<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Aptos Display";}
@font-face
{font-family:Georgia;
panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:18.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
font-weight:bold;}
h3
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:13.5pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
font-weight:bold;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif;
color:#0F4761;
mso-ligatures:none;}
span.Heading3Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 3";
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
color:#0F4761;
mso-ligatures:none;}
p.gmail-isselectedend, li.gmail-isselectedend, div.gmail-isselectedend
{mso-style-name:gmail-isselectedend;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
span.gmail-css-1jxf684
{mso-style-name:gmail-css-1jxf684;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:214783790;
mso-list-template-ids:-2044184444;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1357998475;
mso-list-template-ids:2079631854;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1804545495;
mso-list-template-ids:1816447752;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3
{mso-list-id:2016227225;
mso-list-template-ids:-1772593924;}
@list l3:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l3:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l3:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l3:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT News Service<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h3><strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">ANS-144</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">May 24, 2026</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">In this edition:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">* OrigamiSat-2 Receives Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) Designation from AMSAT<br>
* AMSAT Opens Candidate Nominations for 2026 Board of Directors Election<br>
* AMSAT Forum Covers Education, Operations, and Future Satellite Projects<br>
* Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 Adds New Twist to Satellite Operating<br>
* Hamvention 2026 Brings Estimated $35 Million Impact to Xenia Region<br>
* Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for May 22, 2026<br>
* ARISS News<br>
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities<br>
* Satellite Shorts From All Over<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The news feed on <a href="https://www.amsat.org">
https://www.amsat.org</a> publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at]
<a href="http://amsat.org">amsat.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see:
<a href="https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/">https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">OrigamiSat-2 Receives Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) Designation from AMSAT<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">OrigamiSat-2, one of eight satellites launched aboard Rocket Lab’s Kakushin Rising mission for JAXA on April 23, 2026, has now received an official OSCAR designation from AMSAT. Developed by the
Institute of Science Tokyo, the satellite has been assigned the designation Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) following a request submitted through the Japan Amateur Satellite Association (JAMSAT). The announcement came after satellite teams confirmed successful deployment
and initial on-orbit operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The 3U CubeSat was designed to demonstrate lightweight deployable membrane antenna technology and promote amateur use of the 5.8 GHz band. Mission goals include testing a high-gain deployable reflector
array antenna, demonstrating its performance in orbit, and helping establish methods for future advanced satellite systems. OrigamiSat-2 carries both UHF and C-band transmitters and aims to expand amateur radio experimentation beyond traditional VHF and UHF
operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/OrigamiSat2_5p84GHz_CW_Signal_IC905.jpg"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="1024" height="576" style="width:10.6666in;height:6.0in" id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/OrigamiSat2_5p84GHz_CW_Signal_IC905-1024x576.jpg"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Reception of a 5.84 GHz CW signal from Fuji-OSCAR 126 (FO-126) displayed on an Icom IC-905. [Credit:
<a href="https://x.com/ja1ogz">JA1OGZ</a>]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">IARU coordination lists downlinks on 437.505 MHz and 5840.000 MHz. The satellite supports CW and digital modes, including higher-speed data experiments over its 5.8 GHz link. Project information
released by the team indicates a desire to openly share reception techniques and operational status with amateur operators, encouraging wider participation in receiving and decoding signals from the spacecraft.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Reports from the satellite team indicate the 5.8 GHz downlink has already been confirmed operational. Amateur satellite observers have expressed interest in monitoring activity from outside Japan
as additional operational details become available. OrigamiSat-2 now joins the long-running OSCAR satellite tradition under its new designation, Fuji-OSCAR 126, continuing the international partnership between satellite developers and the amateur radio community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks <a href="https://x.com/glasbrenner">
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA</a>, AMSAT President / OSCAR Number Administrator, and <a href="https://x.com/JH4PHW">
Shiro Sakai, JH4PHW</a>, JAMSAT President, for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Opens Candidate Nominations for 2026 Board of Directors Election<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT has officially opened the nomination period for its 2026 Board of Directors election, which will take place during the third quarter of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Three director positions are set to expire in 2026. The current board members whose seats are up for election are:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Mark Hammond, N8MH</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Bruce Paige, KK5DO</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3">
<strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Paul Stoetzer, N8HM</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">In addition to these three full Director roles, up to two Alternate Directors may also be elected to serve one-year terms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">To nominate a candidate, a written submission is required. Nominations must include the nominee’s name, call sign, and contact information, along with the same details for either five AMSAT members
in good standing or one Member Society endorsing the candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Nominations should be directed to the AMSAT Secretary:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Douglas Tabor, N6UA<br>
1133 Verlan Way<br>
Cheyenne, WY 82009<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Per AMSAT’s bylaws, all nominations must follow the format specified by the Secretary. Doug Tabor has indicated that nominations will be accepted in both hard copy (via postal mail) and digital formats
(including email or scanned documents). However, fax submissions are not permitted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Email nominations should be sent to:
<strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">dtabor [at] amsat [dot] org</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">All nomination petitions must be received by the Secretary no later than June 15. After the submission deadline, the Secretary will confirm the eligibility of each candidate and the supporting members
or societies, with final notification to candidates provided by the end of June.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks <a href="https://x.com/dtabor">
Doug Tabor, N6UA</a>, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Forum Covers Education, Operations, and Future Satellite Projects<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT presented its annual Hamvention forum on Saturday afternoon at Dayton Hamvention 2026, providing attendees with updates on educational outreach efforts, satellite operations, ongoing engineering
projects, and future spacecraft development. AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, opened the session and noted a packed program schedule covering topics ranging from youth initiatives and CubeSat education tools to next-generation satellite
hardware and the GOLF-TEE mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Vice President for Development Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, highlighted AMSAT's BuzzSat youth initiative, a community-based outreach program designed to introduce younger audiences to satellites
and space technology through accessible educational materials. Rather than focusing initially on amateur radio itself, BuzzSat uses topics such as weather satellites, agriculture, climate monitoring, and space exploration to engage students before introducing
amateur radio concepts. The initiative includes a downloadable coloring book and a growing collection of interactive educational courses for middle and high school students.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Vice President for Educational Relations Alan Johnston, KU2Y, provided updates on the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator project, a low-cost educational satellite emulator designed for STEM instruction
and amateur radio training. The CubeSatSim transmits actual telemetry and can emulate several on-orbit satellites while removing complexities such as Doppler shift and satellite tracking. Johnston demonstrated command and control functions including telemetry
mode changes and crossband repeater operation and noted that complete systems, classroom loaner kits, and simplified CubeSatSim Lite versions are now available.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hamvention_AMSAT_Forum_SDR_Gen2.jpg"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="1023" height="576" style="width:10.6562in;height:6.0in" id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hamvention_AMSAT_Forum_SDR_Gen2.jpg"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Engineering slide presents an overview of next-generation SDR transponder development for future satellite missions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Vice President for Operations Mark Hammond, N8MH, reviewed currently active amateur satellites and encouraged operators to use AMSAT's satellite status resources to determine operational modes
and activity. Hammond also promoted the new Students on the Air (StOTA) activity created by Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, intended to encourage student participation on amateur satellites. He also discussed renewed development of PACSAT store-and-forward communications
payloads, which revisit packet satellite concepts first popularized during the late 1980s and early 1990s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Flight Software Team Lead Burns Fisher, WB1FJ, and AMSAT Engineering Team member Ray Roberge, WA1CYB, outlined several engineering efforts including AMSAT's Linear Transponder Module (LTM),
FoxPlus satellites, and SDR Gen 2 development. The LTM project continues AMSAT partnerships with universities by providing communications hardware in exchange for future amateur radio access after mission completion. SDR Gen 2 development expands microwave
capabilities and is designed to support multiple modes while preparing operators for future high-bandwidth satellite communications.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Vice President of Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, concluded the session with a status update on the GOLF-TEE mission. Engineering work remains underway using a full system engineering model
while a newly arrived metal space frame advances development toward a planned critical design review currently targeted for May 2027. Additional discussion included AMSAT participation in the FutureGEO proposal and announcements regarding the 2026 AMSAT Symposium
scheduled for October in Jacksonville, Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The full AMSAT Forum presentation can be viewed on YouTube at:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRDAQx-VgCc&t=19341s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRDAQx-VgCc&t=19341s</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks <a href="https://www.amsat.org/">
AMSAT</a> and the <a href="https://w8bi.org/">Dayton Amateur Radio Association</a> for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h3 align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Buying from DX Engineering?<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Add AMSAT’s
<em><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Getting Started With Amateur Satellites</span></em> to your order.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="margin:0in;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/amt-satellites"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="600" height="325" style="width:6.25in;height:3.3854in" id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DX_Engineering_AMSAT_Book_Hard_Copy_1200px_650px.jpg"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="margin-top:0in;text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Available for $30 from DX Engineering (free shipping on most orders over $99)<u><br>
</u><a href="https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/amt-satellites">https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/amt-satellites</a><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 Adds New Twist to Satellite Operating<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">A new community challenge called Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 is inviting amateur radio satellite operators to add a playful twist to their on-air activities. Organized by Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF,
the event is now underway and invites operators to participate throughout the summer. Operators can participate from anywhere and compete by completing satellite-themed bingo objectives based on contacts, locations, satellites, and operating challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Bird Chaser Bingo draws inspiration from other lighthearted amateur radio satellite activities such as WMPLOTA (Walmart Parking Lots on the Air) and ADØ Squared. Organizers describe it as a friendly
competition intended to encourage operating activity and create opportunities for satellite operators to connect while pursuing unusual goals. There are no entry fees, sponsors, or geographic limitations, and participation is open to satellite operators worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Players receive a bingo card filled with summer-themed operating tasks and satellite-related objectives. Participants can earn a traditional bingo by completing a row, column, or diagonal. Those
seeking an additional challenge can attempt a "Full Eclipse," the event’s term for completing every square on the card. Organizers say a single contact may count for multiple squares if it satisfies more than one requirement, creating opportunities for memorable
"one QSO bingo wonder" moments when several conditions align at once.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="http://borgersons.com/"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="850" height="850" style="width:8.8541in;height:8.8541in" id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Bird_Chaser_Bingo_Summer_2026-1024x1024.jpg"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 card presents fun operating challenges and activities for satellite enthusiasts. [Credit:
<a href="https://x.com/BorgersonS">KK7OVF</a>]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Operators submitting completed cards will receive recognition, and printable certificates will be emailed for completed bingo achievements. Participants who complete a Full Eclipse card are also
expected to receive commemorative QSL cards. Event organizers note that QSL distribution outside the United States may be limited by mailing costs and available resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Activity for Bird Chaser Bingo runs from May 15 through August 31, 2026, using UTC dates. Completed card submissions are requested by September 15, 2026. Participants are encouraged to use online
tools such as <a href="https://hams.at/">hams.at</a> to identify portable operators and satellite activations. Organizers suggest rovers include notes such as "Bingo Campground" or "Bingo Festival" in activation announcements to help other participants locate
qualifying activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Bird Chaser Bingo organizers say the event is intended as a relaxed summer operating activity rather than a race. Participants are encouraged to enjoy portable operations, unusual activation locations,
and the occasional unexpected contact that checks multiple boxes at once. Organizers also encourage operators to share activation details through online tools and social media to help other participants locate activity. The event runs on the honor system and
jokingly warns that any funny business may result in “QRM.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Additional information, sign-up details, and Bird Chaser Bingo cards are available at:
<a href="http://borgersons.com" target="_blank"><span class="gmail-css-1jxf684">http://</span>borgersons.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks <a href="https://x.com/BorgersonS">
Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF</a>, and the <a href="https://borgersons.com/">Bird Chaser Bingo</a> organizers for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Hamvention 2026 Brings Estimated $35 Million Impact to Xenia Region<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Hamvention 2026 recently concluded in Xenia, Ohio, after once again drawing amateur radio operators and enthusiasts from around the world. Held at the Greene County Fairgrounds since 2017, Hamvention
remains the world’s largest gathering devoted to amateur radio. Participants ranged from newcomers entering the hobby to experienced operators, technical experts, and international visitors. The annual event wrapped up on May 17 following three days of activities,
exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Local television coverage highlighted the event’s significance beyond the amateur radio community itself. Hamvention spokesperson Michael Kalter, W8CI, said the gathering generates an estimated economic
impact of more than $35 million for southwest Ohio. Kalter noted that Xenia has a population of approximately 26,000 residents, while Hamvention attendance rivals and often exceeds that number. Hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the region benefit
from the annual influx of visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Kalter also emphasized amateur radio’s worldwide reach and continuing growth. He noted that amateur radio operators are licensed in approximately 160 countries around the globe and that the United
States alone now has more than 750,000 licensed operators. Hamvention continues serving as a central meeting place where operators can discover new technology, exchange ideas, and connect with the broader amateur radio community. Kalter described the event
as a “living, breathing community” rather than simply a trade show.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hamvention_AMSAT_Satellite_Demonstration.jpg"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="1024" height="576" style="width:10.6666in;height:6.0in" id="_x0000_i1047" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hamvention_AMSAT_Satellite_Demonstration-1024x576.jpg"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, and Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, demonstrate amateur satellite operations during Hamvention 2026. [Credit:
<a href="https://dayton247now.com/">Dayton 24/7 Now</a>]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The television report also included several views of AMSAT activities during Hamvention 2026, including amateur satellite operating demonstrations outside the AMSAT exhibit area. Video coverage showed
AMSAT volunteers demonstrating handheld satellite communications and interacting with visitors attending the event. Additional scenes highlighted the AMSAT booth inside the exhibition area, where attendees explored satellite operating equipment, antennas,
and educational displays. The demonstrations offered visitors a practical introduction to amateur satellite operations and AMSAT’s continuing outreach efforts at Hamvention.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Beyond technology and equipment, Kalter highlighted the international friendships and cultural connections amateur radio can create. He reflected on opportunities to travel and meet amateur radio
operators around the world through the shared interests of communication and experimentation. Organizers also noted continuing growth in interest from both new and experienced operators. Hamvention 2026 concluded after another year celebrating amateur radio’s
technical, educational, and global community spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The complete Dayton 24/7 Now report, including the original article and video coverage, is available at:
<a href="https://dayton247now.com/news/local/worlds-largest-amateur-radio-gathering-returns-to-xenia-bringing-35m-plus-impact">
https://dayton247now.com/news/local/worlds-largest-amateur-radio-gathering-returns-to-xenia-bringing-35m-plus-impact</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks <a href="https://x.com/Jeff247now">
Jeff Schrock</a> and <a href="https://dayton247now.com/">Dayton 24/7 Now</a> for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">The 2026 Coins Are Here! Help Support GOLF-TEE and Fox-Plus.<br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Annual memberships start at only $120.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="600" height="304" style="width:6.25in;height:3.1666in" id="_x0000_i1046" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PC-2026-Coin-2S-Color-1.jpg" alt="Presidents' Club 2026 Coin"></span></a><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center"><strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><a href="https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/">https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/</a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for May 22, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur
tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur
satellites. More information may be found at<a href="https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/"> https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.</span></em><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">General Perturbations Data Support<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT is pleased to announce that modern forms of what are called General Perturbations data are being disseminated via modern formats including JSON, XML and KVN at
<a href="https://newark192.amsat.org/gpdata/current/">https://newark192.amsat.org/gpdata/current/</a>. The reason this change is being made is that we are running out of 5-digit catalog numbers and the TLE format is not viable for satellites launched after
July of this year. See <a href="https://celestrak.org/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php">
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php</a> for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">These data are presently considered in beta test for the next two months while hosted on the test server
<a href="http://newark192.amsat.org">newark192.amsat.org</a>, and we are very open to community feedback at
<a href="mailto:webmaster@amsat.org">webmaster@amsat.org</a>. Testers may experience outages and errors while we make improvements. We intend to put this into production on our main web server in July as we expect that satellites launched after this summer
will require one of the new formats to accommodate longer object numbers. AMSAT will continue to publish TLE bulletins for satellites launched before July 2026 indefinitely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">ARISS News<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3><strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Scheduled Contacts</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p><strong><i><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ Recently Completed</span></i></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">D.V. Skobeltsyn Research Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, direct via R4UAB<br>
The ISS callsign was RSØISS<br>
The scheduled crewmember was Sergey Kud-Sverchkov<br>
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR<br>
Contact was successful: Mon 2026-05-18 17:27 UTC<br>
Congratulations to the Moscow State University students, Sergey, mentor RV3DR, and ground station R4UAB<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">N.I. Lobachevsky Lyceum and School No. 132, Kazan, Russia, direct via TBD<br>
The ISS callsign was RSØISS<br>
The scheduled crewmember was Sergey Kud-Sverchkov<br>
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR<br>
Contact was successful: Wed 2026-05-20 15:50 UTC<br>
Congratulations to the N.I. Lobachevsky Lyceum and School No. 132 students, Sergey, and mentor RV3DR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Pedagogical Lyceum of Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD<br>
The ISS callsign was RSØISS<br>
The scheduled crewmember was Andrey Fedyaev<br>
The ARISS mentor was RV3DR<br>
Contact was successful: Thu 2026-05-21 08:50 UTC<br>
Congratulations to the Pedagogical Lyceum of Blagoveshchensk State Pedagogical University students, Andrey, and mentor RV3DR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Colegio San Lucas, Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina, telebridge via ON4ISS<br>
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS<br>
The scheduled crewmember was Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN<br>
The ARISS mentor was VE6JBJ<br>
Contact was successful: Fri 2026-05-22 17:19 UTC<br>
Congratulations to the Colegio San Lucas students, Sophie, mentor VE6JBJ, and ground station ON4ISS<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><i><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ Upcoming Contacts</span></i></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Siksika High School, Siksika, Alberta, Canada telebridge via AB1OC<br>
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS<br>
The scheduled crewmember is Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN<br>
The ARISS mentor is VE6JBJ<br>
Contact is go for: Mon 2026-05-25 17:58 UTC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Minamigaoka Elementary School, Tsu, Japan, direct via JJ2YJC<br>
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS<br>
The scheduled crewmember is Jack Hathaway KJ5NIV<br>
The ARISS mentor is 7M3TJZ/ JA1CJP/ MØXTD<br>
Contact is go for: Thu 2026-05-28 11:22 UTC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Many times, a school makes a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or runs into a last-minute glitch requiring a change of the URL, but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication.
You can always check <a href="https://live.ariss.org/">https://live.ariss.org/</a> to see if a school is Livestreaming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The crossband repeater remains configured in the Columbus Module (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If a crewmember decides to pick up the microphone and turn up the volume, you may hear
them on the air—so keep listening, as you never know when activity might occur. <em>
<span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">In support of Russian EVA: Power Down May 27 07:45 UTC | Power Up May 28 11:10 UTC</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Kenwood D710GA in the Zvezda Service Module - Call sign RSØISS. Please note we're still in the process of troubleshooting and testing this radio. APRS is currently active on 437.825 MHz. Feel free
to check out status reports at <a href="https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_APRS/">https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_APRS/</a>.
<em><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">In support of Russian EVA: Power Down May 27 07:50 UTC | Power Up May 28 11:05 UTC</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">HamTV in the Columbus Module (2395.00 MHz) is powered down in support of payload operations. T<em><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">he power up is scheduled for May 25 at 13:40 UTC.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The latest information on the operation mode can be found at <a href="https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html">https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at <a href="https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html">https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Ambassador Activities<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">“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)!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Scheduled Events<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">44th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Membership Meeting - October 8 thru 11, 2026<br>
Crowne Plaza JAX Airport<br>
14670 Duval Road<br>
Jacksonville, FL 32218<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">For more information go to:
<a href="https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/">https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><img border="0" width="879" height="516" style="width:9.1562in;height:5.375in" id="_x0000_i1045" src="https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SDR-Gen2-Ad-01_251214.jpg" alt="SDR Gen 2 Ad - 2026"></span><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<h2><span style="font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Satellite Shorts from All Over<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ SpaceX successfully launched the first Version 3 Starship vehicle on May 22 from Starbase, Texas, during a major test flight of the company’s next-generation heavy-lift launch system. During the
Flight 12 mission, the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage separated successfully after ascent, although both stages experienced individual Raptor engine shutdowns during flight. Despite the engine issues, Starship continued on a near-planned suborbital
trajectory, deployed 20 Starlink mass simulators along with two experimental “Dodger Dogs” spacecraft, and transmitted video from space. SpaceX also completed a successful reentry and soft splashdown of Starship in the Indian Ocean after approximately 66 and
one-half minutes of flight, although the vehicle later tipped over and exploded as expected after landing. The upgraded Version 3 design includes major improvements to both the booster and upper stage and is expected to support future orbital payload launches,
Starlink deployment missions, and the Human Landing System being developed for NASA’s Artemis program. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch and later congratulated SpaceX and Elon Musk on what he described as a major step toward future Moon
and Mars missions. (ANS thanks <a href="https://spacenews.com/">SpaceNews</a> for the above information)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ A newly released video from the YouTube channel
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HeritonINC">Heriton</a> revisits the unusual history of AMSAT OSCAR 7 (AO-7), the amateur radio satellite launched in 1974 that unexpectedly returned to operation after more than two decades of silence. The video recounts how
AO-7 ceased transmitting in 1981 after a battery failure led operators to declare the spacecraft inactive. In June 2002, amateur radio operators discovered that AO-7 had resumed operation while in sunlight, likely because long-term changes inside the failed
battery pack removed the electrical short that had disabled it. AO-7 remains one of amateur radio's most enduring engineering stories and is still active today. Heriton combines historical footage, narration, and technical background to introduce the satellite's
story to a broader audience. The complete video, "This Cold War Satellite Was Dead for 21 Years. Then It Started Transmitting Again," can be viewed at
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDBBmITGtnQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDBBmITGtnQ</a>. (ANS thanks the
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@HeritonINC">Heriton YouTube channel</a> for the above information)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) spacecraft successfully launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on May 19, beginning a joint mission
between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The mission is designed to improve understanding of solar storms, geomagnetic disturbances, and the effects of space weather on Earth and spacecraft systems. SMILE will become the first
mission to observe Earth’s magnetic shield using X-ray imaging, allowing scientists to study how the solar wind interacts with the magnetosphere. The spacecraft will also use ultraviolet imaging to continuously observe auroral activity for periods of up to
45 hours. During the coming weeks, SMILE will gradually raise its orbit through a series of engine burns before beginning scientific operations in July. Scientists hope the mission’s observations will improve future models of Earth’s magnetic environment and
help protect satellites and astronauts from space weather effects. (ANS thanks the
<a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> for the above information)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="gmail-isselectedend"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ NASA engineers have successfully tested a prototype of a lithium-fed nuclear electric propulsion system that could one day help power human missions to Mars. During
testing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the experimental thruster reached 120 kilowatts, the highest power level ever achieved in a U.S. electric propulsion test. Unlike conventional chemical rockets, electric propulsion systems use electromagnetic forces
to accelerate propellant and can operate with dramatically improved efficiency. The new magnetoplasmadynamic thruster uses lithium metal vapor and is designed to eventually pair with megawatt-class nuclear power systems for deep-space travel. During five test
firings, engineers observed temperatures above 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit as the prototype produced a bright red exhaust plume. NASA researchers hope future versions of the system could support larger payloads and faster crewed missions to Mars. (ANS thanks
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/">Gizmodo</a> for the above information)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">+ US Space Command has launched a new series of classified wargames called Apollo Insight, bringing together military experts and commercial space companies to examine potential threats in orbit.
The first tabletop exercise focused on a simulated scenario involving a nuclear payload in low Earth orbit and its potential consequences for space operations. Officials said a nuclear detonation in orbit could destroy or disable thousands of satellites and
disrupt communications, navigation, and surveillance systems worldwide. Previous government assessments suggested portions of low Earth orbit could become unusable for up to a year following such an event. More than 60 companies participated in the exercise,
along with allied partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Space Command plans additional Apollo Insight exercises later this year focused on orbital maneuver warfare and other evolving space threats. (ANS thanks
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/">Ars Technica</a> for the above information)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<h2><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">Join AMSAT today at <a href="https://launch.amsat.org/">
https://launch.amsat.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6">
<span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6">
<span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Students enrolled in at least half-time status are eligible for free membership to age 25.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6">
<span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Contact info [at] <a href="http://amsat.org">
amsat.org</a> for additional membership information.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">This week's ANS Editor,</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ</span></strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><br>
<strong><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">mahrenstorff [at] <a href="http://amsat.org">
amsat.org</a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif">ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002</span></em><i><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif"><br>
<em><span style="font-family:"Georgia",serif">AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.</span></em></span></i><em><span style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;font-style:normal"><o:p></o:p></span></em></p>
<p><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>