[jamsat-news:3708] [ans] ANS-138 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
Frank Karnauskas via ANS
ans ＠ amsat.org
2020年 5月 17日 (日) 09:00:15 JST
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-138
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and
information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio
Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur
Radio in space including reports on the activities of a worldwide
group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in
designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and
digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on http://amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio
in space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:
ans-editor at amsat dot org.
In this edition:
* AMSAT Receives PPP Funds During COVID-19 Pandemic
* HuskySat-1 Transponder is Open
* HuskySat-1 Designated OSCAR 107 (HO-107)
* AMSAT Executive VP Congratulates HuskySat-1 Team
* New Satellite Frequency Chart Is Free to Members
* ARISS Continues Test of MultiPoint Telebridge Contact via
Amateur Radio
* 10th Annual GNU Radio Conference Goes Virtual
* AMSAT-EA Receives IARU Coordination for Two Satellites
* AO-7 Delivers Stunning Contact
* UN Launches Second Space4Youth Competition
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* ARISS News
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Satellite Shorts from All Over
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-138.01
ANS-138 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 138.01
>From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
May 17, 2020
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-138.01
AMSAT Receives PPP Funds During COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 31, 2020, AMSAT's Board of Directors authorized the
organization's leadership team to pursue relief afforded by the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Pursuit of this relief was in accordance with the Directors'
fiduciary duty to pursue all funding sources available to sustain
AMSAT's operations.
AMSAT has received funds under the CARES Act's Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP). Participation in this program gives us certainty that
AMSAT will be able to continue uninterrupted service to our members
during these uncertain economic times. It helps AMSAT offset cash
flow losses due to the pandemic and avoid dipping into our reserves.
Using reserves at this time would incur substantial realized losses
due to fluctuating investment market conditions. Receiving the PPP
funds also allows AMSAT to continue paying Martha, AMSAT's Office
Manager of over 40 years, even though our physical office remains
closed.
Although AMSAT remains in a healthy financial position with a strong
balance of cash and reserves, the current economic situation and loss
of events like Hamvention and Ham-Com will likely continue to
negatively impact donations and membership renewals.
AMSAT's senior leadership team continues to pursue avenues to reduce
operational costs such as the recent successful roll out of the Wild
Apricot membership management portal.
[ANS thanks Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, AMSAT President for the above
information.]
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office
is closed until further notice. For details, please visit
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/
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HuskySat-1 Transponder is Open
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP - Operations reports that after a
week of testing, the transponder on HuskySat-1 is enabled and open
for use and testing. HuskySat-1 carries a V/u inverting transponder
with a 145.910 to 145.940 uplink, 435.810 to 435.840 downlink. The
telemetry beacon runs 1200 baud BPSK at 435.800
It's fairly sensitive, and 5-10 watts is plenty most of the time.
There are some fades due to satellite orientation and some passes
are definitely better than others. The operations and engineering
teams are also watching a few anomalies. For those with spectrum
scopes, lease keep an eye on the beacon during transponder
operations. Strong signals may impact the beacon strength. Reports
and observations are welcome to the amsat-bb mailing list.
HuskySat-1 is the Husky Satellite Lab at University of Washington's
first cubesat, and the first mission with AMSAT's linear transponder
module (LTM-1), a V/u transponder and integrated telemetry beacon and
command receiver. UW recently completed their Part 5 operations and
have graciously let AMSAT's Part 97 transponder operations commence.
This transponder module is available for use in educational cubesat
missions willing to enable the transponder for worldwide use. Contact
Drew Glasbrenner or Jerry Buxton, VP Engineering Jerry Buxton for
additional details.
Congratulations to Husky Satellite Lab, and to the entire AMSAT
Engineering team for keeping amateur radio in space. Thanks to Dr.
Mark Hammond, N8MH for commissioning and operations support.
[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP - Operations for the
above information.]
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HuskySat-1 Designated OSCAR 107 (HO-107)
On November 2, 2019, the HuskySat-1 cubesat launched on the Cygnus
NG-12 mission from Wallops Island, Virginia, USA. The satellite was
constructed by the Husky Satellite Lab at the University of
Washington, and utilizes an AMSAT-constructed radio system for
primary communications. Deployed from the Cygnus vehicle on
January 31, 2020 after departing the ISS, HuskySat-1 began a 3-month
educational mission. Upon completion of that mission, the satellite
began operation of a V/u linear transponder in Amateur Radio Service.
At the request of the Husky Satellite Lab and AMSAT teams, AMSAT
here-by designates HuskySat-1 as HuskySat-OSCAR 107 (HO-107). We
congratulate the Husky Satellite Lab, thank them for their
contribution to the Amateur Radio satellite community, and wish them
continued success on this and future projects.
[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP - Operations for the
above information.]
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Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,
and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through
AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/
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AMSAT Executive VP Congratulates HuskySat-1 Team
"The first of what will be many AMSAT Linear Transponder Modules in
orbit was opened for amateur use worldwide Sunday morning. I wanted
to offer my thanks and congratulations to the team that made this
possible:
AMSAT Engineering
Jerry Buxton, N0JY
John Klingelhoeffer, WB4LNM
Marc Franco, N2UO
Dan Habecker, W9EQ
Bob Davis, KF4KSS
Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
Eric Skoog, K1TVV
Chris Thompson, AC2CZ/G0KLA
AMSAT Operations
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Mark Hammond, N8MH
"And, last, but certainly not least, the entire team at the Husky
Satellite Lab at the University of Washington.
"The AMSAT Linear Transponder Module (LTM) is a crucial part of
AMSAT's mission. The GOLF program will fulfill the first part
of our mission statement, to deploy satellite systems with the goal
of providing wide-area and continuous coverage, while ARISS and AREx
fulfill the second part of our mission statement to continue active
participation in human space missions.
The LTM represents the primary work AMSAT is doing to "support a
stream of LEO satellites developed in cooperation with the
educational community and other amateur satellite groups". Five
Fox-1 satellites have been completed. HO-107 is just the first of
many more missions that will help us to Keep Amateur Radio in
Space at a low cost to AMSAT. The future is bright!
[ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, AMSAT Executive VP for the above
information.]
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New Satellite Frequency Chart Is Free to Members
AMSAT just released its updated Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide. It
is currently available only to AMSAT Members, in the new online
member portal under Member Resources.
Archives of The AMSAT Journal are also available under Journal.
Currently, 2018 and 2019 are available with more years soon.
If you are an AMSAT Member and have not signed up on the new AMSAT
Member Portal, you are missing out. If your not an AMSAT Member,
there's no better time to join!
Visit launch.amsat.org today!
[ANS thanks AMSAT Member Services for the above information.]
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ARISS Continues Test of MultiPoint Telebridge Contact via
Amateur Radio
ARISS completed the second test of the new-style radio contact
called Multi point Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio. The concept
was developed for distance learning when schools closed worldwide due
to COVID-19. The virus eliminated all opportunities for ARISS radio
contacts at education organizations.
The radio contact was completed on May 15 with ISS Commander
Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR. A new ARISS telebridge ground station was
operated by John Sygo, ZS6JON located near Johannesburg,South
Africa. The telebridge linked to the astronaut and each youth tied
in from home via their telephones. Each student took a turn asking
their question of the astronaut. Their families, faculty and the
public could also listen from home.
The youth taking part in ARISS's second test belong to the Airdrie
Space Science Club in Airdrie, AB, Canada. Prior to COVID, the
students had participated in space and radio communications lessons
such as balloon launches with ham radio payloads and building model
rockets to launch. Brian Jackson, VE6JBJ, one of the five club
leaders related, "During this pandemic, our opportunities to develop
kids' interest in space has been interrupted. This ARISS contact gets
them looking back up, towards the sky, and imagining themselves as an
astronaut one day."
[ANS thanks Dave Jordan, AA4KN, ARISS Public Relations for the
above information.]
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10th Annual GNU Radio Conference Goes Virtual
GNU Radio Conference (GRCon) is a week-long conference that includes
technical content and networking opportunities. It highlights design,
implementation, and theory that has been practically applied in a
useful way. GRCon attendees come from a large variety of backgrounds,
including industry, academia, government, and hobbyists.
GRCon20 will be held starting September 14, 2020 online as a virtual
event. Keynote speakers include Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, Managing
Editor of QST magazine; Oona Räisänen (windytan) hacker of signals
and computer programmer; and Jim St. Leger, Director Open Source, at
Intel.
More information and registration is online at:
https://www.gnuradio.org/grcon/grcon20/
[ANS thanks GNU Radio for the above information.]
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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff
from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear
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AMSAT-EA Receives IARU Coordination for Two Satellites
AMSAT-EA recently received frequency coordination from the IARU for
two pocketcube satellites expected to launch in 2020.
Hades is a 1.5 p pocketcube satellite offering radio amateurs a
linear transponder for SSB/FM/CW and digital modes. It will also
test the platform for future amateur satellites. A downlink on
436.888 MHz and an uplink on 145.925 MHz have been coordinated.
A regenerative transponder for FM/FSK/ASK and 0.05kbps-125kbps
ASK/FSK/PSK telemetry, store&forward and data transmission from
ground stations is also planned. A camera is expected to fly as an
experimental payload.
EASAT-2 satellite is Hades virtual twin with a downlink on
436.666 MHz and an uplink on 145.875 MHz. Both satellites will be
launched into a 400/500 km polar orbit together with Sanosat-1 and
others in a Alba Orbital cluster 3 launch.
More info at https://www.amsat-ea.org/
[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information.]
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AO-7 Delivers Stunning Contact
On Sunday, May 4, 2020, AO-7, a forty year old satellite, produced a
stunning contact. At 17:20 UTC a contact was completed between
Diego Fiel, LW2DAF in Buenos Aires (GF05rk) and Tom Ambrose, ZS1TA in
Cape Town (JF95fx). The contact scanned a distance of 4329 miles
(6927 km) across the South Atlantic with both stations aiming at
only 2 to 3 degrees on the horizon.
Both stations had been watching the orbit predictions for several
weeks and the suitable opportunities only occurred occasionally with
both stations seeing the AO-7 satellite at the same time. Electrical
noise particularly in Cape Town hampered the efforts with only small
snatches being heard from time to time. That morning, however, the
noise levels were low and a perfect contact was possible with full
call signs and reports being exchanged.
[ANS thanks Tom Ambrose, ZS1TA for the above information.]
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UN Launches Second Space4Youth Competition
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) announced
the second edition of its Space4Youth competition for young people
worldwide to share their ideas on space policy and exploration.
The Space4Youth Competition strives to show how young people can
contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. This edition focuses on SDG 13, Climate Action,
which the United Nations Secretary-General called the defining issue
of our time.
In order to participate, young people have to submit an essay on
"Space as a tool to address climate challenges: examples from local
communities".
The selected winner and finalist(s) will be invited to present their
essays at the 19th Space Generation Congress 2020. Winners will also
have abstracts of their essays submitted to the 63rd session of the
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
For more information and instructions on how to participate, see:
https://tinyurl.com/ANS-138-Space4Youth
[ANS thanks the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs for the
above information.]
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AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur
radio package, including two-way communication capability, to
be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit.
Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/
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Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Mitch (@ad0hj) Has decided to go check on the tree in North Dakota.
He has also said he will be activating a bunch of grids:
- 5/20 UTC DN96/97
- 5/21 UTC DN78/88
- 5/22 UTC DN76/77
- 5/23 UTC DN86/87
- 5/24 UTC EN06/16
* Ron (@AD0DX) and Doug (@N6UA) are making another run at the elusive
DL88 in Big Bend National Park, TX. As we know they tried this grid
back in March, and due to the mud couldn't’t get to the grid, so never
ones to quit, off they go again. Today the tentative date is Sunday,
May 31, 2020. They will be using the K5Z call sign. More information
is available at the K5Z QRZ Page.
[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR for the above information.]
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ARISS News
The following schools have now been postponed due to COVID-19:
- Srednja Skola Za Elektrotehniku I Racunalstvo, Rijeka, Croatia,
direct via 9A5G
- Canadian Cub Jamboree, Guelph/Eramosa, ON, Canada,
telebridge via TBD.
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N for the above information.]
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Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
Current schedule:
- No scheduled events
The following events scheduled to have an AMSAT presence have been
CANCELED:
- May 8-9, 2020 Prescott Hamfest, Prescott, AZ
- May 15-17, Hamvention, Xenia, OH
- June 12-13, 2020, Ham-Com, Plano, TX
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Shorts from All Over
* Doppler SQF Line Generator
It seems like new satellites are appearing over the horizon nearly
every day. For those who want to roll their own Doppler SQF lines, you
can use this generator developed by Mike Diehl, W8LID. Just enter
the frequencies in the correct spot and presto! You will find this
great tool at: https://www.amsat.org/doppler-sqf-line-generator/.
[ANS thanks Dave Webb, KB1PVH for the above information.]
* "There's Nothing to Do, Dad (or Mom)!"
When the kids start getting bored around the house, check out
NASA's STEM Engagement Page. With activities sorted by age group,
there's plenty fun parents and kids can enjoy on their own or
together. It's all at https://www.nasa.gov/stem.
Also available from the European Space Agency is a series of weekly
projects and challenges that run now through September. Enjoy these
entertaining and educational projects at:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/05/Expedition_Home
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N and ESA for the above information.]
* NASA Inks Deal with Roscosmos for Continued Rides to the ISS
With lingering uncertainty about when new U.S. commercial vehicles
can regularly carry crews to the space station, NASA said Tuesday it
will pay the Russian space agency more than $90 million for a
round-trip ticket to the International Space Station on a Soyuz
spacecraft later this year. According to NASA, the deal with
Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, will ensure continuous U.S.
presence on the ISS in case of additional delays in getting new U.S.
crew capsules ready for operational missions. Read the complete
story at: https://tinyurl.com/ANS-138-NASA-Ride
[ANS thanks SPACEFLIGHT NOW for the above information.]
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In addition to regular membership, AMSAT 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. Application forms are available from the
AMSAT office.
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at
one-half the standard yearly rate. Post-secondary school students
enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the
student rate for a maximum of six post-secondary years in this
status.
Contact Martha at the AMSAT office for additional student
membership information.
73,
This week's ANS Editor,
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
n1uw at amsat dot org
Sent via AMSAT-BB ＠ amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum
available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring
membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author
and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
program!
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
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