SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC0508
* SpaceNews 08-May-95 *
 
 
BID: $SPC0508
 
 
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                               SpaceNews
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                           MONDAY MAY 8, 1995
 
 
SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited free distribution.
 
 
* SAREX INFORMATION *
=====================
NASA has announced that the launch of STS-71, which was to perform the
docking with the MIR space station has been delayed.  The new launch date
has now be set for 19-JUN-95.  This delay was caused by additional work
need to move some solar panels on MIR and it appears that the work will
not be completed in time for STS-71.  Therefore, STS-70 will fly first and
its launch date has now been set for 08-JUN-95.  Both of these STS missions
will be carrying the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX).  STS-70 with
Discovery will carry the SAREX payload, courtesy Mission Specialist Don
Thomas (KC5FVF) into a 28.5 degree orbit and the SAREX payload will operate
with both FM voice and packet for six days.  In order that there will be
confusion about the downlink frequencies, those wishing to make a contact
with STS-70 should note that the usual downlink frequency of 145.550 MHz
will be utilized.  STS-71, on the other hand, is slated to use a downlink
of 145.840 MHz.  The STS-71 Atlantis docking mission will use the MIR
communication equipment to simulate SAREX as well.  On that mission it will
be FM voice only!  STS-71 will be a 9 day mission.  It will carry Pilot 
Charlie Precourt (KB5YSQ) and Mission Specialist Ellen Baker (KB5SIX) in
a 51.6 deg orbit.
 
[Info via ANS]
 
 
* MIR NEWS *
============
The crew on the Mir space station is very busy.  They are trying to
rebuild the station in time to dock with STS-71, scheduled for launch on 
19-Jun-95.  The work is quite extensive and will require at least two
space walks by the Russians (not Norman).  Two solar panels need to be
moved to make clearance for the shuttle.  In addition, a power module will
dock in May.  A few weeks ago, the crew dismantled the shower and replaced
it with a Gyro.  For the next few months, the shower will be replaced by
wet towels.
 
Amateur Radio activities have taken a low priority.  The crew is working
very long days and they do not go to bed until around midnight (Moscow
time, 5:00 PM EST).  The crew is not in the habit of using any set radio
schedule.  Best times for contacts are just before bed time, from
3:00 - 5:00 PM EST.  Contacts are usually 3-8 minutes long.  They like to
rag chew and expect everyone to wait until they call CQ before going on to
the next caller.
 
The Packet Radio System is still not reliable, and the crew likes to
conserve power by shutting it down at night.  Work is still underway to
adjust the TNC parameters to improve the packet radio performance.
 
[Info via WF1F]
 
 
* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:
 
FAX       : 1-908-747-7107
PACKET    : KD2BD @ KS4HR.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET  : kd2bd@amsat.org -or- magliaco@pilot.njin.net
SATELLITE : AMSAT-OSCAR-16, LUSAT-OSCAR-19
 
MAIL      : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
            Department of Engineering and Technology
            Advanced Technology Center
            Brookdale Community College
            Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
            U.S.A.
 
 
       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>> 
 
/EX