ANS-180 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* AMSAT Shares Update on Fox-Plus CubeSat Design, Adapter Issues, and Integration Work
* AMSAT South Africa to Host 2025 Virtual Symposium on 68 Years of Amateur Radio Progress
* AMSAT Seeks Additional Volunteers for Moon Day at Dallas Frontiers of Flight Museum
* SpaceX Transporter-14 Rideshare Delivers Small Sats, Reentry Tech, and Memorial Ashes
* Axiom-4 Reaches Orbit After Delays With Multinational Crew Bound for Space Station
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 27, 2025
* ARISS News
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* 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 https://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-180 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2025 Jun 29


AMSAT Shares Update on Fox-Plus CubeSat Design, Adapter Issues, and Integration Work

During Hamvention 2025, AMSAT’s Mike Moore presented the latest developments in the Fox-Plus program. Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Systems Engineer/Project Lead began his status review by saying, “I’ve been involved with the AMSAT Fox CubeSat program for the last year and a half. It’s a continuation of the Fox series of satellites. We’re improving on the series with the Fox-Plus CubeSat, modernizing it and, where we can do so, reducing costs.”

AMSAT’s Fox Plus project is proceeding towards being ready for a launch of a 1U CubeSat (Fox-Plus-A) with a V/u linear transponder. The term “1U” refers to the standard size CubeSat, also known as a nanosat, measuring 10x10x10 centimeters, weighing up to 2 kilograms.

The Fox-Plus Amateur Radio CubeSat series will add to the success of the original Fox series of AMSAT 1U CubeSats. The big push is to have Fox-Plus units ready to fly experimental payloads on short notice.

AMSAT is purchasing components from ISIS (Innovative Solutions In Space), formed in 2006, with offices in The Netherlands. They provide components, particularly for CubeSats and small satellites. The company offers “building blocks” such as spacecraft structures, solar panels, antennas, transceivers, attitude control systems, and on-board computers as well as satellite launcher units and services.

Mike continued, “To expedite development of Fox-Plus, AMSAT has selected Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components. This includes the ISIS CubeSat spacecraft frame, electrical power system, solar panels. We’re integrating those components with our AMSAT Linear Transponder Module (LTM).

“AMSAT’s LTM is a composed of the Legacy Internal Housekeeping Unit (LIHU), the Improved Command Receiver (ICR), receiver/transmitter (RXTX). The AMSAT Fox-Plus LTM module is shown within the dotted line rectangle, upper right in the system overview,” He said.

Moore explained, “We’ve been tasked to fit the COTS modules from ISIS, spacecraft frame, Electrical Power System (EPS) and solar panels with our AMSAT boards into the ISIS frame. That’s mechanical challenge. The ISIS frame and PCBs are not the same dimensions as AMSAT’s standard ME-113 PCB. The AMSAT ME-113 is used in legacy units as well as GOLF and other LTM applications.” The AMSAT-Fox Documentation, referenced below, provides details on Fox components.

“The diagram above shows the ISIS hole pattern and board dimensions compared to the ME-113 holes and dimensions. The Fox ME-113 board dimensions are offset just enough to make it a real problem. If they were offset by a bit more the problem might be simpler. It’s possible we could just offset our PCB connectors. That’s not possible, making this a mechanical engineering design challenge.

“We have adapters to do this; one design is in the photo above. Our Mechanical & Structural Engineer is Andrew Robinson, KA3WDW.

Mike continued, “The electrical adapter, is above on the right. The photo shows the PCBs while on my work bench. They’re half cards. It’s the ME-113 cut in half. I have the PC104 or in ISIS terms, the CubeSat Kit Bus (CSKB) on the left.

“That’s on the board on the left-hand side of the photo. The Power Integrated Unit (PIU) board from ISIS is connected to it. The photo shows just wires right now, but later there will be a ribbon cable over to our stacking bus which is our QXH electrical bus, a very small 60-pin connector. It connects all cards together.

The diagram above shows the Fox-Plus CubeSat and the mechanical adapters. The LTM is in the middle. On the bottom is the Power Battery Pack (PBP) and the top board is the CubeSat Power Integrated Unit (PIU). It consists of three subsystems which derive electrical energy from the solar panels and the energy stored in the PBP.

“We’re also considering using spacers instead of using the entire card area dimensions for mechanical adapters. Spacers are small units with two side by side holes. One hole would go to the ISIS board, the other would to the ME-113 board.

“I’ve now got preliminary schematics of the adapter card done. We’re about ready to go to production on that to get PCBs made. That has the power and signal components on it, all the power for the satellite and two I2C buses, (Inter-Integrated Circuit, a two-wire, serial communication protocol that allows multiple devices to communicate with each other on a single bus).

“There’s a problem on the ICR card version 1.2 and we’re taking care of that. Also, there’s Universal Asynchronous Receive/Transmit (UART) interconnect problem as well as some other odds and ends on which we’re working,” Moore added.

There are innumerable details encountered during CubeSat research, development, test, and evaluation (RDTE).

Jerry Buxton, N0JY, Vice President of Engineering for AMSAT is a key member of the Fox Engineering Team dating back to the beginning of the program in 2011. In his “AMSAT Fox-1 Systems Engineering Documentation” June, 2018 paper, The Fox program introduced this engineering process for AMSAT. See references at end of document.

“Engineering documentation is provided at each stage of development. An archive of this documentation is online, backed-up and version controlled. When an AMSAT satellite has been completed this archive of traceable documentation serves as the basis for planning and executing future satellite programs. It is updated to apply the lessons learned about what went well and what did not.”

Documentation is part of organizational memory (OM), also known as institutional memory or corporate memory. OM is the accumulated body of data, information, and knowledge created in the course of an organization’s existence, excellent proof of internal learning and education and potentially a reference tool for use by external organizations.

Concluding his portion of the AMSAT Forum Mike said, “Burns Fisher is AMSAT’s software guru. Burns is working with Patrick Thomas, KB8DGC, AMSAT System Engineer and PACSAT Liaison, getting Patrick up to speed to do Fox-Plus flight software.”

Other dedicated volunteers on the Fox-Plus Engineering Team include Andrew Robinson, KA3WDW, Mechanical & Structural Engineer, and Leandra MacLennan, AF1R, Electrical Engineer, Hardware Development. Contributions from various universities and other organizations were essential too.

[ANS thanks Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Systems Engineer/Project Lead for the above information]


AMSAT South Africa to Host 2025 Virtual Symposium on 68 Years of Amateur Radio Progress

AMSAT South Africa has announced that the 2025 Space Symposium will take place on Saturday, 2 August 2025, from 08:00 UTC to 14:00 UTC, and has issued a call for papers. The theme of this year’s event is “Embracing 68 Years of Space Science and Innovation in Amateur Radio.”

Papers are invited on all aspects of space science and communication that impact or enhance the amateur radio experience — from technical developments to operational practices. Presentations will be approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Proposal submissions in Microsoft Word format should be emailed to admin [at] amsatsa [dot] org [dot] za by 7 July 2025.

To maximize global participation, the symposium will be held online via the Webex platform. Attendance is free for members of all AMSAT organisations and national societies, with registration opening on 9 July 2025.

[ANS thanks AMSAT South Africa, for the above information]


AMSAT Seeks Additional Volunteers for Moon Day at Dallas Frontiers of Flight Museum

The 2025 Moon Day, a space-themed public STEM event, will take place on Saturday, July 19 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field in Dallas. Held each year close to the date of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the event features hands-on science exhibits and activities for all ages. Moon Day runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT, with setup beginning at 8:00 a.m. CDT.

AMSAT will once again be represented at the event by AMSAT Ambassador Thomas Schuessler, N5HYP, along with several North Texas satellite enthusiasts. They will engage with the public — including many young people — on topics such as satellite orbits, the International Space Station, and amateur radio in space. Exhibits will include the AMSAT Fox CubeSat engineering model and the CubeSat Simulator, and the team hopes to demonstrate a few live satellite passes during the day.

Tom is seeking additional AMSAT volunteers from the North Texas area to help staff the exhibit table. The AMSAT booth will be located next to the Dallas Amateur Radio Club exhibit, providing opportunities for great conversations with fellow hams as well as curious families. Volunteers receive free museum admission and lunch. Anyone interested in helping for part or the entire day is encouraged to email Tom at n5hyp [at] arrl [dot] net.

More information about the event is available at: https://flightmuseum.com/events/moonday

[ANS thanks Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, AMSAT Ambassador, for the above information]


The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!


SpaceX Transporter-14 Rideshare Delivers Small Sats, Reentry Tech, and Memorial Ashes

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 23 at 5:25 p.m. EDT (2125 UTC), carrying 70 payloads for a diverse range of customers. The mission, known as Transporter 14, is the latest in SpaceX’s dedicated rideshare program, which provides cost-effective launch services for small satellites and experimental spacecraft.

Among the payloads was a special memorial capsule containing cremated human remains and DNA samples. The Exploration Company’s new Nyx reusable spacecraft is flying this commemorative mission in cooperation with Celestis, a company specializing in space burials. If all goes according to plan, Nyx will circle Earth two or three times before being recovered, carrying remains and DNA from about 150 people.

The launch also delivered an array of microsats, cubesats, and reentry capsules. One notable payload is Varda Space’s fourth reentry capsule, which aims to support the company’s effort to manufacture pharmaceuticals and other high-value goods in microgravity and return them to Earth for commercial use. Transporter 14 continues SpaceX’s trend of supporting in-space manufacturing demonstrations and technology development.

SpaceX’s Transporter‑14 mission recently deployed 70 small satellites into orbit. [Credit: SpaceX / @GewoonLukas]
Two amateur radio satellites also hitched a ride. PARUS-T2, a 3U CubeSat developed by the Taiwan Space Agency with support from National Formosa University, carries a cross-band voice repeater and APRS digipeater. It provides voice communications on uplink 145.980 MHz (67 Hz tone) and downlink 435.250 MHz, along with APRS packet services on 145.825 MHz. Students and amateur operators worldwide will have access to the satellite’s unencrypted telemetry and educational outreach tools.

Indonesia’s RIDU-Sat 1 also joined the manifest. This 1U CubeSat, managed by the Republic of Indonesia Defense University, uses amateur radio frequencies for educational training and communications. It features a VHF APRS payload on 145.825 MHz and a telemetry beacon on 145.925 MHz, designed to support student learning and community engagement in satellite operations.

As with many previous Falcon 9 flights, reusability was on display. The rocket’s first stage landed successfully on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean about 8.5 minutes after liftoff. It marked the 26th flight and landing for this booster, edging closer to SpaceX’s reuse record of 28 flights. Meanwhile, the upper stage will spend nearly two hours deploying the payloads into precise orbits, continuing a mission series that began with Transporter 1’s record-setting 143-satellite launch in 2021.

Read the full article at: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-human-remains-reentry-capsule-and-more-on-transporter-14-rideshare-mission

[ANS thanks Mike Wall, Space.com, and the IARU, for the above information]


Axiom-4 Reaches Orbit After Delays with Multinational Crew Bound for Space Station

SpaceX successfully launched Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) early June 25, following a series of technical and scheduling delays. The mission, known as Ax-4, lifted off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 a.m. Eastern (0631 UTC). Nearly 10 minutes later, the Crew Dragon capsule separated from the rocket’s second stage in low Earth orbit.

The rocket’s reusable first stage completed a precise landing at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1. After a particularly long orbital chase — 28 hours between launch and rendezvous — the crew’s Dragon spacecraft docked with the space station Thursday morning at 6:31 a.m. Eastern (1031 UTC), where it will remain for approximately two weeks. The mission adds to SpaceX’s growing resume of crewed flights to the orbital outpost, further expanding the role of commercial providers in human spaceflight.

Commanding Ax-4 is Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut making her fifth journey to space. She previously flew on three long-duration NASA missions and commanded Axiom’s Ax-2 mission in 2023. The rest of the crew includes Shubhanshu Shukla of India as pilot, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. All three are only the second individuals from their respective countries to reach orbit. Uznański-Wiśniewski’s flight is supported by the European Space Agency.

Axiom Space’s fourth private mission to the ISS counts down to launch atop a Falcon 9 at Kennedy Space Center. [Credit: Axiom Space]
The mission experienced multiple delays since its original spring schedule. In February, NASA and SpaceX swapped the originally assigned Crew Dragon capsule, Endurance, for a newer vehicle to keep the Crew-10 launch on track. That decision pushed Ax-4 into late May, with further postponements in early June due to weather and a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 booster. Additional delays followed after NASA detected a potential air leak in the ISS’s Russian-built Zvezda module, prompting further investigation before approving the launch.

With clearance granted on June 23, the mission moved forward. The Ax-4 crew will conduct about 60 scientific experiments during their stay—the most of any Axiom mission to date. This includes joint research efforts between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with Shukla collaborating alongside NASA astronauts aboard the station.

Ax-4 also marks the first flight of the fifth and final Crew Dragon spacecraft built by SpaceX. In line with tradition, the crew named the new spacecraft upon reaching orbit. Commander Whitson revealed its name—Grace—as it separated from the rocket. “Grace is more than a name,” she said. “It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth… an act of goodwill for the benefit of every human everywhere.”

Read the full article at: https://spacenews.com/fourth-axiom-space-private-astronaut-mission-launched-to-iss

[ANS thanks Jeff Foust, SpaceNews.com, for the above information]


 


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 27, 2025

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 daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

NOTICE: In an effort to minimize confusion between sources of two line element sets, AMSAT is adopting the convention of listing the USSF/NORAD Satellite Catalog name first, followed by any secondary name or names in parentheses. For example, “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added recently where “POEM 4” is the name that appears in the US Space Force Satellite Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the name best known within the amateur satellite community. Expect name changes for affected satellites in the coming weeks as this change is fully implemented.

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

There are no upcoming ARISS contacts to report while schools are on summer recess. Scheduling is expected to resume as educational institutions return to session.

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

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]


AMSAT Ambassador Activities

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.

Scheduled Events

Olmos Preschool Mid-Year Space Camp – July 3rd, 2025
TI3IES Ignacio, AMSAT and AMSAT-TI Ambassador, will be giving a presentation and demonstration of amateur satellite communications at Olmos Preschool in Curridabat, San José, Costa Rica, on Thursday, July 3rd. The event is part of the school’s mid-year camp, which runs for two weeks with a space-themed focus. The presentation is specially designed for preschool-aged children, who have been learning about planets, stars, and spacecraft. This engaging session will introduce them to satellite communications in a fun and age-appropriate way. Ignacio will be representing AMSAT and AMSAT-TI as part of their ongoing outreach to inspire young learners through space and amateur radio.

Rochester Amateur Radio Association Hamfest 2025 – June 21st, 2025
Barnard Fire Department Park
410 Maiden Lane
Rochester, NY 14616
https://rochesterham.org/hamfest.htm
KB2YSI

Northeast HamXposition (HamX) & New England ARRL Convention – August 21st thru 24th, 2025
Best Western Royal Plaza & Trade Center
181 Boston Post Road West
Marlborough, MA 01752
http://www.HamX.org
W1EME, WD4ASW, WB1FJ

Greater Louisville Hamfest – September 6th, 2025
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
https://louisvillehamfest.wixsite.com/louisvillehamfest
W4FCL

43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting – October 16th thru 19th, 2025
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North
1515 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
https://www.amsat.org/2025-symposium/

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]


AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ On June 23, 2025, United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon’s second batch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral. This mission, dubbed Kuiper 2, was the second production batch toward Amazon’s plan for a 3,200+ satellite constellation providing global internet service. The launch followed a previous scrub due to a nitrogen purge issue and lifted off at 6:54 a.m. EDT (1054 UTC) after a smooth countdown and favorable weather. Amazon faces an FCC deadline to have half its first-generation constellation operational by July 2026 and has secured launches with multiple providers including ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. With six more Atlas V launches booked and many Vulcan, Ariane 6, New Glenn, and Falcon 9 flights planned, Amazon aims to accelerate deployment to meet regulatory requirements. This second successful launch brings the total number of Kuiper satellites on orbit to 54, underscoring Amazon’s push to establish a steady launch cadence. (ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information)

+ A new study has revealed that the May 2024 Gannon Solar Storm caused GPS signals to be off by up to 230 feet (70 meters), severely impacting farmers who lost over $500 million USD due to malfunctioning GPS-guided machinery during peak planting season. The storm, the most powerful in 20 years, created widespread ionospheric turbulence that distorted GPS signals for up to two days and produced stunning auroras visible as far south as Mexico and Spain. Boston University researchers used a network of fixed GPS receivers originally intended for tectonic studies to measure the disturbances, uncovering a massive “wall of ionospheric plasma” that threw off positioning data across North America. This GPS disruption affected not only agriculture but also aviation, exceeding the safety margin for altitude precision during landings. Experts warn that this storm was mild compared to a potential Carrington-level event, which could cause even more severe global consequences. Scientists suggest that real-time ionospheric monitoring and AI-based signal correction could help mitigate such risks in future storms. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

+ NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, originally set to launch on the first flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn, is now tentatively scheduled for the rocket’s second flight sometime between summer 2025 and spring 2026. The change was prompted by delays in New Glenn’s development, which caused ESCAPADE to miss its original October 2024 launch window. NASA’s FY 2026 budget proposal confirmed the revised plan, citing a new launch readiness date in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. ESCAPADE, a pair of Mars-bound smallsats, remains committed to New Glenn, despite no recent updates from Blue Origin on the rocket’s second launch timeline. NASA continues to work with Blue Origin to finalize a date, while still targeting arrival at Mars by September 2027 using a revised flight path. Though Blue Origin previously suggested a spring launch and hinted at possible alternate payloads, no firm details have been released as of yet. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)

+ Mexico’s president has threatened legal action over debris from a recent SpaceX rocket explosion near the U.S.-Mexico border. President Sheinbaum said the government is investigating potential violations of international law due to environmental contamination. The explosion occurred during a ground test of a SpaceX Starship at its Starbase facility in Texas, sending a large fireball into the sky. Mexican officials are now conducting a comprehensive environmental review focused on the nearby state of Tamaulipas. This comes after the U.S. FAA approved an increase in annual Starship launches from five to 25, despite warnings from conservation groups about threats to wildlife. Sheinbaum emphasized that any resulting lawsuit would be based on scientific findings and legal analysis. If filed, the lawsuit would follow another recent case in which Mexico sued Google over the labeling of the Gulf of Mexico. (ANS thanks Phys.org 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
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org

ANS-173 AMSAT News Service Bulletins

AMSAT News Service
ANS-173
June 22, 2025

In this edition:

* Hamsat to Test New Super-Black Paint That Could Fix Satellite Light Pollution
* AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites
* The Legacy of AMSAT Flight Software – Part 2
* NASA Science Missions Could Be Cut In 2026 Budget
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* SpaceX to Launch Fourth Commercial Axiom Mission to the Space Station
* ARISS News
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* 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

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/

Hamsat to Test New Super-Black Paint That Could Fix Satellite Light Pollution

AMSAT-UK is delighted to have been able to accept an opportunity to provide a FUNcube Lite payload, with a mode U/V FM transponder, for the exciting Jovian-1 satellite. This 6U CubeSat is being designed and built by Space South Central which is the largest regional space cluster in the UK.

This is a partnership between industry and academia, designed to accelerate space business growth, grow the reputation of the south central region of the UK and foster an environment of innovation.

A collaboration between the universities of Surrey, Portsmouth and Southampton, JUPITER – the Joint Universities Programme for In-Orbit Training, Education and Research – will equip participants with invaluable hands-on space industry experience and training for their future careers.

The FUNcube Lite payload from AMSAT-UK will collect and send telemetry from Jovian-1 sub-systems for educational outreach to schools and colleges, using the tried and tested FUNcube data format. Telemetry will include data from the payload’s own radiation sensor, along with GPS information gathered from the satellite’s CAN bus.

These data can be used to map radiation throughout the orbit, identifying planetary radiation ‘hotspots’ such as the polar regions and the South Atlantic Anomaly. It will also give an accurate measure of how much radiation reaches the sensitive electronics within the satellite.

While Jovian-1 and its ground station at Surrey University will use commercial S and X band for primary communication, FUNcube Lite will use frequencies in the amateur UHF and VHF spectrum. When not sending telemetry, the payload can be configured as a mode U/V FM voice transponder for amateurs to use for international communications.

(Photo Credit: JUPITER)

In addition, Jovian-1 will be a testbed for a new technology to reduce the impact of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites on astronomy.

A new partnership between Surrey NanoSystems and the University of Surrey is aiming to tackle what has become a major concern for astronomers worldwide.

They are working on using Surrey NanoSystems’s newest product, Vantablack 310, which is a super-black coating. When Vantablack 310 is applied to a surface, it reflects only 2% of incoming light, meaning it absorbs the remaining 98%.

This high level of light absorption makes the coated surfaces appear extremely dark, helping to minimise the unwanted brightness from satellites that can disrupt the work of stargazers.

More than 8,000 LEO satellites already orbit Earth, and projections estimate a rise to 60,000 by 2030, partly driven by the development of mega-constellations.

Starlink satellites are featured in this file photo (Dec. 2024) taken by NASA astronaut Don Pettit from the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo credit: Don Pettit/NASA via SWNS and Talker.com)

To combat this problem, satellite operators have begun experimenting with mitigation strategies, including dark coatings and changes to satellite position, though the negative impact on ground-based measurement persists.

Surrey NanoSystems, with a heritage in ultra-black technologies, says their new solution, Vantablack 310, is a handleable, customer-applied coating, resistant to the challenging LEO environment.

The technology will have its first on-orbit trial on the Jovian-1 mission, scheduled to launch in 2026. One side of the cubesat will be coated with the material so that reflection and temperature measurements can be compared.

More information will be provided at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium taking place during the weekend of October 11-12, 2025 in Milton Keynes, UK. https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/

[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK, Space South Central, and Talker.com for the above information]


Your 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coin Is Waiting!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.

2025 PC Coin Set

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/


AMSAT Field Day on the Satellites

It’s that time of year again; summer and Field Day! Each year the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsors Field Day as a “picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!” The event takes place during a 27-hour period on the fourth weekend of June. For 2025 the event takes place from 1800 UTC on Saturday June 28, 2025 through 2100 UTC on Sunday June 29, 2025. Those who set up prior to 1800 UTC on June 28 can operate only 24 hours. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) promotes its own version of Field Day for operation via the amateur satellites, held concurrently with the ARRL event.

2025 ARRL Field Day logo (Credit: ARRL)

This year should be as much fun as last year since we have more than 10 transponders and repeaters available. Users should check the AMSAT status page at http://www.amsat.org/status/ and the pages at https://www.amsat.org/amateur-satellite-index for what is available in the weeks leading up to field day. To reduce the amount of time to research each satellite, see the current FM satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/live-fm-satellites/ and the current linear satellite table at https://www.amsat.org/linear-satellite-frequency-summary/

If you are considering ONLY the FM voice satellites, there are ISS, SO-50, PO-101, SO-124, SONATE-2 and possibly LilacSat. It might be easier this year to make that one FM contact for the ARRL bonus points with so many FM birds. The congestion on FM LEO satellites is always so intense that we must continue to limit their use to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite. This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice.

It was suggested during past field days that a control station be allowed to coordinate contacts on the FM satellites. There is nothing in the rules that would prohibit this. This is nothing more than a single station working multiple QSO’s. If a station were to act as a control station and give QSO’s to every other field day station, the control station would still only be allowed to turn in one QSO per FM satellite while the other station would be able to submit one QSO.

The format for the message exchange on the ISS or other digital packet satellite is an unproto packet to the other station (3-way exchange required) with all the same information as normally exchanged for ARRL Field Day, e.g.:

W6NWG de KK5DO 2A STX
KK5DO de W6NWG QSL 5A SDG
W6NWG de KK5DO QSL

If you have worked the satellites on Field Day in recent years, you may have noticed a lot of good contacts can be made on some of the less-populated, low-earth-orbit satellites like AO-7, RS-44, AO-73, JO-97 and MO-122. During Field Day the transponders come alive like 20 meters on a weekend. The good news is that the transponders on these satellites will support multiple simultaneous contacts. The bad news is that you can’t use FM, just low duty-cycle modes like SSB and CW.

THE 2025 AMSAT FIELD DAY RULES:

The AMSAT Field Day 2025 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators. Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite. Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses satellites (Ex: SO-50). CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three points as outlined below.

Analog Transponders:

ARRL rules apply, except:

  • Each phone, CW, and digital segment ON EACH SATELLITE TRANSPONDER is considered to be a separate band.
  • CW and digital (RTTY, PSK-31, etc.) contacts count THREE points each.
  • Stations may only count one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM satellite. If a satellite has multiple modes such as V/u and L/s modes both turned on, one contact each is allowed. If the PBBS is on – see Pacsats below, ISS (1 phone and 1 digital), Contacts with the ISS crew will count for one contact if they are active. PCSat (I, II, etc.) (1 digital).
  • The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single satellite transponder is prohibited.

Digital Transponders:

We have only APRS digipeaters and 10m to 70cm PSK transponders (see Bob Bruninga’s article in the March/April, 2016 issue of The AMSAT Journal).

Satellite digipeat QSO’s and APRS short-message contacts are worth three points each, but must be complete verified two-way exchanges. The one contact per FM satellite rule is not applied to digital transponders.

The use of terrestrial gateway stations or internet gateways (i.e. EchoLink, IRLP, etc.) to uplink/downlink is not allowed.

For the Pacsats (FalconSat-3) or ‘Store and Forward’ hamsats, each satellite is considered a separate band. Do not post “CQ” messages. Simply upload ONE greeting message to each satellite and download as many greeting messages as possible from each satellite. The subject of the uploaded file should be posted as Field Day Greetings, addressed to ALL. The purpose of this portion of the competition is to demonstrate digital satellite communications to other Field Day participants and observers. Do not reply to the Field Day Greetings addressed to ALL.

The following uploads and downloads count as three-point digital contacts.

Upload of a satellite Field Day Greetings file (one per satellite).
Download of Satellite Field Day Greetings files posted by other stations. Downloads of non-Field Day files or messages not addressed to ALL are not to be counted for the event. Save DIR listings and message files for later “proof of contact.”

Please note AMSAT uploaded messages do not count for QSO points under the ARRL rules.

Sample Satellite Field Day Greetings File:

Greetings from W5MSQ Field Day Satellite station near Katy, Texas, EL-29, with 20 participants, operating class 2A, in the AMSAT-Houston group with the Houston Amateur Television Society and the Houston QRP club. All the best and 73!

Note that the message stated the call, name of the group, operating class, where they were located (the grid square would be helpful) and how many operators were in attendance.

Operating Class:

Stations operating portable and using emergency power (as per ARRL Field Day rules) are in a separate operating class from those at home connected to commercial power. On the report form simply list Emergency or Commercial for the Power Source and be sure to specify your ARRL operating class (2A, 1C, etc.) and ARRL section.

AND FINALLY…

The Satellite Summary Sheet should be used for submission of the AMSAT Field Day competition and be received by KK5DO (e-mail) by 11:59 P.M. CDT, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. This year, we are using the same due date as the ARRL. The only method for submitting your log is via e-mail to kk5do at amsatnet dot com or kk5do at arrl dot net. No mail-in entries.

Add photographs or other interesting information that can be used in an article for the Journal.

You will receive an e-mail back (within one or two days) from me when I receive your e-mail submission. If you do not receive a confirmation message, then I have not received your submission. Try sending it again or send it to my other e-mail address.

Certificates will be awarded for the first-place emergency power/portable station at the AMSAT General Meeting and Space Symposium in the fall of 2025. Certificates will also be awarded to the second and third place portable/emergency operation in addition to the first-place home station running on emergency power. A station submitting high, award-winning scores will be requested to send in dupe sheets for analog contacts and message listings for digital downloads.

You may have multiple rig difficulties, antenna failures, computer glitches, generator disasters, tropical storms, and there may even be satellite problems, but the goal is to test your ability to operate in an emergency situation. Try different gear. Demonstrate satellite operations to hams that don’t even know the HAMSATS exist. Test your equipment. Avoid making more than ONE contact via the FM-only voice HAMSATS or the ISS, and enjoy the event!

Full article and downloadables available at https://www.amsat.org/field-day/

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


The Legacy of AMSAT Flight Software – Part 2

Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT Senior Software Engineer spoke at the 2025 Hamvention AMSAT Forum about his involvement in the development of flight software for AMSAT satellites. In Part 2, Fisher explains that while Fox satellites are in Low Earth Orbits between approximately 500 km and 800 km altitudes, he needs to test newly added functions required for navigation and propulsion, part of AMSAT’s strategic goals involving highly elliptical orbits for wide access satellite missions.

Burns explained, “Adding to complexity is the need for fail over capability. Fail over is a backup operational mode that automatically switches to a standby system if the primary system fails. We wanted to have multiple processors that could fail over in a higher altitude radiation exposure event using processor coordination. One of the newer circuit boards we are using is the Radiation Tolerant Internal Housekeeping Unit (RT-IHU). It includes Error Detection And Correction (EDAC) memory that performs self-tests while in use. We are using higher-quality Automotive grade components for that purpose.”

IHU Board  – [Credit: AMSAT]

Burns explained “Each processor has two redundant cores that cross check functionality. Each redundant board has these processor chips, non-volatile memory as well as separate receiver and transmitter. There are bus switches that disconnect one processor from the main satellite bus if there’s a failure.”

He said, “The RT-IHU hasn’t flown on an AMSAT satellite. So we wanted to have something that had flight heritage for more assurance of successful operation. In addition to the RT-IHU then, we are flying the latest revision of the legacy IHU – it’s essentially the same board that flew successfully seven times. The dual IHUs are connected together on the GOLF bus. Controlling the multiple IHUs is the job of the coordination software task mentioned above.

“The RT-IHU also has a telemetry transmitter and a command receiver. Whichever processor is ‘in control’ at a particular time is responsible for collecting and transmitting telemetry as well as control satellite subsystems. All the command receivers are active at all times.”

FlatSat Desktop – [Credit: Burns Fisher]

“In the photo above, you see my software development bench covered with a “flat sat”—the satellite boards all spread out for easy access. You can see a purple Breakout Board (BoB) that Leandra Mac Lennan, AF1R built, tested and documented. It has the IHUs, transmitter and receiver boards mounted on it. The gray ribbon cable connects the BoB to a prototype Central Interface Unit (CIU). The big green board in front is the GPS evaluation board system. The GPS system is used to find out where the satellite is and get our orbital elements out of it as well as getting the exact UTC time. Toward the back is the ADAC (Attitude Determination and Control System). In this flat-sat configuration, everything is connected by jumper wires,” Burns explained.

“The BoB is a vital element of the board-level testing of satellite components. A Hamvention 2025 AMSAT forum presentation by Leandra covered the BoB in detail and will be available shortly.”

Burns continued, “The photo also shows the test equipment I use. There are two different power supplies because the actual satellite power supply will provide multiple voltages. In addition, I use an oscilloscope to help me understand the electrical signals when a data bus does not operate the way I expect. Flat-sats like this show how we develop the flight software. Not in in the photo but to the right of what you see is my Linux computer where the software is edited and compiled. The software is loaded into the flat-sat IHUs and tested, often using the console task I mentioned above.”

Burns concluded, “AMSAT software development is a continuous and increasingly complex process We want to get started writing software even before we have all the correct boards. It requires additional hours of work and as well as following the development of all of the satellite’s subsystems in order to get an idea of the software that will be required.”

[ANS thanks Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT Senior Software Engineer for the above information.]


Need new satellite antennas?

Purchase 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/


NASA Science Missions Could Be Cut In 2026 Budget

President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget request, if approved by Congress, would kill many of NASA’s plans for robotic exploration of the solar system. Gone, too, would be multiple space-based missions to study Earth, the sun and the rest of the universe.

Among the planets that would get less attention are Venus, Mars and Jupiter. But the planet facing the biggest drop in scrutiny from space is our own. The Trump budget proposal calls for reducing Earth science funding by 53 percent.

Also spiked: a mission that would take a close look at Apophis, a jumbo asteroid that will pass just 20,000 miles from Earth — closer than geosynchronous satellites — on April 13, 2029.

The White House Office of Management and Budget said in its request that NASA’s current spending of more than $7 billion a year on nearly 100 science missions is “unsustainable.”

The Planetary Society, a nonprofit advocacy group for space science, estimates that 41 current or planned missions, roughly a third of NASA’s portfolio, would be terminated if the Trump budget is approved as written. Trump’s proposals would hammer the NASA workforce, triggering the loss of thousands of civil service and contractor positions.

Congress has the power of the purse, however, and could save missions targeted for termination. The Senate Commerce, Space and Transportation Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), is pushing to protect much of NASA’s funding but is primarily concerned with saving existing elements of the agency’s Artemis moon program. On Thursday, the committee proposed restoring billions of dollars to a variety of NASA projects.

The full article, with a descriptive list of projects that might be cut, may be found at https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025/06/08/nasa-budget-voyager-space/ (possible pay wall).

[ANS thanks The Washington Post for the above information]


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


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 20

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 daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

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

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



SpaceX to Launch Fourth Commercial Axiom Mission to the Space Station

Axiom Space is on verge of its fourth private astronaut mission to space in as many years. The flight, dubbed Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), will see the astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary reach the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time.

The four crew members, led by Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight, Peggy Whitson, will embark on a roughly two-week mission to the orbiting outpost. The quartet will launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, but the launch was delayed due to a variety of issues, including an air leak on the ISS, weather, and a possible issue with the Falcon 9 booster rocket.

SpaceX had also said on Sunday, June 15, it was reviewing data from a static test firing that took place that day, suggesting there was perhaps an undisclosed technical problem. The mission was previously delayed from late May because the mission’s brand new Crew Dragon spacecraft was not ready.

The mission, dubbed Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, features the debut of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, tail number C213. This has been billed by SpaceX as its fifth and final Dragon capsule. SpaceX’s long-term goals are to shift its human spaceflight missions from Dragon to its Starship rocket, which it said will be capable of ferrying dozens of people into space.

A number of amateur radio contacts are among the tasks that are to be performed by the Axiom crew during their time aboard the ISS.

[ANS thanks Spaceflight Now for the above information]


ARISS NEWS

ARISS NewsAmateurs 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.

RECENTLY COMPLETED:
Youth On The Air 2025, Denver, Colorado, direct via WØY
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Nichole Ayers, KJ5GWI
The ARISS mentor is N7GZT
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-06-19 17:32:31 UTC 48 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the YOTA 2025 students, Nichole, mentor N7GZT, and ground station WØY
Watch for Livestream at https://youtube.com/live/I7JFXlzjrKc?feature=share and https://www.youtube.com/@yotaregion2/streams

UPCOMING:
A number of previously announced contacts associated with the Axiom mission are being reschedule due to the launch delay.

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 currently OFF (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]


AMSAT Ambassador Activities

AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

June 21, 2025
Rochester Amateur Radio Association Hamfest 2025
Barnard Fire Field
410 Maiden Lane Rochester, NY 14616
KB2YSI

August 21-24, 2025
Northeast HamXposition (HamX) & New England ARRL Convention
Best Western Royal Plaza & Trade Center
181 Boston Post Road W
Marlborough, MA 01752
http://www.HamX.org
W1EME, WD4ASW, WB1FJ

September 6, 2025
Greater Louisville Hamfest
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
W4FCL

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 2025
AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting and 43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North
1515 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Details at https://www.amsat.org/2025-symposium/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW) is the primary means for providing confirmations for AMSAT awards such as GridMaster, Rover, and Reverse VUCC, as well as ARRL Awards, such as VUCC, DXCC, and Worked All States. Almost all satellite operators use it. As a part of the ongoing modernization of the ARRL systems infrastructure, LoTW will be receiving major upgrades to the operating system it is running on, the relational database system it uses to store and access logbook and awards data, and server hosting, where it will be fully migrated to the cloud. These changes will, among other improvements, ensure LoTW performance needs can be better met based on user demand. LoTW will be unavailable from June 27 to July 2, 2025, to complete these upgrades. (ANS thanks ARRL for the above information.)

+ A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded in a huge fireball on a test stand late Wednesday, June 18 during preparations for its next launch. The upper stage Starship vehicle experienced a “major anomaly” before starting a test fire at around 11 p.m. local time, SpaceX said on social media. All personnel were safe and there were no hazards to the residents of nearby communities, SpaceX, a commercial space launch company, said. (ANS thanks The New York Times for the above information.)

+ Astronomers have discovered that the largest comet from the Oort Cloud, a shell of icy bodies at the very edge of the solar system, is bursting with chemical activity. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, the team discovered that C/2014 UN271, an 85-mile-wide (137 km) body around 10 times the size of the average comet and also known as Bernardinelli-Bernstein, is erupting with complex and evolving jets of carbon monoxide gas. Now located halfway between the sun and the solar system’s furthest planet, Neptune (or 16.6 times the distance between the Earth and our star), C/2014 UN271 becomes the second-most distant comet originating from the Oort Cloud that has been seen to be chemically active. Full article at http://bit.ly/4nb7W0c (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information.)

+ China’s Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites had been moving toward each other in geosynchronous orbit, around 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the equator, Spacenews reported on June 6. And now the pair appear to have had a brief first encounter, according to observations from the ground. Optical tracking by the space situational awareness firm s2a systems shows a close approach between the two on June 14, with the pair, at times, virtually unresolvable from the other. This suggests that Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 made at least a test-run close approach and may have even performed a docking and undocking test. Full article at http://bit.ly/407WHLV (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information.)

+ Honda has successfully tested an experimental reusable rocket, the company said, as it seeks to expand into the space sector. The automaker, which hopes to develop the tech prowess for a suborbital launch by 2029, conducted a test flight of its rocket on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The prototype device, around six metres (20 feet) tall, landed only 37 centimetres from its designated landing spot after the one-minute flight. (ANS thanks AFP and spacedaily.com for the above information.)

+ Astronomers have discovered a huge filament of hot gas bridging four galaxy clusters. At 10 times as massive as our galaxy, the thread could contain some of the Universe’s ‘missing’ matter, addressing a decades-long mystery. The astronomers used the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton and JAXA’s Suzaku X-ray space telescopes to make the discovery. Over one-third of the ‘normal’ matter in the local Universe – the visible stuff making up stars, planets, galaxies, life – is “missing.” It hasn’t yet been seen, but it’s needed to make our models of the cosmos work properly. While we’ve spotted filaments before, they’re typically faint, making it difficult to isolate their light from that of any galaxies, black holes, and other objects lying nearby. (ANS thanks the European Space Agency 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
mjohns [at] amsat.org

ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002

ANS-152 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* Welcome SO-125! AMSAT-EA’s HADES-ICM Joins the OSCAR Fleet
* Your Voice, Your Board: Nominate Now for 2025 AMSAT Election
* Another Batch of CubeSatSim Kits Available Soon in AMSAT Store
* SpaceX Starship Ninth Flight Yields Data, Misses Reentry Goals
* Japanese Private Lander Resilience Nears Lunar Touchdown
* GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers June 2025 Rankings
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 30, 2025
* ARISS News
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* 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 https://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-152 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2025 Jun 01


Welcome SO-125! AMSAT-EA’s HADES-ICM Joins the OSCAR Fleet

AMSAT-EA’s HADES-ICM satellite, a 1.5U PocketQube carrying an SDR-based FM and digital repeater payload for amateur radio use, was launched on March 14, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket during SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Following deployment from the ION-SCV-017 Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) on March 31, the satellite has been undergoing commissioning. The FM repeater is expected to be activated in June—initially on weekends, with plans to eventually transition to full-time (24/7) operation, as is currently the case with AMSAT-EA’s earlier HADES-R mission.

HADES-ICM also hosts an experimental payload from the University of Manchester’s Smart IR/Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), designed to test a very low-power active radiator under space conditions. Data from this experiment will be publicly transmitted via telemetry packets.

The satellite carries an FM and digital repeater payload, built on an improved SDR-based platform capable of transmitting up to 0.25W when battery conditions allow. This makes it accessible to stations using handheld antennas like the Arrow antenna. The coordinated uplink frequency is 145.875 MHz, and the downlink is 436.666 MHz. The repeater operates with an open squelch and does not require a subtone. The satellite has been cataloged with NORAD ID 63492.

At the request of AMSAT-EA, AMSAT hereby designates HADES-ICM as SO-125 (Spain-OSCAR 125). We congratulate AMSAT-EA, thank them for their continued contributions to the amateur satellite community, and wish them success with this and future missions!

[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator for the above information]


Your Voice, Your Board: Nominate Now for 2025 AMSAT Election

AMSAT has officially opened the nomination period for its 2025 Board of Directors election, which will take place during the third quarter of the year.

Four director positions are set to expire in 2025. The current board members whose seats are up for election are:

  • Barry Baines, WD4ASW
  • Jerry Buxton, N0JY
  • Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
  • Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO

In addition to these four full Director roles, up to two Alternate Directors may also be elected to serve one-year terms.

To nominate a candidate, a written submission is required. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, along with the same details for either five AMSAT members in good standing or one Member Society endorsing the candidate.

Nominations should be directed to the AMSAT Secretary:

Douglas Tabor, N6UA
1133 Verlan Way
Cheyenne, WY 82009

Per AMSAT’s bylaws, all nominations must follow the format specified by the Secretary. Doug Tabor has indicated that nominations will be accepted in both hard copy (via postal mail) and digital formats (including email or scanned documents). However, fax submissions are not permitted.

Email nominations should be sent to: dtabor [at] amsat [dot] org

All nomination petitions must be received by the Secretary no later than June 15th. After the submission deadline, the Secretary will confirm the eligibility of each candidate and the supporting members or societies, with final notification to candidates provided by the end of June.

[ANS thanks Doug Tabor, N6UA, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]


Another Batch of CubeSatSim Kits Available Soon in AMSAT Store

A new batch of CubeSatSim Kits will be available for purchase in the AMSAT Store (https://www.amsat.org/product/cubesatsim-kit) on Thursday, June 5th, at 7 pm US Eastern time. Priced at $550 with shipping included for U.S. addresses, the CubeSatSim Kit offers a hands-on learning experience with no soldering and some assembly, making it ideal for both educational use and public demonstrations.

The CubeSatSim Kit includes:

  • Fully assembled and tested PCBs (Main, Solar, and Battery Boards)
  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 with a Pi Camera and fully programmed micro-SD card, along with a fully programmed Raspberry Pi Pico WH
  • AMSAT logo Remove Before Flight tag switch
  • 3D printed frame, nylon screws, and nuts, with a mini screwdriver included for assembly
  • Metal standoffs, stacking headers, and JST jumpers for stacking the PCBs and Pi Zero 2
  • 10 solar panels with pre-soldered JST connectors and mounting tape
  • BME280 sensor (pressure, temperature, altitude, humidity) and MPU6050 IMU/gyro pre-soldered
  • Two 6″ SMA coax cables and two SMA antennas

The kit also comes with an instruction sheet, parts inventory, and links to online instructions. Assembly time is estimated to be under two hours, with scissors and the provided mini screwdriver.

Limited quantities of the CubeSatSim Kit will soon be available for purchase from the AMSAT Store. [Credit: Alan Johnston, KU2Y]
The v2.0 CubeSatSim features improvements over v1.2, such as an FM transceiver, Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, and RF command and control using DTMF or APRS packets. It can also be modified to function as a 500mW high altitude balloon payload.

For those interested in creating their own CubeSatSim, v2.0 blank PCB sets are available at the AMSAT Store for $35. These require additional components, which can be purchased for approximately $400 using the provided Bill of Materials.

Additional resources include:

For more information or to borrow a loaner CubeSat Simulator, contact Alan Johnston, AMSAT VP Educational Relations, at ku2y [at] arrl.net.

How to Order
Kits will be sold exclusively on the AMSAT Store website.
Only U.S. shipping addresses are eligible; orders with non-U.S. addresses will be refunded and closed.

About CubeSatSim
CubeSatSim is a low-cost satellite emulator powered by solar panels and batteries. It transmits UHF radio telemetry and can be expanded with additional sensors and modules, making it ideal for educational and public demonstrations.

[ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President Educational Relations for the above information]


SpaceX Starship Ninth Flight Yields Data, Misses Reentry Goals

SpaceX achieved partial success Tuesday with the ninth test flight of its massive Starship rocket, overcoming prior engine shutdown problems but discovering new issues during the vehicle’s return from space. Launched from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas, the rocket reached space and achieved full engine cutoff for the first time using its current Block 2 design. However, the upper stage lost control during coast and reentry phases, tumbling and eventually disintegrating over the Indian Ocean.

The early stages of the mission went according to plan. All 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster ignited successfully, pushing the rocket skyward with twice the thrust of the Saturn V. After separation, the Starship upper stage ignited its own engines and reached a near-orbital trajectory. Elon Musk confirmed on X that the main engines completed their full burn and that the heat shield tiles remained intact during ascent—both major improvements over previous tests.

But soon after engine cutoff, SpaceX aborted a planned payload door test to deploy simulated Starlink satellites when the door failed to open. Minutes later, engineers reported a loss of tank pressure in the Starship’s attitude control system, causing the rocket to enter a slow spin. This compromised SpaceX’s ability to restart an engine for orbital maneuvering and made a controlled reentry impossible, eliminating the opportunity to gather key data on new heat shield tile configurations.

Starship Flight 9, a megarocket as tall as a 38-story building, lifts off from Starbase, Texas. [Credit: SpaceX / X]
The mission ended with the vehicle tumbling into the atmosphere and breaking apart during reentry. Despite the premature conclusion, SpaceX officials noted that they collected valuable data on a number of new systems. The company has been working to improve the durability of heat shield tiles, which are critical to the Starship’s goal of rapid reuse. Tuesday’s flight included multiple experimental tile designs and attachment methods that engineers are eager to analyze, even with the limited reentry data available.

There was also progress on the Super Heavy booster. For the first time, SpaceX reused a booster from a previous flight, testing modifications aimed at improving fuel efficiency and failure recovery during landing burns. Although the booster exploded near the end of its descent rather than splashing down intact, it flew well through much of its return. SpaceX believes data from this flight will inform future attempts to catch returning boosters with launch pad arms.

The latest setback underscores the challenge of developing a fully reusable heavy-lift rocket capable of missions to the Moon and Mars. SpaceX began 2025 with ambitious goals for up to 25 test flights, but that timeline now appears unlikely. However, Musk indicated that the next three Starships could launch within weeks of each other. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the flight, and engineers are analyzing telemetry to confirm whether new issues or previously known problems led to the vehicle’s demise. As SpaceX prepares for its next test, company officials remain cautiously optimistic.

Read the full article at: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/05/spacex-may-have-solved-one-problem-only-to-find-more-on-latest-starship-flight/

[ANS thanks the Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, for the above information]


The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!


Japanese Private Lander Resilience Nears Lunar Touchdown

Japan’s ispace is aiming for a June 5 landing attempt with its Resilience lunar lander, now orbiting the moon. The spacecraft is targeting Mare Frigoris, a volcanic plain in the moon’s northern hemisphere. If the landing succeeds, it would mark the first moon touchdown by a private Japanese company and only the second lunar landing for Japan overall.

Resilience launched on January 15 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, sharing the ride with Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander. Blue Ghost landed successfully on March 2, while Resilience took a longer, energy-efficient route to the moon, entering orbit on May 6. The mission follows ispace’s earlier attempt in 2023, which failed during descent after the lander misjudged the rim of a crater.

On May 22, ispace released a photo taken by Resilience showing the moon’s south polar region. The image, posted on social media, reveals a rugged cratered surface and drew attention for an optical illusion in which the craters can appear as raised bumps. While Resilience will land far from the south pole, the photo demonstrated the spacecraft’s ability to capture detailed lunar imagery.

Resilience captured a photo of the lunar south pole from orbit ahead of its scheduled June 5 landing. [Credit: ispace]
The mission carries five payloads, including a small rover named Tenacious developed by ispace’s European division. The rover is tasked with collecting lunar soil under a NASA contract awarded in 2020. It also carries a small artwork titled Moonhouse, created by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg and mounted to the rover’s front bumper.

Resilience joins a growing list of privately developed missions targeting the lunar surface. It follows earlier commercial efforts like Firefly’s Blue Ghost and Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus, which landed in early 2024. These missions contribute to broader scientific and technical goals for lunar exploration.

In addition to demonstrating landing capabilities, Resilience will test technologies designed for future ispace missions, including navigation, communications, and thermal control systems. Data from the lander and its payloads will inform development of ispace’s next-generation landers, which are intended for satellite servicing and lunar cargo delivery.

Read the full article at: https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/private-japanese-moon-probe-snaps-photo-of-lunar-south-pole-ahead-of-june-5-landing

[ANS thanks the Mike Wall, Space.com, for the above information]


GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers June 2025 Rankings

The June 2025 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in 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: 2025-05-30

1 ND9M 26 KX9X 51 EB1AO 76 N4UFO
2 NJ7H 27 ON4AUC 52 AC0RA 77 PT2AP
3 JA9KRO 28 KG5CCI 53 W7WGC 78 AA8CH
4 UT1FG 29 N5BO 54 XE1ET 79 PT9BM
5 N5UC 30 K8BL 55 N6DNM 80 VE1VOX
6 DL6AP 31 KE4AL 56 EA4NF 81 FG8OJ
7 OE3SEU 32 KB5FHK 57 SM3NRY 82 YU0W
8 DP0POL 33 PA3GAN 58 DF2ET 83 N6UTC
9 F5VMJ 34 F4BKV 59 LU4JVE 84 AF5CC
10 K5ZM 35 VE3HLS 60 AA5PK 85 KI7UXT
11 WI7P 36 KI0KB 61 KI7QEK 86 JM1CAX
12 LU5ILA 37 JO2ASQ 62 SP5XSD 87 KJ7NDY
13 N6UA 38 KI7UNJ 63 F4DXV 88 PS8BR
14 HA3FOK 39 LA9XGA 64 DL4EA 89 N4DCW
15 N9IP 40 BA1PK 65 AD7DB 90 WA9JBQ
16 WY7AA 41 VA3VGR 66 VE1CWJ 91 KB2YSI
17 W5PFG 42 N7AGF 67 KE9AJ 92 K0FFY
18 AK8CW 43 VK5DG 68 BG7QIW 93 VE3GOP
19 DL2GRC 44 XE3DX 69 N8RO 94 N0TEL
20 AD0DX 45 JL3RNZ 70 VA7LM 95 KG4AKV
21 N4AKV 46 PR8KW 71 W8LR 96 DK9JC
22 AD0HJ 47 KE0WPA 72 KM4LAO 97 W8MTB
23 WD9EWK 48 KE0PBR 73 M1DDD 98 CU2ZG
24 ND0C 49 K7TAB 74 W1AW 99 K6VHF
25 DJ8MS 50 JK2XXK 75 HB9GWJ 100 VE7PTN

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information]



Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 30, 2025

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 daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

NOTICE: In an effort to minimize confusion between sources of two line element sets, AMSAT is adopting the convention of listing the USSF/NORAD Satellite Catalog name first, followed by any secondary name or names in parentheses. For example, “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added recently where “POEM 4” is the name that appears in the US Space Force Satellite Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the name best known within the amateur satellite community. Expect name changes for affected satellites in the coming weeks as this change is fully implemented.

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

+ Recently Completed

Royal Moroccan Air Academy, Marrakech, Morocco, direct via CN8ERA
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Nichole Ayers KJ5GWI
The ARISS mentor was IN3GHZ
Contact was successful: Wed 2025-05-28 12:55:36 UTC

Yonezawa 5th Junior High School, Yonezawa, Japan, direct via 8N7Y5JH
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Takaya Onishi KF5LKS
The ARISS mentor was 7M3TJZ
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-05-29 09:23:02 UTC
Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/sxpw07oNZSg

Atkarsk, Saratov region, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Sergey Ryzhikov
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-05-29 13:55 UTC

Starominskiy District, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Kirill Peskov
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Sat 2025-05-31 10:35 UTC

+ Upcoming Contacts

Technical University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, direct via EI1ISS
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Takaya Onishi KF5LKS
The ARISS mentor is EI8BP
Contact is go for: Wed 2025-06-04 12:07:37 UTC

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

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]


AMSAT Ambassador Activities

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.

Scheduled Events

Rochester Amateur Radio Association Hamfest 2025 – June 21st, 2025
Barnard Fire Department Park
410 Maiden Lane
Rochester, NY 14616
KB2YSI
https://rochesterham.org/hamfest.htm

Greater Louisville Hamfest – September 6th, 2025
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
W4FCL
https://louisvillehamfest.wixsite.com/louisvillehamfest

43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting – October 16th thru 19th, 2025
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North
1515 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
https://www.amsat.org/2025-symposium/

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]


AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Congratulations are in order for John, AB5SS, who has earned GridMaster Award #72 for completing satellite contacts in all 488 Maidenhead grid squares across the contiguous United States. The GridMaster Award is one of the highest honors in amateur satellite operations, recognizing exceptional dedication and achievement. First created by the Star Comm Group in 2014 and supported by Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, the award is now managed by AMSAT for the benefit of the entire community. To date, only a small number of operators have reached this milestone, highlighting the rarity and significance of the accomplishment. Earning GridMaster status requires years of persistence, careful tracking, and often the support of skilled satellite rovers. More information on the GridMaster Award, including how to apply, is available at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, is featured in the June 2025 QST “Member Spotlight” for his outstanding contributions to amateur radio satellite operations and AMSAT. A lifelong space enthusiast, Tom was encouraged by the late Keith Pugh, W5IU (SK), to explore satellites and began operating in 2010 using an Icom IC-W32A and Arrow Antenna. He quickly became hooked and joined AMSAT, later serving as an AMSAT Ambassador, giving presentations at clubs, hamfests, and virtual events like the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. Tom also hosts two AMSAT-focused nets in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, helping build local interest in satellite communications. One of his proudest moments was a spontaneous QSO with astronaut Woody Hoburg, KB3HTZ, aboard the ISS in 2023. His passion and outreach have made him a key figure in promoting AMSAT and inspiring others to discover the excitement of working satellites. (ANS thanks Barry Baines, WD4ASW, AMSAT Board of Directors, for the above information)

+ The European Space Agency’s ACES mission has launched the most precise atomic clock ever sent to space, with the goal of improving how we measure elevation on Earth. This effort addresses real-world issues like the infamous misalignment of a German-Swiss bridge caused by differing sea level baselines. ACES was installed on the International Space Station’s Columbus module on April 25, 2025, using the station’s robotic arm. By linking ACES to the most accurate ground-based clocks, scientists can compare how time ticks across the planet—since time passes more slowly in stronger gravity, this allows geodesists to map Earth’s gravitational field with centimeter-level precision. The clock network will eventually make elevation measurements more accurate worldwide, including in poorly surveyed regions like Africa and South America. Though ACES is just a first step, it paves the way for a future system of even more precise space-based clocks that could revolutionize infrastructure planning, sea level monitoring, and geophysical research. (ANS thanks Sophia Chen, MIT Technology Review, for the above information)

+ Starfish Space is preparing to launch its second mission, Otter Pup 2, on SpaceX’s upcoming Transporter-14 rideshare flight, where it will attempt to dock with a D-Orbit ION satellite already aboard the same launch. Unlike traditional spacecraft, Otter Pup 2 uses an electrostatic capture mechanism, allowing it to dock with unmodified satellites by attaching to flat panels. The mission aims to demonstrate rendezvous and docking technologies that will support future servicing missions, such as life extension and orbital debris inspection, for both commercial and government clients. A similar effort in 2023 failed due to a malfunction in the launch partner’s vehicle, though Otter Pup was still able to approach a different target. This mission will more realistically simulate the challenges of space servicing, with Otter Pup 2 traveling long distances before performing proximity operations and multiple dockings. Starfish hopes to prove that its technology is safe, flexible, and viable, building confidence in satellite servicing amid growing demand and regulatory interest. (ANS thanks Jeff Foust, 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, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org

ANS-138 AMSAT News Service Bulletins for May 18

In this edition:

* BuzzSat Satellite Meteorology Course Now Available
* AMSAT Volunteers Power Hamvention Exhibit
* The 16th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Enjoyed by Many
* AMSAT Symposium
* March/April 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available
* JAMSAT Symposium
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* Change to Upcoming Satellite Operations
* ARISS News
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* 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

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/

 

BuzzSat Satellite Meteorology Course Now Available

The AMSAT Youth Initiative is pleased to introduce the first in its series of “Satellites in Space Help Us Live a Better Life on Earth” online courses!

Title screen from the Satellite Meteorology online course (Image: AMSAT)

An “Introduction to Satellite Meteorology” explores the many ways that NOAA satellites help meteorologists predict the immediate weather and long-term climate behavior to make our lives more enjoyable and safer. It is designed for students Grades 8-12.

Each chapter has 40-50 pages and is expected to take perhaps 30 minutes per chapter. If you leave the course, it will remember where you left off so you won’t have to start from scratch.

The course is designed to be “self-standing” so any student, parent, youth leader or teacher can independently utilize the course. The courses are free. You can try this course at:

https://buzzsat.com/

Please note that this edition of the course is a beta release. Numerous improvements to the navigation features, clarity of graphics and technical content are scheduled for the next release in June 2025. But we’d love to hear from you! Please send your comments and suggestions to Frank Karnauskas, AMSAT VP-Development at f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org.

Future course to be added later this year include how satellites play a critical role in managing:

  • Climate Change
  • Pollution Control
  • Wildlife and Natural Resources
  • Navigation
  • Satellite Design and Operation
  • Space Exploration
  • Communications
  • Broadcasting
  • Military Operations
  • And much, much more!

Subject matter experts in any of these areas or educators in the sciences are invited to talk with the BuzzSat team about future course development.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]


AMSAT Volunteers Power Hamvention Exhibit

AMSAT volunteers kept busy at the organization’s exhibit at the 2025 Dayton Hamvention. Interest level was high among both satellite veterans and hams just wanting information on how to get started on the satellites.

The hot seller at the exhibit was the brand new, updated edition of the book, Getting Started in Amateur Satellites.

Steve Belter, N9IP, AMSAT Treasurer, helps beginners (Photo: Mark Johns)

The AMSAT Education area attracted the attention of a number of young hams and soon to be hams. Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, son of AMSAT VP-Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, shared his knowledge with other young people who came to the exhibit.

Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, points out Cubsat SIM displays to youth. (Photo: Drew Glasbrenner)

Interest was also high at the AMSAT engineering area, where members of the engineering team discussed the GOLF-Tee and Fox-Plus satellites currently under construction.

AMSAT VP-Engineering, Jerry Buxton, NØJY, and other engineers discuss satellite construction with Hamvention participants (Photo: Mark Johns)

Live satellite demonstrations outside of the exhibit area also drew interest from Hamvention participants.

AMSAT Executive VP, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, operates on RS-44 as Mark Johns, KØJM, aims the Arrow antenna. (Photo: Keith Baker)

The Hamvention AMSAT Forum was held on Saturday afternoon, May 17. The forum featured updates on the organization itself from AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL, Executive VP Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, and from Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, VP-Development. Frank also updated those in attendance on the AMSAT Youth Initiative, including the “Satellites in Space Help Us Live a Better Life on Earth” online courses (see above).

Jerry Buxton, NØJY, VP-Engineering, provided an overview of upcoming satellite projects and launches in development and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, VP-Operations, discussed efforts to extend the lives of satellites already on orbit.

Prior to the beginning of the Hamvention, on Thursday evening, May 15, AMSAT members and friends gathered at Ticket’s Pub & Eatery in nearby Fairborn, Ohio for what has become a traditional gathering in recent years. More than 40 were in attendance — a record number for this event.

AMSAT members enjoy a pre-Hamvention meal at Ticket’s on Thursday (Photo: Keith Baker)

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]


The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Are Now Available!

2025 PC Coin Set
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/


The 16th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Enjoyed by Many

The 16th annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet was held at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center on Friday, May 16. This dinner is always a highlight of the TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This year’s banquet speaker was Phil Karn, KA9Q, who highlighted developments and use cases for his ka9q-radio software suite for SDR receivers.

Phil Karn delivers the TAPR/AMSAT banquet address (Photo: Mark Johns)

Karn was the recipient of the ARRL’s Mary Hobart, K1MMH, Medal of Distinction. He was presented the honor at the ARRL donor reception on May 15, 2025, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

A graduate of Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Karn has retired from a technology career including Bell Labs, Bellcore, and Qualcomm. He is co-founder of AMPRnet, is founder and past-President of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), a private foundation that exists to support amateur radio and digital communication science and technology through grants and scholarships, and the management of 44Net. Karn continues to serve on the ARDC Board of Directors. The work of ARDC has contributed approximately $30 million to amateur radio since 2020.

Karn has been licensed since he was 15. “It’s been a major factor in my life, directly and indirectly,” he said. Karn views amateur radio as a creative outlet. “I’m an engineer, so I need an outlet for my technical ideas. I’m retired, so amateur radio now fulfills that need. It’s very gratifying to see others using your ideas and works,” said Karn.

Karn’s technical contributions to advance the Amateur Radio Service drive his dedication to the future of education through ham radio. He envisions education having a greater role in amateur radio in decades to come. “Ham radio has always excelled at individual self-learning, but it could do so much more. I’d really like to see the many technical tinkerers outside ham radio join us. I’d like to see much more amateur radio in formal education. HamSCI and the many university small satellite groups are good examples but there could be so much more. Hams will continue to create new technology, usually by working in academia and industry but also as individuals,” he said.

Mary Hobart, K1MMH, was ARRL’s first Chief Development Officer. She passed away in 2021. The medal named in her honor is given to those individuals or couples who have inspired our small community to reach higher with their own philanthropic support of ARRL and amateur radio. In 2023, ARRL honored Michael “Mike” D. Valentine, W8MM (Silent Key), and his wife Margaret “Peg” Valentine with the inaugural Hobart Medal.

[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information]


43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting Announced

Save the date! The 43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting will be held October 16th through Sunday October 19th. The site of the 2025 event will be the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North.


(Photo credit: Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North)

The hotel is located minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and features free airport shuttle, all-suite rooms at affordable prices and free breakfast! Information for room reservation at reduced rates and event registration will be published shortly.

For your planning purposes, the overall schedule for the event is as follows:

Thursday, October 16th
0900 – 1700 Board of Directors Meeting

Friday, October 17th
0900 – 1200 Board of Directors Meeting
1300 – 1700 Symposium Presentations
1800 – 2100 Reception & Auction

Saturday, October 18th
0900 – 1200 Symposium Presentations
1300 – 1500 Symposium Presentations
1500 – 1700 Annual General Meeting
1800 – 1900 Reception
1900 – 2100 Banquet

Sunday, October 19th
0800 – 1000 Members Breakfast

(Times subject to change.)

Plan to attend this fun and informative event while you exchange ideas with your friends in the world of amateur satellites!

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]


Need new satellite antennas?

Purchase 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/


March/April 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available

The March/April 2025 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal.

The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world.

Inside the Current Issue:

  • Using AI to Keep Amateur Radio in Space – Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK
  • New Space Opportunities
  • The Future of Lunar Amateur Radio – JS1YMG Update
  • APRS Update
  • SDR Update
  • AMSAT Field Day 2025 Rules – Bruce Paige, KK5DO

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]



JAMSAT Symposium 2025: Satellites, Soldering, and Socials in Tokyo

The Japan Amateur Satellite Association (JAMSAT) successfully hosted its 17th annual general meeting and technical symposium on March 22–23, 2025, at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo. The two-day hybrid event welcomed both in-person and online participants and featured a diverse program of organizational updates, technical presentations, hands-on outreach activities, and social networking opportunities for the amateur satellite community.

The general meeting, held on the first day at noon, covered official business including approval of the 2024 fiscal report, auditor’s findings, the 2025 project plan, and a proposed revision to the association’s bylaws. JAMSAT members were invited to vote by proxy or attend via Zoom, and participation exceeded expectations. The event was formally recognized as an international meeting, qualifying for discounted use of the Miraikan venue and underscoring its educational and public-service role.

Immediately after the meeting, the two-day symposium began with a series of technical presentations. Topics included the RST (Lehman Satellite Tracker) by JI1SYC, a report on the ultra-compact RSP-03 “Hamorun” satellite, and a briefing on QO-100 operations from Cambodia under the XU7AMO callsign. Other featured talks explored a geostationary payload proposal by AMSAT-DL, the SHF beacon’s status, and technical insights into the Ten-Koh 2 receiver system for 5.8 GHz.

The 2025 JAMSAT General Meeting and Symposium was held in Tokyo and featured two days of satellite presentations. [Credit: JAMSAT]

Satellite mission updates were also prominent. Researchers from Chiba Institute of Technology presented results from the SAKURA satellite and previewed its successor, BOTAN. The team from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduced OrigamiSat-2, a CubeSat designed to test a two-layer deployable membrane antenna and high-speed downlink. The final session discussed amateur satellite roles in emergency communications, drawing attention to disaster readiness as a future focus area.

Public outreach remained a strong component of the event. On the morning of March 22, JAMSAT organized the “Touching Satellites” program with support from Icom Inc., offering live satellite demonstrations and electronics workshops for children. An exhibit area featured satellite engineering models and educational posters, while 10 young participants had the opportunity to assemble and solder simple kits under the guidance of volunteers.

A formal dinner was held at the nearby Chinese restaurant Tōen in Telecom Center, drawing a wide cross-section of members for informal conversation and project discussion. The social gathering reflected a return to normalcy following years of pandemic-related restrictions and helped to strengthen the group’s community bonds. JAMSAT plans to publish digital versions of the symposium materials online and encourages continued member engagement through web meetings, field activities, and international coordination.

[ANS thanks the Mikio Mori, JA3GEP, JAMSAT Newsletter Editor for the above information]


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


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 16

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 daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

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

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


Change to Upcoming Satellite Operations

Due to the popularity of the https://hams.at website as a location to report rover activity, the AMSAT website will no longer attempt to track those reports separately. Thus, the AMSAT News Service will no longer carry routine coverage. Please make use of https://hams.at for information on upcoming satellite operations in the future.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page 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.

RECENTLY COMPLETED
Astronomical society Kumova slama, Daruvar, Croatia, Direct via 9A1CCY
The ISS callsign was to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember was Jonathan (Jonny) Kim, KJ5HKP
The ARISS mentor was SP3QFE
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-05-15 17:00:12 UTC 26 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the Astronomical society Kumova slama students, Jonny, mentor SP3QFE, and ground station 9A1CCY!

UPCOMING
Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Ryzhikov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for 2025-05-23 09:15 UTC

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]


AMSAT Ambassador Activities

AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

June 21, 2025
Rochester Amateur Radio Association Hamfest 2025
Barnard Fire Field
410 Maiden Lane Rochester, NY 14616
KB2YSI

September 6, 2025
Greater Louisville Hamfest
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
W4FCL

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Congratulations to Benni Riethmueller, DL4BEN, (age 16!) on receiving AMSAT Rover Award #087! 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, Benni, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community! (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ China has granted scientists from six countries, including the United States, access to Moon rocks collected by its Chang’e-5 mission in 2020. Two NASA-funded U.S. institutions—Brown University and Stony Brook University—were selected to study the samples, despite longstanding restrictions on NASA’s direct collaboration with China. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) called the samples “a shared treasure for all humanity” and emphasized its commitment to international cooperation. Experts noted that while U.S.-China space technology exchanges remain limited, lunar sample analysis poses no military concern and aligns with global scientific norms. The Chang’e-5 samples are of particular interest because they appear to be about a billion years younger than those collected during the Apollo missions. CNSA officials stated they intend to maintain an active and open stance in global space collaboration through initiatives like the Belt and Road space information corridor. (ANS thanks BBC News for the above information)

+ The FAA granted environmental approval for up to 25 Starship launches a year at Starbase, a five-fold increase from the previous limit. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information.)

+ Due to budget cuts, NASA might scale back ISS operations, such as reducing crew size, extending crew missions, and halting upgrades to science instruments. A list of other NASA projects that may be abandoned by budget cuts is at https://www.planetary.org/articles/billions-wasted-mysteries-unsolved-the-missions-nasa-may-be-forced-to-abandon (ANS thanks The Planetary Society for the above information.)

+ Germany’s armed forces are planning to establish a large satellite constellation, aiming to create an independent communications infrastructure similar to SpaceX’s Starlink. The initiative, led by the Bundeswehr, envisions deploying hundreds of satellites to ensure secure and resilient military communications, with potential expansion into remote sensing and other applications. Germany has historically relied on satellite services provided by allies but shifting geopolitical dynamics have prompted a reevaluation of this dependence. The proposed Bundeswehr constellation is intended to ensure sovereignty and continuity in defense operations, even in contested or degraded environments. It would operate separately from IRIS2, the European Union’s own sovereign satellite project aimed at providing broadband internet across the continent. Read the full article at: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/germanys-military-wants-its-own-starlink-like-satellite-constellation
(ANS thanks the Andrew Jones, Space.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, Mark Johns, KØJM
mjohns [at] amsat.org

ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002