AMSAT UK MONTHLY SATELLITE REPORT:
As compiled by PAUL 2E1EUB.Inclusions to be included in this monthly report to reach me by the 25th of each month please, at: 2E1EUB@AMSAT.ORG. This report can also be found at www.amsatuk.org and on packet Radio or may be heard live on 3.780mhz +/- QRM on the last Sunday of each month
VO52/Hamsat
This bird has heavy Trafic and plenty of new comers, lets hope it stands the pace, I've already noticed weaker signals than first noted. The foot print is not massive and it moves quick ,but its possible to work the USA just about. the downlink polarization for HAMSAT is LHCP in 2 meters
HAMSAT frequencies: ------------------- Indian transponder: Uplink : 435.225MHz to 435.275MHz LSB/CW Downlink: 145.875MHz to 145.925MHz USB/CW Beacon : 145.940MHz continue carrier signal Dutch transponder: Uplink : 435.225MHz to 435.275MHz LSB/CW Downlink: 145.875MHz to 145.925MHz USB/CW Beacon : 145.860MHz 12WPM with CW message
AO-51 ECHO
Status: operational
modes l/s and v/s working well, but takes some tracking! still problems with the qrm level on mode v uplink. The new modes this month went down well ,v/ssb u/fm was very different! a few stations all at once could have qso's just about. Reports welcome from stations using the digital side of ao51. Some improvements have been made after studying the latest data! PLEASE NOTE: The bbs call sign has now been changed to: PECHO-12 and the broadcast call is :PECHO-11
One Year Anniversary of Echo
June 29th will mark the 1-year anniversary of the Launch of Echo. On June
29, 2004, Echo, now AO-51, was launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on top
of a Dnepr launch vehicle. Echo was one of 8 satellites which were placed
into Sun Synchronous Orbit during this launch. After approximately a month
of commissioning and testing, the satellite was placed into amateur radio
service.
Much more information about the history of Echo is available in Gould Smith's
(WA4SXM) book, "AO-51 Development, Operations, and Specifications," available
from AMSAT-NA.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the first year of Echo's in-orbit life, the wide
variety of modes and experiments that have been operated to date on the satellite,
and are looking forward to many more opportunities with Echo in the years
ahead. If you use and enjoy Echo please consider joining AMSAT-NA, or your
Country's AMSAT organization. It is one way that we can continue to do what
we enjoy; make contacts via Amateur Radio Satellites.
Software Reset
Sometime on Sunday,
June 26, there was a software reset on AO51. I am in the process of getting
a memory download of each program that was running on the satellite at the
time. The Software Group will study this data to debug the programs. This
will take a number of days to accomplish.
73 KE4AZN
Echo Command Team
Echo Operating
Schedule for: JULY
Update 2 July
The current plan is to begin the software reloading ASAP When completed the
satellite will be placed in the normal V/U FM repeater and 9k6 digital mode.
FM Repeater, V/U
Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM, 67 Hz PL Tone
Downlink 435.300 MHz FM
9k6 Digital, V/U, PBP BBS (Pacsat Broadcast Protocol BBS)
Uplink: 145.860 MHz FM, 9k6 PBP Digital
Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM, 9k6 PBP Digital
73 KE4AZN
Echo Command Team
I WILL POST NEW SKED WHEN KNOWN
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) - ARISS
Status: Operational
Current
Mode: Packet
Digipeater: Active
Russian callsigns
RS0ISS, RZ3DZR
USA callsign
NA1SS
Packet station
mailbox callsign RS0ISS-11
Packet station
keyboard callsign RS0ISS-3
Digie callsign
ARISS
The residents of the International Space
Station were informed today they may have visitors arriving on the Space
Shuttle Discovery in two weeks. NASA announced a July 13 launch date for
the Space Shuttle's Return to Flight and mission to the Station. Discovery
will dock with the Station on July 15.
The Space Station's Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer
John Phillips spent time this week preparing for the first joint Shuttle
and Station mission since Endeavour departed in December 2002. In preparation
for docking, Phillips continued installation of a camera used to align the
Shuttle and Station during the link up. A circuit breaker tripped during
an installation attempt last Friday. Engineers determined a power supply
was at fault. Once the power supply was replaced, Phillips completed the
installation and checkout procedure Tuesday.
Krikalev and Phillips also practiced taking photographs from windows in the
Zvezda living quarters module in preparation for Discovery's arrival. They
will use two digital cameras with high-powered lenses to take images of the
thermal tiles on the orbiter during its approach. The pictures will be sent
to Mission Control to help engineers assess the health of Discovery's heat
shield.
The crew also operated the Station's robotic arm, Canadarm2, as a checkout
before Discovery arrives. The activity also served as training for Krikalev
and Phillips. The arm was commanded to walk off the Destiny lab's operating
base to the Mobile Base System (MBS) on the truss Wednesday, and then back
again Thursday. A similar procedure will be done during the Shuttle mission.
The arm will be positioned on Destiny's base to observe the arrival of Discovery,
for installation of the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and to support
three spacewalks by the Shuttle crew. From the MBS operating position, cameras
on the arm will be used for situational awareness during potential protective
tile inspections the day after docking.
Phillips prepared for Discovery's arrival by consolidating equipment to make
room for the nine-person joint crew and packing equipment for return to Earth.
Krikalev installed and tested equipment for another visiting vehicle. When
the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) arrives next
year, it will use Proximity Communications Equipment (space-to-space communications)
to rendezvous and dock to the Station's Russian segment. The ATV has the
capability to bring more than eight tons of equipment and supplies to the
crew.
The Russian Progress spacecraft docked to the Station was used Wednesday
to raise the lab's altitude. The vehicle's engines burned for five minutes,
18 seconds to raise the Station's orbit to 221.5 by 215.9 statute miles.
The boost began the adjustments needed for rendezvous with Discovery. Another
burn is scheduled for July 6 at 10:58 a.m. EDT to enhance the rendezvous
opportunities.
The Progress also was used to pressurize the Station's cabin atmosphere with
additional oxygen. On Tuesday and Friday, eleven pounds of oxygen were added
to the atmosphere. It's necessary as the Elektron oxygen generation system
is inoperable. Other supplies aboard the Station could support the crew for
the rest of this year. Additional supplies and a replacement liquids unit,
the heart of the Elektron, are scheduled to arrive later this year.
Phillips, serving as NASA's Station Science Officer, conducted a physiological
experiment Wednesday. Phillips wore a special pair of Lycra cycling tights
equipped with sensors to study his movements. The sensors gather data to
help researchers better understand how arms and legs are used in space. This
information could lead to enhanced countermeasures to help astronauts better
maintain bone density and muscle mass during long spaceflights.
He also wrote in a journal and filled out a questionnaire for the Journals
experiment. Researchers hope to improve equipment and procedures to help
astronauts cope with the isolation encountered during long duration spaceflights.
Monday, Phillips performed a training procedure and used a voice operated
computer system for the first time on Station. The Clarissa system was developed
at NASA's Ames Research Center in an effort to ease astronaut workload. Clarissa
is hands-free and responds to astronauts' voice commands, reading procedure
steps out loud as they work, helping keep track of which steps have been
completed, and supporting flexible voice-activated alarms and timers.
ARISS Status
Canadian School Contact Successful
Friday, June 17, fifteen students from Ecole De la Source, an elementary school
in Mascouche, Quebec, Canada, spoke to John Phillips, KE5DRY, via ham radio.
Fifteen questions were asked of the astronaut as an audience of approximately
400 students, parents, and dignitaries, assembled in the gymnasium, watched via
a video link. Two national television stations and one newspaper covered the
event.
Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas had an ARISS contact on Monday, June 20,
at 14:49 UTC.
The Mayborn Museum at Baylor University in Waco, Texas had a contact via
the telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. on Monday, June 27 at 16:05 UTC.
On Thursday, June 2, students from Brigidine College in Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia spoke to John Phillips, KE5DRY. An article was written and
posted on the school’s website. See: <http://www.bcr.randwick.syd.catholic.edu.au/home/space/>
SuitSat Educational Project Status
Approximately 200 pieces of artwork have been submitted for the SuitSat DVDs.
It has been noted that Space Camp Turkey, a participant of two ARISS contacts
in the past, sent in their own artwork, taking advantage of yet another ARISS
opportunity.
ARISS Software
Sergey Samburov sent to Kenneth Ransom a CD containing Kenwood operations,
SSTV instructions, and other software programs. The U.S. team will review
the contents and provide updates for the software, as needed. Once finalized,
the CD will be sent to the ISS on a future Progress flight
7. Astronaut Training
Astronaut John Grunsfeld is tentatively scheduled to attend an ARISS
operations overview session on Friday, July 8. Grunsfeld is the backup for
Expedition 13.
8. ARRL Article on ISS Participation in Field Day
John Phillips, KE5DRY, and Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, participated in Field
Day on June 25 - 26.
9. ARRL Article on John Phillips
Astronaut John Phillips spoke to members of Congress about what living
on the ISS means in terms of future exploration plans. On June 15, the ARRL
covered this story in the article, “Ham-Astronaut testifies before Congress
from space.” See: <http://www.arrl.org/>
AO-7 AMSAT OSCAR 7
Status: Semi-operational in sunlight.
Return to active status: June 21,2002
Emily, W0EEC has created a website to allow the users of AO-7 to record
contacts, observations and use of the satellite more effectively at:
http://www.emilyshouse.com/experthams/ao7/main.php
This includes the ability to log contacts.
Mostly in mode B, ! with dx stations heard regularly, with some qrm on the 2m down link. But still plenty of traffic, showing that the old mode b transponder is much liked and rated. Tending to disappear or change modes part way through passes, perhaps due to poor solar lock.?
ao7 seems to be changing its trend its spent a lot of time in mode A this month...why not try CW or phone ....100w eirp l/h circular uplink.......2/6db linear antenna on the down link are the requirements !its poss to work mode A with less....stations heard this month include,Sp9evp,Dg9yib,Ua9fdz,Do4bmw,Nx2q,K3szh
AO-27 AMRAD *******
Status: semi Operational( On!)
Evening time uk/europe, FM repeater on first part off each pass.
The latest information on AO-27 can be found at:
http://www.ao27.org
An AO-27 question-and-answer page is available on the AMSAT-NA web site, I’ve used ao27 in the last few WEEKS and worked dx on the bird and it sounds great, with a good down link signal, lets hope its ok ,a big thank you to the control team for bringing ao27 back to life!
FO-29 JAS-2
Status: Operational
working well, with strong downlink signals at times.
Voice/CW Mode JA
Please send the reception reports to lab2@jarl.or.jp . Please use the
subject line: 'FO-29reception report'.
stations heard this week,W1FC Fread on the island of Marthers Vinyard great signal!Ve1fo,Wb2jsm,Ka8hql,Va3ka,K3SZH,OO7EQ....
SO-50 SAUDISAT-1C
Status: Operational.
Uplink: 145.850 MHz
There have been unconfirmed reports on the amsat-bb emailer that So-50 has shifted downlink frequency as much as 5khz up.
To switch the transmitter on, you need to send a CTCSS tone of 74.4 Hz. and then ctcss of 67hz to keep the bird open: its nice to see a bit more traffic on this bird this month.!
UO-11 OSCAR-11…semi operational
During the period 24 May to 15 June 2005 nothing has been heard from the satellite.
There was a possibility that the beacon might have switched ON, at around 21:30 UTC 08 June, assuming that the watchdog timer was still working.
However, I monitored all UK passes from 08:49 UTC 08 June to 18:00 UTC 10 June, and did not hear any signals.
I have received many reports, from stations all over the world, but no one has heard the satellite. Many thanks to all who reported, or listened for the satellite.
The satellite is now experiencing solar eclipses, which have now reached their maximum duration of 23% orbit time. The eclipses should finish in mid-August, when the satellite enters a period of continuous sunlight for the remainder of the year. It is possible that the satellite might resume transmissions when the eclipses finish.
Any reception reports would be appreciated. Please send to me direct
g3cwv@amsat.org, or post to post to AMSAT-BB.
The Beacon frequencies are -
VHF 145.826 MHz. AFSK
FM ASCII Telemetry - Occasional operation?
UHF
435.025 MHz. OFF
S-band
2401.5 MHz. OFF
AO-16 PACSat
Status: Semi-operational, the digipeater command is on and open for
APRS user
Broadcast Callsign: PACSAT-11
BBS: PACSAT-12
GO-32 TECHSAT-1B
Status: Operational
Roni, 4Z7DFC, reports:
Techsat1b BBS's is back ..but still having problems...
Uplink freq. ; 145.859, 145.890, 1269.800
More information of GO-32 can be found at:
http://www.iarc.org/techsat/techsat.html
NO-44 PCSAT 1
Status: Operational-in sunlight
PCSat is a 1200-baud APRS digipeater
http://pcsat.aprs.org
The APRS-equipped PCSat was built by midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy
SSSTI EXPRESS
The SSETI Express flight model is expected to be fully completed before the end of this week and will then be taken out from the clean room and packed for despatch to the launch site at Plesestk. This means that the webcam pictures at <http://sseti.gte.tuwien.ac.at/WSW4/webcam.htm> will be almost the last ones available before launch. Presently they are updated every 5 minutes. SSETI Express is scheduled for launch on Aug 25th and after initial telemetry and telecommand operations is expected to provide a U/S FM transponder in the amateur satellite service. More details of the launch, the telemetry formats, frequencies and available software will be made available over the forthcoming days/weeks prior to launch. ESA (and AMSAT-UK) really hope that as many amateurs around the world as possible will be willing to download the telemetry (9k6 on 437MHz and 38k4 on 2.4GHz), decode it and forward it to the SSETI Control Station over the internet. This opportunity to participate will enable us to show that the amateur satellite service groundstation network is a viable system for such short term projects. This in turn will encourage them and possibly other launch agencies to actively consider incorporating amateur transponder equipment in their future projects!
The preliminary pre-launch keps for the
Cosmos launch scheduled for August 25th have been announced.
This launch includes the SSETI Express spacecraft that will be carrying an
amateur U/S FM transponder.
SSETI1
1 33001U 05066C 05237.44790000 -.00000001 00000-0 10000-4 0 16
2 33001 98.1900 134.5000 0000001 0.0000 0.0000 14.60830000 00013
These are only provisional and maybe refined nearer the launch date!
This satellite is sponsored by the Education Office of the European Space
Agency and is the first in a series of student built satellite projects that
are underway. Their next project "ESEO" is scheduled for 2007/8
launch into a GTO orbit.
For the SSETI Express programme ESA are very keen to have as many amateurs
contributing received downlinked telemetry on 437MHz and 2.4GHz to a central
database. They recognise that our "worldwide" network is a unique
facility that is not otherwise available to them
A new website giving full details of the telemetry, how to decode it and
how to forward it to the SSETI database is being currently being developed
and initial information should be made available within the next four weeks.
In the meantime we can further report that the launch is expected to be broadcast
live on this "free to air" satellite downlink.
Astra 1 G at 19.2 degrees east:
Transponder: 1.108
Reception frequency: 12551.50 MHz
Polarization: Vertical
Symbolrate: 22Msymb/s
FEC: 5/6
TS_ID: 1108
ON_ID: 1
Service Name: ESA
Service provider: ASTRA
Service_ID: 12140
TXT: none
As this only covers Europe we are also hoping to be able to stream the sound
and video over the internet - more news will follow on this nearer the time.
best wishes
Graham
G4DPZ - OSCAR NEWS RETIRES
Hi All, Just a short note to let you all know that I've retired as Editor
of O.N. after 4 years. I'm still on the A-UK committee and will continue
as a sub-editor of ANS. It's been a great 4 years spreading the news,
but it's time for new hands to take over. We have a new Editor but I'm
sure he or the committee will do the introductions. To all those who've
provided articles and those I've cajoled into letting me plagiarise their
work, many thanks. To my fellow editors around the world, best wishes
and 'keep up the good work'. 73's Dave G4DPZ -Amsat uk news team would
like to welcome Charles G4JQX as our new editor, and wish him well with
the task ahead.
Amsat UK 20th colloquium.
The dates of the AMSAT-UK Colloquium for 2005 are Friday 29 July to Sunday 31 July. The venue is as previous years at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
This will be our 20th Colloquium, and as usual, we hope to hope an interesting and fun programme for all our visitors.
Special for this year will be the ARISS-International meeting which will be held on the 2 days after the Colloquium, ie Mon and Tue 1 and 2 Aug. Booking forms and more information on the www.
COSMOS-1
MOSCOW (AP) - A joint Russian-U.S. project to launch a solar sail space vehicle crashed back to Earth when the booster rocket's engine failed less than two minutes after takeoff, the Russian space agency said . The Cosmos 1 vehicle was intended to show that a so-called solar sail can make a controlled flight. Solar sails, designed to be propelled by pressure from sunlight, are envisioned as a potential means for achieving interstellar flight, allowing such spacecraft to gradually build up great velocity and cover large distances. But the Volna booster rocket failed 83 seconds after its launch from a Russian nuclear submarine in the northern Barents Sea just before midnight Tuesday in Moscow, the Russian space agency said. Its spokesman, Vyacheslav Davidenko, said that "the booster's failure means that the solar sail vehicle was lost." The Russian Defense Ministry launched a search for debris from the booster and the vehicle, he said.
AMSAT Awards
This week, congrats go out to
all of the following.
David Bird, KC7USS, 51 on 51 Award #28
Who will earn 51 on 51 Award #100? Remember, this award is only available
until December 31, 2005.
NASA GIVES GO FOR SHUTTLE:
shuttle will return to flight, NASA has cleared the space shuttle to return to flight after a 2 day review meeting. Senior managers approved a July 13 launch date for Discovery. Commander Eileen Collins and her crew are scheduled to lift off at 3.51pm EDT on the first US space flight since the February 2003 loss of Columbia.
PAUL . 2E1EUB. (AMSAT UK 6236)