operators to use AMSAT’s satellite status resources to determine operational modes and activity. Hammond also promoted the new Students on the Air (StOTA) activity created by Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, intended to encourage student participation on amateur satellites. He also discussed renewed development of PACSAT store-and-forward communications payloads, which revisit packet satellite concepts first popularized during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
AMSAT Flight Software Team Lead Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, and AMSAT Engineering Team member Ray Roberge, WA1CYB, outlined several engineering efforts including AMSAT’s Linear Transponder Module (LTM), FoxPlus satellites, and SDR Gen 2 development. The LTM project continues AMSAT partnerships with universities by providing communications hardware in exchange for future amateur radio access after mission completion. SDR Gen 2 development expands microwave capabilities and is designed to support multiple modes while preparing operators for future high-bandwidth satellite communications.
AMSAT Vice President of Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, concluded the session with a status update on the GOLF-TEE mission. Engineering work remains underway using a full system engineering model while a newly arrived metal space frame advances development toward a planned critical design review currently targeted for May 2027. Additional discussion included AMSAT participation in the FutureGEO proposal and announcements regarding the 2026 AMSAT Symposium scheduled for October in Jacksonville, Florida.
The full AMSAT Forum presentation can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRDAQx-VgCc&t=19341s
[ANS thanks AMSAT and the Dayton Amateur Radio Association for the above information]
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Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 Adds New Twist to Satellite Operating
A new community challenge called Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 is inviting amateur radio satellite operators to add a playful twist to their on-air activities. Organized by Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF, the event is now underway and invites operators to participate throughout the summer. Operators can participate from anywhere and compete by completing satellite-themed bingo objectives based on contacts, locations, satellites, and operating challenges.
Bird Chaser Bingo draws inspiration from other lighthearted amateur radio satellite activities such as WMPLOTA (Walmart Parking Lots on the Air) and ADØ Squared. Organizers describe it as a friendly competition intended to encourage operating activity and create opportunities for satellite operators to connect while pursuing unusual goals. There are no entry fees, sponsors, or geographic limitations, and participation is open to satellite operators worldwide.
Players receive a bingo card filled with summer-themed operating tasks and satellite-related objectives. Participants can earn a traditional bingo by completing a row, column, or diagonal. Those seeking an additional challenge can attempt a “Full Eclipse,” the event’s term for completing every square on the card. Organizers say a single contact may count for multiple squares if it satisfies more than one requirement, creating opportunities for memorable “one QSO bingo wonder” moments when several conditions align at once.
Activity for Bird Chaser Bingo runs from May 15 through August 31, 2026, using UTC dates. Completed card submissions are requested by September 15, 2026. Participants are encouraged to use online tools such as hams.at to identify portable operators and satellite activations. Organizers suggest rovers include notes such as “Bingo Campground” or “Bingo Festival” in activation announcements to help other participants locate qualifying activity.
Bird Chaser Bingo organizers say the event is intended as a relaxed summer operating activity rather than a race. Participants are encouraged to enjoy portable operations, unusual activation locations, and the occasional unexpected contact that checks multiple boxes at once. Organizers also encourage operators to share activation details through online tools and social media to help other participants locate activity. The event runs on the honor system and jokingly warns that any funny business may result in “QRM.”
Additional information, sign-up details, and Bird Chaser Bingo cards are available at: borgersons.com
[ANS thanks Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF, and the Bird Chaser Bingo organizers for the above information]
Hamvention 2026 Brings Estimated $35 Million Impact to Xenia Region
Hamvention 2026 recently concluded in Xenia, Ohio, after once again drawing amateur radio operators and enthusiasts from around the world. Held at the Greene County Fairgrounds since 2017, Hamvention remains the world’s largest gathering devoted to amateur radio. Participants ranged from newcomers entering the hobby to experienced operators, technical experts, and international visitors. The annual event wrapped up on May 17 following three days of activities, exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations.
Local television coverage highlighted the event’s significance beyond the amateur radio community itself. Hamvention spokesperson Michael Kalter, W8CI, said the gathering generates an estimated economic impact of more than $35 million for southwest Ohio. Kalter noted that Xenia has a population of approximately 26,000 residents, while Hamvention attendance rivals and often exceeds that number. Hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the region benefit from the annual influx of visitors.
Kalter also emphasized amateur radio’s worldwide reach and continuing growth. He noted that amateur radio operators are licensed in approximately 160 countries around the globe and that the United States alone now has more than 750,000 licensed operators. Hamvention continues serving as a central meeting place where operators can discover new technology, exchange ideas, and connect with the broader amateur radio community. Kalter described the event as a “living, breathing community” rather than simply a trade show.
Beyond technology and equipment, Kalter highlighted the international friendships and cultural connections amateur radio can create. He reflected on opportunities to travel and meet amateur radio operators around the world through the shared interests of communication and experimentation. Organizers also noted continuing growth in interest from both new and experienced operators. Hamvention 2026 concluded after another year celebrating amateur radio’s technical, educational, and global community spirit.
The complete Dayton 24/7 Now report, including the original article and video coverage, is available at: https://dayton247now.com/news/local/worlds-largest-amateur-radio-gathering-returns-to-xenia-bringing-35m-plus-impact
[ANS thanks Jeff Schrock and Dayton 24/7 Now for the above information]
The 2026 Coins Are Here! Help Support GOLF-TEE and Fox-Plus.
Annual memberships start at only $120.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for May 22, 2026
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/.
+ This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.
General Perturbations Data Support
AMSAT is pleased to announce that modern forms of what are called General Perturbations data are being disseminated via modern formats including JSON, XML and KVN at https://newark192.amsat.org/gpdata/current/. The reason this change is being made is that we are running out of 5-digit catalog numbers and the TLE format is not viable for satellites launched after July of this year. See https://celestrak.org/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php for details.
These data are presently considered in beta test for the next two months while hosted on the test server newark192.amsat.org, and we are very open to community feedback at [email protected]. Testers may experience outages and errors while we make improvements. We intend to put this into production on our main web server in July as we expect that satellites launched after this summer will require one of the new formats to accommodate longer object numbers. AMSAT will continue to publish TLE bulletins for satellites launched before July 2026 indefinitely.
[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.
Scheduled Contacts
+ Recently Completed
D.V. Skobeltsyn Research Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, direct via R4UAB
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Sergey Kud-Sverchkov
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Mon 2026-05-18 17:27 UTC
Congratulations to the Moscow State University students, Sergey, mentor RV3DR, and ground station R4UAB
N.I. Lobachevsky Lyceum and School No. 132, Kazan, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Sergey Kud-Sverchkov
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Wed 2026-05-20 15:50 UTC
Congratulations to the N.I. Lobachevsky Lyceum and School No. 132 students, Sergey, and mentor RV3DR
Pedagogical Lyceum of Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Andrey Fedyaev
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Thu 2026-05-21 08:50 UTC
Congratulations to the Pedagogical Lyceum of Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University students, Andrey, and mentor RV3DR
Colegio San Lucas, Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina, telebridge via ON4ISS
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN
The ARISS mentor was VE6JBJ
Contact was successful: Fri 2026-05-22 17:19 UTC
Congratulations to the Colegio San Lucas students, Sophie, mentor VE6JBJ, and ground station ON4ISS
+ Upcoming Contacts
Siksika High School, Siksika, Alberta, Canada telebridge via AB1OC
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN
The ARISS mentor is VE6JBJ
Contact is go for: Mon 2026-05-25 17:58 UTC
Minamigaoka Elementary School, Tsu, Japan, direct via JJ2YJC
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Jack Hathaway KJ5NIV
The ARISS mentor is 7M3TJZ/ JA1CJP/ MØXTD
Contact is go for: Thu 2026-05-28 11:22 UTC
Many times, a school makes a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or runs into a last-minute glitch requiring a change of the URL, but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.
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 remains configured in the Columbus Module (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If a crewmember decides to pick up the microphone and turn up the volume, you may hear them on the air—so keep listening, as you never know when activity might occur. In support of Russian EVA: Power Down May 27 07:45 UTC | Power Up May 28 11:10 UTC
Kenwood D710GA in the Zvezda Service Module – Call sign RSØISS. Please note we’re still in the process of troubleshooting and testing this radio. APRS is currently active on 437.825 MHz. Feel free to check out status reports at https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_APRS/. In support of Russian EVA: Power Down May 27 07:50 UTC | Power Up May 28 11:05 UTC
HamTV in the Columbus Module (2395.00 MHz) is powered down in support of payload operations. The power up is scheduled for May 25 at 13:40 UTC.
Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.
The 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]
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
44th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Membership Meeting – October 8 thru 11, 2026
Crowne Plaza JAX Airport
14670 Duval Road
Jacksonville, FL 32218
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
+ SpaceX successfully launched the first Version 3 Starship vehicle on May 22 from Starbase, Texas, during a major test flight of the company’s next-generation heavy-lift launch system. During the Flight 12 mission, the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage separated successfully after ascent, although both stages experienced individual Raptor engine shutdowns during flight. Despite the engine issues, Starship continued on a near-planned suborbital trajectory, deployed 20 Starlink mass simulators along with two experimental “Dodger Dogs” spacecraft, and transmitted video from space. SpaceX also completed a successful reentry and soft splashdown of Starship in the Indian Ocean after approximately 66 and one-half minutes of flight, although the vehicle later tipped over and exploded as expected after landing. The upgraded Version 3 design includes major improvements to both the booster and upper stage and is expected to support future orbital payload launches, Starlink deployment missions, and the Human Landing System being developed for NASA’s Artemis program. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch and later congratulated SpaceX and Elon Musk on what he described as a major step toward future Moon and Mars missions. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)
+ A newly released video from the YouTube channel Heriton revisits the unusual history of AMSAT OSCAR 7 (AO-7), the amateur radio satellite launched in 1974 that unexpectedly returned to operation after more than two decades of silence. The video recounts how AO-7 ceased transmitting in 1981 after a battery failure led operators to declare the spacecraft inactive. In June 2002, amateur radio operators discovered that AO-7 had resumed operation while in sunlight, likely because long-term changes inside the failed battery pack removed the electrical short that had disabled it. AO-7 remains one of amateur radio’s most enduring engineering stories and is still active today. Heriton combines historical footage, narration, and technical background to introduce the satellite’s story to a broader audience. The complete video, “This Cold War Satellite Was Dead for 21 Years. Then It Started Transmitting Again,” can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDBBmITGtnQ. (ANS thanks the Heriton YouTube channel for the above information)
+ The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) spacecraft successfully launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on May 19, beginning a joint mission between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The mission is designed to improve understanding of solar storms, geomagnetic disturbances, and the effects of space weather on Earth and spacecraft systems. SMILE will become the first mission to observe Earth’s magnetic shield using X-ray imaging, allowing scientists to study how the solar wind interacts with the magnetosphere. The spacecraft will also use ultraviolet imaging to continuously observe auroral activity for periods of up to 45 hours. During the coming weeks, SMILE will gradually raise its orbit through a series of engine burns before beginning scientific operations in July. Scientists hope the mission’s observations will improve future models of Earth’s magnetic environment and help protect satellites and astronauts from space weather effects. (ANS thanks the European Space Agency for the above information)
+ NASA engineers have successfully tested a prototype of a lithium-fed nuclear electric propulsion system that could one day help power human missions to Mars. During testing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the experimental thruster reached 120 kilowatts, the highest power level ever achieved in a U.S. electric propulsion test. Unlike conventional chemical rockets, electric propulsion systems use electromagnetic forces to accelerate propellant and can operate with dramatically improved efficiency. The new magnetoplasmadynamic thruster uses lithium metal vapor and is designed to eventually pair with megawatt-class nuclear power systems for deep-space travel. During five test firings, engineers observed temperatures above 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit as the prototype produced a bright red exhaust plume. NASA researchers hope future versions of the system could support larger payloads and faster crewed missions to Mars. (ANS thanks Gizmodo for the above information)
+ US Space Command has launched a new series of classified wargames called Apollo Insight, bringing together military experts and commercial space companies to examine potential threats in orbit. The first tabletop exercise focused on a simulated scenario involving a nuclear payload in low Earth orbit and its potential consequences for space operations. Officials said a nuclear detonation in orbit could destroy or disable thousands of satellites and disrupt communications, navigation, and surveillance systems worldwide. Previous government assessments suggested portions of low Earth orbit could become unusable for up to a year following such an event. More than 60 companies participated in the exercise, along with allied partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Space Command plans additional Apollo Insight exercises later this year focused on orbital maneuver warfare and other evolving space threats. (ANS thanks Ars Technica 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).
- Students enrolled in at least half-time status are eligible for free membership to age 25.
- 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 is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.
AMSAT Engineering drew crowds to view the prototype of the GolfTee satellite currently in development, as well as to speak to engineering volunteers on hand about the FoxPlus project and to see a prototype of the SDR Gen 2 transponder board.
And youngsters were drawn to the 
At the AMSAT/TAPR Banquet, Ray Roberge, WA1CYB, a member of AMSAT’s Engineering team, spoke about progress on AMSAT’s SDR Gen2 project, including what it does and where it can be used.
The Orbital Accelerator will accelerate a launch vehicle containing satellites up to 8,000 kph using a rotating carbon fiber arm within a 100-meter diameter steel vacuum chamber. (Image credit: 
