November 10, 2024

This Week in Amateur Radio

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Via AMSAT: ANS-063 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins for March 3, 2024

AMSAT News Service

ANS-063
March 3, 2024

In this edition:

  • ARISS 40th Anniversary Celebration Held at Kennedy Space Center
  • AMSAT-Francophone Hosts 7th Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) March 16th and 17th
  • VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of March 1, 2024
  • Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 1, 2024
  • 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 https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

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

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


ARISS 40th Anniversary Celebration Held at Kennedy Space Center

ARISS held their 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Positive Impact of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight at Kennedy Space Center on February 22-24.

Highlights of the event included a surprise live telebridge contact with the ISS via K6DUE where students present at the conference were able to ask questions of Astronauts Loral O’Hara and Jasmin Moghbeli aboard the ISS.

It was also announced that the repaired HamTV module will launch on the SpaceX-30 resupply mission, scheduled for launch on March 12th. HamTV sends a 2.3 GHz amateur television video signal from the ISS to support student contacts and other projects.

Discussions were held regarding the Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) initiative with plans for amateur radio aboard Lunar Gateway. Teams are currently working with spectrum planners for frequencies between 2.4 and 10.5 GHz and the CAVIAR prototype on-station radio was demonstrated.

Lou McFadin, W5DID, received a special achievement award. Lou has been active in amateur radio in human spaceflight since STS-9.

The keynote speaker for the weekend was Richard Garriott, W5KWQ. His conference keynote was a retrospective of his father’s amateur radio efforts entitled “Owen Garriott, W5LFL, Ham Radio Pioneer” and he also delieved a banquet keynote entitled “Exploration Endeavors in Space: Experiences and Leadership as a Private Astronaut and in Space Communication in LEO, to the Moon and Beyond.”

Stay tuned to ANS for further reports from this event.

[ANS thanks ARISS for the above information]


AMSAT-Francophone Hosts 7th Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) March 16th and 17th

The AMSAT-Francophone is organizing the seventh Amateur Radio Space Meeting (RSR) on March 16 and 17, 2024 in Nanterre. This event, held within the framework of its general assembly, aims to bring together both amateur radio satellite users and the designers of these satellites (whether they are amateurs, students, or academics). The goal is to share and exchange ideas about their passion and projects.
Here are the formats of activities that will be offered during these two days:
  • Conferences: These will last between 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Working sessions on predefined topics.
  • Unconference, where you get to define the topic.
 Admission to the conferences is free, and on-site catering will be available for your convenience.
In addition, here are some additional details:
  • More than 20 conferences will be part of the program.
  • Participatory moments will take place (in a Grid format).
  • Over 17 speakers will share their knowledge and experiences.
  • The conferences will be broadcast on QO100 and Twitch
  • All conference are in French
For more information, you can visit the AMSAT-Francophone website (AMSAT Francophone | L’activité radioamateur par satellite (amsat-f.org))

[ANS thanks AMSAT-Francophone for the above information]


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VUCC & DXCC Satellite Standing as of March 1, 2024

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
February 01, 2024 to March 01, 2024

Call 1-Feb 1-Mar
WC7V        1457   1550
AA5PK        1426   1450
N8RO        1423   1444
DF2ET        1200   1300
MI6GTY         970   1201
N0JE        1100   1175
KF7R        1100   1128
F4BKV        1000   1100
VE6WQ         814   1007
YO2CMI         820   1003
WI7P         882    975
N8JCM         917    952
JK2XXK         503    903
EA2AA         883    892
KQ4DO         853    880
KK4YEL         674    728
N8MR         675    684
JG6CDH         605    677
VE7PTN         301    635
IK3ITB         500    604
LA6OP         458    600
N7ZO         501    600
N3CAL         525    580
DL6KBG         500    550
VE4MM         536    550
WB7QXU         500    550
HP2VX         496    500
I3BUI         New    500
JA1GZK         435    500
F6EQD         311    420
PA7RA         300    408
ZS2BK         305    405
KH6WI         300    400
N6PAZ         369    386
JI5USJ         301    355
LA9KY         New    347
K6VHF         276    300
K7OGW         New    300
DL5KUA         128    266
KB9DAK         171    255
JF3MKC         200    250
BX1AD         New    237
KB2MFS         New    215
PU5DDC         200    213
N2WLS         104    205
W6CZ         103    200
WD9EWK (DM42)         183    189
7J1ADJ         New    164
KJ7SXR         New    151
N4UFO         New    150
BD8CBU         New    132
KA9CFD         New    126
HB9BIN         New    119
BI1QGX         New    102
N2YZH         New    101
AA0K         New    100
AG1A         New    100
LZ3SV         New    100
VK5DG         New    100

Congratulations to the new VUCC holders!

LZ3SV is first VUCC Satellite holder from Bulgaria and KN21
BX1AD is first VUCC Satellite holder from Taiwan and PL04
KJ7SXR is first VUCC Satellite holder from CN86
HB9BIN is first VUCC Satellite holder from JN37
LA9KY is first VUCC Satellite holder from JP65
BI1QGX is first VUCC Satellite holder from ON80
7J1ADJ is first VUCC Satellite holder from PL36
VK5DG is first VUCC Satellite holder from QF02

DXCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary
February 01, 2024 to March 01, 2024

Call 1-Feb 1-Mar
OE9DGV        210   212
SM3NRY        171   174
G4WFQ        143   173
RA3S        101   161
YO2KHK        151   156
OZ9AAR        151   153
DK9JC        100   152
ZS4TX        128   152
UX0FF        135   147
YO2RR        138   142
F6AOJ        129   139
SP3AU        137   138
PA7RA        113   133
IK5CBE        New   131
IW7DOL        122   127
K8DP        122   125
XE1MEX        115   122
FG8OJ        114   116
LA0FA        109   112
UW7LL        New   107
NS3L        100   104
EA5RM        101   103
DL5KUA        New   101
AC9O        New   100

Congratulations to the new DXCC Satellite holders!

IK5CBE is first DXCC Satellite holder from JN53
DL5KUA is first DXCC Satellite holder from JO53

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


Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 1, 2024

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 been removed from this week’s AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

IT-SPINS NORAD Cat ID 49017 Decayed from orbit on or about 25 February 2024

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


Need new satellite antennas?
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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.

“IES Pedro Simón” Abril High School, Alcaraz, Spain, telebridge via K6DUE

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Loral O’Hara KI5TOM
The ARISS mentor is IKØUSO

Contact is go for: Mon 2024-03-04 11:21:02 UTC 70 deg
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xgk4YZT5w4

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.

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

Quick Hits:

From…me! (K5ZM) I’ll be heading back to SGU for some sorely needed R & R and will be there from Saturday, 2 Mar through Saturday, 9 Mar and leaving on the morning of the 10th. Rove-wise, the main objectives are reactivations of the DM46/DM47 & DM56/DM57 gridlines, plus a trip just a bit farther south for the DM44/DM45 gridline -that will be new /r for me. Given the windshield time involved, I’m thinking these will take the form of a Mon/Wed/Fri scenario, but that’s not set in stone. I don’t necessarily care about the order in which I do them. Let me know your thoughts. I’ll probably hit DM36 (and of course DM37) and maybe another grid or two in between.

Major Roves:

NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND SAT DXPEDITION 2024

 

F4DXV Jérôme (@F4DXV) and EA4NF Philippe (@EA4NF_SAT) announce that they will be actívating Noirmoutier island EU-064  IN86 from April 1 to 4, 2024 with the special callsign TM4J

In an exciting initiative, Jérôme F4DXV and Philippe EA4NF are preparing for an exceptional expedition to the island of Noirmoutier from 1 to 4 April 2024. Bearing the special call sign TM4J, this experienced team will devote themselves entirely to exploring satellite possibilities, offering a unique opportunity to radio enthusiasts the world over.
This international expedition will focus entirely on the LEO, GEO (QO-100) and MEO (GREENCUBE IO-117) satellites, with a variety of modes and operators. Jérôme and Philippe, experts in the field of portable satellite communications, will provide 24-hour coverage over several days, offering an unrivalled experience from this picturesque island in the Vendée.

This International DXpedition is the 1st 100% SAT from this French island.

Jérôme F4DXV:
120 DXCC LEO SAT
6 international DX expeditions by satellite
24 world distance records on LEO SAT
Philippe EA4NF:
126 DXCC LEO SAT
16 international DX expeditions by satellite
1 world distance record on LEO SAT
Captivating videos of their performances are available on YouTube, offering a glimpse of their expertise in amateur satellite communications in portable situations.
The main objective of this expedition is to maximise contacts with various countries during the 3-day activation, while offering operators around the world the rare opportunity to contact the highly coveted IN86 grid, in addition to accumulating DXCC and IOTA contacts.
Funded entirely by the two operators, the expedition will benefit from state-of-the-art technical resources, enabling uninterrupted activity 24 hours a day.
This initiative also aims to raise awareness of amateur radio among the general public, by highlighting satellite communication both to visitors on site and through the media.
Jérôme and Philippe will be happy to answer any questions you may have about amateur radio communication via satellite.

Updates available on @TM4J_SAT

[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


Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

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

AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, 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

2024 CubeSat Developer’s Workshop
April 23-25, 2024
San Luis Obispo, CA
https://www.cubesatdw.org/

Dayton Hamvention 2024
Friday May 17th through Sunday May 19th, 2024
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
120 Fairground Road
Xenia, OH 45385
https://hamvention.org

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


Satellite Shorts from All Over

+ Longtime satellite operator and AMSAT member George Carr, WA5KBH, became a silent key on Sunday, February 25, 2024. His obituary can be found at https://www.johnsonfuneralhome.net/obits/deacon-george-k-carr-ii/. George was a frequent and friendly presence on amateur satellites for many years. AMSAT extends our condolences to George’s family and friends.

+ Bob Heil, K9EID, became a silent key this past week after a battle with cancer. From the Heil Facebook page:

“Our beloved founder, Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID, is now a Silent Key. Bob fought a valiant, year-long battle with cancer, and passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Bob’s lifelong passion for amateur radio was clear to everyone involved in the hobby. Everything Bob did for the betterment and growth of amateur radio – from his instructional handbooks and countless presentations to his support of the ARRL and youth programs – was based on the foundation and spirit of service. Bob was an Elmer to all of us. While Bob’s presence will dearly be missed, his impact on the hobby and everyone in it will forever be felt. On behalf of Bob to all ham radio operators worldwide, 73.”

Dr. Heil was a longtime friend of AMSAT and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.

(ANS thanks Heil for the above information.)

+ After spending over a decade on a mission in space, a defunct 5,000 pound satellite returned to Earth on Feb. 21, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean somewhere between Alaska and Hawaii. After tracking the dead satellite for most of the day, the European Space Agency confirmed the satellite had returned to earth by about 19:30 UTC. ERS-2 launched in 1995 and was initially planned to serve the ESA for three years. However, it remained in operation until 2011, providing data for over 5,000 projects, including tracking Earth’s shrinking polar ice, sea levels and atmospheric make-up. The majority of the 2.5 ton satellite disintegrated in Earth’s atmosphere, though remaining debris likely landed in the north Pacific. (ANS thanks USA Today for the above information.)

+ The International Space Station (ISS) took more than a quarter-century, 42 space launches, and $150 billion to build. Voyager Space is cooperating with multiple companies and space agencies, including Europe’s Airbus, American defense contractor Northrop Grumman, and — intriguingly — Hilton Hotels, to build a “Starlab” commercial space station to replace the aging ISS. On Jan. 31, the Starlab space station team announced that it had hired SpaceX to launch its entire Starlab space station to Low Earth Orbit “in a single mission prior to the decommissioning of the International Space Station.” SpaceX will use its new Starship megarocket for this mission. Furthermore, “Starlab will … be fully outfitted on the ground, and ready to permanently host four crew members in LEO to conduct microgravity research and advanced scientific discovery,” say the companies. (ANS thanks Yahoo! Finance and the Motley Fool for the above information.)

+ India has unveiled four Air Force pilots who have been shortlisted to travel on the country’s maiden space flight scheduled for next year. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send three astronauts to an orbit of 400km and bring them back after three days. India’s space agency, ISRO, has been carrying out a number of tests to prepare for the flight. The officers were introduced as Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. If it succeeds, India will become only the fourth country to send a human into space after the Soviet Union, the U.S. and China. (ANS thanks the BBC for the above information.)

+ SLIM, the wrong-side-up Japanese lander, which had been hibernating through the two-week-long, -130 °C lunar night and the following week of unfavorable illumination angles (due to its aforementioned tipsy state), has somewhat surprisingly responded to commands from JAXA. The mission was not originally designed to survive the frigid night time temperatures. However, in a bit of situational irony, the agency had to shut the lander down again almost immediately due to overheating of the communications equipment in the 100 °C+ lunar mid-day. (ANS thanks the Orbital Index for the above information.)


Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

  • Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
  • Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
  • Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
  • Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.

Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
n8hm [at] amsat.org

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

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