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[jamsat-news:1700] ANS 118
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS 118
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 pleased to announce the 20th Space Symposium and AMSAT-NA
Annual Meeting. The conference is scheduled for November 7-11, 2002 in
Fort Worth, Texas, and will chronicle recent and future Amateur Radio
satellite technology developments, including an Electronic Surplus Stores
tour on November 7th; a Field Operations breakfast and a tour of the
Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company on November 10th; and the
AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Meeting November 10th (AMSAT members
are welcome to attend the BOD meeting. [The 2002 event chairman is
Keith Pugh, W5IU]
This ANS bulletin set is dedicated to the memory of Edgar Hilton,
W6VKP, who died recently at age 79. Ed (along with Don Norgaard),
were pioneers in the OSCAR 2 and 3 days.[ANS thanks Cliff, K7RR,
for this information]
ANS salutes Hidetsugu Yagi, the co-inventor of the Yagi-Uda antenna.
As ANS noted last week in a salute to Shintaro Uda), the Yagi antenna is
the preferred HF, VHF and UHF antenna design. [ANS thanks CQ Amateur
Radio magazine, published by CQ Communications, Inc. for this
information]
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.01
NEW AMSAT-NA OSCAR UNDER CONSTRUCTION
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
AMSAT-North America has started construction of a new low-earth-orbit
(LEO) communications satellite. Although the satellite will be similar in
mass and size to the original AMSAT MICROSAT design, it will
incorporate all new, leading edge electronics and RF technology.
Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, AMSAT-NA President, discussed the new
project at the organization's Board of Directors meeting held in
Washington, DC, April 20-21, 2002. "I am very pleased that we are
embarking on a brand new satellite project. I am particularly pleased
that this new project will operate as an EZ Sat, as well as serving as a
test bed for new and exciting technologies." he said.
Returning to the original pre-launch numbering system used in many of
the earliest AMSAT-NA developed satellites, the new "bird" will be
named AMSAT-OSCAR E (Echo) until launch. Plans call for the satellite
to contain analog and digital VHF/UHF FM transponders similar to those
carried on the UOSAT-OSCAR 14 and AMRAD-OSCAR 27 satellites
currently in orbit. In addition, the new satellite will have the capability
to host one or two other experimental payloads.
Continuing an approach used in past projects, AMSAT-NA has partnered
with an outside contractor, SpaceQuest, Ltd. of Fairfax, Virginia, who will
assist in building the satellite bus. AMSAT volunteers are responsible for
the design, development, integration and testing of the various
experimental payloads.
Dr. Tom Clark, W3IWI, AMSAT-NA BOD member and one of the "spark
plugs" for the original MICROSAT project noted that, "The last major
program that AMSAT-NA managed was the MICROSATS and this is a
superb chance for us to update that legacy with all-new technology." He
went on to note that, "We now have accumulated about 70 years of
on-orbit experience with the MICROSAT design since our original flock
were launched back in 1990, with several other satellites of that same
basic design now on the drawing boards. The design is a true classic."
The spacecraft is now slated to be ready for launch in late 2003. A
number of affordable launch opportunities are being actively explored.
AMSAT is very proud of its long tradition of excellence and the
contributions it has made to the advancement of space communications,
space education and the space sciences. AMSAT-OSCAR E will be a
new vehicle for Amateur Radio to continue that quest for
communications technologies for future generations.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-NA Vice President Keith Baker, KB1SF, for this
information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.02
NEW AMSAT-NA SERVICES
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.02 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.02
AMSAT-NA's Executive Vice President Keith Baker, KB1SF, recently
announced that AMSAT-NA is now accepting orders for AMSAT's
various printed, hardware and software items on-line, via a secure
credit card link. In addition, a new toll-free number at AMSAT-NA
Headquarters in Maryland has been launched to help make telephone
ordering of these offerings that much easier.
"These two order simplification efforts have been in the planning stages
for a long time," KB1SF said. "With heartfelt thanks to the superb efforts
of a number of our super-talented volunteers, our dreams are now a
reality." Keith singled out the ongoing, "behind the scenes" work of Paul
Williamson, KB5MU, AMSAT-NA's Webmaster, as well as the efforts of
Bob Carpenter, W3OTC (along with Martha at the AMSAT office) as
particularly noteworthy in bringing these long-needed improvements to
AMSAT's member support activities.
As ANS readers know, AMSAT-NA is a non-profit corporation, and as
such, offers various informational and promotional items to members and
others in exchange for monetary donations. These donations, in turn,
help fund the organization's satellite building and launching efforts as
well as help cover day-to-day operating expenses.
The new on-line ordering system now makes it easier for members to
order these items than ever before. Overseas members will find the new
system particularly helpful, as it avoids the need for them waiting until
AMSAT's Silver Spring offices open or placing expensive long-distance
telephone calls when ordering. Now, such orders can be taken and
accepted on-line at any time, day or night, from anywhere in the world.
Members and others interested in using the new on-line service can do
so simply by clicking on the AMSAT Catalog link at the bottom of the
main AMSAT-NA web page and then following the prompts and
appropriate links from there. The final checkout page uses full security
encryption and accepts both VISA and MasterCard credit cards.
KB1SF reports that members and others who still wish to place their
orders "the old fashioned way"(via telephone or by mail) can continue to
do so. Those calling from the continental USA, however, can also now
take advantage of a brand new toll free ordering number at AMSAT-NA
Headquarters.
The new number is: 1-888-322-6728.
[ANS thanks Executive Vice President Keith Baker, KB1SF, for
this information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.03
ISS MISSION UNDERWAY
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.03 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.03
A Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan recently, carrying a multinational crew to the International
Space Station. Russian Commander Yuri Gidzenko, Flight Engineer
Roberto Vittori (of the European Space Agency) and South African
businessman Mark Shuttleworth successfully rocketed away from the
central Asian launch site in their Soyuz TM-34 craft.
Shuttleworth is a South African Internet entrepreneur flying under
contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. He will spend
almost eight days on the station, conducting experiments and
educational activities.
Shuttleworth is scheduled will make four live contact with South African
schools during his flight. Contacts are scheduled with the Diocesan
School for Boys, the Kwazulu-Natal school, the Gauteng school (in
Johannesburg) and the Western Cape school.
Shuttleworth received a special temporary, (honorary) Amateur Radio
station License. The license contains an unusual callsign - ZS RSA.
He has already spoken to South African President Thabo Mbeki, who
was celebrating Freedom Day in Bloemfontein, South Africa, via a live
(non-Amateur Radio) satellite link-up from ISS.
More information on the second space tourist and some of the research
he will be doing is available at:
http://www.africaninspace.com
[ANS thanks NASA and the ARISS group for this information]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.04
ANS IN BRIEF
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.04 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.04
ANS news in brief this week includes the following:
** China's fledgling manned space program launched an unmanned
test flight recently, the third in a series of test flights that are expected to
result in China's first manned space voyage next year. The Shenzhou
orbiter was launched by a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Space
Launch Center in northwest Gansu province. -SpaceDaily
** The March issue of the Monitoring System Newsletter talked about
a suspected harmonic emission from Radio Pyongyang, North Korea.
Regularly reported on a somewhat variable frequency of about
14250.1 kHz in both North and South America whenever propagation
is open, the voice and music modulation is usually weak. It is believed
to be the 5th harmonic of a domestic broadcast on 2850 kHz. -IARU
** U.S. teen idol Lance Bass from boy band 'N Sync spent time in
Moscow recently, testing to become the world's first entertainer to fly to
space, according to a Russian official. -SpaceDaily
** The 2001 AMSAT Symposium awards included a presentation to
Rick Leon, KA1RHL, for his generous contribution of time and effort
during the Phase 3D launch campaign. His willingness to sacrifice
personal time for this endeavor is greatly appreciated by hams the
world over. -ANS
** To see a dim planet around a bright star is like looking for a candle
flame next to a searchlight. To solve this problem, scientists have
developed the concept of nulling interferometry, one of the
smartest methods to date in the search for extra-solar planets.
-SpaceDaily
** The ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program soon will
introduce its newest on-line course--HF Digital Communications.
Registration for the new course has opened. This marks the fifth
course in the growing list of continuing education offerings from the
ARRL. -ARRL Letter
** The first mission to orbit the planet Mercury took a big step toward
its scheduled March 2004 launch when NASA's Messenger project
received approval to start building its spacecraft and scientific
instruments. -SpaceDaily
** The U.S. Postal Service has announced new postal rates will go
into effect soon. The single-piece, one-ounce first-class mail rate
will increase three, the additional ounce rate for single-piece
first-class mail will remain the same. The single-piece card rate
(such as QSL cards) will increase by two cents. -ARRL
** If you haven't seen it yet, you should as Amateur Radio is getting
a role on the silver screen, this time in the new IMAX film called
Space Station. The film includes a segment depicting the Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program in action.
The new film is in 3-D, the first 3-D movie filmed from space.
-ARRL/ANS
** University of California, Berkeley, chemists have found a way to
make cheap plastic solar cells flexible enough to paint onto any
surface and potentially able to provide electricity for wearable
electronics or other low-power devices. -SpaceDaily
** Dayton Hamvention has announced that the Bill Cross, W3TN, of
the FCC and Paul Reid, N4EKW, of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency will share the podium as speakers at the
Hamvention grand banquet. Cross is a senior program analyst in
the Public Safety and Private Wireless. -ARRL
** A major new health check on the Earth got under way on recently
when the European Space Agency's Envisat satellite was launched
by an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. It
is the largest and most sophisticated Earth observation satellite ever
built. -SpaceDaily
--ANS BULLETIN END---
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-118.05
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 1
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.05 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.05
Phase 3D / AMSAT OSCAR 40 / AO-40
Launched: November 16, 2000 aboard an Ariane 5 launcher
from Kourou, French Guiana.
Status: Currently, the U/L-1 to S-2 passband is active (various times)
Uplink U-band 435.550 - 435.800 MHz CW/SSB
L1-band 1269.250 - 1269.500 MHz CW/SSB
L2-band 1268.325 - 1268.575 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink S-band 2401.225 - 2401.475 MHz CW/SSB
K-band 24,048.025 - 24,048.275 MHz CW/SSB
Mike, N1JEZ, reports several successful QSO's using the K-band
downlink of AO-40, with Jerry, K5OE.
Command station W4SM reports that we are close to ALON/ALAT = 0/0,
and command stations we will begin minor tweaking and station keeping.
As control holds ALON essentially constant, the solar angles will begin
to improve. The RUDAK slot needs to be re-activated as soon as
possible, gathering CEDEX and GPS data. As before, when RUDAK is
active, the middle beacon and passbands will be off. Updates will be
posted in ANS, AMSAT-NA BB and on the AO-40 message blocks.
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. Some 58 DXCC countries were QRV on AO-40 in 2001.
Ground stations capturing telemetry from AO-40 are asked to send a
copy of the data to the AO-40 archive at: ao40-archive@amsat.org.
For the current transponder-operating schedule visit:
http://www.amsat-dl.org/journal/adlj-p3d.htm
[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 RS0ISS
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.
ISS packet activity has resumed. Although the mailbox function has
been activated, ground stations are discouraged from using it. Currently,
there is no computer hooked up to the packet system.
Shenandoah Elementary School in Orlando, Florida, completed a
very successful ARISS contact with NA1SS. The students did
"an absolutely great job," reported Charlie, AJ9N.
In addition, Christophe, F1MOJ, and Jean-Pierre, F1EVQ, spearheaded
a contact with astronaut Carl Walz on board ISS for the Louis Pergaud
primary school in Raphele-les-Arles, France.
Upcoming student contacts are scheduled with the Woodland Middle
School, East Meadow, New York; Hambright Elementary School,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania; ISIS Malignani, Cervignano del Friuli, Italy.
The latest ARISS announcements and successful school list is
available at:
http://ariss.gsfc.nasa.gov
An archive of school contacts can be found at:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/505064.asp
NASA information on the ISS station can be found at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/radio/
The ISS daily crew schedule (which gives an idea when crew members
have free time and may be available for Amateur Radio operations) can
be found at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/timelines/2001/may/index.html
A detailed breakdown of the antenna installation with some great
pictures and diagrams (depicting the entire ISS ham system including
antenna's) can be downloaded at:
http://ariss.gsfc.nasa.gov/EVAs/amsat01.pdf
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 (a SASE is required to get a QSL in return):
Margie Bourgoin, KC1DCO
Attn: ARISS Expedition-1 (or 2, 3) QSL
ARRL, 225 Main Street
Newington, Connecticut 06111
Canadian stations:
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Attn: ARISS Expedition-1 (or 2, 3) QSL
720 Belfast Road, Suite 217
Ottawa, Ontario KEG 0Z5
European stations (a SASE and 2 IRC's are required to get
a QSL in return).
AMSAT-France
14 bis, rue des Gourlis
92500 Rueil Malmaison
France
[ANS thanks Will Marchant, KC6ROL, and Jean-Louis Rault, F6AGR,
for this information]
RADIO SPORT RS-12
Uplink 21.210 to 21.250 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink 29.410 to 29.450 MHz CW/SSB
Beacon 29.408 MHz
Robot 29.454 MHz
Launched: February 5, 1991 aboard a Russian Cosmos C launcher
Status: RS-12 was placed in Mode-K on February 19, 2002.
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-13
Uplink 21.260 to 21.300 MHz CW/SSB
Downlink 145.860 to 145.900 MHz CW/SSB
Beacon 145.860 MHz
Robot 145.908 MHz
Launched: February 5, 1991 aboard a Russian Cosmos C launcher
Status: RS-13 was re-activated in Mode-T on February 19, 2002.
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]
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]
RADIO SPORT RS-21
Downlink 145.825 and 435.335 MHz CW/FSK.
Launched: remotely launched on March 20, 2002 from a Russian
Progress M-1-7 launcher. Status: operational
Radio Sport 21, is also known as the Kolibri-2000 satellite. The
satellite's formal name is the Russian-Australian Scientific and
Educational Microsatellite Kolibri-2000. RS-21 will send down telemetry
data and digitally recorded voice messages. RS-21 is in a circular orbit
just over 200 miles above the Earth.
Bruce, KK5DO, has recorded passes of SO-41 at:
http://www.amsatnet.com/audio.html
More information about the satellite can be found at:
http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2001/12/16/1/
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.
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.
AO-27 control operator Michael Wyrick, N3UC (former N4USI), reports
AO-27 has been turn off to condition the batteries. Earlier this month, the
control operators noticed that AO-27's batteries had become very low
and was causing the transmitter to turn off early during the passes. The
on-board software was turning the transmitters off to keep the batteries
from becoming too low to keep the CPU running.
Currently, AO-27's Amateur Radio 'bent-pipe' transmitter is off in hopes
of getting enough charge to the batteries. At that time, the transmitter
will resume normal FM repeater operation. At times the control stations
will turn the transmitter on to collect 1200-baud AFSK telemetry.
An AO-27 question-and-answer page is available on the AMSAT-NA web
site, with updates by Ray, W2RS. 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. 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
On Saturday, March 30, 2002, the TEPR states on AO-27 were
reset as follows: TEPR 4 - 50
TEPR 5 - 90
[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
Ray, W2RS, has revised the AO-27 FAQ on < www.amsat.org > to
include information on UO-14.
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for UO-14 information]
SO-41 SAUDISAT-1A
Uplink 145.850 MHz
Downlink 436.775 MHz
Broadcast Callsign SASAT1-11
BBS SASAT1-12
Launched: September 26, 2000 aboard a converted Soviet ballistic
missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Status: operational
Jerry, K5OE, reports "SO-41 is very sensitive to uplink polarity, with fast
and complete QSB while the downlink signal strength remains relatively
constant and does not seem particularly sensitive to polarity. This
behavior makes the satellite quite difficult to work unless you have both
circular-polarity switching capability and full-duplex capability (to hear the
effect of switching)."
One of two ham satellites from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built by
the Space Research Institute at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and
Technology.
The spacecraft is operating in Mode-J, currently configured as an
analog FM voice repeater. The spacecraft will operate in this mode
intermittently, as power and spacecraft experiments permit.
SO-41's downlink RF power is 1-watt with left-hand circular polarization.
The uplink antenna (located on top of the spacecraft) is linear in
polarization.
[ANS thanks Turki Al-Saud for this 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
Tak, JA2PKI, reported FO-20 control station operators believe that the
UVC (Under Voltage Controller) now is regulating the transponder. The
controller 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
Last reported, the JARL FO-29 command station announced the
operation schedule of FO-29 as mode JA through June 30, 2002.
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-118.06
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 2
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.06 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.06
PCSAT NO-44
Uplink/downlink 145.827 MHz 1200 baud AX-25 AFSK via PCSAT-1
Aux/Uplink 435.250 MHz 9600 baud via PCSAT-2 (off)
APRS Downlink 144.390 MHz (Region 2)
Launched: September 30, 2001 aboard an Athena-1 rocket from the
Kodiak, Alaska launch complex. Status: Operational
Recently, PCSat has enjoyed about 10% more sun time and has even
had a positive power budget for GPS receiver usage. PCSat is operating
normally. In mid-May, the satellite will go through another period of
poor illumination, but should be in full sun by June and will be in great
shape for summer travelers!
PCSat is a 1200-baud APRS digipeater designed for use by
stations using hand-held or mobile transceivers. Downlinks feed a
central web site < http://pcsat.aprs.org >. The APRS-equipped
PCSat was built by midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy
under the guidance of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
For more information, visit the PCSat web site at:
http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/pcsat.html
[ANS thanks Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, for PCSat information]
TIUNGSAT-1 MO-46
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
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.
[ANS thanks Chris Jackson, G7UPN/ZL2TPO, for this information]
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, reports UO-22 is operational with very good downlink
efficiency. There is moderate individual and Sat-gate traffic. Jerry,
K5OE, reports "UO-22's only active uplink is now 145.900 MHz.
That is a change from the last two months where only the
145.975 MHz uplink has worked well. The message on the downlink
to use both uplinks is in error."
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
During the past year OSCAR-11 has operated continuously on both
VHF and S band, with very little ground control needed. During the period
08-March 08-April 2002, consistent signals have been received from the
145.826 MHz beacon. The internal temperatures have decreased slightly.
They are now 3.2C and 1.6C for battery and telemetry electronics
respectively. The battery voltage observed during daylight passes has
also decreased slightly. The average value observed was 13.6 with a
range of 13.3 to 13.9 volts. The spin period has drifted between 233
and 315 seconds. The attitude is controlled solely by the gravity boom
gradient.
The operating schedule is unchanged.
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 is as follows:
uptime is 789/17:35:17. Time is Fri Apr 12 21:19:23 2002
+X (RX) Temp -6.053 D RX Temp 6.654 D
Bat 1 V 1.233 V Bat 2 V 1.201 V
Bat 3 V 1.212 V Bat 4 V 1.244 V
Bat 5 V 1.221 V Bat 6 V 1.188 V
Bat 7 V 1.222 V Bat 8 V 1.252 V
+5V Bus 4.656 V +8.5V Bus 7.672 V
Bat 1 Temp 6.654 D Bat 2 Temp 7.260 D
Baseplt Temp 5.444 D PSK TX RF Out 1.512 W
+Y Array Temp -19.970 D PSK TX HPA Tmp 1.209 D
+Z Array Temp -10.288 D
Total Array C= 0.000 Bat Ch Cur=-0.392 Ifb= 0.172 I+10V= 0.241
TX:1009 BCR:1E PWRC:36D BT:1E WC:25 EDAC:D6
A 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]
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-118.07
WEEKLY SATELLITE REPORT PART 3
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 118.07 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, APRIL 28, 2002
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-118.07
THE FOLLOWING ARE IN ORBIT BUT ARE NON-OPERATIONAL
OR SEMI-OPERATIONAL AT THIS TIME:
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: Non-operational.
Jim, AA7KC, reports that KO-23's downlink transmitter continues in a
non-operational status.
[ANS thanks Jim Weisenberger, AA7KC, and KyungHee Kim, HL0ENJ,
for KO-23 status 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: Semi-operational
Jim, AA7KC, reports KO-25 is essentially non-operational due to very
low downlink efficiencies. Jim reports there is some hope as "there were
two pieces of traffic recently on the satellite.
[ANS thanks Jim Weisenberger, AA7KC, for this 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: Unknown
UO-36 celebrates its 3rd year space this month!
UO-36 carries a number of imaging payloads, digital store-and-forward
communications and mode L/S transponders.
Paul, KB2SHU, tells ANS that UO-36 has not been operational (over
North America) since late July 2001. In addition, Sangat, 9M2SS,
reports he has not copied UO-36 since July 30, 2001.
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
UO-36 information]
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.
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.
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 is as follows:
Time is Wed Jan 25 20:58:00 2002
LUSAT HIHI 60
CW-Code: ava abv aav adb at4 ab6 ttu aae
5V-reg.: 4.85 V 8.5V-reg: 6.44 V
10V-Bat: 11.07 V 10V-Curr: 123.2 mA
TX-Pwr : 0.977 W TX-Temp.: 7.68 ?C
+Z-Sol.: 0.30 V Box-Temp: 11.39 ?C
CW-Code: ava abv aa4 adb ate abe ttu aee
5V-reg.: 4.85 V 8.5V-reg: 8.68 V
10V-Bat: 11.07 V 10V-Curr: 122.5 mA
TX-Pwr : 0.977 W TX-Temp.: 7.33 ?C
+Z-Sol.: 0.30 V Box-Temp: 11.04 ?C
CW-Code: ava abv aae adb at6 abe ttu aee
5V-reg.: 4.85 V 8.5V-reg: 8.68 V
10V-Bat: 11.07 V 10V-Curr: 122.5 mA
TX-Pwr : 0.977 W TX-Temp.: 6.97 ?C
+Z-Sol.: 0.30 V Box-Temp: 10.68 ?C
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-42 SAUDISAT-1B
Uplink to be released
Downlink 436.075 MHz
Broadcast Callsign SASAT2-11
BBS SASAT2-12
Launched: September 26, 2000 aboard a converted Soviet ballistic
missile from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Status: Unknown, 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
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]
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.
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 to
be available to Amateur Radio operators along with software to utilize
this technology.
The satellite is still operating, however, the spread spectrum packet radio
portion never took place. The spacecraft is now beyond it's initial 2-year
mission life, but telemetry records are still being downloaded.
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 is released worldwide via the AMSAT ANS e-mail reflector and a
live radiocast on 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.
Information on AMSAT-NA is available at the following URL:
http://www.amsat.org <http://www.amsat.org/> (or from)
AMSAT-NA
850 Sligo Avenue, Suite 600
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4703
Voice: 301-589-6062
888-322-6728
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
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT-NA offers membership in the
President's Club. Members of the President's Club, as sustaining donors
to AMSAT Project Funds, will be eligible to receive additional benefits.
Initially, there will two levels for donations - Gold and Silver.
Application forms are available from the AMSAT-NA Office.
AMSAT-NA has developed a on-line volunteer survey, designed
to identify the interests and skills of those who may be available to
directly help in efforts to develop the amateur satellite program. The
survey is designed to be completed and returned on-line, and takes
only a few minutes to fill out. To request the survey, simply send an
e-mail request to:
volunteer@amsat.org
ANS is always dedicated to past ANS editor 'BJ' Arts, WT0N, and to the
memory of long-time AMSAT supporters Werner Haas, DJ5KQ, and
Dennis Kitchen, G0FCL.
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: NN0DJ
Grid Square EN28iv
Warroad, Minnesota U.S.A.
E-mail: nn0dj@amsat.org
/EX
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