February 22, 2026
In this edition:
- REMINDER: AMSAT New Memberships & Renewals Includes Getting Started Guide
- AMSAT Publishes “Satellites in Space” Coloring Book
- AMSAT-DL’s Peter Gülzow, DB2OS Honored
- “Satellites and Pollution Control” Added to BuzzSat Online Courses
- Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 20, 2026
- ARISS News
- AMSAT Ambassador Activities
- Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT(R) 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 .
Sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List. Join this list at: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/
REMINDER: AMSAT Membership Now Includes Getting Started Guide
AMSAT is offering a limited-time promotion for new and renewing members that includes a free digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites. The promotion is being offered as AMSAT begins the 2026 membership year.
Anyone who joins or renews their AMSAT membership during the promotional period will receive a download link for the latest edition of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites in their membership confirmation email. The guide is designed to help radio amateurs understand the fundamentals of satellite operation and serves as a practical reference for both newcomers and operators returning to the hobby. Additional information about AMSAT membership is available at https://launch.amsat.org.
In addition to this limited-time promotion, AMSAT membership includes a subscription to The AMSAT Journal, access to archived issues, discounts on selected items in the AMSAT online store, and opportunities to participate in AMSAT elections, committees, awards programs, and other AMSAT activities and programs. Members may also access archived proceedings from past AMSAT Space Symposiums through the AMSAT member portal.
Beyond these tangible benefits, AMSAT membership supports the development, launch, and operation of amateur radio satellites, along with education and outreach efforts. Joining AMSAT is not just about individual benefits — it is about being part of the community that builds and operates amateur satellites for radio amateurs worldwide. As AMSAT looks ahead to 2026, the promotion helps launch another year of growth and opportunity for amateur radio in space.
[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT President for the above information.]
The 2026 President’s Club Coin is Now Here!
Help Support GOLF and FoxPlus.
Annual memberships start at only $120
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
AMSAT Publishes “Satellites in Space” Coloring Book
As part of its Youth Initiative, AMSAT just published its “Satellites in Space” coloring book on www.BuzzSat.com. The free coloring book is available at no charge in both English and Spanish language versions.
The complete title of the coloring book is “Satellites in Space Help us Live a Better Life on Earth.” This theme shows how satellites play an important role in virtually every aspect of modern life. The book includes twelve two-page spreads that illustrate different roles that satellites play and the benefits they provide.
For example, one spread explains “Helping Farmers Grow bountiful Crops – For Healthy Meals on Every Table!” Another spread features teenagers using Amateur Radio “Sharing Messages and Pictures ‘ With Friends Around the World!”
The complete list of topics include:
- Agriculture
- Broadcasting
- Communications
- Climate Change
- Pollution Control
- Fighting Wildfires
- Preserving Wildlife
- Space Exploration
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Research on the ISS
- Search and Rescue
Each topic also includes a one-page discussion guide for adult leaders to use when working with youth and the coloring books.
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development explains, “We have produced the coloring book for several reasons. First, it is the ‘right thing’ to do. We must educate and encourage youth to become active contributors in satellite and communication technology. Second, It helps us satisfy part of our responsibilities spelled out in AMSAT’s Articles of Incorporation to encouragement of skills, even at the earliest stages of our youth’s development. Third, it begins to develop an awareness in young people of amateur satellites and amateur radio. We, of course, won’t convert every young person into and amateur radio operator and an AMSAT member, but we will get our fair share. The earlier we start, the better our chances.
“There are two very unique aspects of AMSAT’s Youth Initiative. First is it is a ‘community based’ program. The materials are designed so that any parent, scouting leader, amateur radio club or teacher can use the materials as they stand. It does not require buy-in by a school system for get started.
“The second unique feature is that, although its ultimate goal is to interest kids in amateur satellites ans amateur radio, the materials appeal to a broader spectrum of youth’s interests. If they have an interest in current events affecting our planet or in their future careers, we have at least begun a dialog with which we can nurture their possible interest in satellites and communications technologies. And, if we haven’t won them over along the way, at least we have educated them in some aspects of STEM and perhaps even inspired them.
“The Spanish language version of the coloring book is our first step in attempting to publish the coloring book in as many languages as there are AMSAT sister-organizations. I am interested in exchanging ideas with representatives of AMSAT organizations around the world to help make this happen.
“AMSAT thanks Amateur Radio Digital Corporation for a generous grant to make this project possible.”
Persons interested in viewing the coloring book and perhaps downloading copies for the kids can learn more at www.BuzzSat.com.
[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.]
AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!
Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a FoxPlus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today athttps://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain
AMSAT-DL’s Peter Gülzow, DB2OS Honored
Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, was recently honored as one of the “Top 100 of the Table 2025/26”: The 100 key figures in the space scene, and among the ten most influential leaders in the associations category. This recognition was bestowed by by the editors of Space.Table. The Table.Briefings editorial team is a diverse group of talented editors who are experts in their field and bring a wide range of experience and knowledge.
Peter commented, “The space editors of Table.Media have honored me as one of the ten formative minds in the associations category. However, I see this recognition not only as a personal award, but above all as a tribute to an extraordinary community: AMSAT!
“For more than 50 years, the global AMSAT community has been developing, building and operating small satellites – driven by voluntary commitment, enthusiasm for space travel, passion, technical excellence and a clear vision. If AMSAT were a ‘space nation,’ we would rank about 10th in the world with over 130 amateur radio satellites launched. This is a remarkable result for a non-governmental organization run by volunteers.
“AMSAT was and is an incubator for technology, training and entrepreneurial thinking in the space sector. Generations of radio amateurs, students, engineers and founders have been shaped by this platform.
“However, against the backdrop of growing commercial mega-constellations and increasing regulatory consolidation, a central question arises: What role will non-commercial, experimental satellite radio play in the orbit system in the future?
Amateur radio via satellite is not a nostalgic relic. It is:
a low-threshold access to space travel for the next generation,
an experimental testing ground for new technologies,
an international cooperation model beyond geopolitical tensions, and a building block of technological sovereignty – also in Europe.
“This requires reliable frequency protection, regulatory planning security and a political framework that does not suppress voluntary innovation structures, but recognizes them as part of the space ecosystem.”
[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.]
“Satellites and Pollution Control” Added to BuzzSat Online Courses
Retired school science teacher and AMSAT volunteer Eric Sonnenwald, N2XSE, has been hard at work finishing AMSAT’s third online course “Satellites and Pollution Control.”
The first two course published, “Introduction to Satellite Meteorology” and “Satellites and Climate Change” have gone through their initial test reviews and are now fully active. The pollution control course is online but not promoted until its review cycle is completed.
Two additional courses, “Satellites and Conservation” and “Satellites in Wildfire Fighting” are nearing completion and will be online shortly.
These courses are designed for teenage students and are available at no charge to any parent, group leader or teacher.
Future titles planned include:
- Amateur Satellites
- Building a Ground Station
- Satellite Telemetry
- Broadcasting
- Navigation
- Point-to-Point Communications
- Space Exploration
- Research in Space
- Search and Rescues
- And, many more.
Persons who are subject matter experts in any of the above fields or any other topics that you think are important to STEM education are invited to email volunteer [at] AMSAT [dot] org. The AMSAT Youth Initiative has a great working team and welcomes more volunteers to help stimulate youth interest in amateur satellites and amateur radio. Try the online courses at www.BuzzSat.com.
[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 20, 2026
Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information.]
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
+ CityKidz Pre and Primary School, Johannesburg, South Africa, telebridge via AB1OC.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS.
The scheduled crewmember is Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor is Peter Kofler, IN3GHZ.
Contact is go for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 12:42 UTC.
Completed Contacts
+ The Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Discovery (CCID), Providence, UT direct via W7IVM.
The ISS callsign was NA1SS.
The crewmember was Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor was Charlie Sufana, AJ9N.
Contact was successful at Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 17:13 UTC.
+ FIRST x XRP Governors Cup, Washington, DC, telebridge via K6DUE.
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The crewmember was Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor was Charlie Sufana, AJ9N.
Contact was successful: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 14:56 UTC.
The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.
The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.
The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html
The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information.]
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
March 21, 2026
Midwinter Madness Hamfest 2026
Maple Grove Radio Club
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information.]
Satellite Shorts From All Over
- Flatsat 1 is a hardware based training platform designed to be vulnerable — on purpose. It’s built for hackers, engineers, and space enthusiasts who want to dive deep into space-grade systems, learn cybersecurity concepts, and prototype their own payloads. The board contains an RP2040 MCU for comms and simulation, 2 x SX1262 LoRa radios for realistic space-ground communication scenarios, LIS2DH 3-axis accelerometer for sensor data emulation and tampering challenges, and a BME280 environmental sensor for telemetry testing. All firmware and documentation is open source. Boards are scheduled for availability on April 30, 2026, but pricing information is not yet announced. [ANS thanks Electronic Cats for the above information. See the full description at https://electroniccats.com/flat-sat/.]
- The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAA-B) has approved the resumption of Falcon 9 first-stage touchdowns in the nation’s waters. The decision ended a lengthy review spurred by a test flight mishap with SpaceX’s Starship megarocket, which rained debris down on parts of the island nation nearly a year ago. SpaceX can land its rockets in The Bahamas again — and will do so very soon, if all goes according to plan. [ANS thanks Space.com for the above information. See the full article at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-resume-rocket-landings-bahamas-after-starship-mishap-debris.]
- A new SpaceX tool for tracking satellites and other objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) could help prevent future satellite collisions, and it’s attracting significant industry interest by requiring users to provide data on their own satellites. The system, known as Stargaze, uses the star tracker cameras on SpaceX’s near-10,000 Starlink satellites to image objects in LEO, creating a detailed map of where everything is at any one time. That information could make a huge difference in avoiding satellite collisions. [ANS thanks Yahoo!Tech for the above information. See the full article at https://tech.yahoo.com/science/articles/spacex-pushes-stargaze-space-management-191417399.html.]
Join AMSAT Today at https://launch.amsat.org/
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
- Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
- Students are eligible for FREE membership up to age 25.
- 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.
f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org
ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002.
AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.
