ANS-190 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* 2023 AMSAT Space Symposium First Call for Papers
* Ariane 5 Rockets into Retirement: Europe’s Workhorse Completes Final Mission
* CubeSats Deploy from ISS: Nanoracks Mission Advances Science and Education
* ROSCOSMOS Successfully Deploys Forty Three Satellites in Latest Soyuz 2.1b Launch
* Meteor-M2-3 Weather Imaging Satellite Now in Orbit and Transmitting Images
* UMKA-1 School Satellite Sets Out to Explore the Skies
* Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers July 2023 Rankings
* VUCC Satellite Standings as of July 1 2023
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 7 2023
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

 

ANS-190 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 July 9

2023 AMSAT Space Symposium First Call for Papers

This is the first call for papers for the 41st annual AMSAT Space Symposium to be held on the weekend of October 20-21, 2023 at the Sheraton DFW Airport in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Proposals for symposium papers and presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by October 12 for inclusion in the symposium proceedings. Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV at n8fgv (at) amsat (dot) org.

[ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV for the above information]


Ariane 5 Rockets into Retirement: Europe’s Workhorse Completes Final Mission

Europe’s workhorse rocket has completed its final mission, launching two satellites into orbit before retiring after an illustrious 27-year career. The Ariane 5, known for its power and reliability, took off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on July 5, marking its 117th and last orbital liftoff.

The mission commenced at 6 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT), with the Ariane 5’s 103-foot tall solid rocket boosters separating from the core stage approximately 2.5 minutes into flight. The core stage, powered by a single engine, continued its ascent, carrying the two satellites onboard. At around nine minutes after liftoff, the core stage shut down, and the upper stage separated to initiate its own burn. About 30 minutes into the flight, the first satellite, Heinrich-Hertz, was released into geostationary transfer orbit. Shortly after, the second payload, Syracuse 4B, followed suit.

Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace, the France-based company operating the rocket, hailed the Ariane 5’s flawless performance during the launch webcast. Israël described the rocket as a “legendary launcher” that had completed its work perfectly.

Heinrich-Hertz, an experimental communications satellite managed by the German space agency (DLR), will serve as a test platform for new hardware and conduct scientific and technical experiments in collaboration with universities and public sector organizations. This satellite represents Germany’s first dedicated technology demonstration and communications research spacecraft.

Syracuse 4B, joining its predecessor Syracuse 4A launched in 2021, was built by Airbus Defence and Space for the French government. Both satellites are military communication relays, replacing Syracuse satellites 3A and 3B.

To reach geostationary orbit, located approximately 22,200 miles (35,800 kilometers) above Earth, Heinrich-Hertz and Syracuse 4B will perform a series of engine burns.

The retirement of Ariane 5 draws the curtain on its nearly 30-year operational career, during which it outperformed its predecessors, making it the most successful Ariane rocket to date. The European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted the rocket’s technical prowess and reliability, describing it as a major asset for Europe’s autonomous access to space.

Arianespace, in collaboration with ESA and the French space agency CNES, operated the two-stage Ariane 5, which was built by Airbus Defence and Space. Over the years, the rocket underwent several upgrades and operated in five different configurations. The most recent versions, Ariane 5 EC/A and ES, started operating in 2009, succeeding the Ariane G5, which flew from 2005 to 2009 after the brief G+ version and the original Ariane 5 G.

Although the Ariane 5 encountered an initial failure during its debut launch in 1996, failing to reach orbit and initiating an auto-destruct abort mid-flight, it went on to become one of the most reliable launchers worldwide. According to ESA, the rocket achieved a 96% success rate across its 117 missions and delivery of 239 payloads to orbit.

The development of the Ariane 5’s successor, the Ariane 6, has been in progress for over a decade. The new rocket aims to be more flexible, cost-efficient, and capable of serving various types of launches compared to its predecessor. It will come in two configurations: A62, with two solid rocket boosters, and A64, with four. Originally slated for a 2020 debut, the Ariane 6 has faced delays, with the current estimate pointing to alate 2023 launch. This delay leaves Europe with a temporary gap in launch options until the Ariane 6 becomes operational.

To ensure continuity in European programs, the European Space Agency (ESA) has explored alternative launcher options from a technical, schedule, and security standpoint. In April, there were reports that the European Commission was considering using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket to launch some of the European Union’s Galileo navigation satellites, rather than waiting for the Ariane 6. However, ESA officials emphasized that Ariane 6 remains the preferred launch option for European missions requiring a heavy launch vehicle, and they are working diligently to ensure its inaugural flight.

The final mission of the Ariane 5 was initially scheduled for June 16 but faced delays. The first attempt was scrubbed due to issues with the solid rocket boosters’ pyrotechnical transmission lines, while the second attempt on July 4 was hindered by unfavorable weather conditions.

As Europe bids farewell to the Ariane 5, the spotlight now shifts to the eagerly anticipated Ariane 6, which promises to usher in a new era of flexibility and cost efficiency in space launches. In the meantime, efforts continue to bridge the launch gap and maintain the continuity of European space programs.

[ANS thanks Josh Dinner, Writing for Space.com for the above information]


CubeSats Deploy from ISS: Nanoracks Mission Advances Science and Education

NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen successfully deployed six CubeSats into low-Earth orbit outside the ISS Kibo module airlock on July 6th. The deployment was made possible by Nanoracks, a leading provider of commercial space services, who had been preparing for this mission named NRCSD-26. Sponsored by the ISS National Lab, the mission carried five CubeSats developed by Canadian universities, as well as a groundbreaking project by The Aerospace Corporation. Nanoracks, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, handles the integration and deployment of these satellites from the ISS. The six CubeSats were transported to the ISS on SpaceX’s CRS-28 mission.

This deployment marks an important milestone for the Canadian CubeSat Project (CCP), a collaboration between Nanoracks and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The objective of the CCP is to launch a CubeSat from each province and territory in Canada. The deployment of these CubeSats serves scientific purposes while also promoting hands-on experience and generating interest in STEM studies and careers.

The selected CubeSats for the NRCSD-26 mission represent a diverse range of scientific objectives, showcasing the capabilities and interests of Canadian universities.

One of the CubeSats, RADSAT-SK developed by the University of Saskatchewan, aims to test a radiation detection system and evaluate the effectiveness of radiation protection using a purified form of melanin, a natural pigment found in various organisms. Another CubeSat, ESSENCE from York University, focuses on monitoring solar storms, arctic ice, permafrost thaw, and forests in the Canadian Arctic region. It also aims to demonstrate satellite attitude recovery in the event of a failure in one of its actuators. Ukpik-1, developed by Western University, carries a virtual reality (VR) camera to capture 360-degree images and videos of Northern Canada. This CubeSat not only contributes to scientific research but also facilitates educational outreach and public engagement in Ontario and Nunavut.

The University of Manitoba’s CubeSat, IRIS, is designed to observe the weathering of geological samples under direct solar and background cosmic radiation, aiming to detect any visually detectable changes that may occur over short time scales. SC-ODIN, developed by Concordia University, has the primary mission of collecting data on dust storms in Argentina and Namibia. Additionally, it monitors radiation received inside and outside the satellite over a period, providing valuable insights into radiation exposure in space.

In addition to the Canadian CubeSats, Nanoracks also deployed Moonlighter, built by The Aerospace Corporation. Moonlighter is a 3U CubeSat and holds the distinction of being the world’s first hacking sandbox in space. Its purpose is to advance the understanding of cybersecurity as it pertains to space systems. The CubeSat will be utilized at the DEFCON conference by the Air Force/Space Force, where cybersecurity professionals will be challenged to hack a real-life satellite. For more information on Moonlighter and the Hack-a-Sat challenge, visit the official website at https://hackasat.com/.

[ANS thanks NASA and Nanoracks for the above information]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!


To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
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ROSCOSMOS Successfully Deploys Forty Three Satellites in Latest Soyuz 2.1b Launch

ROSCOSMOS successfully launched the Meteor-M2-3 meteorological satellite and a cluster of 42 accompanying satellites on June 27, 2023. The launch took place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Oblast region of Russia, marking the 14th launch from this site.

The Meteor-M2-3 satellite is part of the Meteor-M series, which aims to modernize Russia’s national meteorological satellite system. Developed by NPP VNIIEM and sponsored by ROSCOSMOS, the series is designed to enable climate and environmental monitoring, exploration of Earth’s natural resources, surveillance of solar activity, and data acquisition from automated data collection platforms. The satellite also features the COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system.

Meteor-M2-3 is equipped with advanced instruments, including an onboard radar complex based on an active phased array antenna, a shortwave reflected radiation meter, and a radio frequency mass spectrometer. These instruments enable all-weather radar surveillance of the Northern Sea Route and broaden the range of monitored parameters. The satellite has a lifespan of five years and is equipped with two deployable solar arrays.

In addition to the Meteor-M2-3 satellite, the mission carried various accompanying satellites. Sixteen CubeSats from the Space-Pi project were deployed into orbit as part of an agreement between ROSCOSMOS and the Innovation Promotion Fund of Russia. Nine satellites from the UniverSat program, led by ROSCOSMOS, were also launched, along with seventeen SmallSats for commercial customers.

The launch vehicle used for this mission was the Soyuz 2.1b rocket, belonging to the Soyuz 2 rocket family. The Soyuz rocket has been a reliable workhorse of the Soviet/Russian space program since its introduction in 1966. The Soyuz 2.1b variant stands approximately 152 feet (46.3 meters) tall and has a diameter of 9 feet (2.95 meters). It consists of three stages, all of which are expendable.

The first stage of the Soyuz 2.1b rocket includes four side boosters powered by RD-107A engines. These boosters perform the iconic “Korolev cross” pattern during separation. The center core stage is propelled by a single RD-108A engine, while the upper stage is equipped with a single RD-0124 engine. Both engines run on rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOx).

The mission did not involve the recovery of the first stage or fairings, as the Soyuz rocket does not possess such capabilities. The first stage of the rocket landed in the Zeysky District of Amur Oblast, Russia.

This launch marked several milestones: it was the 115th flight of an upper stage from the Fregat family, the first launch of a Soyuz 2.1b rocket in 2023, the 80th launch of a Soyuz 2.1b variant, and the 96th orbital launch attempt of 2023.

With the successful launch of the Meteor-M2-3 satellite and its accompanying payloads, ROSCOSMOS continues to enhance Russia’s meteorological satellite system and expand its capabilities in climate monitoring, resource exploration, and search and rescue operations.

[ANS thanks Mariia Kiseleva, writing for Everyday Astronaut, for the above information]


Meteor-M2-3 Weather Imaging Satellite Now in Orbit and Transmitting Images

The latest addition to the Meteor-M satellite series, Meteor-M2-3, has successfully reached orbit and is already transmitting images of Earth. The Russian-owned weather imaging satellite was launched on a Soyuz-21.b rocket on June 27th. Previous iterations of the Meteor-M satellites faced premature mission terminations due to technical glitches or collisions with micro-meteorites.

Meteor-M satellites operate in a polar orbit, capturing and transmitting weather images in the LRPT format at a frequency of 137 MHz. This frequency range makes the reception of their signals as accessible as that of the older NOAA APT satellites. To receive these images, an appropriate 137 MHz satellite antenna is required, such as a V-Dipole, Turnstile, or QFH, along with a compatible software-defined radio (SDR) receiver like the popular RTL-SDR.

One of the recommended software options for receiving images from the Meteor-M2-3 satellite is SatDump. This user-friendly software offers binary releases for Windows and Android platforms, downloadable from SatDump GitHub Releases page: https://github.com/SatDump/SatDump/releases. Linux users can consult the SatDump Readme for a comprehensive build guide. It is worth noting that the SatDump graphical user interface has been reported to perform well on an Orange Pi 5, providing a convenient and portable solution for image reception.

To determine when the satellite is over your location you can use satellite tracking software such as Gpredict for Linux and Mac users, or Orbitron for Windows users. When utilizing Orbitron, it is important to run the software as an Administrator and update the Two-Line Elements (TLEs) to include the tracking data for the Meteor-M2-3 satellite found in the weather.txt TLE file. Consult the Meteor-M2-3 TLE (Two-Line Elements) available on Celestrak’s website for precise tracking and monitoring.

Many satellite enthusiasts have already shared their successful reception of Meteor-M2-3’s images to Twitter. The author of SatDump has revealed that work is underway to finalize projections for Meteor M2-3, and this should be ready to use in SatDump shortly. SDR++ software has now also integrated a Meteor Demodulator, further expanding the options available to those interested in receiving data from Meteor-M2-3.

Recent updates on Meteor-M2-3’s progress from Happysat (https://github.com/happysat) indicate that telemetry data received on July 3rd suggests that the satellite’s LRPT antenna might not have unfolded correctly, resulting in weaker-than-expected signals. It has also been reported that the satellite switched from transmitting on a frequency of 137.900 MHz to 137.100 MHz on July 4th, 2023.

[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com and Happysat for the above information]


UMKA-1 School Satellite Sets Out to Explore the Skies

The UMKA-1 satellite, developed by schoolchildren from the Moscow Regional Educational Institution Secondary School No. 29 named after P.I. Zabrodin (Podolsk) in collaboration with SPUTNIKS LLC, was successfully launched into orbit on June 27, 2023. As part of the “Space-π” program and with the support of the Innovation Assistance Fund, UMKA-1 aims to train young students in spacecraft design, programming, and assembly, while also conducting astronomical observations using its high-aperture telescope, Leptonar-20955K.

The UMKA-1 satellite is a 3U+ CubeSat equipped with a Leptonar-20955K optical telescope and an astronomical digital camera called PlayerOne Saturn-C SQR. This compact satellite operates in two frequency bands, with telemetry transmission taking place on the UHF downlink frequency of 437.625 MHz, using GMSK USP modulation scheme at a rate of 2400 baud. Additionally, the transmission of data from the telescope occurs on the S band at a frequency of 2402 MHz. On June 18th, 2023, UMKA-1, known by its designated callsign RS40S, obtained its IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination.

Named after a beloved Soviet cartoon character, UMKA-1 carries the spirit of adventure and discovery. The mission team plans to share the main course of their mission, interesting events from the ground segment, and a transmission schedule on the S band with the wider community. Once the satellite is fully operational, a schedule will be published, and opportunities will be provided for the reception of images from the telescope.

Despite some minor setbacks during the installation process, the UMKA-1 team remains dedicated to the success of their mission. The initial format installation confusion has been addressed, and the satellite is currently undergoing testing. The team expects the telescope to be fully operational by the end of July, following which a transmission schedule will be made available.

Alexey Shafiev, RA3PPY, expressed gratitude to SPUTNIX for their support and guidance throughout the project. He acknowledged the enthusiasm and efforts of the young schoolchildren and students who form the bulk of the team. Their passion for space exploration is evident, and they have been actively involved in every aspect of the project.

In the past week, the telemetry transmission format was updated to use GMSK USP 2400 baud. The Mission Control Center (MCC) team will next focus on stabilizing the spacecraft and ensure the proper functioning of the guidance system. Subsequently, a two-week testing period for the payload will commence before UMKA-1 can fulfill its educational mission.

The UMKA-1 team assures the community that updates on their progress will be provided as soon as possible. Despite their current work rush, they value the interest and support from all those following their mission. Alexey, on behalf of the team, promises to respond to all the emails received thus far in the near future.

As of July 4, 2023, UMKA-1 remains operational in orbit, transmitting telemetry data pertaining to the satellite’s operation. The team has made available a tool for decoding S band dump transmissions from the spacecraft, allowing enthusiasts to access the images collected by UMKA-1.

For radio amateurs keen on participating in the mission, the UMKA-1 team offers a QSL card as recognition for receiving telemetry from the satellite. To qualify, individuals must receive three packets of telemetry data and upload the collected information to the QSL card application form found at https://r4uab.ru/diplomnye-programmy-i-qsl/mka-umka-1/ within 24 hours of receiving the last telemetry package. The required software for receiving the telemety information, such as “SoundModem USP” and “AGW Client R4UAB,” is available to facilitate the process.

The UMKA-1 mission is an exciting endeavor that combines education, amateur radio, and scientific exploration. By encouraging young minds to explore the wonders of space, this project aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronomers. The UMKA-1 team invites everyone to join them on this incredible journey as they unlock the secrets of the universe through their school telescope satellite.

More detailed information about the UMKA-1 satellite is available at https://sputnik.school29.ru/radio/. Individuals can visit the project’s GitHub repository at https://github.com/radio-satellites/UmKa-1/ to obtain the software needed to decode the S band dump transmissions, which contain high resolution imagery from the telescope on board the satellite.

[ANS thanks Alexey Shafiev, RA3PPY and R4UAB.ru for the above information]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers July 2023 Rankings

The July 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) 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: 2023-07-01

1N5UC26LA9XGA51VA7LM765H3SE
2ND9M27KG5CCI52JK2XXK77PT9BM
3NJ7H28ON4AUC53AA8CH78KB2YSI
4JA9KRO29DJ8MS54VE1VOX79XE1ET
5DPØPOL30N6DNM55KM4LAO80DL4EA
6N6UA31KEØPBR56VE3GOP81ACØRA
7DL6AP32K8BL57AM1SAT82AB5SS
8HA3FOK33XE3DX58AD7DB83LU4JVE
9WY7AA34JO2ASQ59KD8RTT84VK5DG
10ADØHJ35EA4NF60F5VMJ85KØFFY
11AK8CW36OE3SEU61FG8OJ86EC3TZ
12K5ZM37SP5XSD62N4UFO87VE6WK
13ADØDX38VE1CWJ63N4DCW88CU2ZG
14N5BO39WI7P64PT2AP89KG4AKV
15N9IP40PR8KW65KJ7NDY90KC7JPC
16WD9EWK41EB1AO66AF5CC91K4DCA
17W5PFG42W7WGC67NØTEL92WN9Q
18NDØC43F4DXV68VO2AC93DK9JC
19KB5FHK44JL3RNZ69KI7QEK94V55QO
20KX9X45KEØWPA70KI7UXT95KF6JOQ
21VE3HLS46K7TAB71W8LR96N6UTC
22LU5ILA47KE9AJ72WA9JBQ97PP2RON
23KE4AL48AA5PK73A41ZZ98VO1FUA
24N7AGF49DL2GRC74HB9GWJ99VA3VGR
25KI7UNJ50M1DDD75PT9ST100WI4T

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information]


VUCC Satellite Standings as of July 1 2023

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for June 01, 2023 to July 1, 2023.

CallJuneJuly
WA4NVM16321639
WC7V13511383
N8RO12581298
N0JE914950
N3GS873932
DL2GRC800842
K7TAB708814
EA2AA686730
KQ4DO675710
WA4HFN636676
HB9AOF500604
OZ9AAR500600
N8MR509528
AC9DX427525
WB7QXU451500
JN2QCVNew428
HB9GWJ363412
LU3FCA310406
JG6CDH353401
AB1OC291371
VA3VGR302352
EA3TA301350
JL1SAM300350
LU4FTA268346
AA9VI122336
JH0BBE314321
XE1BJNew304
DL8GAM275301
JA1GZK256300
PA7RA245299
AD5JK263296
JS1LQI155259
JE1TNL225250
N6PAZ223233
N9ZTS201231
IK1SLD200225
PU5DDC151181
ZS2BKNew170
JE2UFF100158
DH0GSU100152
GM0WDDNew115
EA4DEINew100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders. GM0WDD is first VUCC Satellite holder from Scotland and IO85.

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ for the above information]


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for July 7 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

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

[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

UPCOMING:
Due to summer school holidays, no contacts currently scheduled.

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]


Upcoming Satellite Operations

Mitch AD0HJ will be roving six Western Kansas grids from July 14 through July 16. Look for him on the DM99/EM09 grid line on Friday, DM97/DM98 grid line on Saturday, and the EM07/EM08 grid line on Sunday. The best chance for contacts will be the afternoon RS-44 passes (1900Z to 2330Z) but he will also work the late shift with QSOs on the activated TEVEL satellites in the evenings (0230Z to 0500Z) except for Sunday where he will work the noon time (1600Z to 1800Z) TEVEL passes. Follow Mitch @AD0HJ on Twitter for updated rove information, https://aprs.fi/AD0HJ to track his location, and https://hams.at for the latest pass schedule.

To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/.

A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]


Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/

+ 41st AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2023
Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel
4440 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063

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)!”

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Youth on the Air Camp 2023 is a camp for young amateur radio operators in North, Central and South America. Campers will operate the special event station VE3YOTA while camp is in session with a special focus on satellite operations occurring Wednesday, July 19 from 1400Z to 1700Z (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT). Additionally, an ARISS contact with the International Space Station is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 18 at 1842Z (2:42 p.m. EDT). For more information about the camp, please visit https://youthontheair.org/ or contact Camp Director Neil Rapp at [email protected]. (ANS thanks Neil Rapp, WB9VPG for the above information)

+ Congratulations to our latest GridMaster Award winners: Steve Nordahl, NS3L (#58) and Bill Attwood, VE6WK (#59). The GridMaster Award, AMSAT’s most prestigious recognition, is available to amateur radio operators worldwide who establish two-way satellite communication with all 488 maidenhead grids within the contiguous United States. Contacts must be made from the same location or from locations within a 100 kilometer radius of a single location. Written confirmation, such as QSL cards or Logbook of the World (LoTW), is required. The GridMaster application and certificate fees have been underwritten by an anonymous donor. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Congratulations again to Bill VE6WK and Steve NS3L for their remarkable accomplishments! (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ Congratulations the following individuals on receiving the AMSAT Rover Award for their outstanding achievements in portable satellite operating: Olivier Tymkiw HB9GWJ (#077), Erwin Vink PA3GAN (#078), Doug Keech VA7LM (#079), and Bruce Patten VE7PTN (#080). To qualify for this award, they accumulated a minimum of 25 points by activating grid squares beyond their home grid. Points were earned through various achievements, including activating states, provinces, or DX entities outside their home location via satellite, as well as promoting their grid operations through social media and documenting their activations through photographs and published articles. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/. Congratulations to our esteemed AMSAT Rover Award recipients! (ANS thanks Bruce Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above information)

+ Quetzal-1, a 1U CubeSat developed by Universidad del Valle de Guatemala operated successfully for two hundred and eleven days in-orbit a few years ago. The project just released a massive trove of open source design documents, the software that ran on the satellite and ground station, and all the captured telemetry from the flight. It’s the ultimate bootstrap for anyone else designing a CubeSat, and hopefully provides enough clues to avoid some of the same issues. And if you want the details on the Quetzal-1 design, and what went wrong with the electrical system, two PDF papers have been released. Seeing more open source in space is an encouraging development, and one that should continue to grow as the cost of payloads to orbit continues to fall. Information on Quetzal-1 CubeSat can be found at http://github.com/Quetzal-1-CubeSat-Team. (ANS thanks Hackaday.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, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
ad0hj [at] amsat.org

 

ANS-183 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2023 Board of Directors Election
* Updated “For Beginners” Compilation Available on the AMSAT Website
* TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island to Include Satellite Operations
* 2023 AMSAT Field Day Preliminary Report
* Communication Problems on the Moon
* The Big Bang Theory Antenna Lives On
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-183 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 July 2

AMSAT Announces Candidates for 2023 Board of Directors Election

The nomination period for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election ended on June 15th. The following candidates have been duly nominated:

Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW

As four seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year, four of these candidates will be seated on the Board, along with one alternate when the voting period concludes on September 15th. The election will be held via AMSAT’s Wild Apricot membership system. Instructions for voting will be emailed to all members in good standing as of July 1st by July 15th. Biographies of the candidates will be available for review online and published in the next issue of The AMSAT Journal.

[ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!


To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
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Updated “For Beginners” Compilation Now Available on the AMSAT Website

An updated freely downloadable compilation of “getting started” articles written by Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF, is now available on the AMSAT website. These articles originally appeared in The AMSAT Journal from 2019 to 2021.

Check out the compilation at https://www.amsat.org/introduction-to-working-amateur-satellites/

Unfortunately, because both satellites and URLs change over time, the currentness of information such as this can quickly be overcome by events. However, the tools and techniques outlined in Keith’s beginner series are still very much applicable to operating on current and future AMSAT satellites. For the latest information about satellites currently in orbit, please consult the AMSAT Communications Satellites page.

More detailed information can be found in AMSAT’s Getting Started with Amateur Satellites book which can be purchased on the AMSAT store.

[ANS thanks Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF, Past AMSAT President, and Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK, AMSAT Journal Editor-In-Chief, for the above information]


TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island to Include Satellite Operations

The TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island, scheduled for January 2024, has announced that it will include satellite operations. The satellite station manager, Andreas, N6NU, reports the following preparation
activities for the TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island:

Andreas has made his first QSO’s made on the IO-117 (GreenCube) Satellite. This satellite has passes that last over an hour and has a huge footprint since it is in an almost 6,000 KM orbit. He has an 11 Element 70CM antenna, RAS Mini AZ/EL rotator with Green Heron Controller, Icom IC-9100H, Rigblaster TI-5000 and Icom AG-35 mast mounted pre-amp. The 6ft mast uses a home brew base. The next step is to configure an Icom IC-9700 as backup. Then on to RS-44 and 6m and 23 cm EME. He appreciates the help and advice offered by several AMSAT members.

For more information on the TX5S DXpedition, visit https://clip.pdxg.net/

[ANS thanks the Perseverance DX Group for the above information]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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2023 AMSAT Field Day Preliminary Report

The 2023 AMSAT Field Day is over, and early data shows how the satellites were utilized.

It has been many years since there were more than one or two AMSAT Field Day submissions from outside North America. This year, immediately after of Field Day ended, there were two submissions from Japan.

The satellites worked well. The FM Tevel family of satellites and GreenCube seemed to be popular. SO-50, AO-91, and the International Space Station were also busy with their FM single channels. RS-44 was quite tame, with plenty of bandwidth for many to make contacts, whether they were sitting on a frequency and calling CQ or using the hunt-and-pounce method.

More data is on the way. For updates, visit the AMSAT website.

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


Communication Problems on the Moon

The chilly relationship between the U.S. and China on Earth could raise safety risks in space and the specter of competition on the Moon as both nations aim to send people to the lunar surface in the coming years.

China and the U.S. — the two most dominant players in space today — do not generally collaborate on space research and exploration, and they have limited communication in orbit and beyond. But both nations are separately sending missions to the Moon. NASA expects its astronauts will be back on the surface of the Moon as early as 2025, and China has plans for its taikonauts to land on the lunar surface by around 2030.

The Chinese military is refusing to use established communications channels that could help to prevent an unintended crisis on Earth. Recent close calls between U.S. and Chinese crafts at sea and in the air underscore the risk.

Lack of transparency into activities has framed the U.S-China relationship in space for decades, with some key exceptions, including coordinating orbiters at Mars and NASA collaborating with China during one of the nation’s robotic Moon missions.

The Chinese government has a fundamentally different way of engaging in the world that makes open communication difficult, Dean Cheng, a China analyst, tells Axios. The government is “not accustomed to thinking of alliance structures and cooperation,” he added.

NASA will likely miss its 2025 Artemis landing date, with technical and budgetary delays pushing the first crewed landing to later in the decade. China, however, “will put a human crew on the Moon by 2030,” Cheng said. “If that is their intent, then it will happen.”

Communication could be particularly important on the lunar surface because China and the U.S. are both planning to land missions in the same part of the Moon, at the lunar south pole. While those initial landing zones will likely be widely separated, future missions could lead to new questions about space traffic management, communications satellites and even the primary language used in those activities at the Moon.

[ANS thanks Axios Space for the above information]


The Big Bang Theory Antenna Lives On

An antenna that holds an important place in scientific history sits on a small parcel of land on Crawford Hill in Holmdel Township, New Jersey.

The antenna is known as the Holmdel Horn Antenna, and it was built in 1959 by Bell Labs (now Nokia Bell Labs) researchers. It was originally designed to bounce radio signals off of reflective satellite balloons for long-distance communication. It worked, and the Holmdel Horn Antenna was no longer needed.

Two Bell Labs astronomer employees, Arno A. Penzias and Robert W. Wilson, received permission in 1965 to use the antenna to search for radio transmissions in outer space. They pointed the antenna toward what was considered a quiet area, but what they discovered was anything but quiet. They discovered Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which provided evidence for the Big Bang Theory.

Now, there is a historical marker at the site, but there has been some dispute as to who owns the antenna and surrounding land. In mid-June 2023, the Holmdel Township Committee voted unanimously to approve resolutions that will begin the process of acquiring two of the three parcels that make up the Crawford Hill property. The township committee is leaving the third parcel to be part of the redevelopment toward preserving Crawford Hill as a public park to celebrate the horn antenna’s place in scientific history.

Visit the https://bit.ly/3rbnKaR to learn more.

[ANS thanks The ARRL Letter for the above information]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 2023 30 June

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. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

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

COMPLETED:
Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR. The ISS callsign was OR4ISS, and the crewmember was Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV. The ARISS mentor was ON6TI. Contact was successful: Thursday, 2023-06-22 08:38:52 UTC with 51 degrees maximum elevation. Congratulations to the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre students, Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV, and mentor ON6TI!

UPCOMING:
Due to summer school holidays, no contacts currently scheduled.

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]


Upcoming Satellite Operations

To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/

Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD0HJ, has a satellite rove planned over the July 4th weekend in the hopes of joining the exclusive Western Roving Coalition. Look for him to activate Montana grid squares DN57, DN67, DN77, DN87, DN97, DN56, DN66, DN76, DN86, DN96, DN55, DN65, AND DN64 between June 30th and July 3rd. Planned passes are available at http://hams.at OR on Twitter @GridMasterHeat

Jim DeLoach, WU0I, with XYL, KK6DZS, just started a 6-week road trip. Along the way, they hope to activate a number of rarer grid squares on the FM birds on the way to the Four-Corners area of the Southwest from the Michigan UP, through Western Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Idaho.

A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]


Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas

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)!”

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+The 15th annual 13 Colonies Special Event will take place July 1 – July 7, 2023, and will include satellite operations, primarily on the linear transponder satellites. All 13 colonies are covered by satops this year making a clean sweep possible. See http://www.13colonies.us/ for more details. (ANS thanks Ant Lefebvre, NU1U, for the above information)

+ In a highly anticipated and globally coordinated announcement on Wednesday, June 28, teams of scientists worldwide reported the discovery of the “low pitch hum” of these cosmic waves flowing through the Milky Way. While astronomers don’t definitively know what’s causing the hum, the detected signal is “compelling evidence” and consistent with theoretical expectations of gravitational waves emerging from pairs of “the most massive black holes in the entire universe” weighing as much as billions of suns. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

+ ESA announced the Zero Debris Charter at the Paris Air Show, by which they mean that they will figure out their plans for generating zero space debris (hopefully) by the end of the year, to be implemented by 2030. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Gamma Ray Burst 221009A, a supernova with its energetic jet pointed directly at Earth, was first observed last October. While it was 2.4 billion light-years away, it still managed to disturb Earth’s ionosphere, produced 18 tera-electron-volt photons, and saturated spacecraft X-ray and gamma-ray sensors. This explosion is now referred to as the BOAT (Brightest of All Time) and is thought to be a once-in-a-10,000-year occurrence. It also illuminated dust clouds in our galaxy, allowing their distances and properties to be measured with unprecedented accuracy. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index for the above information)

+ Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic launched its first commercial space flight Thursday, June 29, sending three Italian researchers, two company pilots and an astronaut trainer on a high-speed thrill ride to the edge of space aboard a winged rocketplane. (ANS thanks SpaceflightNow for the above information)

+ A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft left the International Space Station on Thursday, June 29, to return to Earth. The spacecraft is carrying more than 3,600 pounds of equipment, supplies and scientific experiments, some of which have been on the space station for nearly six years and which had their final in-orbit tests completed earlier this year. (ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information)

+ The European Space Agency’s Euclid spacecraft launched on July 1 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Euclid features a telescope 1.2 meters across equipped with a camera operating at visible wavelengths and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer. The two-ton spacecraft will operate at the Earth-sun L-2 point also used by the James Webb Space Telescope 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, generating the largest and most accurate 3-D map of the universe to date. Astronomers hope that Euclid’s observations will shed light on two of the biggest mysteries in cosmology: the nature of both dark energy and dark matter that, combined, comprise 95% of the universe. (ANS thanks 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, Mark Johns, KØJM
k0jm [at] amsat.org

ANS-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* Spain’s URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8
* SpaceX’s Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions
* European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge
* ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role
* Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 June 18

Spain’s URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8

The URESAT-1 satellite, also known as HADES-B according to its ITU designation, successfully launched into space as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission from Vandenberg AFB on Monday, June 12. The satellite is a joint effort between AMSAT-EA, URE (the Spanish equivalent of ARRL), private companies, and universities.

The URESAT-1 satellite, contained within the D-Orbit ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), was not deployed directly from the Falcon-9 rocket. Instead, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after launch, the Falcon-9 released the OTV, which will orbit the Earth for several days before deploying URESAT-1, along with other satellites.

One of the primary objectives of URESAT-1 is to serve as an FM voice and FSK data repeater. Equipped with a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) camera, the satellite will transmit live images as well as stored images at regular intervals. It also features a chess game, enabling players on Earth to engage in a game against the satellite. Periodically, the satellite will transmit updates on the state of the game, including the chess board, the last movement made, and whether the next move belongs to the players or the satellite.

The specified frequencies for communication with URESAT-1 are as follows: for uplink transmissions, 145.975 MHz or 145.925 MHz (auxiliary frequency) using FM voice without subtone, FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200/2400 bps. For downlink transmissions, the frequency is set at 436.888 MHz, and modes include FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps telemetry, SSTV Robot 36, and a voice beacon with the callsign AO4URE.

To provide further information regarding URESAT-1’s transmissions, the AMSAT-EA organization has made available a comprehensive document that can be accessed at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13366685/AMSAT+EA+-+URESAT-1+Transmissions+description.pdf

For those interested in decoding the telemetry, a Linux x86/ARM decoder is available for download at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13395017/URESAT-1_telemetry_decoder_Linux_X86_ARM_v1.0.zip

A sample file containing the audio of a telemetry file can be found here: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13398144/URESAT-1_sample_FSK_telemetry-chessboard_packet.wav

If URESAT-1 operates as intended, the project team plans to release a Linux program that will allow players to send their chess moves to the satellite, further enhancing the interactive experience.

[ANS thanks Felix Paez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information]


SpaceX’s Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions

SpaceX’s Transporter-8 mission successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during its afternoon launch window on Monday, June 12. Part of SpaceX’s small satellite (smallsat) rideshare program, Transporter-8 carries dozens of small to pico-sized satellites and orbital test vehicles. This launch marks the 38th Falcon 9 rocket launch of 2023, showcasing the rocket’s significance as the major workhorse in the space industry.

As a rideshare launch, Transporter-8 doesn’t have a primary mission but aims to lower costs for small spacecraft operators. The launch manifest for Transporter-8 includes an eclectic variety of missions. Among them is URESAT-1, a 1.5 P Pocketqube spacecraft from the Spanish Amateur Radio Union (URE) and AMSAT-EA, equipped with an amateur radio payload that will attempt to play chess against opponents on Earth.

Transporter-8’s diverse manifest demonstrates the wide range of missions being pursued, from space manufacturing technology demonstration by Varda Space Industries to two cryptocurrency technology satellites (CRYPTO3 and MOXY-1) and a communications satellite for the Vatican (SpeiSat). This blend of missions highlights the growing importance and potential of small satellite deployments.

With its rideshare model, SpaceX is enabling more affordable access to space for small spacecraft operators. By sharing the launch vehicle with multiple payloads, the costs are distributed among different customers, allowing them to realize their space ambitions at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch.

The success of Transporter-8 adds to SpaceX’s impressive track record, and if the company maintains its launch pace while incorporating successful Falcon Heavy rocket launches, it could be on track to achieve Elon Musk’s ambitious target of 100 rocket launches by the end of 2023. SpaceX’s dedication to advancing space exploration and commercial satellite deployments is evident in its consistent launch operations and commitment to driving innovation in the industry.

[ANS thanks Jon Kelvey, writing for SpaceRef, for the above information]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!


To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

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European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Fly Your Satellite! program in collaboration with S5Lab is offering a unique opportunity for radio amateurs around the world. The challenge is to establish communication through the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater, providing a chance to win a special prize: a QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from June 26 to July 30, this challenge allows radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and showcase their communication skills.

LEDSAT, developed by students from Sapienza University in Rome’s S5Lab research team with support from AMSAT Italia, is an educational 1U CubeSat that participated in the second edition of the Fly Your Satellite! program. Its primary objective is to demonstrate a LED-based payload for ground-based optical tracking. The successful launch of LEDSAT on Vega flight VV19 on August 17, 2021, marked a significant milestone for the project. To celebrate the launch, a competition was launched, encouraging participants from around the world to record the first signs of life from the spacecraft.

To participate in the challenge, radio amateurs are invited to send a message to the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station, with the callsign PI9ESA. The digipeater will be activated during specific time windows, with operators stationed at the ground station to receive incoming messages. Upon successful reception of a message, the sender’s callsign and contact details will be documented on a personalized QSL card, acknowledging their accomplishment.

The LEDSAT digipeater can store and retransmit digital messages sent to the satellite, acting as a transponder for long-distance communication. Messages can be retransmitted immediately or with an optional delay of up to two days.

LEDSAT follows a Sun-Synchronous orbit, resulting in two communication windows each day – around midday and midnight – where contact can be established. Participants can predict passes precisely above the ESTEC ground station or their area of residence by using their favorite pass prediction software or obtaining the latest Two-Line Elements for LEDSAT from https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?CATNR=49069.

Due to LEDSAT’s monitoring and housekeeping requirements and the potential high demand from operators, the digipeater activation time slots will follow a pattern of one day ON and one day OFF, with the switch-on/off always occurring at 00:00 UTC. This schedule will begin on Monday, June 26th at 00:00 UTC, and conclude on Sunday, July 30th at 24:00 UTC.

While the challenge is supported by operators on a voluntary basis, efforts will be made to cover as many LEDSAT passes as possible, especially those occurring around local midday on weekdays. A detailed schedule of pass coverage will be published, so participants are advised to regularly check for updates.

The LEDSAT digipeater uplink frequency is 435.310 MHz, the downlink frequency is 435.190 MHz, and the modulation type is GMSK using a CSP + Golay + ASM (AX100 Mode 5) protocol at 1200 baud. The LEDSAT team has prepared a software package and a user manual for connecting to the digipeater, available for download on the LEDSAT website at https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/ledsat-digipeater/.

It is important to note that transmitting to the satellite is prohibited for those who are not licensed radio amateurs. However, non-licensed individuals can still participate in the challenge by listening to the messages transmitted by the ESTEC ground station. If they provide evidence of successful reception, including the date and time, they may also receive a customized QSL card.

Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars, prepare their messages, and not miss the chance to connect and communicate with the LEDSAT spacecraft to receive their QSL card. Let’s come together and make this event a memorable celebration of our shared passion for space exploration and amateur radio communication.

For any inquiries regarding LEDSAT or the digipeater challenge, please email [email protected].

[ANS thanks the European Space Agency along with S5Lab for the above information]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role

ARISS-USA, a 501(c)(3) educational and scientific non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced educator to serve as their Director of Education. The position is part-time and remote, with a one-year probationary period. ARISS provides and operates Amateur Radio systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and elsewhere to inspire, educate, and engage youth and communities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and to support ISS backup communications.

Responsibilities of the Director of Education include developing strategies to maintain and expand the educational outcomes of the ARISS experience, leading the Education Engagement Volunteer Team (EEVT), recruiting and guiding ARISS Education Ambassadors (AEA), coordinating the selection of host organizations for astronaut radio contacts, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM engagement, creating educational lesson plans and kits, ensuring alignment with National Science Standards, collecting and analyzing metrics and survey data, networking with stakeholders and space agencies, and coordinating with ARISS educators in other countries.

The desired candidate should have demonstrated leadership in education, at least three years of teaching experience, a degree in education or a related field, proficiency in virtual technologies, enthusiasm for STEAM education and amateur radio, and U.S. citizenship. Knowledge and experience in amateur radio, coordination with international colleagues, working with partners and sponsors, and interfacing with space agencies are preferred.

The position is remote within the USA, and the anticipated salary for 20 hours per week ranges from $23,000 to $34,500 per year, depending on experience. Flexibility in working hours is allowed as long as deliverables and engagement requirements are met. Interested candidates should submit their resume, CV, and a cover letter to [email protected] by July 15, 2023.

[ANS thanks David Jordan, AA4KN for the above information]


Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings

The June 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operations, as determined by @GridmasterMasterMap 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: 2023-06-07

1NSUC26N6DNM51AD7DB76WN9Q
2ND9M27DJ8MS52KD8RTT77DK9JC
3NJ7H28KE4AL53N4UFO78VE6WK
4JA9KRO29K8BL54N4DCW79N6UTC
5N6UA30KE0PBR55PT2AP80VA3VGR
6HA3FOK31XE3DX56KJ7NDY81AB5SS
7AD0HJ32LA9XGA57AF5CC82PT9BM
8K5ZM33EA4NF58N0TEL83WI4T
9WYZAA34JO2ASQ59VO2AC84DL4EA
10AK8CW35VE1CWJ60KI7UXT85N3CRT
11AD0DX36W7WGC61KI7QEK86N7EGY
12DL6AP37F4DXV62AM1SAT87LU3EQ
13N5BO38WI7P63W8LR88JK2XXK
14N0IP39JL3RNZ64PR8KW89KF7R
15WD9EWK40KE0WPA65WA9JBQ90PT2AZ
16W5PFG41EB1AO66PT9ST91KF6JOQ
17ND0C42AA5PK67KB2YSI92YU0W
18KX9X43AA8CH68AC0RA93VO1FUA
19KB5FHK44KE9AJ69XE1ET94W8MTB
20VE5HLS45VA7LM70LU4JVE95LU5UFM
21LU5ILA46K7TAB71K0FFY96JR8QFG
22N7AGF47VE1VOX72KG4AKV97VE7PTN
23KI7UNJ48M1DDD73KC7JPC98FG8OJ
24ON4AUC49VE3GOP74CU2ZG99HB9WDF
25KG5CCI50KM4LAO75K4DCA100K0JM

[ANS thanks @GridmasterMasterMap for the above information]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

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

MiTEE 1 NORAD Cat ID 47314 (decayed form orbit on 12 June 2023 per Space-Track).

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


ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

+ Upcoming Contacts

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is ON6TI
Contact is go for: Tue 2023-06-20 10:16:10 UTC

SPACE (Space Port Area Conference for Educators), Kennedy Space Center, FL, telebridge via VK4KHZ (***)
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is AJ9N and AA4KN
Contact is go for: Wed 2023-06-21 14:52:25 UTC

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV
The ARISS mentor is ON6TI
Contact is go for: Thu 2023-06-22 08:38:52 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]


Upcoming Satellite Operations

To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/.

A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]


Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ AMSAT 2023 Field Day
June 24, 1800 UTC – June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023
More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/.

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/.

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas
More information to follow.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Congratulations to Ian Parsons, K5ZM, for providing satellite contacts from an impressive 104 grid squares and earning AMSAT VUCC/r Award # 12! The Reverse VUCC or VUCC/r Award, originally introduced by the Central States VHF Society and now carried on by AMSAT, acknowledges the efforts of satellite rovers like Ian. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award. Keep on roving, Ian, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community!

+ Congratulations to Terry, AJ4A, for being awarded GridMaster Award # 57! This prestigious award, introduced by Star Comm Group in 2014 and sponsored by Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, is now entrusted to AMSAT for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. The GridMaster Award recognizes amateurs worldwide who establish two-way communication via amateur satellite with all 488 Maidenhead grids in the contiguous United States of America. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Well done on this remarkable achievement Terry!

+ E2QRP special event station will operate on QO-100 and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that pass over Thailand during IARU QRP Day. The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) operators will be on the air from grid OK04nk on June 16 , 2023 at 12.00 UTC until June 18, 2023 at 5.00 UTC. QSL via Thailand HS Bureau or direct from RAST, G.P.O. Box 2008 Bangkok Thailand. (ANS thanks Tanan Rangseeprom, HS1JAN, for the above information)

+ The Small Satellite Conference provides an extensive series of talks, speed sessions, and posters that focus on successfully carrying out a small satellite mission. From early wildfire detection using CubeSat images to UHF ground stations for controlling satellites, topics vary wildly. The conference takes place August 5-10, 2023 at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (ANS thanks Amateur Radio Daily for the above information)

+ Have your name etched onto a microchip mounted on NASA’s Europa Clipper expedition to explore Jupiter’s icy moon: https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/sign-on/ (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NASA for the above information)

+ United Launch Alliance (ULA) briefly test-fired the first-stage engines on its new Vulcan Centaur rocket on Wednesday evening (June 7), completing a crucial milestone for the booster’s first flight. Vulcan Centaur is designed to replace ULA’s current fleet of Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy launch vehicles. The first stage can be supplemented with strap-on solid rocket boosters for heavier payloads. ULA is gearing up for the first Vulcan Centaur launch, which is likely to occur in July. The rocket’s primary payload will be Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lunar lander, which will carry payloads for NASA and private companies under the space agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Vulcan Centaur will also carry the KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 demonstration satellites for Amazon. The spacecraft will demonstrate technology for the company’s 3,236-satellite broadband constellation. (ANS thanks the Parabolic Arc for the above information)

+ Capturing footage of the International Space Station (ISS) hurtling through space at approximately 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h) is no mean feat, yet French astrophotographer Thierry Legault has pulled it off yet again. In his latest stunning footage, captured on June 9, Legault imaged the ISS whizzing past three sunspot groups. The entire solar transit lasted just 0.75 seconds. In addition, Legault captured these shots while two NASA astronauts, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, KB3HTZ, were carrying out a spacewalk to install a new solar array outside the station. (ANS thanks 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, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
ad0hj [at] amsat.org

ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

In this edition:

* June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations
* IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite
* eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT
* AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President’s Club Members
* An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 9, 2023
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org.

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-162 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

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

DATE 2023 Jun 11

June 15 is Deadline for 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Nominations

AMSAT solicits nominations for the 2023 AMSAT Board of Directors election, to be held in the third quarter of the year. The seats of the following four incumbent Directors expire in 2023 and will be filled by this year’s election:

– Jerry Buxton, N0JY
– Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO
– Robert Bankston, KE4AL
– Zach Metzinger, N0ZGO

Further, up to two Alternate Directors may be elected for one-year terms. A valid nomination for Director must be written and requires either one Member Society or five current individual members in good standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Written nominations, with the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, as well as the nominators’ names, call signs, and contact information, should be sent to the AMSAT Secretary:

Jeff Davis, KE9V
PO Box 11
Yorktown, IN 47396

AMSAT bylaws require that the nomination be written and in the form specified by the Secretary who has elected to accept written nomination materials via mail or in electronic form, including email or electronic image of a paper document. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted.

Email nominations may be sent to jdavis [at] amsat [dot] org.

No matter what means are used, petitions MUST be received by the Secretary no later than June 15, 2023. The Secretary will verify the qualifications of candidates and nominating members or Member Societies as petitions are received, and will notify candidates whether their nominations are in order by the end of June.

[ANS thanks Jeff Davis, KE9V, AMSAT Secretary for the above information.]

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The 2023 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now!


To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch
on June 16, 1983, this year’s coin features
an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
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IARU Coordinates Sapling Magnifica Satellite

The Sapling Magnifica, developed by the Stanford Student Space Initiative, is a technology demonstration mission aimed to prove several key technologies necessary for SSI’s satellites to host scientific payloads in the future. These include a magnetorquer-based ADCS, a higher quality camera than on previous Sapling missions, and reaction wheels. The satellite will be either a 1U or a 2U spacecraft. Sapling Magnifica is an Amateur Radio mission that is entirely initiated and developed by undergraduate students, most of whom already have or are studying for their Amateur Radio license.

Amateurs will be able to participate by sending commands to the satellite and receiving images in response. Research will be conducted on image downloading comparing three different modulation techniques: FSK, LoRa, and FLRC. Amateurs will be able to receive images and, if all goes well, take an image on command.

Downlinks have been coordinated on 437.400 MHz and 2427.00 MHz. Planning a launch into a SSO 525km orbit in Q2 or Q3 2023. More info from https://github.com/stanford-ssi.

[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.]


eBay Sellers Donate to AMSAT

Are you an eBay seller? One item, ten items, or a full-time business you can donate a percentage of your winning bid to AMSAT.

To do so, do not list your item with the basic listing tool, select advanced tools. eBay will give you a warning message that it is for large volume sellers, however this is where the eBay for Charity tool is found.

You can “select another nonprofit you love” and search for either AMSAT or Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. Choose the percentage amount of the sale you would like to donate to AMSAT, and boom! When your item sells and the winning bidder pays, eBay will deduct the percentage from your take and forward it to AMSAT.

Please consider giving a piece of the pie to a new satellite and choose AMSAT for your eBay Charity.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]

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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

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AMSAT Thanks First Quarter 2023 President’s Club Members

AMSAT wishes to thank those amateurs who have contributed to the 2023 AMSAT President’s Club during the first quarter of this year. Their generous donations are essential in helping to Keep Amateur Radio is Space.

TITANIUM LEVEL
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
William Brown, K9LF

PLATINUM LEVEL
Doug Tabor, N6UA

GOLD LEVEL MEMBERS
Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
Mark Hammond, N8MH
John Kludt, K7SYS
Glenn Miller, AA5PK

SILVER LEVEL
Warren Fugate, W3WE
Joseph Lynch, N6CL
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
Jason Schwarz, N4JJS

BRONZE LEVEL
Bruce Perens, K6BP
Dave Taylor, W8AAS
David Vine, WA1EAW

CORE LEVEL
George Carr, WA5KBH
Jim Clary, ND9M
Richard Dittmer, KB7SAT
David Hartrum, WA3YDZ
Martin Shinko, KB3AEV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Stefan Wagener, VE4NSA
Jeremy Wyatt, KA2PFD
David York, N8SGZ

2022 Correction
SILVER LEVEL
Jason John Schwarz, N4JJS

President Club members for 2023 receive a limited edition commemorative coin featuring AMSAT OSCAR 10, commemorating the 40th anniversary of its launch; full-color certificate, and cork beverage coasters with the AMSAT logo. To join the 2023 AMSAT President’s Club, go to https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/.

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.]


An RTL-SDR Telemetry Decoder for the Soon-to-be-Launched MRC-100 CubeSat

The MRC-100 Hungarian CubeSat is scheduled to launch on a Falcon 9 on June 12 from Vandenburg Space Fore Base. The MRC-100 is the successor to the SMOG-1 CubeSat which was launched in March 2021. The satellite is named to honoring the 100th year anniversary of the HA5MRC Ham Radio Club at the Budapest University of Technology.

To help with decoding the Telemetry on the CubeSat, an RTL-SDR based telemetry receiver was created and an installation script for Raspberry Pi’s and Linux PC’s which installs OpenWebRX along with the satellite receiver software.

The satellite should be receivable with a simple satellite antenna, such as a handheld Yagi, Turnstile, Dipole or quadrifilar-helix antenna. It will be transmitting telemetry at 436.720 MHz. If you have a dish and tracking equipment for it, there is also a high speed downlink at 2267.5 MHz. Like the original SMOG-1, the satellite carries a sensor that is designed to measure human caused electromagnetic pollution. It also carries a camera and an AIS receiver for tracking marine vessels. More information is available at https://www.rtl-sdr.com/.

[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 9 June 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

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

VZLUSAT 1 NORAD Cat ID 42790 (decayed form orbit on 06 June 2023 per Space-Track).

The following satellites have been added to this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

SNIPE 4 NORAD Cat ID 56744 (uncoordinated frequency: 437.8000 MHz).
SNIPE 2 NORAD Cat ID 56745 (uncoordinated frequency: 435.9999 MHz).

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


ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

+ Successful Contacts
About Gagarin From Space, Participants Of The Children’s Creative Competition For The Day Of Cosmonautics, Orel, Russia, direct via RA3ED.
The ISS callsign was RSØISS.
The crewmember was Andrey Fediaev.
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR.
Contact was successful Sunday, June 4, 2023.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html

The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html

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


Upcoming Satellite Operations

IN90; June 9-11, 2023
Philippe, EA4NF will be activating the rare grid IN90 in Spain on June 9-11, 2023 on FM and linear LEO satellites. Further details on Twitter @EA4NF_SAT.LoTW confirmations will be issued with the call EA4NF/P

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information.]


Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

+ AMSAT 2023 Field Day
June 24, 1800 UTC – June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023
More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/.

+ Small Satellite Conference
August 5-10, 2023
Utah State University, Logan, UT
More information at: https://smallsat.org/.

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
October 20-21, 2013
Dallas, Texas
More information to follow.

+ 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.

[ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, and AMSAT for the above information.]


Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, was interviewed by Eric Guth, 4Z1UG / WA6IGR, on QSO Today Amateur Radio Podcast. Alan tells how he reaches out to educate the general public about the world amateur satellites, and satellite technology using CubeSatSim, for live classroom simulations of satellite communications. Alan also explains how he turns to high-altitude balloon launches as a practical, hands-on approach to bringing amateur payloads closer to space, thereby affording opportunities for tangible experience and simulation. Listen to Alan’s interview at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-162-KU2Y. [ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT VP-Educational Relations, for the above information.]

+ Over on his latest video, Matt, from the TechMinds YouTube channel shows us how to receive and decode the packets from the GreenCube digipeater. In his demonstration Matt uses an SDRPlay RSPdx as the receiver, SDR++ as the receiver software, SoundModem as the packet decoder, GreenCube Terminal for displaying the messages, and GPredict for tracking the satellite and compensating for the Doppler effect. He also notes that while a directional antenna on a motorized tracker is recommended, he was able to still receive packets with his omnidirectional terrestrial antennas without much issue. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/Rr87Ci96SRY. [ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]

+ NASA is worried that SpaceX’s giant new Starship vehicle won’t be ready to carry astronauts to the surface of the moon in late 2025, as currently planned. In 2021, the agency selected Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — to be the first crewed lunar lander for its Artemis program of moon exploration. Starship will put astronauts down near the ice-rich lunar south pole on the Artemis 3 mission, in humanity’s first return to the moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. Artemis 3 is currently targeted to lift off in December 2025, but it’s unlikely Starship will be able to meet that timeline, NASA officials said. More information at https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-problems-delay-artemis-3-2026. [ANS thanks 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, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
n1uw [at] amsat [dot] org