SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC0417 * SpaceNews 17-Apr-00 * BID: $SPC0417 ========= SpaceNews ========= MONDAY APRIL 17, 2000 * AMSAT-OSCAR-16 NEWS * ======================= On 11-Apr-2000 at 03:15 UTC, Russ Platt, WJ9F, turned on AMSAT-OSCAR-16's S-Band (2401.143 MHz) transmitter, and reduced the power of the UHF PSK downlink transmitter on 437.025 MHz down to 300 milliwatts. Russ operated the spacecraft in this configuration for 24 hours, and also ran a Whole Orbit Data (WOD) survey during this period to determine battery drawdown. These tests are in preparation for returning the satellite to normal operations. [Info via Russ Platt / WJ9F, AO-16 Command Team] * ARIANE FLIGHT DELAY * ======================= On 11-Apr-2000, it was reported that the next Arianespace Ariane 506 launch scheduled for 26-May-2000 has been delayed until July since one of the two satellites scheduled for launch on this mission is not yet ready for flight. It is unknown at this time whether this will have any effect on the launch of the Phase 3D satellite currently scheduled for July. * ILLEGAL CALLSIGN ON UO-22 * ============================= Chris, GW6KZZ reports observing an illegal callsign on UoSAT-OSCAR-22 satellite that keeps appearing. The station is using TRINET as its callsign, and has appeared in the CL listing a number of times in late March and early April. Several attempts have been made to contact the station using the commercial TRINET callsign which is normally used on POSAT, but each attempt has failed. Chris reports that the station always seems to be active when UO-22 is to the west of the United Kingdom. Any information leading to the identity of this station would be appreciated. Chris may be reached via UO-22, UO-25, or via e-mail at gw6kzz@amsat.org or Cdixon6901@aol.com. [Info via Chris, GW6KZZ] * MIR NEWS * ============ Slow-Scan television transmissions were observed originating from the Mir space station on Sunday 16-Apr-2000. An image showing the view outside of one of Mir's windows was transmitted by Mir on 145.985 MHz, although the orientation of the spaceraft blocked much of the signal from reaching the earth, making reception more difficult than it has been in the past. * AMSAT-OSCAR-10 NEWS * ======================= The AMSAT-OSCAR-10 satellite is currently in a "solar orbit", and will remain in constant sunlight until Wednesday 26-Apr-2000 when eclipses will begin once again. The sun angle appears to be favorable for the operation of the transponder at this time, with strong downlink signals being observed from the spacecraft in recent weeks. AO-10 is not expected to experience another eclipse-free period until around 20-Feb-2001, and that period of continuous sunlight is expected to last until early May 2001. * FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED * =========================== Comments and input for SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any of the paths listed below: WWW: http://www.njin.net/~magliaco/ MAIL: John A. Magliacane, KD2BD Department of Engineering and Technology Brookdale Community College 765 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 U.S.A. PACKET: KD2BD @ N2TDU.NJ.USA.NA INTERNET: kd2bd@amsat.org, magliaco@email.njin.net SATELLITE: AMSAT-OSCAR-16, KITSAT-OSCAR-25 <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>> <<=- Serving the planet (and beyond) since 1987 -=>> /EX