Paul Stoetzer

ANS-064 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Mar. 5

by

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-064

In this edition:

* New Satellite Distance Records
* VUCC Satellite Standings as of March 1, 2023
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 3, 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-064 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 Mar 05

New Satellite Distance Records

IO-117 continues to provide a lot of DX fun for amateur satellite operators. Numerous satellite operators have reported receiving the ARRL’s Worked All States and DX Century Club Satellite awards lately as well as CQ Magazine’s Worked All Zones Satellite award (25 of 40 zones are required for the satellite award). For an example about the distances that can be worked via this satellite in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), two QSOs got very near the 13,000 km mark recently.

On February 11, 2023, Dave Fisher, KG0D, worked Lucky Bijanki, VU2LBW. The distance between KG0D in CN88kd and VU2LBW in MK82tv is 12,939 km.

Unfortunately for this claim, Hector Martinez Sis, W5CBF, worked Oleg Vakochine, A65BR, on January 29, 2023 at 21:00 UTC. The distance between W5CBF and A65BR is 12,996 km.

Note that only real-time QSOs will be considered for distance records. Under the ARRL’s current interpretation of their award rules, satellite QSOs involving delayed messaging or store-and-forward systems are not valid for WAS, DXCC, or VUCC. Thus, QSOs made over multiple orbits using this method will not be considered for inclusion in the AMSAT Satellite Distance Records archive.

Also please note that the distance calculator at k7fry.com/grid is used to calculate all distances for AMSAT records purposes. This may not provide the most accurate distance under the most recent geodetic datum standards, but it is a consistent reference.

Anyone who wants to claim a distance record via an amateur satellite should check the current list at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ and email n8hm at arrl.net if they complete a new record distance. Audio and/or video of the QSO is encouraged but not required.

[ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, 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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VUCC Satellite Standings as of March 1, 2023

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for February 01, 2023 to March 01, 2023.

[table “89” not found /]

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.

HL2WP is first VUCC Satellite holder from South Korea and PM47

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, 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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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 March 2, 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 TLE
distribution.

[ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, 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:

Jumeirah College Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, telebridge via VK4KHZ (***)

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV

Contact is go for: Tue 2023-03-07 08:45:03 UTC 27 deg (***)

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 Soyuz 68 undocking on March 28. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting April 19. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting April 26. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting May 04. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON 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 Soyuz 68 undocking on March 28. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting April 19. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting April 26. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Russian EVA targeting ​May 04. OFF TBD . ON TBD.
* Powering off for Progress 84 docking on May 24. OFF TBD . ON 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

From AD7DB: AD7DB will activate FM satellites from DM31 on Sat March 18. I may also pop up in DM23 and or DM22 on March 17 and March 19. Follow me on Twitter for updates.

Please submit any additions or corrections to k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net.

[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.

Hamvention 2023
May 19-21, 2023
Stay tuned for announcements about AMSAT Hamvention activites, including the TAPR/AMSAT Dinner.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ The FO-99 operation schedule for March is available at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=2100 (Thanks to JAMSAT for this information)

+ The SpaceX Crew-6 mission launched to the ISS on Thursday March 2nd with the crew arriving on Friday. Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV, is scheduled to make the first ARISS QSO from the new crew on Tuesday. (Thanks to NASA and ARISS for this information)

+ USA ARISS contact proposals for January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024 are due March 31, 2023. For details see https://ariss-usa.org/message-to-us-educators-amateur-radio-on-the-international-space-station-contact-opportunity-4/ (Thanks to ARISS for this information)

+ FO-118’s camera has been active with a new protocol to more easily reconstruct image data. For details, see version 2.1 of the user manual at https://mega.nz/file/4rIywT5L#WoZsMxzIkUKhqHTrYh__nvv_N9CGwVV-dLsJ2k4_2OA (Thanks to CAMSAT for the inforamtion)

+ Happy 54th Birthday to AMSAT! AMSAT was officially incorporated in the District of Columbia on March 3, 1969.

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

ANS-043 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Feb. 12

by

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-043

In this edition:

* AMSAT Engineering Recruiting Volunteers
* NASA Announces Winners of 2022 Annual Space Apps Challenge
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 9, 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 [dot] 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-043 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 Feb 12

AMSAT Engineering Recruiting Volunteers

RF Engineer

AMSAT is looking for an EE with RF experience to join its FOX-PLUS team.  You’ll collaborate with an all-volunteer team of up to ten electrical, mechanical, software and systems engineers.  You will have the opportunity to design and build the RF communications subsystems for a series of low earth orbit, 1U-3U CubeSats to support AMSAT’s educational and engineering objectives.

You should have a working knowledge of analog and digital communications protocols (e.g., FM, PSK, FSK) to provide digitally synthesized audio for FM modulated VHF/UHF/SHF voice and telemetry channels. Development opportunities can begin with modification of previous FOX designs and/or by starting with a blank sheet for an original design.

Mechanical Engineers

AMSAT is looking for Mechanical Engineers to join its FOX and GOLF CubeSat teams.  You’ll collaborate with an all-volunteer team of up to 12 electrical, mechanical, software and systems engineers.  You will have the opportunity to use your structural design and analysis skills in the development of a series of low earth orbit and highly elliptical orbit, 1U-3U  CubeSats to support AMSAT’s educational and engineering objectives.

Your contribution may include a) the development of the spaceframe and deployable solar panel subsystem, b) the analysis of the thermal characteristics of the CubeSat  and the design of the thermal management system, c) preparation and oversight of the environmental testing procedure, and/or d) management of documentation of the CubeSats adherence to the launch provider’s and space vehicle owner’s specifications.

Our volunteers typically spend five hours per week on their project and attend a weekly online update meeting. An Amateur Radio license and CubeSat experience is helpful but not necessary.  U.S. citizenship or proof of permanent residency is required.

Interested persons should send an email with their resume/curriculum vitae to: [email protected].

[ANS thanks Jonathan Brandenburg, KF5IDY, AMSAT Assistant VP, Engineering 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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NASA Announces Winners of 2022 Annual Space Apps Challenge

The 2022 Annual Space Apps Challenge which was held October 1 and 2, 2022, brought together a host of participants from different locations, cultures, backgrounds, interests, and skill levels. The theme for the 2022 challenge – Make Space – perfectly describes the primary goals of the event: creating innovative solutions to space-related problems, while also making space for people around the world to participate and engage in a collaborative scientific effort.

“NASA’s Space Apps Challenge really puts students around the world to the test, helping to solve some of our time’s toughest problems,” said Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator. “I’m proud of all those who participated and challenged themselves to think creatively. Their remarkable ingenuity is proof that the Artemis Generation will help lead us into the future.” The challenge underscores the importance and value of NASA’s Open-Source Science Initiative that creates more advanced and inclusive research faster, builds a more just and equitable world, and provides access so that great minds from all walks of life can participate in science.

The 10 global winning teams proposed solutions using tools, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3D globes and maps, web applications, interactive games, and the infusion of art and music into their projects. The winning teams were:

– Best Use of Science: What’s New? (Taipei, Taiwan)
– Best Use of Data: Starflock (Cleveland, Ohio, USA)
– Best Use of Technology: Taming particles (Vilnius, Lithuania)
– Galactic Impact: Selene (Jamshedpur, India)
– Best Mission Concept: Mars 3D Home (Mendoza, Argentina)
– Most Inspirational: Team Diamonds (Cumilla, Bangladesh)
– Best Storytelling: MIMBI (Asuncion, Paraguay)
– Global Connection: Standard NCTU CS Student (Taoyuan, Taiwan)
– Art & Technology: Earth, Wind & Flare (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
– Local Impact: Brute Force (Nisocia, Cyprus)

Read the full story at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-043-Apps.

[ANS thanks spaceref.com 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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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 9, 2023

The following satellites have decayed from orbit and have been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

SurfSat     NORAD Cat ID 43614 (decayed from orbit on 01/27/23 per Space-Track)
IRVINE 01   NORAD Cat ID 43693 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)
RS4S        NORAD Cat ID 53306 (decayed from orbit on 01/27/23 per Space-Track)
RS3S        NORAD Cat ID 53308 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)
RS1S        NORAD Cat ID 53309 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)
RS5S        NORAD Cat ID 53310 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)
RS6S        NORAD Cat ID 53311 (decayed from orbit on 01/27/23 per Space-Track)
RS9S        NORAD Cat ID 53312 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)
RS12S       NORAD Cat ID 53313 (decayed from orbit on 01/31/23 per Space-Track)

The following satellites have been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution because their TLE  appear not to be updating:

AstroBioCubeSat NORAD Cat ID 53107
CELESTA         NORAD Cat ID 53111

The following satellite has failed it’s NiCad batteries and has gone silent. In hope of a miraculous return, it will be continued in the AMSAT TLE Distribution for the time being:

AO-95 NORAD Cat ID 43770

[ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, 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.

+ Upcoming Contacts
School No. 547, St. Petersburg, Russia, direct via TBD.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Prokopyev.
Contact is go for February 13, 2023 at 09:35 UTC.

Gymnasium Christian-Ernestinum, Bayreuth, Germany, direct via DK0BT.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Koichi Wakata, KI5TMN.
Predicted times drifting earlier by about 4 minutes at this time.
This contact will be using the Kenwood radio located in the Service Module.
Contact is go for: February 14, 2023 at 10:20:12 UTC.

Stella Maris College, Gzira, Malta, direct via 9H1MRL.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada, KI5CRH.
Predicted times drifting earlier by about 4 minutes at this time.
Contact is go: February 15,2023 at 12:48:01 UTC.

+ Completed Contacts
About Gagarin From Space Secondary secondary school No. 2, direct via RY6AAC.
The ISS callsign was RS0ISS.
The crewmember was Anna Kikina
Contact was successful on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

Cache County School District, Millville, UT, direct via W7IVM.
The ISS callsign was NA1SS.
The crewmember was Josh Cassada, KI5CRH.
Contact was successful on February 7, 2023.

Colegio Diocesano Santa María Nuestra Senora, Ecija, Spain, telebridge via IK1SLD.
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember was Josh Cassada, KI5CRH.
Contact was successful on February 8, 2023.

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

FN10; Sunday, February 12, 2023
K4DCA – Will be there with his FM gear.

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, 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.

+ Orlando Hamcation
February 10-12, 2023
Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park
4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32808
https://www.hamcation.com/

+ 2023 CubeSat Developer’s Workshop
April 24-27, 2023
California Polytechnic State University
1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California 93407
https://www.cubesatdw.org/

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information.]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Newly found is the SARCTRAC Mk3b, a $290 satellite antenna rotator from Australia. USARCTRAC comes with all its components enclosed in a waterproof IP65 rated enclosure. It makes use of a 3D position sensor with magnetometer, allowing the unit to know its orientation at all times, meaning that it should be able to automatically position itself from startup. The design also makes use of DC motors with a built in worm gear drive, so the motors back driving is not possible. The system is controlled via a built in Raspberry Pi 3B+ and can communicate with the controlling PC via WiFi. More information available at https://www.sarcnet.org/sarctrac.html. [ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]

+ The 2022 edition of State-of-the-Art of Small Spacecraft Technology At NASA is now available for download. As with all previous editions of this report, the 2022 edition captures and distills a wealth of new information available on small spacecraft systems from NASA and other publicly available sources. This report should not be considered as a comprehensive overview of all the technologies but a great reference for the current state-of-the-art SmallSat technologies. Read the complete description of the report and download it at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-043-Report. [ANS thanks spaceref.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,

Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org

ANS-036 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Feb. 5

by

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-036

In this edition:

* AO-95 QRT
* VUCC Satellite Standings as of February 1, 2023
* New Satellite Distance Records
* 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-036 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 Feb 05

AO-95 QRT

After a lingering illness of the battery, AO-95 passed away peacefully on December 23rd. While a miraculous return is always possible, it is not expected.

AO-95, known prior to launch as Fox-1Cliff to commemorate amateur satellite pioneer Cliff Buttschardt, K7RR, who became a silent key in 2007, launched on December 3, 2018 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenburg Air Force Base. Shortly after deployment, the AMSAT Engineering team received nominal telemetry data from the satellite, but upon the first attempts at commanding, it was discovered that the receiver had failed for unknown reasons. Still, the satellite provided an easy to receive beacon and telemetry data for over four years before the NiCd batteries failed.

[ANS thanks Alan Biddle, WA4SCA, AMSAT Fox Operations Team, and AMSAT 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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VUCC Satellite Standings as of February 1, 2023

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2023 to February 01, 2023.

CallsignJanuary 1, 2023February 1, 2023
K8DP13501425
WC7V12561303
MI6GTY579970
KF7R925
N3GS796873
NS3L725785
K9UO750777
KE8RJU650725
WD9EWK (DM43)715720
KN2K654701
F4BKV600700
VE6WK564700
W8LR667687
EA2AA643653
XE1L639
KC1MMC532629
DL2GRCNew628
FG8OJ513531
VU2LBW400513
KB1HY427457
KC3KOPNew439
AC9DX332427
N8MR377425
WB7QXU325400
DL6KBG250331
XE1UYS126327
JH0BBE226314
LU3FCA101310
AA0MZ263276
LU4FTA223268
IK7FMQ190254
W7YED163254
PA7RA224242
JG6CDHNew235
DL8GAM186220
JH8FIHNew214
JA1GZK150205
AG7NR101200
IK3ITB100200
JL1SAMNew200
IK8YTA106162
JG2TSLNew157
JS2GGD101157
SP5ULNNew156
JE1TNLNew150
PY2YJNew150
JO4JKLNew135
KE8RPJ100125
IK0WRBNew123
XE1EVPNew123
N6PAZ100110
JA1QJINew109
KB9DAKNew108
N1QDQNew107
JI5USJNew104
JE3HCZNew103
NY1VNew102
4Z1JJNew100
DH1OKNew100
N9BXNew100
VA7TFNew100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders.
4Z1JJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from Israel and KM71
JG6CDH is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM43
JI5USJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM64
JO4JKL is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM65
JG2TSL is first VUCC Satellite holder from PM94
JH8FIH is first VUCC Satellite holder from QN14

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, 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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New Satellite Distance Records

A number of new distance records via satellite have been claimed over the past couple of months. First is the massively popular new MEO satellite IO-117. Burt DeMarcq, FG8OJ, worked Shigenori Nasu, JH8FIH, on November 25, 2022 at 08:22 UTC. The distance between FG8OJ in FK96hg63 in Guadeloupe and JH8FIH in QN14qi16 in Japan is 12,823 km.

Note that for future claims of IO-117, only live QSOs may be counted and not those completed over multiple orbits using the satellite’s delayed messaging capabilities.

A new distance record was also claimed via the QO-100 geostationary satellite. PT9AL in GG27os in Brazil worked XW4KV in Laos OK27jj on December 10, 2022 at 14:41 UTC. The distance between the two stations is 17,834 km, eclipsing the previous record held by PR8KW and YC5YC of 17,378 km.

Finally, FO-118, launched in December is a LEO satellite carrying three transponders. Familiar faces for the AMSAT Satellite Distance Records have claimed the initial record on all three transponders – the V/u FM transponder, the V/u linear transponder, and the H/u linear transponder (15 meter uplink). F4DXV and VE1CWJ completed transatlantic QSOs on all three transponders. On January 6, 2023 at 04:15 UTC, they completed a QSO via the V/u FM transponder and then switched over to the V/u linear transponder to complete a QSO there one minute later. VE1CWJ was in FN85do83sg and F4DXV was in JN04js20pr. They completed the sweep of all three transponders on January 30, 2023, when they completed a QSO via the H/u linear transponder at 17:16 UTC. VE1CWJ was in the same location while F4DXV was in JN04it22nt for this QSO, for a distance of 4,908 km.

Anyone who wants to claim a distance record via an amateur satellite should check the current list at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-distance-records/ and email n8hm at arrl.net if they complete a new record distance. Audio and/or video of the QSO is encouraged but not required.

[ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive Vice President, 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 February 2, 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/

AMSAT IT, in conjunction with the New England Sci-Tech STEM Education Center assembled a tiger team of software experts from the Olin College of Engineering, Boston Latin School and the Wilson Middle School to investigate the recent disappearance of AO-7 from www.amsat.org/tle/current/dailytle.txt and the legacy naasbare.txt files.

The team determined that AMSAT’s processing is not robust in the face of minor format differences in the source data received from the USSF’s 18th Space Defense Squadron. Specifically, the TLE data provided does not always include the leading zero in AO-7’s object number “07530”. The official report from the team’s leader : “My grandma would say that AMSAT’s software is just a little too persnickety”. A member of the tiger team agreed to adjust the update script to account for the vagaries of the 18th SDS data. A production quality fix is expected by March 1st, meanwhile manual monitoring and updates will keep AO-7 in the files.

There were no changes to the February 2, 2023 distribution.

[ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, and Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT IT, 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:

Dinskaya, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina
Contact is go for Sun 2023-02-05 14:25 UTC (***)

Cache County School District, Millville, UT, direct via W7IVM

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH
Contact is go for: Tue 2023-02-07 18:45:54 UTC 32 deg

Colegio Diocesano Santa María Nuestra Señora, Écija, Spain, telebridge via IK1SLD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH
Contact is go for: Wed 2023-02-08 10:13:59 UTC 74 deg

Starting about 15 minutes before AOS, watch for Livestream at http://www.ariotti.com/

Special thanks to our ARISS telebridge ground stations. Approximately 38% of the ARISS school contacts are handled by the ARISS telebridge stations. Thanks to following stations: AB1OC, IK1SLD, K6DUE, NA7V, ON4ISS, VK4ISS, VK4KHZ, VK5ZAI, VK6MJ, and ZS6JON.

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 Progress 81 undock on February 7. OFF Feb 6 about 14:30 UTC. ON Feb 7 about 08:35 UTC.
*Powering off for Progress 83 docking on February 11. OFF Feb 10 about 18:55 UTC. ON Feb 12 about 14:00.
*Powering off for Progress 82 undock on February 18. OFF Feb 17 about 18:25UTC. ON Feb 18 about 11:45 UTC.
*Powering off for Soyuz 69 docking on February 22. OFF Feb 21 about TBD . ON Feb 13 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 Progress 81 undock on February 7. OFF Feb 6 about 14:30 UTC. ON Feb 7 about 08:35 UTC.
*Powering off for Progress 83 docking on February 11. OFF Feb 10 about 18:55 UTC. ON Feb 12 about 14:00.
*Powering off for Progress 82 undock on February 18. OFF Feb 17 about 18:25UTC. ON Feb 18 about 11:45 UTC.
*Powering off for Soyuz 69 docking on February 22. OFF Feb 21 about TBD . ON Feb 13 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

JD1YCC ( G-G HAM Club ) is planning to activate EME operation on 2m/70cm/23cm band at Ogasawara chichi island(JD1/O) from Feb.07 to Feb.13 2023. They plan to QRV on GREENCUBE/IO-117 also (EME) at Moon time. Op will be JJ3JHP/JD1BQD Hiro.

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, 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 Ambassador Clint Bradford K6LCS has a few satellite presentations scheduled, most notable is Thames Valley, England (5/11/23) Clint can be reached at: (909) 999-7287 or an email link at https://www.work-sat.com/contact.html.

2023 HamCation(r)Hosting ARRL Southeastern Division Convention.
Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT President, will present “Shaping the Amateur Radio Satellite World of Tomorrow” at 2:00PM – 3:00PM EST Saturday, February 11 in the OS Pavillion. HamCation will be held at Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park, Orlando, FL, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 10-12, 2023

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ The FO-99 operation schedule for February is available at https://www.jamsat.or.jp/?p=2079 (Thanks to JAMSAT for this information)

+ A volunteer is being sought to take over the Gridmaster Heat Map on Twitter. Paul Overn, KE0PBR, has announced his intent to “retire” from the project that he has moderated there for the past three years. Paul has assisted many grid chasers by relaying information about rovers, and keeping tabs of which grids are in greatest need. Unless someone steps forward, Gridmaster Heat Map will disappear next month. Thanks to Paul for your valuable contribution to satellite operations! (ANS thanks Paul Overn,
KE0PBR, for this information)

+ A while ago, perhaps almost two years ago, I modified the LVBTracker firmware in my Fox Delta ST2-USB so that it would allow for more calibration points than just the min and max for azimuth. I had added a remote-control option to an old Yaesu G-450XL, but the output voltage was very non-linear, which led to terrible aiming of the antennas. With the mods I made to the firmware it now allows me to calibrate the controller at 0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees and aiming is now rather accurate. I wrote about it here:

Fox Delta ST2 / LVBTracker Calibration Mods

If you feel this could be useful for you, the source code for the project can be found on GitHub:

https://github.com/TheHamLab/LVBTracker.KR1ST

(Thanks KR1ST for this information)

+ SuitSat-1 (AMSAT-OSCAR 54) deployed from the ISS 17 years ago February 3rd. It played voice messages in languages recorded by the ARISS partners and students from around the globe. It also sent telemetry data. It was lost 15 days later. SuitSat came back to life in a 2021 short horror film! If you’d like to watch the Sci-Fi Horror short film “Decommissioned” based on the ARISS SuitSat, it can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNtpdvfbTjA (Thanks ARISS for this 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,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
n8hm [at] amsat.org

ANS-029 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for Jan. 29

by

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-029

In this edition:

* LUSAT LO-19 33Y Anniversary
* FalconSAT-3 Has Re-entered
* Rocket Lab launches first Electron mission from US
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for January 26, 2022
* 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-029 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 Jan 29

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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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LUSAT LO-19 33Y Aniversary

Today, Jan-22, 33 years ago was launched LO-19, LUSAT, 1st Argentine Satellite, till now emitting on 437.125 KHz.

A special Certificate to celebrate is being granted by radio from Jan-21 to Jan-29, thru many collaborating stations.

Details: http://amsat.org.ar?f=33 http://qrz.com/db/LU7AA https://www.qrzcq.com/call/LU7AA (last in english)

LUSAT could be tracked/seen thru http://amsat.org.ar/pass?satx=lusat

Deep appreciation to AMSAT-NA that in the eighties developed the AO-16 & LO-19 novel PACSAT protocol and lead on design and launch.

Thanks! 73, LU7AA, AMSAT Argentina http://amsat.org.ar

[ANS thanks AMSAT Argentina LU7AA Team for the above information]

FalconSAT-3 Has Re-entered

The 18th Space Defense Squadron has confirmed the orbital decay of FalconSAT-3. Thanks to the U. S. Air Force Academy for allowing amateur satellite operators its use as an amateur radio digipeater/PACSAT BBS for the past 5+ years following the conclusion of the satellite’s primary mission.

[ANS thanks AMSAT 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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Rocket Lab launches first Electron mission from US

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. has launched its 33rd Electron rocket and first mission from Virginia. The “Virginia is for Launch Lovers” mission lifted off at 18:00 EST on January 24th from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. The mission deployed three satellites to a 550km orbit for leading radio frequency geospatial analytics provider HawkEye 360. Rocket Lab has now successfully deployed a total of 155 satellites to orbit from the Company’s three launch pads across the U.S. and New Zealand.

The successful launch from LC-2 marks the beginning of a new era of responsive launch capability for small satellites from U.S. soil. Built with support from Virginia Space, the Commonwealth of Virginia and NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 is designed to serve the responsive space needs of commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers, supporting up to 12 missions per year. More information may be found at: https://bit.ly/3kyNU3M.

[ANS thanks Space Daily 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! 2
5% 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 January 26, 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/

The following satellites have decayed from orbit and have been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

Falconsat-3  NORAD Cat ID 30776 (decayed from orbit on 01/21/23 per Space-Track).
JAGSAT NORAD Cat ID 53771 (decayed from orbit on 01/23/23 per Space-Track).

[ANS thanks Ray Hoad, WA5QGD, 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.

Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, CT, direct via W1HLO. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Josh Cassada KI5CRH. Contact is go for: Mon 2023-01-30 18:55:20 UTC 43 deg

Dinskaya, Russia, direct via TBD. The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Anna Kikina. Contact is go for Thu 2023-02-02 15:10 UTC

Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, direct via TBDThe ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz. The scheduled crewmember is Dimitri Petelin. Contact is go for Sat 2023-02-04 10:25 UTC

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

ARISS from Twitter: We’ve updated our username here on Twitter to @ARISS_Intl to make us easier to find. If you are all ready following, thanks! There’s nothing for you to do.

[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]

Upcoming Satellite Operations

Chris VE3FU / VO2AC / VO1FUA / VE2FUA: The weekend of January 27-29 @Dave_VE3KG and VE3FU will plan on operating the linear and FM satellites from grid GO11 as VO2AC and VO2AAA from January 24-27. (Ed. Note: Not yet specified which passes they might work)

JD1YCC ( G-G HAM Club ) is planning to activate EME operation on 2m/70cm/23cm band at Ogasawara chichi island(JD1/O) from Feb.07 to Feb.13 2023. They plan to QRV on GREENCUBE/IO-117 also (EME) at Moon time. Op will be JJ3JHP/JD1BQD Hiro.

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT rover page manager, and Masaji “Masa” Ishihara JH3BUM/JD1BPX 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 Ambassador Clint Bradford K6LCS has a few satellite presentations scheduled, most notable is Thames Valley, England (5/11/23)
Clint can be reached at: (909) 999-7287 or an email link at https://www.work-sat.com/contact.html.

2023 HamCation(r)
Hosting ARRL Southeastern Division Convention

Robert Bankston, KE4AL AMSAT President, will present “Shaping the Amateur Radio Satellite World of Tomorrow” at 2:00PM – 3:00PM EST Saturday, February 11 in the OS Pavillion.

HamCation will be held at Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park, Orlando, FLFriday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 10-12, 2023

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, AMSAT Events page manager, for the above information]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ A volunteer is being sought to take over the Gridmaster Heat Map on Twitter. Paul Overn, KE0PBR, has announced his intent to retire from the project that he has moderated there for the past three years. Paul has assisted many grid chasers by relaying information about rovers, and keeping tabs of which grids are in greatest need. Unless someone steps forward, Gridmaster Heat Map will disappear next month. Thanks to Paul for your valuable contribution to satellite operations! (ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, for the above information)

+ SpaceX successfully performed the first WDR of Starship Booster 7 and Ship 24 on Monday. This is a major milestone in any rockets march towards a first launch, especially for a super heavy lift monster like Starship, which will have more than twice the thrust of the Saturn V. SpaceX loaded 4.5 million kg of cryogenic propellant into the fully reusable, two-stage rocket (causing it to shrink noticeably) and performed a countdown as it would on launch day (including some massive venting). A 33-engine static fire is now the next dramatic step toward an orbital launch, although how soon that might happen is unknown. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Next-gen propulsion incoming? Yesterday, NASA announced a new collaboration with long-time partner DARPA to develop a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system and spacecraft. NTP promises 3x or more improvements in Isp over traditional chemical rockets by heating a low molecular mass propellant (like hydrogen) to high temps using a reactor and then expelling the expanded propellant out a rocket nozzle (this achieves high exhaust velocities while needing no oxidizer, saving mass). DARPA will continue to develop DRACO, an orbital and cislunar NTP-powered experimental spacecraft (cf. Issue No. 170) as part of this collaboration, and the agencies are targeting an in-space demonstration of the propulsion system as soon as 2027. The demonstration spacecraft could be used as low as 700 km or as high as 2,000 km, but the long-term vision is cislunar space and Mars. This collaboration is separate from other recent NTP projects like the DOE’s initiative. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index 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,

Jack Spitznagel, KD4IZ
kd4iz [at] frawg.org