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[jamsat-news:1507] ANS 147
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS 147
ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North
America, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS 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.
ANS is first released via the AMSAT-NA 20-meter net held each Sunday
on 14.282 MHz. Pre-net operations start at 18:00 UTC, with current ANS
bulletins transmitted to the eastern U.S. at 19:00 UTC and to the western
U.S. at 19:30 UTC. ANS is also released worldwide via the AMSAT ANS
e-mail reflector.
AMSAT-NA is pleased to announce that recent (and future)
developments in Amateur Radio satellite technology will be discussed
in Atlanta, Georgia at the 19th Space Symposium and AMSAT-NA
Annual Meeting, October 5-6, 2001. The Symposium Chairman is Steve
Diggs, W4EPI.
Contact W4EPI at: w4epi@amsat.org
Information on AMSAT-NA is available at the following URL:
http://www.amsat.org (or from)
AMSAT-NA
850 Sligo Avenue, Suite 600
Silver Spring, Maryland
20910-4703
Voice: 301-589-6062
FAX: 301-608-3410
Currently, AMSAT-NA supports the following (free) mailing lists:
* AMSAT News Service (ANS)
* General satellite discussion (AMSAT-BB)
* Orbit data (KEPS)
* Manned space missions (SAREX)
* District of Columbia area (AMSAT-DC)
* New England area (AMSAT-NE)
* AMSAT Educational Liaison mailing list (AMSAT-EDU)
* AMSAT K-12 Educational Liaison mailing list (AMSAT-K12)
A daily digest version is available for each list.
To subscribe, or for more list information, visit the following URL:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/listserv/menu.html
ANS is dedicated to the memory of EIMAC co-founder Jack McCullough,
ex-W6CHE, of Cupertino, California, who died recently at age 93.
McCullough and Bill Eitel, W6UF, paired up to start EIMAC in the 1930s
after building a tube for use as a grounded-grid amplifier. A DXer and
contester in his younger years, McCullough also was a QST author in the
1930s and 1940s, writing mostly about what he knew best -- high-power
amplifier tubes. [ANS thanks the ARRL and Richard Tryce, W6WVP,
for this information]
ANS is always dedicated to the memory of past ANS editor 'BJ' Arts,
WT0N, and to the memory of long-time AMSAT supporter Werner
Haas, DJ5KQ.
ANS salutes Bill Orr, W6SAI - the prolific Amateur Radio author,
historian, QST, CQ and Ham Radio columnist, amateur satellite
pioneer, editor of the Radio Handbook. W6SAI is among the inaugural
group of 50 inductees into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. The
Hall was established to recognize those individuals, whether licensed
radio amateurs or not, who significantly affected the course of Amateur
Radio; and radio amateurs, who, in the course of their professional lives,
had a significant impact on their professions or on world affairs. [ANS
thanks CQ Amateur Radio magazine, published by CQ Communications,
Inc. for this information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.01
PHASE 3D / AMSAT OSCAR 40 UPDATE
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.01
AO-40 experimental transponder operation has temporarily ended
due to changes in the spacecraft latitude needed for Arcjet cold firing.
The squint pointing angle is more than 30 degrees and not currently
useful for transponder operation. AMSAT-DL reports command stations
have suspended transponder operation for now as the S-2 transponder
remains off until further notice.
The RUDAK beacon and S-band middle beacon are continuously on.
ANS has received additional information from AMSAT-DL:
In order to escape the rapidly approaching Sun exposure (and to get
ready for Arcjet thruster) AO-40's ALAT number has been lowered.
ALON/ALAT values will be tweaked with YACE images and command
stations will continue to lower ALAT numbers before beginning to move
ALON numbers past sun exposure.
X-band, K-band transmitter and C-band receiver tests have stopped as
the minimum squint angle is not enough for useful signals. In addition, the RUDAK team has asked for more time for RUDAK experiments.
Message blocks have been be updated to reflect these new conditions.
(end)
Stay tuned to ANS, the official source for news and information about
AMSAT OSCAR 40.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-DL and the ARRL for this
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.02
VE3FRH ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT'S CLUB
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.02 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.02
Initially released at the Dayton Hamvention by AMSAT-NA President
Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation,
AMSAT, is pleased to announce the formation of the President's Club.
Following the announcement, Gunther Meisse, W8GSM, became one
of the first to respond. "I have been a life member for years and have
been away from the hobby for a long time," said W8GSM, "this year I
was thinking about AMSAT and listening for AO-40, sign me up!"
Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors to AMSAT
Project Funds will be eligible to receive the benefits of membership.
Initially, there will two levels for donations - which will qualify for benefits:
Gold Level - for donations of $100 or more per month (or $1,200 per year)
Silver Level - for donations of $50 or more per month (or $600 per year)
Presidents Club benefits include the following:
Gold Level: AMSAT President's Club - Gold Certificate
AMSAT President's Club - Gold Pin (unique)
Invitation to the AMSAT special reception (at the annual
meeting), to meet with Directors, Officers, Project Designers
and satellite builders. Invitation to the AMSAT Dayton Dinner
Annual endorsement stickers for certificate
Silver Level: AMSAT President's Club - Silver Certificate
AMSAT President's Club - Silver Pin (unique)
Invitation to the AMSAT special reception (at the annual
meeting), to meet with Directors, Officers, Project Designers
and satellite builders. Annual endorsement stickers for certificate
Application forms are available from AMSAT-NA Office. For
further information and details contact:
Daniel James, NN0DJ
AMSAT Vice President-Public Affairs
P.O. Box 297
Warroad, MN 56763-0297
NN0DJ can be reached at: (218) 386-1544 (or)
via e-mail: nn0dj@amsat.org
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH,
for this information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.03
NEW APPOINTMENTS
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.03 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.03
AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, is pleased to announce
the following appointments:
Dick Daniels, W4PUJ, (a member of the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors),
has been appointed as the official AMSAT-NA Archivist. Dick a founding
member of AMSAT-NA, and has collected numerous photographs and
information concerning AMSAT. In addition, he has already started
converting many existing slides to a digital format for the archives. Dick
will also present plans and ideas to the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors
for the long-term preservation of our records.
Ed Collins, N8NUY, (the organizer of the annual AMSAT Dayton dinner),
has been appointed as special assistant to the President. Ed's
assignments will be designated Robin, VE3FRH. Ed's background and
past military experience will bring additional strength to the AMSAT
administrative roles.
Both of the above appointments are effective immediately.
[Congratulations to both Dick and Ed from ANS!]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.04
THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.04 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.04
The following is the May President's Letter from AMSAT-NA President,
Robin Haighton, VE3FRH:
Another Dayton has come and gone, and it was great to meet so many
of you at the AMSAT booth! However, even with the time I spent there,
it was still not enough time to meet and talk to everyone.
Immediately before Dayton, Kenwood had a reception to introduce a new
handheld radio. At the reception Kenwood also presented Barry Baines,
WD4ASW, (our Vice President of Field Operations), with the Kenwood
Top Gun Award. The award commends Barry for his hard work in
attending many hamfests throughout the year and for doing so much to
promote Amateur Radio. Details of the presentation will be included in a
future issue of the AMSAT-NA Journal. Congratulations Barry!
On Friday of Dayton it rained and rained, and we all felt very sorry for
the outside vendors. Inside, the crowds were busy with new AMSAT
memberships (and renewing existing ones) as well as making donations
to AMSAT for books and various other goods. The Friday evening annual
AMSAT Banquet was very well attended and I had the pleasure of
introducing the new AMSAT President's Club, which recognizes
members who donate on a regular basis to AMSAT projects.
Gerry Schmitt, KK5YY, gave those at the dinner a very interesting talk
on his Alaska adventures, complete with beautiful pictures. On Saturday,
the weather cooperated with Dayton and a great day was had both
inside and out. Saturday evening the Dayton Hamvention Banquet was
held and Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, (our Vice President of Human
Spaceflight Programs), was awarded a Dayton Special Achievement
award. Frank received this award for his outstanding work with both the
SAREX and ISS programs. Congratulations Frank!
I would like to thank all of the people who participated in making the
Dayton arrangements, assisting at the booth, putting the booth up (and
taking it down), organizing the AMSAT dinner, and a thousand-and-one
other items - thank you all for volunteering!
73,
Robin Haighton, VE3FRH
President AMSAT-NA
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, for this
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.05
ANS IN BRIEF
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.05 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.05
ANS news in brief this week includes the following:
** NASA Astronaut Patricia Hilliard Robertson was fatally injured
recently in a private plane accident. Robertson was a member of the
Astronaut class of 1998 and was currently is assigned as a crew
support astronaut for the Expedition-2 crew presently on board the
International Space Station. -NASA
** ESA and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency recently signed
an agreement for European astronauts to fly to the International
Space Station on Russian Souyz launchers between 2001-06.
The agreement represents an important step in the development of
operational expertise for the European astronaut corps. -ESA
** The X-40A vehicle successfully performed a 7th and final free flight
test at the Dryden Flight Research Center. The X-40A was lifted by an
Army Chinook helicopter to an altitude of 15,005 feet and released,
reaching a speed of 304 mph. -SpaceDaily
** The ARRL Executive Committee has reviewed a preliminary draft
Petition for Rule Making seeking a new U.S. ham band in the vicinity
of 5 MHz. Experimental operation at 5 MHz under a license issued to
the ARRL has been going on since 1999. Participants in the operation
have established that an allocation at 5 MHz could improve emergency
communication capabilities by filling the gap between 80 and 40-meters.
-ARRL
** AMSAT Awards Manager Bruce Paige, KK5DO, reports for those
who think you need to have a big station to work AO-27 or UO-14,
Scott, KD5FBA, has over 1,000 satellite contacts using both satellites
with nothing more exotic than a HT and an HT-mounted omni-directional
whip antenna. -Bruce, KK5DO
** ESA and Arianespace have agreed on an early summer launch date
for Artemis, the agency's new advanced telecommunications satellite.
The multi-purpose satellite is the most advanced telecommunication
satellite developed by ESA and will demonstrate new technologies in
developing Europe's new worldwide satellite navigation system, new
mobile communication services and inter-satellite data relay. -ESA
** The ARRL says it's not reasonable to assume that the FCC's Part
15 rules can be applied to ultra-wideband (UWB) devices due to their
unique transmission characteristics. The League drew that conclusion
in responding to comments filed by others in reaction to five reports
that address UWB's interference potential. The FCC has proposed to
deploy UWB devices on an unlicensed basis under its Part 15 rules.
-ARRL
** After a long and distinguished career spanning almost 24 years, one
of the nation's NOAA weather workhorse satellites was boosted into
higher orbit and removed from service, as announced by the Commerce
Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
-SpaceDaily
--ANS BULLETIN END---
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.06
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 1
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.06 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.06
Phase 3D / AMSAT OSCAR 40 / AO-40
Launched: November 16, 2000 aboard an Ariane 5 launcher
from Kourou, French Guiana. Status: S-Band transmitter is
active. The RUDAK system has been activated.
AO-40 experimental transponder operation started on May 05, 2001
at approximately 08:00 UTC when the U-band and L1-band uplinks
were connected to the S-2 transmitter passband downlink via the
Matrix switch.
It is also planned to test the U-band and V-band transmitters again
when squint angles allow good visibility.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-DL and the ARRL for this information]
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION/ARISS
Worldwide packet uplink: 145.990 MHz
Region 1 voice uplink: 145.200 MHz
Region 2/3 voice uplink: 144.490 MHz
Worldwide downlink: 145.800 MHz
TNC callsign NOCALL
ARISS initial station launched September 2000 aboard shuttle Atlantis.
ARISS is made up of delegates from major national Amateur Radio
organizations, including AMSAT.
Status: Operational. Voice contacts with ISS have been made recently.
The ISS packet station is available for UI packets (APRS or UI QSL).
The mailbox and keyboard are currently disabled. Please see the
packet section of the ARISS web page before attempting to first work
ISS on packet.
The Moran Prairie Elementary School, Spokane, Washington,
successfully completed the latest ISS/school contact. Moran Prairie is
an elementary school with over 500 students.
U.S. callsign: NA1SS
Russian callsigns: RS0ISS, RZ3DZR
The QSL routes for W/VE stations working NA1SS aboard the
International Space Station:
U.S. stations: Margie Bourgoin KB1DCO
Attn: ARISS Expedition-1 (or 2) QSL
ARRL, 225 Main Street
Newington, Connecticut 06111
Canadian stations: Radio Amateurs of Canada
Attn: ARISS Expedition-1 (or 2) QSL
720 Belfast Road, Suite 217
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 0Z5
A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required to get a QSL in
return. The ARISS international group has not yet finalized a QSL
card design. It will be a few months before cards become available.
More information about the project can be found on the ARISS web site
at http://ariss.gsfc.nasa.gov.
[ANS thanks ARISS team member Will Marchant, KC6ROL, for this
information]
RADIO SPORT RS-12
Uplink 145.910 to 145.950 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink 29.410 to 29.450 MHz CW/SSB
Beacon 29.408 MHz
Launched: February 5, 1991 aboard a Russian Cosmos C launcher
Status: RS-12 was re-activated in mode A on January 1, 2001
The latest information on RS-12 and RS-13 can be found on the
AC5DK RS-12/13 Satellite Operators page at:
http://www.qsl.net/ac5dk/rs1213/rs1213.html
[ANS thanks Kevin Manzer, AC5DK, for RS-12 information]
RADIO SPORT RS-15
Uplink 145.858 to 145.898 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink 29.354 to 29.394 MHz CW/SSB
Beacon 29.352 MHz (intermittent)
SSB meeting frequency 29.380 MHz (unofficial)
Launched: December 26, 1994 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Status: Semi-operational, mode-A, using a 2-meter uplink and a
10-meter downlink
Dave, WB6LLO, has operating information for both RS-15 on his
web site. In addition to satellite data, antenna information for
mode-A operation is also featured. The WB6LLO web site URL is:
http://home.san.rr.com/doguimont/uploads
[ANS thanks Dave Guimont, WB6LLO, for this information]
OSCAR 10 AO-10
Uplink 435.030 to 435.180 MHz CW/LSB
Downlink 145.975 to 145.825 MHz CW/USB
Beacon 145.810 MHz (unmodulated carrier)
Launched: June 16, 1983 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Semi-operational, mode-B. AO-10 has
been locked into a 70-cm uplink and a 2-meter downlink for
several years.
DX continues to be heard and worked on AO-10.
W4SM has more information about the satellite at the following URL:
http://www.cstone.net/~w4sm/AO-10.html
[ANS thanks Stacey Mills, W4SM, for his AO-10 status information
and web site]
AMRAD AO-27
Uplink 145.850 MHz FM
Downlink 436.795 MHz FM
Launched: September 26, 1993 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Operational, mode J.
Periodically, AO-27's analog repeater will be turned off for a few days
at a time to enable ground controllers to gather Whole Orbital Data
(WOD), to verify the health of the satellite.
An AO-27 question-and-answer page is available on the AMSAT-NA
web site. The URL is: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/intro/ao27faq.html.
AO-27 uses a method called Timed Eclipse Power Regulation (TEPR)
to regulate the on-board batteries. In simple terms, TEPR times how
long the satellite has been in an eclipse (or in the sun) and decides
what subsystems to turn on or off.
TEPR states on AO-27 were reset on March 24, 2001 as follows:
TEPR 4 is 38 / TEPR 5 is 78 (TEPR 5 is now 20 minutes long)
The AO-27 pages on the AMSAT-NA web site include an
explanation of TEPR AO-27 operations (at):
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/sats/n7hpr/ao27.html
[ANS thanks AMRAD for AO-27 information]
UO-14
Uplink 145.975 MHz FM
Downlink 435.070 MHz FM
Launched: January 22, 1990 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Operational, mode J
Tim, KG8OC, features UO-14 information on the Michigan AMSAT
web site -- point your web browser to the following URL:
http://www.qsl.net/kg8oc
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for UO-14 information]
JAS-1b FO-20
Uplink 145.90 to 146.00 MHz CW/LSB
Downlink 435.80 to 435.90 MHz CW/USB
Launched: February 07, 1990 by an H1 launcher from the
Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Status: Operational.
FO-20 is in mode JA continuously
John, K6YK, reports HC8N has been active on the FO satellites.
Tak, JA2PKI, reported FO-20 control station operators believe
that the UVC (Under Voltage Controller) now is regulating the
transponder. The UVC monitors battery voltage and tries to protect
the batteries from over discharge.
[ANS thanks Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK, for the FO-20 status reports]
JAS-2 FO-29
Launched: August 17, 1996, by an H-2 launcher from the
Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Status: Operational
Voice/CW Mode JA
Uplink 145.90 to 146.00 MHz CW/LSB
Downlink 435.80 to 435.90 MHz CW/USB
Digital Mode JD
Uplink 145.850 145.870 145.910 MHz FM
Downlink 435.910 MHz 1200-baud BPSK or 9600-baud FSK
Callsign 8J1JCS
Digitalker 435.910 MHz
The JARL FO-29 command station has announced the following
operation schedule of FO-29:
through July 2, 2001 - mode JA
Mineo, JE9PEL, has a FO-29 satellite telemetry analysis program that
will automatically analyze all digital telemetry from the satellite (such as
current, voltage and temperature). The JE9PEL FO-29/shareware is
available at the following URL:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/
[ANS thanks Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK, for the FO-29 status reports]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.07
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 2
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.07 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.07
TIUNGSAT-1
Uplink 145.850 or 145.925 MHz 9600-baud FSK
Downlink 437.325 MHz
Broadcast callsign MYSAT3-11
BBS MYSAT3-12
Launched: September 26, 2000 aboard a converted Soviet ballistic
missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Status: Operational at
38k4-baud FSK
Paul, KB2SHU, reports that he has not copied the satellite since
early May.
Chris, G7UPN, tells ANS that TiungSat-1 has been operating at a
data rate of 38k4. Data recovery at 38k4 is reported to be extremely
good with efficiencies near 100%. The output power is at 8-watts "which
should provide a very good downlink," said Chris, adding "the downside
is that with the high power transmitter operating, the power budget is
negative so we can't support continuous operation."
According to G7UPN, TiungSat-1 now requires the Amateur Radio
Station to switch the downlink 'on' when the satellite comes into range.
The way this works is for the ground station software to send a request
to the spacecraft to switch the downlink on. The spacecraft receives this
request and checks the battery voltage to see if it can support the
operation, and if it can it will activate the downlink.
TiungSat-1 is Malaysia's first micro-satellite and in addition to
commercial land and weather imaging payloads offers FM and FSK
Amateur Radio communication.
TiungSat-1, named after the mynah bird of Malaysia, was developed
as a collaborative effort between the Malaysian government and
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
For more information on TiungSat-1, visit the following URL:
http://www.yellowpages.com.my/tiungsat/tiung_main.htm
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for this information]
KITSAT KO-25
Uplink 145.980 MHz FM (9600-baud FSK)
Downlink 436.500 MHz FM
Broadcast Callsign HL02-11
BBS HL02-12
Launched: September 26, 1993 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Operational
Jim, AA7KC, last reported KO-25 to be operational with very low
traffic and low downlink efficiency.
UOSAT UO-22
Uplink 145.900 or 145.975 MHz FM 9600-baud FSK
Downlink 435.120 MHz FM
Broadcast Callsign UOSAT5-11
BBS UOSAT5-12
Launched: July 17, 1991 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Operational
Jim, AA7KC, last reported UO-22 is operational with heavy individual
and Sat-gate traffic. Gateways from Spain, France, Brazil, South Africa,
Greece, the United States and Chile use this satellite daily - which
demonstrates the international use of this satellite. Downlink efficiencies
are in the high 90% range.
More information on the satellite is available at the following URL:
http://www.sstl.co.uk/
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for UO-22 information
and Jim Weisenberger, AA7KC, for status information]
OSCAR-11
Downlink 145.825 MHz FM (1200-baud AFSK)
Mode-S Beacon 2401.500 MHz
Launched: March 1, 1984 by a Delta-Thor rocket from Vandenberg
Air Force Base in California. Status: Operational
Clive Wallis, G3CWV, reports during the period of 17-April to 15-May,
reliable signals have been received from the 145 MHz beacon. The
battery voltage observed during daylight passes has continued to
decrease. The average value observed was 13.4 with a range of 13.2
to 13.7 volts. The internal temperatures have continued to decrease by
another one degree C. They are now 0.8C and -0.6C for battery and
telemetry electronics respectively.
The WOD survey of channels 1, 2, 3, 61 (X, Z, Y magnetometers and
status) dated 24-March, has been transmitted.
The spin period has varied between 305 and 348 seconds. The attitude
control appears to be working normally since the counters were reset
by ground control.
Users of OSCAR-11 should note that the hardware generated time in the
ASCII telemetry is now 15.5 minutes ahead of UTC, and the date is
three days advanced. Unfortunately these errors cannot be corrected.
The operating schedule is as follows:
ASCII status (210 seconds)
ASCII bulletin (60 seconds)
BINARY SEU (30 seconds)
ASCII TLM (90 seconds)
ASCII WOD (120 seconds)
ASCII bulletin (60 seconds)
BINARY ENG (30 seconds)
The ASCII bulletin is currently a static message, detailing modes and
frequencies of all active amateur radio satellites.
More information on OSCAR-11 is available at the following URL:
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/clivew/
[ANS thanks Clive Wallis, G3CWV, for OSCAR-11 status information]
PACSAT AO-16
Uplink 145.90 145.92 145.94 145.96 MHz FM
(using 1200-baud Manchester FSK)
Downlink 437.025 MHz SSB (RC-BPSK 1200-baud PSK)
Mode-S Beacon 2401.1428 MHz
Broadcast Callsign: PACSAT-11
BBS PACSAT-12
Launched: January 22, 1990 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana.
Status: Semi-operational, the digipeater command is on.
Telemetry was as follows:
uptime is 460/18:13:11. Time is Fri May 18 21:50:15 2001
+10V Bus 9.900 V PSK TX RF Out 0.747 W
Bat 1 V 1.183 V Bat 2 V 1.135 V
Bat 3 V 1.166 V Bat 4 V 1.224 V
Bat 5 V 1.119 V Bat 6 V 1.134 V
Bat 7 V 1.158 V Bat 8 V 1.216 V
Bat 1 Temp 3.024 D Bat 2 Temp 3.024 D
Baseplt Temp 3.024 D RC PSK BP Temp -6.053 D
RC PSK HPA Tmp -5.448 D +Y Array Temp -24.811 D
PSK TX HPA Tmp -3.027 D +Z Array Temp -15.129 D
Total Array C= 0.000 Bat Ch Cur=-0.300 Ifb= 0.168 I+10V= 0.152
TX:1006 BCR:1E PWRC:36D BT:1E WC:25 EDAC:E9
A new WOD collection of current graphics along with general
information and telemetry samples can be found at:
www.telecable.es/personales/ea1bcu
[ANS thanks Miguel Menendez, EA1BCU, for AO-16 status
information]
UoSAT-12 UO-36
Uplink 145.960 MHz (9600-baud FSK)
Downlink 437.025 MHz 437.400 MHz
Broadcast Callsign UO121-11
BBS UO121-12
Launched: April 21, 1999 by a Russian launcher from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome. Status: Operational
UO-36 carries a number of imaging payloads, digital store-and-forward
communications and mode L/S transponders.
NASA has demonstrated on UO-36 the ability to use standard Internet
protocols to communicate with an orbiting spacecraft (just like any node
on the Internet). NASA has been developing this project by working with
the commercial payload aboard UoSAT-12.
The BBS is open, although uploading and downloading may be
disabled at times.
The VK5HI viewer shareware for UO-36 is available on the AMSAT-NA
web site at the following URL:
ftp://ftp.amsat.org/amsat/software/win32/display/ccddsp97-119.zip
Further information on UO-36 is available from: http://www.sstl.co.uk/
[ANS thanks Chris G7UPN/ZL2TPO, and the University of Surrey for
this information]
ITAMSAT IO-26
Uplink 145.875 145.900 145.925 145.950 MHz FM (1200-baud)
Downlink 435.822 MHz SSB
Broadcast Callsign ITMSAT-11
BBS ITMSAT-12
Launched: September 26, 1993 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Semi-operational, the digipeater function is on
and open for APRS users.
[ANS thanks ITAMSAT Project Manager Alberto E. Zagni, I2KBD, for
IO-26 information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-147.08
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 3
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 147.08 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, MAY 27, 2001
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-147.08
THE FOLLOWING ARE IN ORBIT BUT ARE NON-OPERATIONAL
AT THIS TIME:
TMSAT-1 TO-31
Uplink 145.925 MHz (9600-baud FSK)
Downlink 436.925 MHz (9600-baud FSK)
Broadcast Callsign: TMSAT1-11
BBS TMSAT1-12
Launched: July 10, 1998 by a Zenit rocket from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome. Status: Non-operational, no data downlinked since
December 18, 2000.
Jim, AA7KC, reported recently to ANS that TO-31 has been
non-operational over North America for the past six months.
Chris G7UPN, (UoSAT operations manager) reports the following
to ANS:
The TO-31 downlink will be off over most areas, with the exception of
Europe and Thailand. This is required to allow control stations to
recondition the battery with minimum power drain.
ProcMail V2.00G has been released by G7UPN. This software permits
the processing of image files from TO-31. It has been posted to the
AMSAT-NA FTP site at the following URL:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/software/win32/wisp
Many of the high-resolution color images transmitted by TMSAT are
compressed using a UoSAT compression format. This format is
supported by the VK5HI CCD display program.
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for TO-31 status
information]
LUSAT LO-19
Uplink 145.84 145.86 145.88 145.90 MHz FM
(using 1200-baud Manchester FSK)
CW downlink 437.125 MHz
Digital downlink 437.150 MHz SSB (RC-BPSK 1200-baud PSK)
Broadcast Callsign LUSAT-11
BBS LUSAT-12
Launched: January 22, 1990 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Beacon only. The CW beacon is sending
eight telemetry channels and one status channel on 437.126 MHz.
No BBS service is available. The digipeater is not active.
Telemetry (limited) is as follows:
Sat Time is Fri Apr 20 20:59:04 2001
LUSAT HIHI 60 AUN ADT AVB ADV AUB A66 A6U AE6Sat
Mineo, JE9PEL, has recorded LO-19 CW and PSK telemetry and
placed the information on his Internet homepage site at:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/hamradio/je9pel/
General information and telemetry samples can be found at:
www.telecable.es/personales/ea1bcu
[ANS thanks Miguel Menendez, EA1BCU, for LO-19 status information]
SO-41 SAUDISAT-1A
Uplink to be released
Downlink 437.075 MHz
Broadcast Callsign SASAT1-11
BBS SASAT1-12
Launched: September 26, 2000 aboard a converted Soviet ballistic
missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Status: Unknown, this
satellite has been in orbit for almost 8 months. ANS has received no
additional information.
When/if operational, SaudiSat-1A will operate as 9600-baud digital
store-and-forward systems as well analog FM repeater mode capability.
One of two new ham satellites from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built by
the Space Research Institute at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and
Technology.
SO-42 SAUDISAT-1B
Uplink to be released
Downlink 436.775 MHz
Broadcast Callsign SASAT2-11
BBS SASAT2-12
Launched: September 26, 2000 aboard a converted Soviet ballistic
missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Status: Unknown, this
satellite has been in orbit for almost 8 months. ANS has received no
additional information.
When/if operational, SaudiSat-1B will operate as 9600-baud digital
store-and-forward systems as well analog FM repeater mode capability.
One of two new ham satellites from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built by
the Space Research Institute at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and
Technology.
SUNSAT SO-35
Mode J Uplink: 145.825 MHz FM
Mode J Downlink: 436.250 MHz FM
Mode B Uplink: 436.291 MHz FM
Mode B Downlink: 145.825 MHz FM
Launched: February 23, 1999 by a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg
Air Force Base in California. Status: Non-operational
The SunSat team released the following statement, dated
February 1, 2001:
We regret to announce that the last communication with SunSat from
our ground station at the Electronic Systems Laboratory at Stellenbosch
University took place recently. We are certain, after having performed
several tests since the last contact, that an irreversible, physical failure
has occurred on the satellite. It is therefore unlikely that we will have
any further contact with SunSat, apart from the occasional visual sighting
by telescope!
When it was operational the SunSat package included 1200 and 9600
baud digital store-and-forward capability and a voice 'parrot' repeater
system in addition to Mode B/J operation with two VHF and two UHF
transmit-receive systems.
For more information on SunSat visit the following URL:
http://sunsat.ee.sun.ac.za
[ANS thanks Garth Milne, ZR1AFH, for this information]
RADIO SPORT RS-13
Uplink 21.260 to 21.300 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink 145.860 to 145.900 MHz CW/SSB
Beacon 145.860 MHz
Launched: February 5, 1991 aboard a Russian Cosmos C launcher
Status: non-operational (last operational in mode-T)
RS-12 was re-activated in January 2001. Prior to this switch RS-13
was operational (mode T), but was apparently turned off following
the recent RS-12 switch.
The latest information on RS-12 and RS-13 can be found on the
AC5DK RS-12/13 Satellite Operators page at:
http://www.qsl.net/ac5dk/rs1213/rs1213.html
[ANS thanks Kevin Manzer, AC5DK, for this information]
KITSAT KO-23
Uplink 145.900 MHz FM (9600-baud FSK)
Downlink 435.170 MHz FM
Broadcast Callsign HLO1-11
BBS HLO1-12
Launched: August 10, 1992 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Intermittent operation with the downlink
transmitter operating at unpredictable intervals.
Jim, AA7KC, reported that KO-23's downlink transmitter continues
in non-operational status. Jim says that KO-23 shows some signs
of trying to recover, but no useful data has been downlinked. The
duration of this status is unpredictable. No data has been received
since October 28, 2000.
KyungHee Kim, HL0ENJ, reports (from the KO-23 control team) that part
of the problem with non-operation has been the power budget aboard
the satellite. "We are not sure when the bird might turn off again due to
insufficient power. The capability of the onboard power system has been
less and less," said Kim. HL0ENJ also noted that as of October 30, 2000
the onboard computer was reset and a reboot of operational software is
was underway.
[ANS thanks Jim Weisenberger, AA7KC, and KyungHee Kim, HL0ENJ,
for KO-23 status information]
TECHSAT-1B GO-32
Downlink 435.225 MHz using HDLC telemetry
Launched: July 10, 1998 by a Russian Zenit rocket from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome. Status: Semi-operational.
Efforts were reported to be underway to bring GO-32 on line,
however, no information has been received by ANS (the last
report was dated November 1999).
Last reported, the satellite does transmit a 9600-baud burst every
30 seconds (the GO-32 beacon sends one short telemetry status
transmission of 44 bytes) and upon request the complete
telemetry buffer.
[ANS has no further information]
PANSAT PO-34
Uplink/downlink frequency (listed on the PanSat web site) 436.500 MHz
Launched: October 30, 1998 by the Shuttle Discovery
Status: Unknown
The satellite is not available for general uplink transmissions.
The Naval Postgraduate School developed PanSat. At the time of
launch, PanSat spread-spectrum digital transponders were promised to
be available to Amateur Radio operators along with software to utilize
this technology. To date, this has not happened.
For more information, visit the official PanSat web site at:
http://www.sp.nps.navy.mil/pansat/
PanSat was the featured cover article on the July/August 1999 issue
of the AMSAT-NA Journal (the story written by KD6DRA and N7HPR).
[ANS has no further information]
DOVE DO-17
Downlink 145.825 MHz FM (1200-baud AFSK)
2401.220 MHz
Launched: January 22, 1990 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Non-operational.
DOVE stopped transmitting in March 1998. The 145.825 MHz and
2401.220 MHz downlinks are off the air and the satellite has not
responded to ground station control.
[ANS has no further information]
WEBERSAT WO-18
Downlink 437.104 MHz SSB (1200 baud PSK AX.25)
Launched: January 22, 1990 by an Ariane launcher from Kourou,
French Guiana. Status: Non-operational.
WO-18 was last reported to be in MBL mode after a software crash.
[ANS has no further information]
SEDSAT-1 SO-33
Downlink 437.910 MHz FM (9600-baud FSK)
Launched: October 24, 1998 by a Delta 2 rocket from Cape
Canaveral, Florida. Status: Semi-operational.
The satellite is not currently available for uplink transmissions and
the image and transponder recovery efforts have been unsuccessful.
SedSat-1 signifies Students for the Exploration and Development of
Space (satellite number one).
SedSat-1 has downlinked months worth of telemetry data on the
performance of its electrical power system parameters. The Nickel
Metal Hydride batteries on the spacecraft were experimental and
experienced some abuse due to a power negative situation. This
information has provided NASA with useful information. With the
exception of the imaging system and the use of the transponders,
SedSat-1 has been judged a success.
For more information on SedSat-1 visit the satellite web site at the
following URL:
http://seds.uah.edu/projects/sedsat/sedsat.htm
[ANS has no further information]
/EX
--ANS END---
ANS would like to thank Mike Seguin, N1JEZ, ANS principal satellite
investigator, for helping provide current satellite information.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor@amsat.org
Daniel (Dan) James
AMSAT News Service Bulletin Editor
AMSAT-NA Vice President/Public Affairs
Amateur callsign: NNODJ
Grid Square EN28iv
Warroad, Minnesota U.S.A.
E-mail: nn0dj@amsat.org
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