[amsat-bb] Mars Odyssey UHF Test

["Edward R. Cole" <al7eb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My apologies for this if off-topic, but I expect few have seen this.  There
is an article by Philip Chien, KC4YER, page 70, in the June CQ Magazine.  I
did not send the attachments to not clutter up your mail.  If you would
like them send me a request via direct e-mail.  I will collect the rquests
and send a group mailing.

I will not be able to try this as the spacecraft
is below my horizon.  You may want to contact Dr. Callas if you have other
questions {I am not going to run path link analysis,
either}.

Ed

============================================
To:
mars-net@LISTSERV.STLAWU.EDU Subject: Mars Odyssey UHF Test Cc:
Dquagliana@aol.com, kc4yer@AMSAT.Org, al7eb@ptialaska.net,
csosborne@citcom.net

Dear Radio Amateurs,

First, let me apologize for the lack of notification and the lateness 
of this message. I had alerted many of you before about a possible 
UHF test from Stanford with the Mars Odyssey spacecraft now on its 
way to Mars. A variety of technical and programmatic issues have 
complicated the design and implementation of this test. The bottom 
line is that the opportunities for Hams to listen are less than 
original envisioned. However, the plan recently developed does have 
a possible opportunity on 2001-06-06 UTC with a possible second 
opportunity on 2001-06-08 UTC.

Attached to this e-mail are three PDF files. The first file 
(OdysseyPosition.pdf) provides a time ordered list of the Right 
Ascension and Declination (in geocentric coordinates) for Mars 
Odyssey for the test days in question. The file also has the range 
rate, so one can calculate the expected Doppler shift to the 
437.100000 MHz transmitted signal from Odyssey, Please note that all 
transmissions are with right hand circular polarization (RHCP).

The second file (OdysseyTimeline.pdf) is the timeline of the test. 
You will notice the use of continuous wave (CW) from the spacecraft 
at the start of the test. This will likely be the only opportunity 
to detect a signal at Earth for the Hams.

The third file (OdysseyLink.pdf) is the link analysis for Stanford. 
>From this analysis you can calculate what expected signal you might 
have with your equipment.

Again, I know this is short notice and many of you may not be 
prepared to take advantage of this opportunity. In any case, please 
let me know if you attempt to listen. I look forward to hearing from 
you.
Best of luck to you all! And thank you for your support and interest.
Sincerely, 
John Callas

"John.L.Callas" <John.L.Callas@jpl.nasa.gov> 
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