Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 14, 2025
ARISS News
Upcoming Satellite Operations
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org
The first QSO via amateur satellite took place on March 10, 1965 when HB9RG and DL6EZA successfully completed a QSO via OSCAR III. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of this historic accomplishment, AMSAT-HB is holding a two week long competition.
The goal is to complete DX QSOs via LEO, MEO, or HEO satellites (GEO satellites are not eligible for the competition). The ten furthest QSOs per participant will be factored into the scoring.
AMSAT’s GOLF project is targeting a launch NET (no earlier than) 1Q 2026 for GOLF-TEE, a 3U CubeSat carrying a V/u linear transponder, an X band SDR based downlink, and an active attitude determination and control system. The follow-on GOLF-1 is currently targeted for a launch NET 1Q 2027.
AMSAT’s Fox Plus project is also proceeding towards being ready for a launch of a 1U CubeSat (Fox-Plus-A) with a V/u linear transponder. AMSAT’s Fox-Plus-B is also proceeding with the AMSAT XBT as the core transponder technology. AMSAT’s XBT is intended to break down the barrier between linear and FM transponders using modern signal processing and SDR. It will be capable of providing simultaneous multiple channel operation using multiple modes. All” modes will be simultaneously supported from CW through SSB through narrow band FM through PSK31 (BPSK, QPSK and such) and even SSTV. The signal processing portion of the transponder will be reconfigurable in orbit and the initial design is as a traditional U/v (non-inverting) configuration.
AMSAT’s Fox-Plus-B satellite is also expected to fly AMSAT’s PACSAT payload.
Volunteers are always needed to help bring AMSAT’s Engineering projects to fruition, for more information on how to volunteer, visit https://www.amsat.org/volunteer-for-amsat/
[ANS thanks AMSAT Engineering for the above information]
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 14, 2025
Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
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]
Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store!
When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
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.
Scheduled Contacts
Woodward Mill Elementary School, Lawrenceville, Georgia, direct via K4RGK
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is K4RGK
Royal Moroccan Air Academy, Marrakech, Morocco, direct via CN8ERA
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is IN3GHZ
Contact is go for: Fri 2025-02-21 11:12:20 UTC 72 deg
Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
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.
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.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
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.
No current operations listed.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, for the above information]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an 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
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,
“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”
Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.
Scheduled Events
March 2, 2025 Midwinter Madness Hamfest
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo MN 55313 https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/ KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR
April 4 – 5, 2025 Southeastern VHF Conference 2025
Quality Inn
3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
W4FCL
terested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]
Satellite Shorts from All Over
+ The RF Board for the AMSAT-UK FUNcube Lite payload on Jovian-1 is now assembled and ready for testing. This has the 435.090 UHF FM receiver, the VHF BPSK modulator for telemetry, + the repeater logic and timer. Back of PCB has CTCSS decoder and 8 channel ADC. (Thanks to David Bowman, G0MRF, via X)
+ The AMSAT-X Meetup Net on DMR BrandMeister Talkgroup #98006, YSF Reflector #11689, and D-STAR Reflector REFSAT takes place weekly on Thursdays at 0300Z (Wednesday evening in North America).
+ With AO-73 back in full time transponder mode, a reminder that the 73 on 73 Award is still available digitally for working 73 unique stations on AO-73. Details at https://amsat-uk.org/funcube/73-on-73-award/
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.
Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.
73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
This week’s ANS Editor,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] arrl.net
ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
* AMSAT-EA’s HADES-R Successfully Deployed and Transmitting Telemetry
* Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on Landmark New Shepard Flight
* Interlune Aims to Mine Lunar Helium-3 for Quantum Computing on Earth
* VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standings for February 2025
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 7, 2025
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org
To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2025 Feb 9
AMSAT-EA’s HADES-R Successfully Deployed and Transmitting Telemetry
The HADES-R amateur radio satellite, operated by AMSAT-EA, has been successfully deployed and is functioning as expected. According to AMSAT-EA’s update on January 23rd, the satellite is transmitting telemetry data, and the initial health reports indicate that it is in good condition. The team is actively receiving data and preparing to transition the satellite into repeater mode once all necessary checks are completed. Amateur radio operators worldwide are encouraged to share their telemetry reports to assist in confirming its operational status.
Deployment occurred on January 22nd at 15:42 UTC from the D-Orbit ION-SCV-016 orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) after launching on January 14th aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission carried 131 payloads, including amateur radio satellites HADES-R and PARUS-T1. Due to the large number of satellites onboard, deployments were staggered over several days. Early signals were reported by amateur operators, but official confirmation from AMSAT-EA followed later. Transmissions began shortly after deployment, though the FM repeater remains inactive as testing and validation processes continue.
HADES-R remains in good condition, with successful telemetry decodes reported worldwide. [Credit: AMSAT-EA]Designed to provide FM voice repeater capabilities, the satellite also supports various digital modes, including FSK telemetry and APRS at up to 1200 bps. It features a downlink frequency of 436.888 MHz, as coordinated by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). While FM voice is its primary mission, it will also transmit experimental data and FSK telemetry. The uplink frequency is 145.925 MHz, supporting FM voice and various digital modes, including AX.25 and APRS. The FM repeater will operate without requiring a subtone, activating via squelch level.
As part of AMSAT-EA’s ongoing efforts to expand amateur radio satellite operations, this spacecraft is the first of two planned replacements for HADES-D (SO-121). The second, HADES-ICM, is expected to launch on the upcoming Transporter-13 mission in March 2025. Both satellites will provide FM and digital communication options, allowing amateur operators to engage in long-distance contacts. Additionally, HADES-ICM will host an experimental payload from the University of Manchester’s Smart IR/Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), testing a low-power active radiator under space conditions. AMSAT-EA has urged the amateur radio community to continue monitoring transmissions and sharing received telemetry data as the satellite progresses towards full operational capability.
Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on Landmark New Shepard Flight
Blue Origin successfully launched its NS-29 mission on February 4th, marking a significant milestone in suborbital research. The mission, which lifted off from the company’s West Texas launch site at 11 a.m. EST (16:00 UTC), was originally scheduled for January 28th but was delayed due to weather and technical issues. This flight was the 29th for the reusable New Shepard vehicle and featured a unique capability: the simulation of lunar gravity in suborbital space.
The NS-29 mission proceeded as planned, with both the booster and the crew capsule executing safe returns to Earth. The booster performed a controlled vertical landing on the designated pad, while the capsule descended under parachutes, touching down in the West Texas desert approximately 10 minutes after launch. However, one of the capsule’s three parachutes did not fully open. Blue Origin officials assured viewers during the live broadcast that the spacecraft is designed to land safely even if not all parachutes fully deploy.
A key feature of this mission was its ability to generate lunar gravity forces—a first for New Shepard. The capsule achieved this by rotating about 11 times per minute for two minutes using its reaction-control thrusters. This capability was developed to support research on lunar-related technologies, benefiting the 30 payloads aboard the spacecraft. Among these, 29 experiments were specifically designed to test innovations applicable to the Moon’s environment.
Blue Origin New Shepard NS-29 mission simulated lunar gravity to support lunar-related research for 30 payloads. [Credit: Blue Origin]Blue Origin categorized these experiments into six focus areas: in-situ resource utilization, dust mitigation, advanced habitation systems, sensors and instrumentation, small spacecraft technologies, and entry, descent, and landing methods. Many of these experiments were backed by NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program, underscoring the space agency’s commitment to developing technology for lunar exploration. With the Artemis program aiming for long-term human presence on the Moon, missions like NS-29 provide valuable data to refine critical systems for future lunar operations.
Notable NASA-supported experiments aboard NS-29 included the Electrostatic Dust Lofting project, which examined how lunar dust becomes electrically charged and moves when exposed to ultraviolet light. Another key experiment, the Lunar-g Combustion Investigation, studied fire behavior in lunar gravity compared to Earth’s, helping to enhance safety in future lunar habitats. Other experiments tested propellant management in low gravity, soil analysis tools, and small satellite propulsion systems, all contributing to advancing space exploration technologies.
New Shepard, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, has been operational since its first uncrewed flight in April 2015. The vehicle made history in 2021 by carrying Jeff Bezos and three others on its first crewed flight. While primarily known for space tourism, with nine of its 29 flights carrying passengers, the system continues to play a critical role in scientific research. The successful NS-29 mission not only demonstrated Blue Origin’s ability to simulate lunar gravity but also reinforced its contribution to advancing space technology in support of NASA’s lunar ambitions.
[ANS thanks the Mike Wall, Space.com, for the above information]
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
Interlune Aims to Mine Lunar Helium-3 for Quantum Computing on Earth
Interlune, a Seattle-based startup founded by former Blue Origin technologists, is aiming to harvest Helium-3 from the moon to support quantum computing applications on Earth. Helium-3, a rare isotope deposited into the lunar regolith by solar wind, was first identified in samples brought back by NASA’s Apollo missions. While the potential applications of Helium-3 have intrigued scientists for years, recent astrogeological research highlights significant challenges in extracting the isotope. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggests that obtaining commercially viable amounts would require processing millions of tons of lunar regolith, a task comparable to large-scale mining operations on Earth.
Despite these hurdles, Interlune CEO Rob Meyerson remains optimistic. The company envisions an extraction system operating like an agricultural setup, with five harvesters each the size of a large SUV. Meyerson acknowledges that it will take years before the company sees a financial return, but he emphasizes the growing demand for Helium-3 in quantum computing. This isotope plays a critical role in cooling superconducting quantum computers to temperatures close to absolute zero. With quantum computing companies recognizing the need for a stable Helium-3 supply, Interlune believes now is the time to act.
Interlune is not the first to consider the commercial potential of lunar Helium-3. Apollo 17 astronaut and Interlune’s executive chairman, Jack Schmitt, has long advocated its use in nuclear fusion reactors. However, investment interest has shifted towards quantum computing applications, which promise quicker returns. Beyond computing, Helium-3 has other potential uses, including medical imaging and radiation detection. Interlune hopes to eventually supply tens of kilograms per year, a goal that Meyerson believes is both realistic and financially sustainable given current market prices of around $20 million per kilogram.
Concept illustration of lunar Helium-3 mining involving harvesters, a solar power plant, rovers and return launchers. [Credit: Interlune]However, some experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of large-scale Helium-3 extraction from the moon. Laszlo Keszthelyi, a research geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, notes that lunar Helium-3 concentrations range from just 2.4 to 26 parts per billion in Apollo samples. Given these figures, obtaining a single kilogram would require processing between 100,000 and 1 million tons of lunar soil. Keszthelyi stops short of dismissing the endeavor outright, stating that the moon does contain resources—it is merely a question of how they can be effectively utilized.
To address these concerns, Interlune is planning a resource development mission in 2027 to analyze Helium-3 concentrations at a potential mining site. This mission will be followed by a pilot plant in 2029 to demonstrate extraction and processing on the lunar surface. The company’s initial lunar mission will launch through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Interlune is actively securing funding, having already raised $18 million, with plans for another round of fundraising in the near future.
While profitability remains uncertain, experts acknowledge that Interlune’s success will depend on the efficiency of its extraction methods. Chris Dreyer from the Colorado School of Mines notes that certain minerals trap more Helium-3 than others, potentially increasing yield in select locations. However, large-scale excavation will be necessary, posing technical challenges, particularly with lunar dust. Despite these obstacles, Dreyer believes that iterative development—designing, testing, and improving equipment—could make Interlune’s ambitions feasible. As advances in space exploration continue, the prospect of mining Helium-3 on the moon is becoming an increasingly tangible reality.
[ANS thanks the Leonard David, SpaceNews, for the above information]
VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standings for February 2025
VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2025 to February 01, 2025
Callsign
01/01/2025
02/01/2025
K8DP
1629
1737
WA4NVM
1653
1676
WC7V
1451
1611
DF2ET
1102
1602
DL5GAC
New
1576
DL2GRC
1166
1501
AA5PK
1426
1500
N8RO
1401
1490
W5CBF
1224
1326
N0JE
1075
1225
MI6GTY
970
1201
F4BKV
1000
1200
KF7R
1075
1175
N9EAT
1029
1127
AC9O
1001
1126
XE1AO
1000
1111
WI7P
882
1104
N3GS
986
1103
OZ9AAR
900
1100
JK2XXK
503
1086
K9UO
950
1030
KE8RJU
950
1030
EA2AA
875
1026
W2GDJ
705
1022
JN2QCV
726
1016
VE6WQ
814
1007
K6FW
951
1005
K7TAB
814
1003
YO2CMI
820
1003
PR8KW
200
1001
KQ4DO
827
952
N8JCM
New
952
FG8OJ
737
935
HB9AOF
725
907
KN2K
808
907
JL1SAM
601
905
VU2LBW
603
902
KG0D
801
900
W8LR
825
897
N0GVK
701
867
JS1LQI
500
808
K0JM
702
801
IK3ITB
500
800
KK4YEL
674
799
N5BO
650
786
JG6CDH
553
777
N8MR
658
755
KS1G
703
754
KC4CJ
602
751
WD9EWK (DM43)
734
737
KB1HY
648
727
WA4HFN
676
727
N3CAL
480
686
AC9DX
525
682
A65BR
554
676
LY4AA
New
670
N7ZO
350
669
AF5CC
646
651
IK7FMQ
500
651
N6UTC
551
651
VE7PTN
301
635
XE1UYS
505
634
LA6OP
New
632
JN1BPM
426
630
N5EKO
500
622
SA0UNX
362
617
F6GLJ
400
609
EA3TA
503
607
RA3DNC
305
599
XE2YWH
235
595
JA1GZK
435
575
WB7VUF
555
572
VE4MM
536
561
HB9GWJ
476
553
DL6KBG
331
550
WB7QXU
500
550
W9FF
New
545
KH6WI
300
530
KP3V
402
526
KO9A
434
524
AD2DD
356
517
SV8CS
New
511
VA3VGR
352
509
HP2VX
496
508
KF2T
111
505
E70A
New
504
AL7ID
320
502
N9ZTS
400
501
I3BUI
New
500
IK0USO
118
500
JR0GAS
360
500
KA9CFD
New
500
PA7RA
300
495
N6PAZ
350
479
AB1OC
407
476
W3TI
103
465
N7UJJ
308
462
DL8GAM
375
450
N8URE (FM19)
430
450
AG4W
161
438
WO3T
New
437
DJ7NT
234
432
JI5USJ
236
425
K4RGK
362
421
F6EQD
311
420
HC2FG
350
413
JE3HCZ
103
410
W3VHF
250
406
ZS2BK
305
405
NJ2DX
100
404
SP5ULN
156
404
JO4JKL
135
401
KF0QS
301
400
ON4CCN
208
400
K6VHF
276
376
W6AER
302
376
HB9RYZ
248
365
KB3IAI
254
358
KE8AKW
329
358
HB9BIN
New
356
K3HPA
300
350
LA9KY
New
347
N8HRZ
New
337
AG1A
New
335
JH8RZJ
New
328
W0PR
New
327
N4QWF
115
325
JH0BBE
322
324
N9XG
252
310
KG4ERR
New
301
IK8YTA
162
300
K7OGW
New
300
K9JKM
201
300
W6CZ
New
300
XE1BMG
120
300
KG0I
New
297
JE2UFF
185
280
JF3MKC
200
280
KB9DAK
171
278
W6IA
100
278
AA0MZ
276
277
WA3YDZ
New
271
IN3EQZ
New
268
DL5KUA
128
266
W0BZ
New
256
K5WO
New
255
AA0K
New
253
SP7JS
New
253
KH6WI/W9 (EN54)
New
250
I1FQH
173
249
BX1AD
New
237
WA8ZID
226
230
KB4DSL
127
226
N7GR
205
226
DF5SF
New
217
KB2MFS
New
215
IK0WRB
123
213
PU5DDC
200
213
KR7LD
New
211
RA0FF
New
211
PY2YJ
150
210
N4UFO
New
206
K0JQZ
New
205
N2WLS
104
205
WD5GRW
New
205
9A2GA
New
202
EK/RX3DPK
New
200
WD9EWK (DM22)
198
200
WD9EWK (DM31)
187
200
W2HRO
New
192
OK1IN
New
190
WD9EWK (DM42)
183
189
AI9IN
150
175
RA3LAS
New
172
WD9EWK (DM45)
165
170
NK0S
167
169
7J1ADJ
New
164
W4DFU
151
163
JK4JMO
New
161
DH0GSU
152
156
AE5AU
New
153
KJ7SXR
New
151
EA4DEI
100
150
G4BWP
New
150
K2MJP
125
150
KD8RTT
101
150
VE3JO
117
149
IC8TEM
New
147
VE3AAZ
118
147
SV8CKM
New
140
WD9EWK (DM25)
120
138
W0SX
New
134
BD8CBU
New
132
BI8FFH
New
132
DH9DX
New
131
PU8MRS
127
129
XE2/CO6LAR
New
129
N6UTC (DM05)
101
128
ER1KW
New
127
XE2YWH (DL82 – D
114
119
XE2YWH (DL82)
114
119
WK7G
New
118
YC1RIK
New
114
NC0Q
New
108
XE1RCU
New
108
K7AXA
New
104
XE1YD
New
104
BG6HXD
New
103
KK7OVF
New
103
N6NU
New
103
YO6OEV
New
103
4A2MAX
New
102
BI1QGX
New
102
DL3NGN
New
102
N2YZH
New
101
SV2DSJ
New
101
BA7LVG
New
100
K9DOG
New
100
KD2YIB
New
100
LZ3SV
New
100
N5YIZ
New
100
VK5DG
New
100
W4BB
New
100
W4XP
New
100
YB1RQX/P
New
100
DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for January 01, 2025 to February 01, 2025
Callsign
01/01/2025
02/01/2025
OE9DGV
212
213
YO3APJ
162
165
EA2AA
157
158
HB9RYZ
152
153
IK4DRY
122
144
RA3DNC
131
143
IK7FMQ
120
128
SM2OAN
109
117
G4BWP
100
105
R5DT
New
102
WI7P
New
102
I4MKN
New
101
LY4AA
New
100
N0GVK
New
100
N0GVK is first DXCC Satellite holder from EN00. Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders!
[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information]
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 7, 2025
Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
NOTICE: In an effort to minimize confusion between sources of two line element sets, AMSAT is adopting the convention of listing the USSF/NORAD Satellite Catalog name first, followed by any secondary name or names in parentheses. For example, “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added recently where “POEM 4” is the name that appears in the US Space Force Satellite Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the name best known within the amateur satellite community. Expect name changes for affected satellites in the coming weeks as this change is fully implemented.
The following satellite has been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE distribution: HyperView 1G (RS66S) NORAD Cat ID 61772 Downlink 436.540 MHz OBJECT BA (ZIMSAT 2) NORAD Cat ID 71783 Downlink 437.050 MHz
Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.
+ Recently Completed
Aznakaevo Schools, Aznakaevo, Aznakaevsky District, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via RC4P
The ISS callsign was RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember was Ivan Vagner
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR
Contact was successful: Sat 2025-02-01 11:15 UTC
Congratulations to the Aznakaevo School students, Ivan, mentor RV3DR, and ground station RC4P!
Public Primary School, La Laupie, France, direct via F5KLF
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor was F6ICS
Contact was successful: Fri 2025-02-07 14:27:07 UTC
Congratulations to the La Laupie Public Primary School students, mentor F6ICS, and ground station F5KLF!
+ Upcoming Contacts
Kant, Kaliningrad, Russia
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Alex Gorbunov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Tue 2025-02-11 09:35 UTC
City of Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park, Clifton, NJ, direct via W2NPT
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is AA6TB
Contact is go for: Wed 2025-02-12 18:14:13 UTC
Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.
The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.
The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
Upcoming Satellite Operations
None currently posted.
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]
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,
“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”
Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.
Yuma Hamfest and Southwestern Division Convention – February 14th thru 15th, 2025
Yuma County Fairgrounds
2520 East 32nd Street
Yuma, AZ 85365 https://www.yumahamfest.com/
N1UW
Midwinter Madness Hamfest – March 22nd, 2025
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Road 134
Buffalo MN 55313 https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR
+ AO-73 was switched back to full-time transponder mode on February 3rd, 2025. The U/V linear transponder is now operating 24/7 after a month-long period of telemetry collection on the satellite’s electrical power system. While some signs of reduced battery capacity are present, the two Lithium-Ion cells continue to perform well, supporting full transponder operation throughout the orbit. AO-73 features an inverting SSB/CW transponder with an uplink passband from 435.150 to 435.130 MHz (LSB) and a downlink passband from 145.950 to 145.970 MHz (USB). With the transponder active, the satellite also transmits BPSK telemetry on 145.935 MHz at 40mW. The collected telemetry data helps assess the long-term health of the 11-year-old satellite. (ANS thanks David Bowman, G0MRF for the above information)
+ NASA has confirmed the crew for Axiom Mission 4, set to launch no earlier than spring 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center. The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot and ESA’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu as mission specialists. Once docked at the International Space Station, the crew will spend up to 14 days conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities. This mission includes the first ISRO astronaut aboard the station and the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay there. NASA sees private astronaut missions as a way to expand access to space and support commercial activity in low Earth orbit. As the agency shifts focus to deep space exploration through Artemis missions, partnerships with private companies help maintain a human presence in space and support research in microgravity. (ANS thanks NASA for the above information)
+ Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) NVS-02 navigation satellite, launched on January 28th aboard a Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark 2 rocket, was intended to replace the IRNSS-1E satellite in geostationary orbit as part of India’s NavIC navigation system. However, ISRO confirmed on February 2nd that the satellite’s onboard propulsion system failed due to oxidizer valves not opening, preventing it from reaching its intended orbit. As a result, NVS-02 remains stuck in an elliptical transfer orbit with a perigee of 165 kilometers (103 miles) and an apogee of 37,582 kilometers (23,354 miles), making it vulnerable to reentry due to atmospheric drag. While the spacecraft’s solar panels and other systems are functioning normally, ISRO is exploring alternative mission strategies to utilize it in its current orbit. The 2,250-kilogram (4,960-pound) satellite was the second of five planned NavIC satellites aimed at enhancing regional navigation services. Its failure raises concerns about the future deployment of the NavIC system, and it remains unclear if any backup propulsion systems could adjust its orbit to prevent early reentry. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above information)
+ AstroForge, a U.S.-based asteroid mining company, has identified asteroid 2022 OB5 as the target for its upcoming Mission 2, Odin, set to launch in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Odin will serve as a scouting spacecraft, flying as a secondary payload alongside Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 lunar lander, and will separate after the rocket’s upper stage fires for the moon. The spacecraft is expected to take about 300 days to reach the asteroid, where it will conduct a flyby to gather crucial imagery and assess the rock’s mining potential. This mission paves the way for AstroForge’s next endeavor, Vestri, which aims to land on the asteroid and initiate resource extraction, potentially launching in late 2025 as part of another rideshare mission. AstroForge, founded in January 2022, seeks to develop sustainable methods for mining precious metals from asteroids, although its first mission, Brokkr-1, launched in April 2023, failed to activate its onboard refinery technology. The company has also secured a contract with Stoke Space for future launches aboard the Nova rocket to support its ambitious mining goals. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
* Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
* Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half-time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
* Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.
Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.
73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
This week’s ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org
GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers February 2025 Rankings
Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for January 31, 2025
ARISS News
Upcoming Satellite Operations
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org
Mark Hammond, N8MH AMSAT Director presented a Commissioning Update at the October 2024 AMSAT Symposium. His presentation spoke about the launch of the UMaine MESAT-1 and provided operational details.
MESAT1 is now designated MESAT1-OSCAR 122 (MO-122). He explained, “Maine’s first small satellite, a 3U CubeSat, was successfully launched on July 4, 2024 from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
It was NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) mission 43 and included eight CubeSats flying on Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket.” Wikipedia provides an extensive list of ELaNa missions on its Educational Launch of Nanosatellites page.
Hammond continued, “MO-122 was designed and built at the University of Maine to use low-cost and low-power CMOS cameras to analyze water turbidity, identify urban heat islands, and predict harmful algal blooms from low Earth orbit (LEO). An AMSAT LTM-1 Module provides command/control, telemetry, and a V/u linear transponder.”
Dr. Ali Abedi, PhD, an extra class amateur KB1VJV and an active VEC, led the UMaine-Orono WiSe-Net Lab project. The UMaine student team included: Joseph Patton, Ph.D Candidate (Project Manager/Power System); Travis Russell, M.Sc Student, (Radio Engineer) and Steele Muchmore-Allen, 4+1 Graduate Student, (Flight Engineer). Scientific papers about the MESAT1 project were published including Travis Russell’s thesis.
MESAT1 has a multi-spectral (four bands in the 550-1100nm range) remote sensing instrument based on low-cost consumer-grade cameras, a custom electrical power supply, an onboard computer based on the Raspberry Pi compute module, a custom, low-cost deployable spacecraft antenna system, and a ground station with automated tracking.
Current MO-122 reception reports indicate the AMSAT / UMaine project is performing well on orbit. Here is information needed for monitoring or using MO-122:
V/u inverting linear transponder 30 kHz wide
Transponder uplink 145.910-145.940 MHz LSB
Transponder downlink 435.810-435.840 MHz USB
Telemetry downlink (Foxtelem)
435.800 MHz 1200 BPSK
Total power out 1 W
Two Line Elements (TLEs or Keplerian elements) bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. The latest data for tracking MO-122 and other satellites may be found here. Also see AMSAT Telemetry Data and SatNOGs Observations and Map.
Hammond related information about his Command Station equipment. He said, “Telemetry can be routinely copied with a M2 LEO-Pack using a mast mounted low noise preamp and my Icom 9700,” suggesting that antenna orientation is very important.
Teachers, Professors and Science students may experiment with telemetry data using a low-cost receiving system consisting of a homemade J-pole antenna, Fox-In-A-Box RPi and Funcube Dongle Pro other good quality software defined radio (SDR) or device.
More details about the project are available via MaineSat.org and UMaine WiSe-Net Lab. A YouTube video by M0YKS demonstrates the Amateur Radio capabilities. Follow NASA’s Small Satellite blog for other launch updates.
In his symposium presentation Hammond acknowledged the work of the commissioning team which included; Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA; Chris Thompson, VE2TCP/G0KLA; Burns Fisher, WB1FJ; and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM. He also thanked Eric Skoog, K1TVV for his work on the AMSAT Linear Transponder.
In addition to operating the AMSAT MO-122 Command Station, N8MH has nearly a quarter century of experience which includes operating command stations for several other AMSAT projects. A complete list of his extensively equipped Command Station can be found on his QRZ.com page.
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
SO-120 (URESAT-1) Antennas Deployed
Over a year and a half after launch, SO-120 (URESAT-1) has finally deployed its antennas! Jan, PE0SAT, discovered the signal of SO-120 on January 28th and telemetry confirmed that the satellite was showing that the antennas were deployed. SO-120 was launched on June 12, 2023.
On January 31st, AMSAT-EA managed to activate the FM repeater of URESAT-1 (SO-120) but in its secondary uplink frequency of 145.925 MHz. No subtone required. Downlink working well on 436.888 MHz.
VHF antenna seems not fully deployed as it can be seen in the SSTV images received are showing just a yellow color, which is the VHF antenna over the camera lens. SSTV images are transmitted in Robot36.
As the VHF antenna is not fully deployed, the FM repeater requires a strong uplink signal to break the squelch.
The satellite also can play chess. AMSAT-EA will send chess moves suggested via @AmsatSpain on X. Help is requested receiving the chess telemetry.
[ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA for the above information]
Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on ISS
Fram2 is a pioneering private astronaut mission, the first to fly astronauts over the North and South poles. Fram2 will give the four on-board astronauts unprecedented first views of the polar regions from space. While astronauts on the ISS can see a large portion of the Earth, it is not possible to see these upper regions of Earth from the ISS. Fram2 is planned to be launched no earlier than March 1, 2025 and is planning a 3 day mission with an optional 2 day extension.
The amateur radio experimental payload on Fram2, called Fram2Ham, is also pioneering in nature. It represents the first use of human spaceflight amateur (ham) radio in polar orbit and the first amateur radio transmissions from a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Fram2Ham operations are being performed by private astronaut Rabea Rogge, amateur radio callsigns LB9NJ (Norway) and KD3AID (USA).
Fram2Ham will transmit Slow Scan Television (SSTV) picture images from space to radio receivers on the ground as part of a high school and university student competition. These SSTV images can also be received by radio enthusiasts (hams, educators, and youth) worldwide and posted to the ARISS SSTV Gallery—but with a twist. Images posted will not be shown until after the Fram2 mission. These operations support the youth SSTV competition, where they are to acquire several SSTV “Puzzle Pieces,” assemble the puzzle, determine the polar location, and answer questions related to that location.
For more information on the Fram2 mission and for youth organizations interested in participating in the Fram2Ham SSTV competition, see: f2.com and Fram2Ham.com. ARISS also has a Fram2 tab on its website www.ariss.org.
The ARISS international team is planning an SSTV event to help all participating to be as proficient as possible in acquiring images from Fram2Ham and submitting them in the SSTV gallery. Like previous SSTV events, ARISS will provide special commemorative certificates for those who upload images to the gallery. Certificates will be delivered after the completion of both the Fram2 simulation event and the Fram2 mission.
SSTV Simulation details:
Hardware: ARISS radio transmitter set to low power (5 watts vs. 25 watts for previous SSTV events). This is to simulate the challenges and unknowns of a new radio system on a Dragon capsule that might be in an unfavorable attitude in some parts of the mission flight path.
Operations Frequency: 437.550 MHz. Using the SSTV (public downlink) planned for Fram2Ham, ground users can practice the more challenging 70 cm Doppler correction.
SSTV Mode: PD120. The longer image capture for this simulation (120 seconds, vs. 36 seconds for Fram2Ham’s Robot 36 SSTV mode) will allow ground users to hone their signal polarization switching skills (manually and electronically) as well as precise antenna pointing.
Operations Duration: February 13 (World Radio Day) to February 17, 2025. This long duration, over a weekend, will allow users multiple passes to practice, learn lessons, make corrections, and try again. S
Summary: There are several challenges like low transmit power, variations of antenna orientation, and a short, 3-day mission duration, with only a limited time assigned for the SSTV operation. These challenges require operating proficiency and the use of the best attainable radio station and this simulation shall give the possibility to exercise this. Are you up for the challenge?
[ANS thanks Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chair, for the above information]
GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers February 2025 Rankings
The February 2025 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data.
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus. Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!
Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for January 31, 2025
Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
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]
Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store!
When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
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.
Scheduled Contacts
Public Primary School, La Laupie, France, direct via F5KLF
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The downlink frequency is presently scheduled to be 145.800 MHz
The scheduled crewmember is Don Pettit KD5MDT
The ARISS mentor is F6ICS
Contact is go for: Fri 2025-02-07 14:27:07 UTC 72 deg
Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication. You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
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.
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.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
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.
8R, GUYANA:
Watch out for Aldir, PY1SAD, signing 8R1TM from Georgetown between
Jan. 1 and Feb. 8. QRV on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via
satellites. QSL direct via homecall, LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM, and DXNL 2439 – January 1, 2025 DX Newsletter, for the above information]
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an 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
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,
“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”
Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.
Scheduled Events
Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 7-9, 2025 Hamcation 2025 and ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park
4603 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32808 https://www.hamcation.com/
KE4AL
February 14-15, 2025 Yuma HAMCON and Southwestern Division Convention
Yuma County Fairgrounds
Yuma, AZ https://www.yumahamfest.com/
N1UW
March 2, 2025 Midwinter Madness Hamfest
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo MN 55313 https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/ KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR
April 4 – 5, 2025 Southeastern VHF Conference 2025
Quality Inn
3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
W4FCL
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]
Satellite Shorts from All Over
+ Mike Herr, WA6ARA, submitted a report about his activity during the W2RS Memorial AMSAT CW Activity Day, held on January 1st: “After fussing with a new tracking computer, I made one (1) CW contact, right at the end of the window. I worked WA0CTZ, Dave, at 2357 on AO-7. Fitting way to end the year and start a new one. It has rekindled my desire to operate satellites.” (ANS thanks WA6ARA for the information)
+ FO-29’s analog linear transponder will be activated at the following times in February:
February 1, 00:49～
February 2,01:38～
February 8, 01:22～
February 9, 02:12～
February 15, 01:56～
February 16, 01:00～
February 22, 00:44～
February 23, 01:34～
February 24, 00:39～
Due to FO-29’s battery status, the satellite will remain on after activation until the satellite’s undervoltage control (UVC) automatically shuts off the transponder. (ANS thanks JARL for the information)
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.
Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.
73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
This week’s ANS Editor,
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM n8hm [at] arrl.net
ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
Hacking a Motorized RV Satellite Dish for Tracking LEO Satellites
AMSAT Thanks 2024 President’s Club Members
ARISS News
Upcoming Satellite Operations
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org.
To: All RADIO AMATEURS From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653 Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2025 Jan 26
AMSAT Fox-Plus CubeSat Moves Toward CDR Milestone
Critical Design Review (CDR) of the new AMSAT FOX-Plus CubeSat concept is expected to occur during late May 2025 according to Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Fox Plus Systems Engineer. Launch of the newly-designed CubeSat is planned for late 2025.
Moore explained, “The purpose of the Fox-Plus Amateur Radio satellite is to continue and augment the success of the original Fox series of AMSAT 1U CubeSats. We want to have units ready to fly experimental payloads on short notice.” The term “1U” refers to the standard size CubeSat, also known as a nanosat, measuring 10x10x10 centimeters, weighing one to 1.33 kilograms.
According to Moore, “To expedite the development, commercial off the shelf (COTS) components were selected. The components included the frame, electrical power system (EPS), solar panels, and antenna system (AntS) from ISISPACE.” Netherlands-based ISIS describes itself as “Disruptive Space Solutions For A Better Tomorrow” provider turn-key missions, launch services and components.
AMSAT concentrates on the Linear Transponder Module (LTM) which includes Legacy Internal Housekeeping Unit (LIHU), Improved Command Receiver (ICR) and receiver/transmitter (RX/TX) subsystem. The CubeSat Power Integrated Unit (PIU) consists of three subsystems deriving electrical energy from solar panels stored in a power battery pack (PBP).
AMSAT’s Fox-Plus A began during 2022 with a Concept of Operations (ConOps) presentation on February 11, 2022. ISIS produced components were received during 2023 then evaluated and tested during 2024. EM build and test began in the later part of 2024 and continues into 2025.
Mike Moore was first licensed in March of 2018 and earned his extra class license in November of the same year. In addition to his AMSAT work he is the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Culpeper County, Virginia and a member of the Culpeper Amateur Radio Association. He is a charter member of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Emergency Communications, also known as R3EMCOMM, an all-volunteer community-wide public service organization. He uses an Icom 9700 for satellite work.
In addition to Moore, the Fox-Plus Engineering Team includes Andrew Robinson, KA3WDW (Mechanical & Structural Engineer), Cliff Jenkins, KE8JAE (Software), Will Brozovic (Software), Leandra MacLennan, AF1R (Electrical Engineer, Hardware), and Patrick Thomas, KB8DGC (System Engineer & PACSAT Liaison).
Fox CubeSat Program Background AMSAT’s Fox CubeSat program is aligned with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) CubeSat Launch Initiative. This provides opportunities for CubeSats built by U.S. educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to fly on upcoming launches.
Also known as the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program, NASA’s innovative technology partnerships provide CubeSat developers a low-cost pathway to conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations in space, thus enabling students, teachers, and faculty to obtain hands-on flight hardware design, development, and build experience.
Fox-1A (now designated AO-85) was among the earliest CubeSats launched by NASA. Fox-1 is a 1-Unit CubeSat with U/V FM repeater operating at up to 800mw along with experimental pay-loads facilitating STEM learning.
Ham Radio Now Episode 85 show host Gary Pierce, KN4AQ reveals the early days of the Fox program in his July 9, 2013 YouTube video. The show included an interview of Tony Montiero AA2TX (AMSAT VP Engineering) and Mark Hammond N4MH (AMSAT VP Education). They provided background information about the Fox-1 Satellite and talked about the AMSAT transition from purely Amateur Radio satellites to becoming a platform and communications provider for educational space science experiments.
AMSAT FoxTelem software for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems is used to transmit satellite telemetry signals. It was developed by Christopher Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ/VE2TCP. Thompson also has developed other Amateur Radio Satellite software.
Payloads included a Penn State University capstone project for 2011-2012 academic year, senior engineering students. They developed a 3-axis Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) gyroscope to measure the spin and wobble of the satellite.
The second payload was developed by Vanderbilt University students. It recorded occurrences of radiation-induced bit upsets in modern commercial-off-the-shelf memory chips that exhibit a sensitivity to low-energy protons. The mission contributed to the validation of ground-based test methods for hardness assurance and error rate predictions.
An offshoot of the Penn State University experiment on Fox-1, Mark Spencer, WA8SME wrote about an Attitude Determination Experiment Simulator (Wobbler) in the AMSAT Journal July/August 2013 issue.
[ANS thanks Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Fox Plus Systems Engineer for the above information.]
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club coins are here now! Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus
Hacking a Motorized RV Satellite Dish for Tracking LEO Satellites
Over on the SaveItForParts YouTube channel, Gabe Emerson, KL1FI, has uploaded a new video showing how he’s hacking an old motorized Winegard RV satellite dish for tracking low earth orbit satellites, such as the NOAA and Meteor weather satellites as well as the US Military’s DMSP system.
The motorized RV satellite dish was originally intended for tracking TV satellites, but by connecting to the serial port on the control unit, Gabe is able to control the satellite dish through his own code.
Gabe reports, “In this video I’m creating a motorized satellite tracker for S-Band signals. S-Band includes NOAA weather satellites and the US Military’s DMSP system (it’s also the radio band for WiFi, which I might look at later).
“I’m using a Winegard brand “Trav’ler” antenna designed for use on campers and recreational vehicles. It has a built-in three-axis motor system for pointing at TV satellites, but I wanted to use it for tracking satellites closer to earth. Since a low-orbit satellite like NOAA 18 or DMSP passes overhead in about 10 minutes, I need to move the dish faster and more precisely then it was intended for.
“This project is still ongoing, and I don’t yet have the code up on Github. When I do, it will be available at https://github.com/saveitforparts/ alongside the code for some similar antennas I’ve hacked in the past.
[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]
AMSAT Thanks 2024 President’s Club Members
Now that the books are being closed for the 2024 calendar year, AMSAT would like to extend its deepest thanks to those individuals and organizations for their extraordinary gifts to AMSAT during the past year. The President’s Club recognizes these generous donors, who together, have provided over $45,000 during 2024. The AMSAT Officers and Board of Directors thank the following:
Titanium Level ($4,800+) Barry Baines, WD4ASW Alan Biddle, WA4SCA William Brown, K9LF
Platinum Level ($2,400+) Ray Crafton, KN2K M2 Antenna Systems Quarter Century Wireless Association
Gold Level ($1,200+) Anonymous Anonymous Burns Fisher, WB1FJ Mark Hammond, N8MH John Kludt, K7SYS Glenn Miller, AA5PK Michael Stipick, KC4RI
Silver Level ($600+) John Boehme, K4PRK Donald Coker, KM6TRZ Richard Dittmer, KB7SAT Warren Fugate, W3WE Mark Johns, K0JM Joseph, Lynch,N6CL Bruce Paige, KK5DO Peter Prendergast, W2PP Jason Schwarz, N4JJS Jim Tittsler, 7J1AJH
Bronze Level ($300+) Keith Baker, KB1SF George Gallis, AL7BX Edward Krome, K9EK Donald Lum, WA6ICW Donald Pettigrew, K9ECT Barbara Simpson, KA5CFB Dave Taylor, W8AAS Ronald Verweerdt, ZS6RVC David Vine, WA1EAW
Core Level ($120+) Oscar Alonzo, N6PAZ Anonymous Alan Arrison David Batzle, N2VDY Robert Beatty, WB4SON Alan Boggs, K7IIV Carlos Cardon, W7QL James Gallagher III, KB3SQS George Gallis, AL7BX David Hartrum, WA3YDZ Steven Husey, KB1UOJ Brian Lopeman, KI7WXP Doug Papay, K8DP William Pesci, N4WLP Carlos Picoto, AD7NP Tim Pierce, N9PN Larry Schroeder, KD4HSL Martin Shinko, KB3AEV Paul Stoetzer, N8HM Owen Trott, KF5BLK Stefan Wagener, VE4SW Wayne Wagner, AG1A
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development comments, “AMSAT receives contributions of all sizes from members and other supporters who appreciate the work that AMSAT is doing to keep Amateur Radio in Space. Every donation, big or small, is essential to AMSAT’s success. But, it is this group of donors, representing only 1.3% of AMSAT membership, that do the heavy lifting for AMSAT fund raising.
“Donations of whatever amount that makes sense for each member is especially important for 2025. After years of design work by AMSAT’s Engineering Team, they are now buying tens-of-thousands of dollars worth of parts and beginning to build the actual Fox Plus and GOLF satellites that we will have the benefit of enjoying. If you can, please donate through the members’ portal or the AMSAT Store https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-presidents-club-donations/.”
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]
Need new satellite antennas? Purchase M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store!
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
Pine View School, Osprey, FL, direct via W4AC The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS. The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams, KD5PLB. The ARISS mentor is Phillip Shreves, N7GZT. Contact is go for Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 17:21 UTC. Watch for Livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/@SarasotaSchools https://www.facebook.com/sarasotaschools (Possibly)
Kyoto Municipal Shimogamo Junior High School, Kyoto-city, Japan direct via JL3ZPU The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague, KG5TMV. The ARISS mentor is Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ. Contact is go for Friday, January 31, 2025 at 09:09 UTC.
Aznakaevsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via TBD The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS. The scheduled crewmember is Ivan Vagner. The ARISS mentor is A.R.C. “ENERGIA, RV3DR. Contact is go for Saturday, February,1 2025 at 11:15 UTC.
The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.
The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.
NA-002; January 28 – February 2, 2025 VP5, Caicos Islands: Tony, KD8RTT, pays Providenciales Island a visit from Jan. 28 until Feb. 2. QRV as VP5/KD8RTT with a focus on satellites. QSL via his home callsign. (Per DARC DX Newsletter)
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, and JoAnne Maenmpaa, K9JKM, 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.
Saturday February 1, 2025 (rescheduled from January 11, 2025) Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society – TechFest Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Expo Center Building 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy. Lawrenceville, GA 30045 K4RGK
Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 7-9, 2025 Hamcation 2025 and ARRL Southeastern Division Convention Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 https://www.hamcation.com/ KE4AL
February 14-15, 2025 Yuma HAMCON and Southwestern Division Convention Yuma County Fairgrounds Yuma, AZ https://www.yumahamfest.com/ N1UW
April 4 – 5, 2025 Southeastern VHF Conference 2025 Quality Inn 3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd Clarksville, TN 37040 W4FCL
Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program for the above information.]
Satellite Shorts From All Over
HamSCI has announced Personal Space Weather Station sessions via zoom. The Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) network is a distributed series of receivers designed to measure the space environment. These stations are built by professionals, citizen scientists, and ham radio operators. HamSCI and its partners are constantly at work on expanding the network, improving the PSWS data collection hardware and software, growing the network infrastructure for data storage and retrieval, as well as meeting HamSCI’s ultimate goal, analysis of the collected data. HamSCI has announced a recurring series of Zoom based sessions to help those interested in the project. Sessions occur each Thursday at 10:00 AM Eastern. More information is available on the HamSCI website https://hamsci.org/get-involved. [ANS thanks hamweekly.com for the above information.]
The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) will be conducting a research campaign January 27-31 UTC, with operating times specified in the table below. Operating frequencies will vary, but all HAARP transmissions will be between 2.75 MHz and 10 MHz. Actual transmit days and times are highly variable based on real-time ionospheric and/or geomagnetic conditions. All information is subject to change. Research topics for this campaign include VLF generation and ducting, studies on STEVE airglow, and space debris detection. This campaign will also support the GIRAFF rocket launch from Poker Flat Research Range, which is investigating the mechanisms that cause flickering and pulsing within the aurora. Note that a number of experiments will be conducted based on the critical frequency (f0F2) determined by the Gakona ionosonde. The included transmission notice supplement contains information on the frequencies HAARP is authorized to transmit. HAARP transmissions will only occur on our authorized frequencies. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-026-HAARP. [ANS thanks hamweekly.com for the above information.]
Electric propulsion is being increasingly used on space missions and could ultimately replace thrusters using chemical rockets. Spacecraft powered by electric propulsion could soon be better protected against their own exhaust, thanks to new supercomputer simulations. Electric propulsion is a more efficient alternative to traditional chemical rockets, and there are even plans to use electric propulsion on NASA’s Lunar Gateway space station. The idea behind electric propulsion is that an electric current ionizes (i.e. removes an electron from) atoms of a neutral gas, such as xenon or krypton, stored on board a spacecraft. The ionization process produces a cloud of ions and electrons. Then a principle called the Hall effect generates an electric field that accelerates the ions and electrons and channels them into a characteristically blue plume that emerges from the spacecraft at over 37,000 mph (60,000 kph). Hence an electric propulsion system is also referred to as an ion engine. More information at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-026-ION. [ANS thanks space.com for the above information.]
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 [dot] 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
