ANS-197 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* AMSAT Board of Directors Voting Has Begun
* Youth on the Air Camp 2023 To Be On Satellites
* HABGab and StratoScience Balloon Launch
* Space Shuttle Remembered
* Historical Space Tour Before Orlando Hamcation
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* ARISS-USA Seeks for Director of Education
* 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-197 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 July 16

AMSAT Board of Directors Voting Has Begun

AMSAT members may access the 2023 Board of Directors election information and balloting now. Candidate statements can be reviewed by voting members via AMSAT’s Wild Apricot membership portal. An email with a link to the electronic ballot was sent to all AMSAT members when the voting opened on July 15th.

The nomination period for the 2023 Board of Directors Election ended on June 15, 2023. The following candidates have been duly nominated:

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW

As four seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, four of these candidates will be seated on the Board, along with one alternate when the voting period concludes on September 15th.

To view the candidate statements members may go to https://launch.amsat.org/ and log in using their usual member credentials. Those who need assistance with the login should see the document at https://bit.ly/44LOXPV

[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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Youth on the Air Camp 2023 To Be On Satellites

Youth on the Air (YOTA), the camp for young amateur radio operators in North, Central and South America, will operate special event station VE3YOTA while camp is in session from July 16-21, 2023. The camp will also have a contact with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, and complete a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation. The camp’s opening and closing ceremonies will also be streamed on YouTube.

Campers will be operating special event station VE3YOTA from the camp at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum in Carp, Ontario, Canada. Additionally, campers will activate a two-for-one POTA location.

Activation of the VE3YOTA callsign will begin on Sunday, July 16 and conclude at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 21. Youth will operate the station as they finish projects, between sessions, and during free time.

In addition, dedicated HF station operating times will be: Monday, July 17 through Wednesday, July 19 from 2300Z to 0230Z (7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EDT). Dedicated satellite station operating time will be: Wednesday, July 19 from 1400Z to 1700Z (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT).

Fifteen QRP stations will activate a two-for-one POTA location, Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site (VE-5095) and Rideau Canal National Historic Site (VE-4882) on 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m. Weather permitting, the activation will be on the air on Tuesday, July 18 from 1900Z to 2100Z (3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT) and Thursday, July 20 from 1300Z to 1600Z (9 a.m. to noon EDT).

The opening and closing ceremonies and the International Space Station contact will be streamed live on the Youth on the Air YouTube channel. The opening ceremony is Sunday, July 16 from 2100Z to 2315Z, and will feature keynote speaker Phil McBride, VA3QR, the president of Radio Amateurs of Canada. The ARISS contact is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 18 at 1842Z (2:42 p.m. EDT). The closing ceremony is Friday, July 21 from 1500Z to 1600Z (11 a.m. to noon EDT). The channel will also feature a daily highlight video spotlighting the activities of the previous day.

For details about the camp, visit http://YouthOnTheAir.org

For additional information, please contact Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG at [email protected].

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, and YOTA 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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HABGab and StratoScience Balloon Launch

HABGab 2023 is a special event for the ham radio community in New England taking place in the Summer of 2023. Attached to a 2000g weather balloon will be suspended three payloads:

+ One will contain a crossband UHF/VHF repeater, built from two linked Baofeng BF-F8HP HTs. This repeater will act as a 2-3 hr. one-time event for hams around New England. Anyone with a ham radio license is invited to try calling into the repeater during the flight.

+ To make it even more exciting, the second payload will transmit live video of the flight from two cameras. The camera feed and repeater audio will be streamed live on YouTube from New England Sci-Tech.

+ The third payload will contain a number of science and engineering experiments from middle school students at New England Sci-Tech and Franklin’s BFCCPS school as part of a new program called StratoScience Lab.

Each weekend starting in July will be a new potential opportunity for flight, however, much depends on good weather and wind patterns. Current launch date set for Sunday, July 16. Please check https://nescitech.org/clubs/newbs/habgab-launch/ regularly as the launch date approaches to get an up to date countdown. High altitude balloon flights can be frequently scrubbed many times before finally launching.

During the flight, the balloon’s real-time position will be available online at https://amateur.sondehub.org under the callsign W1U. The repeater’s frequencies are currently set to:
Uplink (your transmit): 146.55 MHz
Downlink (your receive): 446.05 MHz
When calling in, listen for the W1U station operator then try to making a contact! Please have your four character Maidenhead grid location for the contact exchange. If your contact is confirmed, you will receive a special event QSL card for HABGab 2023!

The HABGab and StratoScience payloads will have several ham radio trackers aboard, which provide live position and altitude data to ground stations. These ground stations post this data to the internet in real time. This means you can view the position of the payload at any time during the flight by visiting this website, https://amateur.sondehub.org/, navigating to Massachusetts, and looking for these callsigns:
W1U – Main payload (transmitted by repurposed RS-41 radiosonde)
W1U-15 – Main payload (transmitted by custom-built APRS transmitter)
W0MXX-15 – Autorotation device. A small, unpowered helicopter that will separate from main payload at 81,000 feet and descend to the ground using autorotation. Tracker is a LightAPRS module.
KC1SFR-11 – Glider that will separate from main payload at 80,000 feet and glide back to the ground. It will also deploy a parachute at roughly 3,000 feet.

Also onboard will be a U4B Pico tracker being tested by KC1OAV in preparation for a circumnavigation flight to happen at a later date. This can be tracked separately at http://qrp-labs.com/tracking.html under the name NESciTech1.

HABGab 2023 has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL).

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, and New England Sci-Tech for the above information]


Space Shuttle Remembered

Saturday, July 8 marked the 12th anniversary of the last Space Shuttle mission. Ham astronauts operated amateur radio in space on a number of shuttle missions, providing many with their first opportunity to contact an astronaut in space — an opportunity still actively pursued today through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS).

Over three decades, the five NASA space shuttles were launched on 135 flights to orbit. The shuttles collectively traveled more than 537 million miles and spent more than three and half years in orbit.

* 355 people flew aboard the shuttles, including Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly to space. Her first mission was aboard the Challenger in 1983.

* Missions averaged about 10 days, with the shortest at 2 days, 6 hours and the longest 17 days, 15 hours.

* Mission objective included building the International Space Station, carrying large satellites to space and maintaining equipment like the Hubble Space Telescope. Ten missions remain classified, with little to no information publicly available.

Ultimately, the fatalities on Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003 helped bring about the end of the Shuttle program. The investigation in the loss of Columbia concluded that safety improvements would be costly. The program was shut down after construction on the ISS was complete.

[ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information]


Historical Space Tour Before Orlando Hamcation

Sadly, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, a few years ago, stopped offering historical tours of Cape Canaveral and the sites of the Mercury launches and early uncrewed missions.

However, Bruce Perens, K6BP, has arranged for a Canaveral tour on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 (the day before the Orlando Hamcation) at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only 9 people can be accomodated, U.S. Citizens only, and there will be a _required_ ID process before the tour. Cost will be about $60 each, and lunch or snacks will be offered between the sites.

We will go to:
* LC-26, LC-5, and LC-6: the (adjacent) launch sites for much early space exploration including the first crewed flights of Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom. Besides walking around the pads and seeing a number of historical space exhibits there, you will be able to access the firing room and the Space Force Missile Museum.

* Hangar C, where there are many restored historical space vehicles and missiles, and the Canaveral lighthouse.

We will NOT have access to the Mercury Memorial, LC-14 (restored uncrewed flights firing room), and LC-34 (mostly-torn-down site of the Apollo 1 fire), which were (at times) on the old Rise to Space tour.

Activity on the base can force us to cancel or can change or curtail the itinerary.

Reserve your spot now via email to [email protected]

[ANS thanks Bruce Perens, K6BP, 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 July 14

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 been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

UmKA 1 (RS40S) NORAD Cat ID 57172 IARU coordinated frequencies 437.625 MHz, 435.825 MHz and 2402.400 MHz (Thanks to Nico Janssen, PA0DLO for identification).

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


ARISS-USA Seeks for Director of Education

ARISS-USA, a 501(c)(3) educational and scientific non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced educator with extensive leadership experience to serve as our Director of Education. This is a part-time, remote position in the USA which includes a one-year probationary period.

ARISS provides and operates Amateur Radio systems on 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. For more detailed information on ARISS, see the About ARISS-USA section, below, or visit the ARISS web sites: www.ariss.org and www.ariss-usa.org.

Responsibilities

+ ARISS Education Senior Leadership: As the Director of Education, work with the ARISS team to develop strategies and a vision to maintain and expand the educational outcomes of youth that participate in the ARISS experience.

+ Education Engagement Volunteer Team (EEVT) Leadership: Serve as the leader of the ARISS education engagement volunteer team, fostering passion within the team, recruiting new team members, and ensuring each radio contact opportunity meets ARISS’ objectives of inspiring, engaging, and educating youth in STEAM/STEM and encouraging youth to pursue careers in these fields.

+ Host Organization Contact Competitive Selection: Coordinate the semi-annual request for proposal (RFP) process to solicit and select host organizations (e.g., schools and informal education organizations) for ARISS astronaut radio contacts. Staff the proposal selection team, maintain RFP selection rubric and RFP process, conduct host organization information sessions, serve as the selection official, and coordinate with the ARISS executive team on endorsement of final selections and on ensuring host organizations and external media are promptly and accurately informed of the results.

+ ARISS Education Ambassadors (AEA): Recruit, train and guide AEAs, selected from the EEVT ranks. AEAs track their appointed ARISS contact host organizations to gather details and insight into how these contact teams are following their educational objectives as outlined in their proposals. AEAs also gather data to document ARISS contact educational outcomes, including photos, parent permission slips, student engagement descriptions, metrics and post-survey compliance.

+ Diversity and Inclusion: Develop team strategies that explicitly target improvements in ARISS’ engagement with diverse and underrepresented youth and provide opportunities for these youth that motivate them to pursue STEAM careers.

+ ARISS Lesson Plans: Create or coordinate the development of lesson plans and educational kits that support the educational outcomes of ARISS host organizations. Compile external lessons that can serve ARISS host organizations, including lessons developed by our NASA and ISS National Lab sponsors. Maintain dedicated areas on the ARISS web site for posting these lessons for distribution.

+ National Science Standards Alignment: Ensure ARISS education initiatives—including the contact experience, lesson plans, and educational kits—align with National Science Standards.

+ Metric Collection: Work with the education volunteer team to ensure contact metrics and post-contact surveys are submitted. Conduct post-contact surveys and track survey performance over the course of the program. Present metrics and survey results to ARISS executive team and prepare materials and present results of educational outcomes to sponsors, stakeholders and prospective new partners.

+ Networking: Participate in meetings, conferences, workshops and other opportunities to convey the educational breadth and depth of the ARISS Experience to space agencies, educators, sponsors, stakeholders, education departments, and federal and state governments.

+ International Coordination: Work with ARISS educators in other countries to develop best practices and to convey the activities and methods employed by the ARISS-USA educator team.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Demonstrated leadership in a formal or informal education setting.

+ 3+ years of teaching experience in a formal or informal education environment

+ Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in education, education administration or a related field.

+ Proficient in the use of virtual technology, including Zoom, and ability to learn other virtual tools, such as Google Meet, Teams, Webex, Dropbox, Google docs and Office 365 products.

+ Enthusiasm in providing education experiences in the STEAM field.

+ Enthusiasm learning about amateur radio and wireless technologies and to enthusiastically convey these to educators and youth.

+ Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Basic understanding of amateur radio; possessing an amateur radio license preferred; obtaining an amateur radio license required post-hire. License training will be provided upon hiring.

+ Educator that has previously conducted an ARISS contact.

+ Experience and/or ability to work and lead a virtual, distributed, nationwide team.

+ Experience in coordinating experiences, lessons learned and best practices with ARISS international colleagues.

+ Experience in coordinating with partners, stakeholders and sponsors.

+ Experience interfacing with space agencies or space organizations.

Location

Remote, within the USA.

Anticipated Salary

Part time, 20-hour per week salary range is $23,000-$34,500 per year, depending upon experience.

Hours worked per week and during the day are flexible, as long as the candidate supports meeting engagements, meets deliverable times, and works an average of about 20 hours per week.

Other Position Information

Candidates accepted into this position will be required to first serve a one-year probationary period. All candidates must be U.S. citizens.

To Apply

If you are interested in making a difference as an ARISS-USA team member, please send your resume or CV to [email protected]. Include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you are the optimal candidate for this position.

All position applications are due no later than midnight (Eastern Daylight Time) July 31, 2023

[ANS thanks ARISS 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.

UPCOMING:
YOTA 2023, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada, telebridge via IK1SLD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS and the scheduled crewmember is Steve Bowen, KI5BKB. The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD. Contact is go for: Tue 2023-07-18 18:42:54 UTC, 76 degrees maximum elevation.
Watch for Livestream at:
YOTA will be using https://youtube.com/live/A5bXZUGifYY?feature=share
IK1SLD will start about 15 minutes before AOS at http://www.ariotti.com/

Camp William B. Snyder, Haymarket, VA, telebridge via IK1SLD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS and the scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV. The ARISS mentor is AJ9N. Contact is go for: Fri 2023-07-21 17:54:29 UTC, 54 degrees maximum elevation.
Watch for Livestream at:
The Camp will using: https://www.facebook.com/NCACSTEM/
IK1SLD will start about 15 minutes before AOS at http://www.ariotti.com/

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

Bruce, VE7PTN, is planning to operate from the CO50/CO60 gridline during July 20 to 22. FM / linear LEO, and Greencube MEO. Posible POTA activation on July 22 from VE-0711. New area for me so not sure what I will find when I get there. Will post more information closer to the date.

BI1NJI will be QRV as BI1NJI/3 from ON83, 24 through 27 July, FM and IO-117. Twitter @YankaiP and has said that details will follow.

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


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.

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

+ 41st AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2023
Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel
4440 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063

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 the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Condolences to the family and friends of well-known satellite enthusiast, rover, and POTA operator Sara R. “Bean” Lefebvre, KC1MEB, who became a Silent Key on July 7 at age 40 after a battle with Auto-Brewery Syndrome. (ANS thanks Ant Lefebvre, NU1U, for the above information)

+ Volunteer amateur satellite enthusiasts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are needed to help talk Amateur Radio in space to a mostly non-ham audience of all ages at the 2023 edition of an event called “Moon Day” at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Love Field, Dallas, TX on Saturday, July 22. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Setup at 8 a.m. Mostly indoor, but we will have a number of satellite passes to work, cubesat simulators to show off, The FOX Engineering model, and other cool things to show off. If you can help/participate, contact Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, via email, [email protected] immediately. For more information see https://www.flightmuseum.com/moon-day/ (ANS thanks Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, for the above information)

+ AMSAT-DL was founded in 1973, so with a view to the 50-year history of AMSAT-Germany and its mission of promoting amateur radio via satellites, a celebratory conference “From OSCAR 10 to OSCAR 100: 50 years of AMSAT-DL in service to science, research and education” is planned for September 15-17, 2023, at the Bochum Observatory, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. For more information, see https://bit.ly/44rhPNE (ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information)

+ NASA has marked the first anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope’s scientific debut this week with the release of a new image, demonstrating the telescope’s ability to re-envision the universe. The dramatic, somewhat hallucinatory image captures the dynamism of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the closest star-forming region to Earth, where planetary systems like our own could be in the initial stages of forming: http://bit.ly/3PX0ZSb “The telescope is working better than we could have possibly hoped for,” said NASA astrophysicist Jane Rigby, who earlier this month became the senior project scientist for the JWST. (ANS thanks The Washington Post for the above information)

+ The Mars Sample Return mission — a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency — is currently under a major review. The cost of the mission may have increased from $4 billion or $5 billion to $8 billion or $9 billion, according to one estimate. NASA confirmed that one estimate in the review of the program was in that cost range, but added, “all scenarios are highly speculative.” If the sample return mission does come with a higher price tag, it could impact NASA’s entire planetary science portfolio, as other missions are also experiencing technical delays and schedule problems. (ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information)

+ Chinese private rocket firm Landspace achieved a global first late Tuesday, July 11 by reaching orbit with a methane-fueled rocket. Zhuque-2 beats a range of other methalox rockets, including SpaceX’s Starship, the ULA Vulcan, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, Rocket Lab’s Neutron and Terran R from Relativity Space, in reaching orbit. These other launch vehicles will be much larger and feature much greater payload capacity. A methane-liquid oxygen propellant mix offers advantages in performance and reduces issues of soot formation and coking for purposes of reusability. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)

+ India’s second attempt to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan-3, launched on July 14. The mission is a replacement for Chandrayaan-2, which crashed while descending to the lunar surface in September 2019. Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled for an August 23 or August 24 arrival. The lander and rover are scheduled to operate for one lunar day, which is about 14 Earth days. (ANS thanks The Parabolic Arc 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
k0jm [at] amsat.org

ANS-190 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* 2023 AMSAT Space Symposium First Call for Papers
* Ariane 5 Rockets into Retirement: Europe’s Workhorse Completes Final Mission
* CubeSats Deploy from ISS: Nanoracks Mission Advances Science and Education
* ROSCOSMOS Successfully Deploys Forty Three Satellites in Latest Soyuz 2.1b Launch
* Meteor-M2-3 Weather Imaging Satellite Now in Orbit and Transmitting Images
* UMKA-1 School Satellite Sets Out to Explore the Skies
* Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers July 2023 Rankings
* VUCC Satellite Standings as of July 1 2023
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 7 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-190 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 July 9

2023 AMSAT Space Symposium First Call for Papers

This is the first call for papers for the 41st annual AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 20-21, 2023 at the Sheraton DFW Airport in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

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 12 for inclusion in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV at n8fgv (at) amsat (dot) org.

[ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV for the above information]


Ariane 5 Rockets into Retirement: Europe’s Workhorse Completes Final Mission

Europe’s workhorse rocket has completed its final mission, launching two satellites into orbit before retiring after an illustrious 27-year career. The Ariane 5, known for its power and reliability, took off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on July 5, marking its 117th and last orbital liftoff.

The mission commenced at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT), with the Ariane 5’s 103-foot tall solid rocket boosters separating from the core stage approximately 2.5 minutes into flight. The core stage, powered by a single engine, continued its ascent, carrying the two satellites onboard. At around nine minutes after liftoff, the core stage shut down, and the upper stage separated to initiate its own burn. About 30 minutes into the flight, the first satellite, Heinrich-Hertz, was released into geostationary transfer orbit. Shortly after, the second payload, Syracuse 4B, followed suit.

Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace, the France-based company operating the rocket, hailed the Ariane 5’s flawless performance during the launch webcast. Israël described the rocket as a “legendary launcher” that had completed its work perfectly.

Heinrich-Hertz, an experimental communications satellite managed by the German space agency (DLR), will serve as a test platform for new hardware and conduct scientific and technical experiments in collaboration with universities and public sector organizations. This satellite represents Germany’s first dedicated technology demonstration and communications research spacecraft.

Syracuse 4B, joining its predecessor Syracuse 4A launched in 2021, was built by Airbus Defence and Space for the French government. Both satellites are military communication relays, replacing Syracuse satellites 3A and 3B.

To reach geostationary orbit, located approximately 22,200 miles (35,800 kilometers) above Earth, Heinrich-Hertz and Syracuse 4B will perform a series of engine burns.

The retirement of Ariane 5 draws the curtain on its nearly 30-year operational career, during which it outperformed its predecessors, making it the most successful Ariane rocket to date. The European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted the rocket’s technical prowess and reliability, describing it as a major asset for Europe’s autonomous access to space.

Arianespace, in collaboration with ESA and the French space agency CNES, operated the two-stage Ariane 5, which was built by Airbus Defence and Space. Over the years, the rocket underwent several upgrades and operated in five different configurations. The most recent versions, Ariane 5 EC/A and ES, started operating in 2009, succeeding the Ariane G5, which flew from 2005 to 2009 after the brief G+ version and the original Ariane 5 G.

Although the Ariane 5 encountered an initial failure during its debut launch in 1996, failing to reach orbit and initiating an auto-destruct abort mid-flight, it went on to become one of the most reliable launchers worldwide. According to ESA, the rocket achieved a 96% success rate across its 117 missions and delivery of 239 payloads to orbit.

The development of the Ariane 5’s successor, the Ariane 6, has been in progress for over a decade. The new rocket aims to be more flexible, cost-efficient, and capable of serving various types of launches compared to its predecessor. It will come in two configurations: A62, with two solid rocket boosters, and A64, with four. Originally slated for a 2020 debut, the Ariane 6 has faced delays, with the current estimate pointing to alate 2023 launch. This delay leaves Europe with a temporary gap in launch options until the Ariane 6 becomes operational.

To ensure continuity in European programs, the European Space Agency (ESA) has explored alternative launcher options from a technical, schedule, and security standpoint. In April, there were reports that the European Commission was considering using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket to launch some of the European Union’s Galileo navigation satellites, rather than waiting for the Ariane 6. However, ESA officials emphasized that Ariane 6 remains the preferred launch option for European missions requiring a heavy launch vehicle, and they are working diligently to ensure its inaugural flight.

The final mission of the Ariane 5 was initially scheduled for June 16 but faced delays. The first attempt was scrubbed due to issues with the solid rocket boosters’ pyrotechnical transmission lines, while the second attempt on July 4 was hindered by unfavorable weather conditions.

As Europe bids farewell to the Ariane 5, the spotlight now shifts to the eagerly anticipated Ariane 6, which promises to usher in a new era of flexibility and cost efficiency in space launches. In the meantime, efforts continue to bridge the launch gap and maintain the continuity of European space programs.

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


CubeSats Deploy from ISS: Nanoracks Mission Advances Science and Education

NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen successfully deployed six CubeSats into low-Earth orbit outside the ISS Kibo module airlock on July 6th. The deployment was made possible by Nanoracks, a leading provider of commercial space services, who had been preparing for this mission named NRCSD-26. Sponsored by the ISS National Lab, the mission carried five CubeSats developed by Canadian universities, as well as a groundbreaking project by The Aerospace Corporation. Nanoracks, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, handles the integration and deployment of these satellites from the ISS. The six CubeSats were transported to the ISS on SpaceX’s CRS-28 mission.

This deployment marks an important milestone for the Canadian CubeSat Project (CCP), a collaboration between Nanoracks and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The objective of the CCP is to launch a CubeSat from each province and territory in Canada. The deployment of these CubeSats serves scientific purposes while also promoting hands-on experience and generating interest in STEM studies and careers.

The selected CubeSats for the NRCSD-26 mission represent a diverse range of scientific objectives, showcasing the capabilities and interests of Canadian universities.

One of the CubeSats, RADSAT-SK developed by the University of Saskatchewan, aims to test a radiation detection system and evaluate the effectiveness of radiation protection using a purified form of melanin, a natural pigment found in various organisms. Another CubeSat, ESSENCE from York University, focuses on monitoring solar storms, arctic ice, permafrost thaw, and forests in the Canadian Arctic region. It also aims to demonstrate satellite attitude recovery in the event of a failure in one of its actuators. Ukpik-1, developed by Western University, carries a virtual reality (VR) camera to capture 360-degree images and videos of Northern Canada. This CubeSat not only contributes to scientific research but also facilitates educational outreach and public engagement in Ontario and Nunavut.

The University of Manitoba’s CubeSat, IRIS, is designed to observe the weathering of geological samples under direct solar and background cosmic radiation, aiming to detect any visually detectable changes that may occur over short time scales. SC-ODIN, developed by Concordia University, has the primary mission of collecting data on dust storms in Argentina and Namibia. Additionally, it monitors radiation received inside and outside the satellite over a period, providing valuable insights into radiation exposure in space.

In addition to the Canadian CubeSats, Nanoracks also deployed Moonlighter, built by The Aerospace Corporation. Moonlighter is a 3U CubeSat and holds the distinction of being the world’s first hacking sandbox in space. Its purpose is to advance the understanding of cybersecurity as it pertains to space systems. The CubeSat will be utilized at the DEFCON conference by the Air Force/Space Force, where cybersecurity professionals will be challenged to hack a real-life satellite. For more information on Moonlighter and the Hack-a-Sat challenge, visit the official website at https://hackasat.com/.

[ANS thanks NASA and Nanoracks 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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ROSCOSMOS Successfully Deploys Forty Three Satellites in Latest Soyuz 2.1b Launch

ROSCOSMOS successfully launched the Meteor-M2-3 meteorological satellite and a cluster of 42 accompanying satellites on June 27, 2023. The launch took place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Oblast region of Russia, marking the 14th launch from this site.

The Meteor-M2-3 satellite is part of the Meteor-M series, which aims to modernize Russia’s national meteorological satellite system. Developed by NPP VNIIEM and sponsored by ROSCOSMOS, the series is designed to enable climate and environmental monitoring, exploration of Earth’s natural resources, surveillance of solar activity, and data acquisition from automated data collection platforms. The satellite also features the COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system.

Meteor-M2-3 is equipped with advanced instruments, including an onboard radar complex based on an active phased array antenna, a shortwave reflected radiation meter, and a radio frequency mass spectrometer. These instruments enable all-weather radar surveillance of the Northern Sea Route and broaden the range of monitored parameters. The satellite has a lifespan of five years and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays.

In addition to the Meteor-M2-3 satellite, the mission carried various accompanying satellites. Sixteen CubeSats from the Space-Pi project were deployed into orbit as part of an agreement between ROSCOSMOS and the Innovation Promotion Fund of Russia. Nine satellites from the UniverSat program, led by ROSCOSMOS, were also launched, along with seventeen SmallSats for commercial customers.

The launch vehicle used for this mission was the Soyuz 2.1b rocket, belonging to the Soyuz 2 rocket family. The Soyuz rocket has been a reliable workhorse of the Soviet/Russian space program since its introduction in 1966. The Soyuz 2.1b variant stands approximately 152 feet (46.3 meters) tall and has a diameter of 9 feet (2.95 meters). It consists of three stages, all of which are expendable.

The first stage of the Soyuz 2.1b rocket includes four side boosters powered by RD-107A engines. These boosters perform the iconic “Korolev cross” pattern during separation. The center core stage is propelled by a single RD-108A engine, while the upper stage is equipped with a single RD-0124 engine. Both engines run on rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOx).

The mission did not involve the recovery of the first stage or fairings, as the Soyuz rocket does not possess such capabilities. The first stage of the rocket landed in the Zeysky District of Amur Oblast, Russia.

This launch marked several milestones: it was the 115th flight of an upper stage from the Fregat family, the first launch of a Soyuz 2.1b rocket in 2023, the 80th launch of a Soyuz 2.1b variant, and the 96th orbital launch attempt of 2023.

With the successful launch of the Meteor-M2-3 satellite and its accompanying payloads, ROSCOSMOS continues to enhance Russia’s meteorological satellite system and expand its capabilities in climate monitoring, resource exploration, and search and rescue operations.

[ANS thanks Mariia Kiseleva, writing for Everyday Astronaut, for the above information]


Meteor-M2-3 Weather Imaging Satellite Now in Orbit and Transmitting Images

The latest addition to the Meteor-M satellite series, Meteor-M2-3, has successfully reached orbit and is already transmitting images of Earth. The Russian-owned weather imaging satellite was launched on a Soyuz-21.b rocket on June 27th. Previous iterations of the Meteor-M satellites faced premature mission terminations due to technical glitches or collisions with micro-meteorites.

Meteor-M satellites operate in a polar orbit, capturing and transmitting weather images in the LRPT format at a frequency of 137 MHz. This frequency range makes the reception of their signals as accessible as that of the older NOAA APT satellites. To receive these images, an appropriate 137 MHz satellite antenna is required, such as a V-Dipole, Turnstile, or QFH, along with a compatible software-defined radio (SDR) receiver like the popular RTL-SDR.

One of the recommended software options for receiving images from the Meteor-M2-3 satellite is SatDump. This user-friendly software offers binary releases for Windows and Android platforms, downloadable from SatDump GitHub Releases page: https://github.com/SatDump/SatDump/releases. Linux users can consult the SatDump Readme for a comprehensive build guide. It is worth noting that the SatDump graphical user interface has been reported to perform well on an Orange Pi 5, providing a convenient and portable solution for image reception.

To determine when the satellite is over your location you can use satellite tracking software such as Gpredict for Linux and Mac users, or Orbitron for Windows users. When utilizing Orbitron, it is important to run the software as an Administrator and update the Two-Line Elements (TLEs) to include the tracking data for the Meteor-M2-3 satellite found in the weather.txt TLE file. Consult the Meteor-M2-3 TLE (Two-Line Elements) available on Celestrak’s website for precise tracking and monitoring.

Many satellite enthusiasts have already shared their successful reception of Meteor-M2-3’s images to Twitter. The author of SatDump has revealed that work is underway to finalize projections for Meteor M2-3, and this should be ready to use in SatDump shortly. SDR++ software has now also integrated a Meteor Demodulator, further expanding the options available to those interested in receiving data from Meteor-M2-3.

Recent updates on Meteor-M2-3’s progress from Happysat (https://github.com/happysat) indicate that telemetry data received on July 3rd suggests that the satellite’s LRPT antenna might not have unfolded correctly, resulting in weaker-than-expected signals. It has also been reported that the satellite switched from transmitting on a frequency of 137.900 MHz to 137.100 MHz on July 4th, 2023.

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


UMKA-1 School Satellite Sets Out to Explore the Skies

The UMKA-1 satellite, developed by schoolchildren from the Moscow Regional Educational Institution Secondary School No. 29 named after P.I. Zabrodin (Podolsk) in collaboration with SPUTNIKS LLC, was successfully launched into orbit on June 27, 2023. As part of the “Space-π” program and with the support of the Innovation Assistance Fund, UMKA-1 aims to train young students in spacecraft design, programming, and assembly, while also conducting astronomical observations using its high-aperture telescope, Leptonar-20955K.

The UMKA-1 satellite is a 3U+ CubeSat equipped with a Leptonar-20955K optical telescope and an astronomical digital camera called PlayerOne Saturn-C SQR. This compact satellite operates in two frequency bands, with telemetry transmission taking place on the UHF downlink frequency of 437.625 MHz, using GMSK USP modulation scheme at a rate of 2400 baud. Additionally, the transmission of data from the telescope occurs on the S band at a frequency of 2402 MHz. On June 18th, 2023, UMKA-1, known by its designated callsign RS40S, obtained its IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination.

Named after a beloved Soviet cartoon character, UMKA-1 carries the spirit of adventure and discovery. The mission team plans to share the main course of their mission, interesting events from the ground segment, and a transmission schedule on the S band with the wider community. Once the satellite is fully operational, a schedule will be published, and opportunities will be provided for the reception of images from the telescope.

Despite some minor setbacks during the installation process, the UMKA-1 team remains dedicated to the success of their mission. The initial format installation confusion has been addressed, and the satellite is currently undergoing testing. The team expects the telescope to be fully operational by the end of July, following which a transmission schedule will be made available.

Alexey Shafiev, RA3PPY, expressed gratitude to SPUTNIX for their support and guidance throughout the project. He acknowledged the enthusiasm and efforts of the young schoolchildren and students who form the bulk of the team. Their passion for space exploration is evident, and they have been actively involved in every aspect of the project.

In the past week, the telemetry transmission format was updated to use GMSK USP 2400 baud. The Mission Control Center (MCC) team will next focus on stabilizing the spacecraft and ensure the proper functioning of the guidance system. Subsequently, a two-week testing period for the payload will commence before UMKA-1 can fulfill its educational mission.

The UMKA-1 team assures the community that updates on their progress will be provided as soon as possible. Despite their current work rush, they value the interest and support from all those following their mission. Alexey, on behalf of the team, promises to respond to all the emails received thus far in the near future.

As of July 4, 2023, UMKA-1 remains operational in orbit, transmitting telemetry data pertaining to the satellite’s operation. The team has made available a tool for decoding S band dump transmissions from the spacecraft, allowing enthusiasts to access the images collected by UMKA-1.

For radio amateurs keen on participating in the mission, the UMKA-1 team offers a QSL card as recognition for receiving telemetry from the satellite. To qualify, individuals must receive three packets of telemetry data and upload the collected information to the QSL card application form found at https://r4uab.ru/diplomnye-programmy-i-qsl/mka-umka-1/ within 24 hours of receiving the last telemetry package. The required software for receiving the telemety information, such as “SoundModem USP” and “AGW Client R4UAB,” is available to facilitate the process.

The UMKA-1 mission is an exciting endeavor that combines education, amateur radio, and scientific exploration. By encouraging young minds to explore the wonders of space, this project aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronomers. The UMKA-1 team invites everyone to join them on this incredible journey as they unlock the secrets of the universe through their school telescope satellite.

More detailed information about the UMKA-1 satellite is available at https://sputnik.school29.ru/radio/. Individuals can visit the project’s GitHub repository at https://github.com/radio-satellites/UmKa-1/ to obtain the software needed to decode the S band dump transmissions, which contain high resolution imagery from the telescope on board the satellite.

[ANS thanks Alexey Shafiev, RA3PPY and R4UAB.ru 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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Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers July 2023 Rankings

The July 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) 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: 2023-07-01

1N5UC26LA9XGA51VA7LM765H3SE
2ND9M27KG5CCI52JK2XXK77PT9BM
3NJ7H28ON4AUC53AA8CH78KB2YSI
4JA9KRO29DJ8MS54VE1VOX79XE1ET
5DPØPOL30N6DNM55KM4LAO80DL4EA
6N6UA31KEØPBR56VE3GOP81ACØRA
7DL6AP32K8BL57AM1SAT82AB5SS
8HA3FOK33XE3DX58AD7DB83LU4JVE
9WY7AA34JO2ASQ59KD8RTT84VK5DG
10ADØHJ35EA4NF60F5VMJ85KØFFY
11AK8CW36OE3SEU61FG8OJ86EC3TZ
12K5ZM37SP5XSD62N4UFO87VE6WK
13ADØDX38VE1CWJ63N4DCW88CU2ZG
14N5BO39WI7P64PT2AP89KG4AKV
15N9IP40PR8KW65KJ7NDY90KC7JPC
16WD9EWK41EB1AO66AF5CC91K4DCA
17W5PFG42W7WGC67NØTEL92WN9Q
18NDØC43F4DXV68VO2AC93DK9JC
19KB5FHK44JL3RNZ69KI7QEK94V55QO
20KX9X45KEØWPA70KI7UXT95KF6JOQ
21VE3HLS46K7TAB71W8LR96N6UTC
22LU5ILA47KE9AJ72WA9JBQ97PP2RON
23KE4AL48AA5PK73A41ZZ98VO1FUA
24N7AGF49DL2GRC74HB9GWJ99VA3VGR
25KI7UNJ50M1DDD75PT9ST100WI4T

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information]


VUCC Satellite Standings as of July 1 2023

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for June 01, 2023 to July 1, 2023.

CallJuneJuly
WA4NVM16321639
WC7V13511383
N8RO12581298
N0JE914950
N3GS873932
DL2GRC800842
K7TAB708814
EA2AA686730
KQ4DO675710
WA4HFN636676
HB9AOF500604
OZ9AAR500600
N8MR509528
AC9DX427525
WB7QXU451500
JN2QCVNew428
HB9GWJ363412
LU3FCA310406
JG6CDH353401
AB1OC291371
VA3VGR302352
EA3TA301350
JL1SAM300350
LU4FTA268346
AA9VI122336
JH0BBE314321
XE1BJNew304
DL8GAM275301
JA1GZK256300
PA7RA245299
AD5JK263296
JS1LQI155259
JE1TNL225250
N6PAZ223233
N9ZTS201231
IK1SLD200225
PU5DDC151181
ZS2BKNew170
JE2UFF100158
DH0GSU100152
GM0WDDNew115
EA4DEINew100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. GM0WDD is first VUCC Satellite holder from Scotland and IO85.

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


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 7 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/

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

[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page 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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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:
Due to summer school holidays, no contacts currently scheduled.

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

Mitch AD0HJ will be roving six Western Kansas grids from July 14 through July 16. Look for him on the DM99/EM09 grid line on Friday, DM97/DM98 grid line on Saturday, and the EM07/EM08 grid line on Sunday. The best chance for contacts will be the afternoon RS-44 passes (1900Z to 2330Z) but he will also work the late shift with QSOs on the activated TEVEL satellites in the evenings (0230Z to 0500Z) except for Sunday where he will work the noon time (1600Z to 1800Z) TEVEL passes. Follow Mitch @AD0HJ on Twitter for updated rove information, https://aprs.fi/AD0HJ to track his location, and https://hams.at for the latest pass schedule.

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]


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.

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

+ 41st AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2023
Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel
4440 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063

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)!”

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Youth on the Air Camp 2023 is a camp for young amateur radio operators in North, Central and South America. Campers will operate the special event station VE3YOTA while camp is in session with a special focus on satellite operations occurring Wednesday, July 19 from 1400Z to 1700Z (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT). Additionally, an ARISS contact with the International Space Station is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 18 at 1842Z (2:42 p.m. EDT). For more information about the camp, please visit https://youthontheair.org/ or contact Camp Director Neil Rapp at [email protected]. (ANS thanks Neil Rapp, WB9VPG for the above information)

+ Congratulations to our latest GridMaster Award winners: Steve Nordahl, NS3L (#58) and Bill Attwood, VE6WK (#59). The GridMaster Award, AMSAT’s most prestigious recognition, is available to amateur radio operators worldwide who establish two-way satellite communication with all 488 maidenhead grids within the contiguous United States. Contacts must be made from the same location or from locations within a 100 kilometer radius of a single location. Written confirmation, such as QSL cards or Logbook of the World (LoTW), is required. The GridMaster application and certificate fees have been underwritten by an anonymous donor. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Congratulations again to Bill VE6WK and Steve NS3L for their remarkable accomplishments! (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ Congratulations the following individuals on receiving the AMSAT Rover Award for their outstanding achievements in portable satellite operating: Olivier Tymkiw HB9GWJ (#077), Erwin Vink PA3GAN (#078), Doug Keech VA7LM (#079), and Bruce Patten VE7PTN (#080). To qualify for this award, they accumulated a minimum of 25 points by activating grid squares beyond their home grid. Points were earned through various achievements, including activating states, provinces, or DX entities outside their home location via satellite, as well as promoting their grid operations through social media and documenting their activations through photographs and published articles. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/. Congratulations to our esteemed AMSAT Rover Award recipients! (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ Quetzal-1, a 1U CubeSat developed by Universidad del Valle de Guatemala operated successfully for two hundred and eleven days in-orbit a few years ago. The project just released a massive trove of open source design documents, the software that ran on the satellite and ground station, and all the captured telemetry from the flight. It’s the ultimate bootstrap for anyone else designing a CubeSat, and hopefully provides enough clues to avoid some of the same issues. And if you want the details on the Quetzal-1 design, and what went wrong with the electrical system, two PDF papers have been released. Seeing more open source in space is an encouraging development, and one that should continue to grow as the cost of payloads to orbit continues to fall. Information on Quetzal-1 CubeSat can be found at http://github.com/Quetzal-1-CubeSat-Team. (ANS thanks Hackaday.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, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
ad0hj [at] amsat.org

 

ANS-183 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2023 Board of Directors Election
* Updated “For Beginners” Compilation Available on the AMSAT Website
* TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island to Include Satellite Operations
* 2023 AMSAT Field Day Preliminary Report
* Communication Problems on the Moon
* The Big Bang Theory Antenna Lives On
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* 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-183 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 July 2

AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2023 Board of Directors Election

The nomination period for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election ended on June 15th. The following candidates have been duly nominated:

Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW

As four seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, four of these candidates will be seated on the Board, along with one alternate when the voting period concludes on September 15th. The election will be held via AMSAT’s Wild Apricot membership system. Instructions for voting will be emailed to all members in good standing as of July 1st by July 15th. Biographies of the candidates will be available for review online and published in the next issue of The AMSAT Journal.

[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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Updated “For Beginners” Compilation Now Available on the AMSAT Website

An updated freely downloadable compilation of “getting started” articles written by Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF, is now available on the AMSAT website. These articles originally appeared in The AMSAT Journal from 2019 to 2021.

Check out the compilation at https://www.amsat.org/introduction-to-working-amateur-satellites/

Unfortunately, because both satellites and URLs change over time, the currentness of information such as this can quickly be overcome by events. However, the tools and techniques outlined in Keith’s beginner series are still very much applicable to operating on current and future AMSAT satellites. For the latest information about satellites currently in orbit, please consult the AMSAT Communications Satellites page.

More detailed information can be found in AMSAT’s Getting Started with Amateur Satellites book which can be purchased on the AMSAT store.

[ANS thanks Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF, Past AMSAT President, and Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK, AMSAT Journal Editor-In-Chief, for the above information]


TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island to Include Satellite Operations

The TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island, scheduled for January 2024, has announced that it will include satellite operations. The satellite station manager, Andreas, N6NU, reports the following preparation
activities for the TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island:

Andreas has made his first QSO’s made on the IO-117 (GreenCube) Satellite. This satellite has passes that last over an hour and has a huge footprint since it is in an almost 6,000 KM orbit. He has an 11 Element 70CM antenna, RAS Mini AZ/EL rotator with Green Heron Controller, Icom IC-9100H, Rigblaster TI-5000 and Icom AG-35 mast mounted pre-amp. The 6ft mast uses a home brew base. The next step is to configure an Icom IC-9700 as backup. Then on to RS-44 and 6m and 23 cm EME. He appreciates the help and advice offered by several AMSAT members.

For more information on the TX5S DXpedition, visit https://clip.pdxg.net/

[ANS thanks the Perseverance DX Group 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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2023 AMSAT Field Day Preliminary Report

The 2023 AMSAT Field Day is over, and early data shows how the satellites were utilized.

It has been many years since there were more than one or two AMSAT Field Day submissions from outside North America. This year, immediately after of Field Day ended, there were two submissions from Japan.

The satellites worked well. The FM Tevel family of satellites and GreenCube seemed to be popular. SO-50, AO-91, and the International Space Station were also busy with their FM single channels. RS-44 was quite tame, with plenty of bandwidth for many to make contacts, whether they were sitting on a frequency and calling CQ or using the hunt-and-pounce method.

More data is on the way. For updates, visit the AMSAT website.

[ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Awards Manager, for the above information]


Communication Problems on the Moon

The chilly relationship between the U.S. and China on Earth could raise safety risks in space and the specter of competition on the Moon as both nations aim to send people to the lunar surface in the coming years.

China and the U.S. — the two most dominant players in space today — do not generally collaborate on space research and exploration, and they have limited communication in orbit and beyond. But both nations are separately sending missions to the Moon. NASA expects its astronauts will be back on the surface of the Moon as early as 2025, and China has plans for its taikonauts to land on the lunar surface by around 2030.

The Chinese military is refusing to use established communications channels that could help to prevent an unintended crisis on Earth. Recent close calls between U.S. and Chinese crafts at sea and in the air underscore the risk.

Lack of transparency into activities has framed the U.S-China relationship in space for decades, with some key exceptions, including coordinating orbiters at Mars and NASA collaborating with China during one of the nation’s robotic Moon missions.

The Chinese government has a fundamentally different way of engaging in the world that makes open communication difficult, Dean Cheng, a China analyst, tells Axios. The government is “not accustomed to thinking of alliance structures and cooperation,” he added.

NASA will likely miss its 2025 Artemis landing date, with technical and budgetary delays pushing the first crewed landing to later in the decade. China, however, “will put a human crew on the Moon by 2030,” Cheng said. “If that is their intent, then it will happen.”

Communication could be particularly important on the lunar surface because China and the U.S. are both planning to land missions in the same part of the Moon, at the lunar south pole. While those initial landing zones will likely be widely separated, future missions could lead to new questions about space traffic management, communications satellites and even the primary language used in those activities at the Moon.

[ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information]


The Big Bang Theory Antenna Lives On

An antenna that holds an important place in scientific history sits on a small parcel of land on Crawford Hill in Holmdel Township, New Jersey.

The antenna is known as the Holmdel Horn Antenna, and it was built in 1959 by Bell Labs (now Nokia Bell Labs) researchers. It was originally designed to bounce radio signals off of reflective satellite balloons for long-distance communication. It worked, and the Holmdel Horn Antenna was no longer needed.

Two Bell Labs astronomer employees, Arno A. Penzias and Robert W. Wilson, received permission in 1965 to use the antenna to search for radio transmissions in outer space. They pointed the antenna toward what was considered a quiet area, but what they discovered was anything but quiet. They discovered Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which provided evidence for the Big Bang Theory.

Now, there is a historical marker at the site, but there has been some dispute as to who owns the antenna and surrounding land. In mid-June 2023, the Holmdel Township Committee voted unanimously to approve resolutions that will begin the process of acquiring two of the three parcels that make up the Crawford Hill property. The township committee is leaving the third parcel to be part of the redevelopment toward preserving Crawford Hill as a public park to celebrate the horn antenna’s place in scientific history.

Visit the https://bit.ly/3rbnKaR to learn more.

[ANS thanks The ARRL Letter 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 2023 30 June

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/

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

[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.

COMPLETED:
Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The ISS callsign was OR4ISS, and the crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV. The ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful: Thursday, 2023-06-22 08:38:52 UTC with 51 degrees maximum elevation. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI!

UPCOMING:
Due to summer school holidays, no contacts currently scheduled.

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

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/

Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ, has a satellite rove planned over the July 4th weekend in the hopes of joining the exclusive Western Roving Coalition. Look for him to activate Montana grid squares DN57, DN67, DN77, DN87, DN97, DN56, DN66, DN76, DN86, DN96, DN55, DN65, AND DN64 between June 30th and July 3rd. Planned passes are available at http://hams.at OR on Twitter @GridMasterHeat

Jim DeLoach, WU0I, with XYL, KK6DZS, just started a 6-week road trip. Along the way, they hope to activate a number of rarer grid squares on the FM birds on the way to the Four-Corners area of the Southwest from the Michigan UP, through Western Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Idaho.

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]


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.

+ 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

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)!”

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+The 15th annual 13 Colonies Special Event will take place July 1 – July 7, 2023, and will include satellite operations, primarily on the linear transponder satellites. All 13 colonies are covered by satops this year making a clean sweep possible. See http://www.13colonies.us/ for more details. (ANS thanks Ant Lefebvre, NU1U, for the above information)

+ In a highly anticipated and globally coordinated announcement on Wednesday, June 28, teams of scientists worldwide reported the discovery of the “low pitch hum” of these cosmic waves flowing through the Milky Way. While astronomers don’t definitively know what’s causing the hum, the detected signal is “compelling evidence” and consistent with theoretical expectations of gravitational waves emerging from pairs of “the most massive black holes in the entire universe” weighing as much as billions of suns. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

+ ESA announced the Zero Debris Charter at the Paris Air Show, by which they mean that they will figure out their plans for generating zero space debris (hopefully) by the end of the year, to be implemented by 2030. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Gamma Ray Burst 221009A, a supernova with its energetic jet pointed directly at Earth, was first observed last October. While it was 2.4 billion light-years away, it still managed to disturb Earth’s ionosphere, produced 18 tera-electron-volt photons, and saturated spacecraft X-ray and gamma-ray sensors. This explosion is now referred to as the BOAT (Brightest of All Time) and is thought to be a once-in-a-10,000-year occurrence. It also illuminated dust clouds in our galaxy, allowing their distances and properties to be measured with unprecedented accuracy. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic launched its first commercial space flight Thursday, June 29, sending three Italian researchers, two company pilots and an astronaut trainer on a high-speed thrill ride to the edge of space aboard a winged rocketplane. (ANS thanks SpaceflightNow for the above information)

+ A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft left the International Space Station on Thursday, June 29, to return to Earth. The spacecraft is carrying more than 3,600 pounds of equipment, supplies and scientific experiments, some of which have been on the space station for nearly six years and which had their final in-orbit tests completed earlier this year. (ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information)

+ The European Space Agency’s Euclid spacecraft launched on July 1 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Euclid features a telescope 1.2 meters across equipped with a camera operating at visible wavelengths and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer. The two-ton spacecraft will operate at the Earth-sun L-2 point also used by the James Webb Space Telescope 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, generating the largest and most accurate 3-D map of the universe to date. Astronomers hope that Euclid’s observations will shed light on two of the biggest mysteries in cosmology: the nature of both dark energy and dark matter that, combined, comprise 95% of the universe. (ANS thanks SpaceNews 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
k0jm [at] amsat.org

ANS-176 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for June 25th

In this edition:

* Two Awards Available from AMSAT-UK Regarding EO-88’s Impending Re-Entry
* URESAT-1 Deployed
* Harbin Institute of Technology Developing New Lunar Amateur Radio Satellite
* How Many Satellites Can We Safely Fit In Earth Orbit?
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 22, 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-176 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 25

Two Awards Available from AMSAT-UK Regarding EO-88’s Impending Re-Entry

As you may be aware, Solar Cycle 25 has already shown that we cannot yet predict what the sun will be doing with any great accuracy.

Sunspots, X-class solar flares and CMEs (coronal mass ejections) are increasing in frequency and intensity on a daily basis.

The peak of Solar Cycle 25 was not expected until late 2024 or early 2025 but it may be coming earlier and have a higher intensity than was predicted.

One result of this increased activity is that the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of the earth becomes warmer and expands upwards. This means that spacecraft in low earth orbit experience more drag or resistance as a result of the increase in the number atoms they are having to displace as they travel around the globe. As a consequence, the spacecraft loose more kinetic energy and start to descend lower in orbital height, which, of course, makes the problem worse and a fiery end to the spacecraft is hastened.

The actual effect is also dependant on the drag coefficient of the particular spacecraft…simply how much mass (the more the better) to how much surface area (the less the better). So in CubeSat terms, a 1U CubeSat, fairly full of stuff with a mass near the maximum of 1.3kg, will probably be better off than a half empty 3U CubeSat with deployable solar panels and other drag inducing protuberances.

All TLEs (Two Line Elements) include a parameter called drag, it is usually a very small number preceeded by four or more zeros! Although this parameter is calculated by the system, it is not usually precise or even stable, so cannot be used to accurately predict deorbit dates when looking forward many weeks/months. It can give us a guide though! Alarm bells should ring when we only see two leading zeros.

How does this effect our activities? Well for the FUNcube family, there are presently three active members!

FUNcube-1, AO-73 was launched almost ten years ago in November 2013 into an elliptical polar orbit of approx 682×595 km. Presently those numbers are around 640×570 km so probably not too much to worry about. The drag number from the TLEs is, at the time of writing, 0.000074, a good number.

The same applies to JY1SAT, JO-97. This was launched in December 2018 into a 573×590 km polar orbit. Presently those numbers are around 557×573 km and the current drag is listed as 0.000076.

Unfortunately, however, the same cannot by said for Nayif-1, EO-88. This spacecraft was launched in February 2017 into a 496×507 km polar orbit. Currently the orbit parameters show a height of around 320 km with the drag at 0.00319. It is now well below the ISS and much lower than at launch.

As mentioned, largely due to the random nature of the our star’s flux output on a day to day basis, it is not possible at this stage to accurately predict the likely deorbit date but it seems that it will certainly be before the end of this year. As the spacecraft continues to perform 100% nominally this is a great shame. Presently it is switching autonomously from high power telemetry when in daylight and with lower power telemetry and the transponder active when in darkness. The solar panels, battery and power system also continue to be reporting nominal numbers, essentially unchanged since the day of launch.

It will therefore be a really sad moment when re-entry occurs but in the meantime everyone is encouraged to use the spacecraft whilst it remains available.

To mark the event of EO-88/Nayif’s demise, AMSAT-UK is offering two awards. These will be individual framed certificates.

Firstly, to the station who submits the last telemetry to the FUNcube Data Warehouse and also to who “guesses” or calculates the re-entry time and date most accurately. Submissions for this award must be made to [email protected] before midnight (UTC) on July 4th 2023. So time is short to get your entries in. Good luck!

[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK 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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URESAT-1 Deployed

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. URESAT-1 was deployed from the OTV at approximately 12:10 UTC on June 22, 2023. As of this writing, signals have not yet been received from the satellite.

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 Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information]

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

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Harbin Institute of Technology Developing New Lunar Amateur Radio Satellite

Lunar OSCAR II is a lunar amateur radio payload developing by a team consists of students in Harbin Institute of Technology and international amateur radio enthusiasts. Its baseline functions include telemetry, digital image downlink from an infrared camera, and digipeater with JT4G uplink/downlink. It will also provide chances for uploading and testing new waveforms and algorithms for radio communications and measurements in very long distance.

Amateur radio orbit determination experiments, for example Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), are also possible with these links.

Harbin Institute of Technology has previously successfully developed the first lunar amateur radio satellite, Longjiang-2 / DSLWP-B. (LO-94) As a subsequent mission, Lunar OSCAR II will continue offering various resources for communications relay and amateur radio research, and promoting the cooperation of amateur radio communities.

The Lunar OSCAR II payload will be on board a lunar microsatellite with a volume of about 300x200x100 mm3 and a mass of about 14 kg and will utilize downlinks on UHF for telemetry and images using 250/500 baud GMSK with turbo codes and Digipeater using 4.375 baud $FSK with convolutional coding (JT4G). More information is available at https://by2hit.github.io/.

The satellite is planned for a launch from Wenchang in 2024.

A downlink on 437.750 MHz has been coordinated.

[ANS thanks the IARU and Harbin Institute of Technology for the above information]

How Many Satellites Can We Safely Fit In Earth Orbit?

Just 10 years ago, a mere thousand or so operational satellites may have orbited our planet, but there will be tens or even hundreds of thousands a decade from now. Experts have been sounding alarm bells for years that Earth orbit is getting a bit too crowded. So how many satellites can we actually launch to space before it gets to be too much?

Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist and astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics warns the first signs that things are getting a little too tense are, in fact, already present. “It’s going to be like an interstate highway, at rush hour in a snowstorm with everyone driving much too fast,” he told Space.com when asked what the situation in orbit will be like if existing plans for satellite megaconstellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb and Amazon Kuiper come to fruition. “Except that there are multiple interstate highways crossing each other with no stoplights.”

McDowell’s British colleague Hugh Lewis is another frequently heard voice of caution. In a post published on Twitter on Jan. 13, Lewis stated that “the overall number of conjunctions predicted for 2022 was 134% higher than the number for 2020 and 58% higher than 2021, exceeding 4 million.” That doesn’t mean that on 4 million occasions objects in space came close to a collision — just that managing traffic in space is getting much more complicated than it has ever been in the past.

Take SpaceX’s Starlink as an example. According to information submitted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in December last year, SpaceX’s autonomous collision-avoidance system performed 26,037 orbital avoidance maneuvers with its Starlink satellites in the two-year period between Dec. 1, 2020 and Nov. 30, 2022. That means each Starlink satellite of the nearly 4,000 that have been launched to date performed, on average, 12 avoidance maneuvers during that time.

But the size of SpaceX’s current constellation is less than 10% of what the company plans to deploy. Within the next 10 years, the number of Starlink satellites in orbit may rise to 42,000. Add to that the up to 4,000 satellites that OneWeb wants to launch, another 3,200 of Amazon’s Kuiper craft and 13,000 satellites of China’s envisioned Guowang system, and it becomes obvious that things are set to get much more heated.

According to the FCC document, SpaceX claims that each of its satellites has a sufficient amount of fuel on board to perform 350 collision-avoidance maneuvers over its expected five-year lifetime. But that number could be reached remarkably soon, according to Lewis’ calculations. In short, less than five years from now, Starlink satellites may be running out of fuel in a shorter period of time than their designed lifetime because of the sheer number of avoidance maneuvers they will have to perform.

[ANS thanks Tereza Pultarova, writing for Space.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 June 22, 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/

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

[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.

Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:

No contacts currently scheduled

The crossband repeater continues to be active. 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.

Comments on making general contacts

I have been seeing a lot of traffic on Facebook and I suspect on other social media sites with people asking why they are not hearing the crew make general contacts. First off the crew is very busy on the ISS and they simply may not have the time to just pick up the microphone and talk. Also, one needs to be aware of their normal daily schedule. I have listed below the constraints that we at ARISS have to follow in order to schedule the school contacts. Hopefully this will help you better schedule your opportunities.

Typical daily schedule

Wakeup to Workday start= 1.5 hours
Workday start to Workday end=12 hours
Workday end to Sleep= 2 hours
Sleep to wakeup= 8.5 hours

The crew’s usual waking period is 0730 – 1930 UTC. The most common times to find a crew member making casual periods are about one hour after waking and before sleeping, when they have personal time. They’re usually free most of the weekend, as well.

SSTV events are not that often. So please check out https://www.ariss.org/ for the latest information or watch for the ARISS announcements.

And don’t forget that the packet system is active.

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

ARISS Radio Status

Columbus Module radios:
IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS – Configured. Default mode is for cross band repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down).
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD.
* Capable of supporting USOS scheduled voice contacts, packet and voice repeater ops.

Service Module radios:
IORS (Kenwood D710GA) – STATUS – Configured. Default mode is fo packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down)
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting July 26. OFF July 25 about TBD. ON July 27 about TBD.
* Capable of supporting ROS scheduled voice contacts, packet, SSTV and voice repeater ops.

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

Adrian (AA5UK) is heading back to the Cayman Islands. He will be operating as ZF2AE/ZF8 from Little Cayman June 25 to June 29th (EK99wp). He plans to rent a car June 28th/29th and will try to make it to FK09 grid at the other end to the island, time permitting. He will operate from Grand Cayman as ZF2AE June 30th to July 3rd (EK99ki) with focus on cross Atlantic contacts via AO7, RS44, FO-29 and IO-117. He will be relocating to Seven Mile Beach to operate from July 4th – July 7th in EK99hi and will try to mix it up on the passes with focus on Western passes.

The gear will be FT-1634 with Alaskan Arrow antenna. For IO-117, he will be using an IC-7000. Operation will be holiday style. Please follow him on Twitter @ZF2AE and @AA5UK and watch for the latest announcements. He also plans to periodically operate HF with focus on RTTY, FT8/FT4 and other digital modes. QSL information on QRZ.com. LOTW preferred.

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

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, 2023
Dallas, Texas

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. 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]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ For rocket geeks, an interesting video shows the dynamics of SpaceX’s new stage separation technique, which will be tested on Starship, separating the booster and upper stage without pusher pistons (like Falcon) or explosives (like many traditional rockets). The video may be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yesni8HUEA4 (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Although their identities have been widely circulated previously, the European Space Agency (ESA), on June 20, formally announced the personnel who will make up SpaceX Crew-7. They are NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, KI5WSL, commander; ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, KG5GCZ, from Denmark, who will serve as pilot; as well as JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW, from Japan, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, from Russia, who will both serve as mission specialists. This crew will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida later this summer on a SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, and will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months. (ANS thanks ESA for the above information)

+ Spei Satelles is a 3U CubeSat created by the students and teachers of the Polytechnic of Turin. During its stay in orbit, Spei Satelles will transmit a radio signal that can be received by amateurs. The signal contains messages of hope from the magisterium of Pope Francis. Spei Satelles (the Latin words for Satellite of Hope) operates in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit at about 525 km of altitude from the Earth’s surface. At a frequency of 437.5MHz (Editor’s note – this satellite is not coordinated by the IARU and AMSAT encourages radio amateurs to decline to offer telemetry collection or other technical support to groups that launch satellites that are not IARU coordinated and do not offer amateur communications opportunities) it transmits GMSK at 9600 bit/s AX.25. Spei Satelles also contains a nanobook, a 2x2x0.2 mm silicon slab on which the images, speeches, and readings by Pope Francis on March 27, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, were imprinted by nanotechnologies. The satellite hitched a ride aboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket launching from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 10, after being blessed by Pope Francis on March 29 at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. (ANS thanks Religion News Service and Polytechnic of Turin for the above information)

+ Congratulations to Olivier Tymkiw, HB9GWJ, on receiving AMSAT Rover Award # 077! To earn the AMSAT Rover Award, participants must accumulate a combined total of 25 points through various achievements in portable satellite operations outside their home grid square. The AMSAT Rover Award was established to recognize and honor the accomplishments of satellite operators who engage in rover operations. Rover operations involve the activation of grid squares outside one’s home grid, utilizing various satellite transponders and modes to establish communication links. A breakdown of the points system along with a list of past AMSAT Rover Award recipients can be found at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/. Keep on roving, Olivier, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community!

+ Virgin Galactic will launch its first commercial spaceflight on June 27th. https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-first-commercial-spaceflight-june-2023 (ANS thanks space.com)

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] amsat.org