On this version:
* India Launches SpaDeX Satellites with Newbie Radio Experiment
* Parker Photo voltaic Probe Achieves Closest-Ever Strategy to the Solar
* 3D-Printed Helicone Antenna Examined for L-Band Climate Satellites
* Chilly Struggle Thriller: Why Did Jimmy Carter Save the Area Shuttle?
* Modifications to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for January 10, 2025
* ARISS Information
* Upcoming Satellite tv for pc Operations
* AMSAT Ambassador Actions
* Satellite tv for pc Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT Information Service bulletins are a free, weekly information and knowledge service of AMSAT, the Radio Newbie Satellite tv for pc Company. ANS publishes information associated to Newbie Radio in Area together with experiences on the actions of a worldwide group of Newbie Radio operators who share an energetic curiosity in designing, constructing, launching and speaking by means of analog and digital Newbie Radio satellites.
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ANS-012 AMSAT Information Service Weekly Bulletins
To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Newbie Satellite tv for pc Company
712 H Road NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2025 Jan 12
India Launches SpaDeX Satellites with Newbie Radio Experiment
India has launched the SpaDeX mission, designed to carry out the nation’s first autonomous docking experiment in house. A Polar Satellite tv for pc Launch Automobile (PSLV-C60) carried two SpaDeX satellites into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Area Centre in Sriharikota, India on December 30, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. EST (1630 UTC). The Indian Area Analysis Organisation (ISRO) sees this mission as a step towards supporting future Moon missions and constructing an area station.
The Area Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) consists of two 220-kilogram (485 pound) satellites, the Goal and Chaser, which is able to take a look at rendezvous and docking procedures. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed the satellites had been positioned within the appropriate orbit after launch. The primary docking try is predicted to happen within the subsequent a number of days. The mission will assess the switch of energy between the docked spacecraft and consider dual-spacecraft management capabilities.
Along with the docking experiment, the mission consists of the POEM-4 (PS4-Orbital Experimental Module), which carries 24 payloads. These embrace a robotic arm demonstration and a particles seize manipulator. The robotic arm will take a look at mobility for duties in orbit, whereas the particles seize manipulator will try and retrieve tethered objects in an effort to handle house particles.
One of many payloads aboard POEM-4 is the BGS ARPIT, an beginner radio venture developed by the SJC Institute of Expertise, the Upagrah Newbie Radio Membership (VU2URC), and AMSAT-India to help academic actions and have a good time India’s seventy fifth yr of independence. This payload can transmit photos through Sluggish Scan Tv (SSTV), audio messages, and telemetry knowledge on 145.870 MHz, and it additionally features as an APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz. Authorised for IARU frequency coordination on December 22, 2024, BGS ARPIT accomplished its first SSTV transmission interval on January tenth, with extra trial durations positive to come back quickly.
The autonomous docking expertise examined in SpaDeX is essential for ISRO’s deliberate Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission, which goals to return samples from the Moon’s south pole. Docking capabilities will allow the switch of samples to a return capsule in lunar orbit. This expertise can be important for the meeting and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s deliberate house station.
The SpaDeX mission consists of payloads developed by ISRO and collaborators from universities and startups. The experiments deal with areas like satellite tv for pc servicing, house particles administration, and academic outreach. The mission serves as a platform to advance applied sciences wanted for India’s house exploration objectives.
[ANS thanks the Tariq Malik, Space.com, and AMSAT-India, for the above information]
Parker Photo voltaic Probe Achieves Closest-Ever Strategy to the Solar
NASA’s Parker Photo voltaic Probe reached a big milestone on December 24, 2024, by coming inside 3.8 million miles of the solar’s floor—the closest a human-made object has ever traveled towards a star. The spacecraft confirmed its survival by means of a sign obtained on the Johns Hopkins Utilized Physics Laboratory (APL) on December 26. This marks one other step ahead within the mission’s effort to review the solar and its affect on the photo voltaic system. The probe, touring at 430,000 miles per hour (692,000 kilometers per hour), continues to push the bounds of photo voltaic exploration.
The mission permits the spacecraft to collect knowledge from areas of the solar that had been beforehand out of attain. Nicky Fox, affiliate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stated, “By learning the solar up shut, we are able to higher perceive its impacts all through our photo voltaic system, together with on the expertise we use every day on Earth, in addition to study in regards to the workings of stars throughout the universe.” This shut method opens the door for brand spanking new measurements that would refine data about photo voltaic wind, coronal heating, and different basic processes.
Launched in 2018, the Parker Photo voltaic Probe used seven Venus flybys to regulate its orbit and method the solar. Its present orbit brings it close to the solar each three months. A carbon foam warmth defend, designed to resist temperatures as much as 2,600°F (1430°C), protects the spacecraft’s devices, which stay at a secure temperature. Throughout its newest encounter, the defend endured temperatures of 1,800°F (980°C), demonstrating the sturdiness of its design and development.
The spacecraft has already offered priceless knowledge about photo voltaic phenomena. It has noticed magnetic subject constructions known as switchbacks, which assist clarify plasma heating and acceleration. Adam Szabo, mission scientist at NASA’s Goddard Area Flight Middle, famous, “This shut method will give us extra knowledge to know how the photo voltaic wind is accelerated nearer in.” Measurements from throughout the photo voltaic corona supply new views on how vitality and particles transfer by means of this area.
The Parker Photo voltaic Probe has additionally contributed to research of Venus, detecting thermal emissions from its floor and capturing photos of its orbital mud ring. These observations spotlight the spacecraft’s potential to collect insights past its major mission. Knowledge from the latest photo voltaic cross will quickly be transmitted to Earth, offering extra info for researchers.
Future photo voltaic passes are scheduled for March 22 and June 19, 2025. Ralph Semmel, John Hopkins Utilized Physics Laboratory Director, emphasised the staff’s efforts, stating, “Their unimaginable technological breakthroughs enabled this superb mission, they usually have delivered important new insights which can be revolutionizing our understanding of heliophysics and house climate.” As a part of NASA’s Dwelling With a Star program, the Parker Photo voltaic Probe continues to research the connection between the solar and the Earth, offering priceless data for science and society.
[ANS thanks the Michael Buckley and Mara Johnson-Groh, Johns Hopkins University for the above information]
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Membership Cash Have Simply Arrived!
Celebrating the fortieth Anniversary of Newbie Radio on Human Spaceflight
Assist Assist GOLF and Fox Plus.
Be part of the AMSAT President’s Membership right this moment!
3D-Printed Helicone Antenna Examined for L-Band Climate Satellites
Gabe Emerson, KL1FI, the creator behind the YouTube channel saveitforparts has unveiled a brand new video highlighting a 3D-printable helical antenna for receiving climate knowledge from polar-orbiting L-band satellites reminiscent of NOAA and Meteor. Designed by a consumer named t0nito, the 1.7 GHz HRPT Helicone Antenna design is freely obtainable on Thingiverse. Its compact dimension, simple meeting, and efficient efficiency have the potential to make it a success amongst beginner radio and satellite tv for pc lovers. The handbook, directions, and 3D printer recordsdata could be accessed at https://www.thingiverse.com/factor:6436342.
The video begins with the challenges encountered through the printing course of. Early makes an attempt at creating the antenna’s helical scaffold had been affected by warping points within the help legs, leading to a number of failed prints. To deal with this, the unique 3D mannequin was modified to incorporate extra middle helps, making certain a secure print. As soon as the printing part was full, the meeting course of concerned wrapping wire round a two-inch pipe, crafting a reflector from metallic window display screen, and piecing the whole lot collectively.
Testing the finished antenna proved its effectiveness. Utilizing an RTL-SDR receiver and the SatDump software program, Gabe efficiently obtained knowledge from the NOAA-18 HRPT satellite tv for pc. By manually monitoring the satellite tv for pc, clear and detailed climate photos, together with nighttime thermal and infrared captures, had been obtained, showcasing the antenna’s functionality for high-quality knowledge reception.
Designed with simplicity in thoughts, the Helicone antenna encompasses a Proper-Handed Round Polarization (RHCP) configuration. As an alternative of counting on screws, the meeting course of used scorching glue and supplies reminiscent of copper wire and sheet metallic had been sourced from on a regular basis home items. These selections spotlight its accessibility and affordability for hobbyists of all expertise ranges.
A efficiency comparability with an present motorized monitoring antenna revealed that the Helicone delivered comparable sign power and picture high quality. Whereas hand-tracking restricted its performance, its portability and ease of use had been standout options. The light-weight design and easy meeting make it a really perfect alternative for beginner satellite tv for pc lovers searching for a sensible and cost-effective answer.
Gabe concludes with reward for the antenna’s design and a name to motion for viewers to strive constructing one themselves. Future enhancements, reminiscent of integrating the Helicone with a motorized monitoring system, are already being thought of. For now, this detailed information gives a wonderful start line for satellite tv for pc hobbyists wanting to discover reasonably priced and environment friendly methods to obtain climate knowledge from orbiting satellites. The video titled “This 3D-Printed Satellite tv for pc Antenna Is Implausible!” could be discovered on the saveitforparts YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/PFQ6UKulxSo.
[ANS thanks Gabe Emerson, KL1FI, and RTL-SDR.com, for the above information]
Chilly Struggle Thriller: Why Did Jimmy Carter Save the Area Shuttle?
The Area Shuttle program, a permanent image of American ingenuity, got here perilously near cancellation within the late Seventies. With the latest passing of Jimmy Carter at age 100, an interesting story has resurfaced: how the thirty ninth president, regardless of his well-known skepticism towards manned spaceflight, performed a important function in rescuing this system. This shocking twist in Chilly Struggle historical past highlights Carter’s pragmatism and the complicated interaction between house exploration and geopolitics throughout his presidency.
This story first emerged throughout an interview with Chris Kraft, the previous NASA Johnson Area Middle director and a key architect of the Apollo program. Kraft recounted a important 1978 assembly at NASA’s Houston headquarters, the place dire monetary constraints threatened the shuttle’s future. By then, this system was years delayed and a whole lot of hundreds of thousands over finances. Confronted with inadequate funding, NASA leaders thought of two bleak choices: securing a large funding increase or relegating the shuttle to a mere analysis car, incapable of fulfilling its formidable mission to ship payloads into orbit.
NASA Administrator Robert Frosch took the disaster to Washington, presenting President Carter with a stark ultimatum. Carter, recognized for his ambivalence towards manned spaceflight, shocked everybody by asking, “How a lot do you want?” In response to Kraft, Carter’s determination was influenced by latest discussions with Soviet chief Leonid Brezhnev throughout Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Carter reportedly highlighted the shuttle’s functionality to confirm Soviet compliance with arms agreements, a declare that underscored its nationwide safety worth. Whereas some particulars of this account stay disputed, Carter’s administration accepted supplemental funding in 1979 and 1980, successfully saving the shuttle program.
Carter’s help for the shuttle is putting given his prior skepticism about its function. Early in his presidency, Carter dismissed the shuttle as a “contrivance to maintain NASA alive.” His vice chairman, Walter Mondale, had additionally labeled this system a “mindless extravaganza.” But, by the late Seventies, escalating Chilly Struggle tensions reframed the shuttle’s significance. A key memo from the Nationwide Safety Council emphasised the shuttle’s strategic worth, arguing that canceling this system would undermine nationwide satisfaction and technological management.
Whereas some NASA officers, together with Shuttle Program Supervisor Robert Thompson, downplayed the chance of cancellation, the monetary actuality was grim. Improvement of important elements, such because the shuttle’s principal engines and thermal safety tiles, was years delayed. With out Carter’s intervention, the shuttle may by no means have achieved its iconic function, flying 135 missions over three a long time and laying the groundwork for the Worldwide Area Station.
In later reflections, Carter acknowledged his lack of enthusiasm for human house exploration however defended his determination to fund the shuttle. “I didn’t wish to waste the cash already invested,” he defined, noting that he mentioned the shuttle’s peaceable intentions with Brezhnev throughout SALT II negotiations. Whereas Carter’s motivations could have been rooted in pragmatism and diplomacy, his actions ensured the shuttle’s place in historical past. Regardless of his combined legacy on house coverage, Carter’s pivotal function in salvaging the shuttle underscores his capability to acknowledge the broader implications of technological management throughout a turbulent period.
[ANS thanks Eric Berger, Ars Technica, for the above information]
Want new satellite tv for pc antennas?
Buy an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Retailer!
Whenever you buy by means of AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes in the direction of
Protecting Newbie Radio in Area.
https://amsat.org/product-category/{hardware}/
Modifications to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for January 10, 2024
Two Line Parts or TLEs, also known as Keplerian parts or keps within the beginner neighborhood, are the inputs to the SGP4 normal mathematical mannequin of spacecraft orbits utilized by most beginner monitoring applications. Weekly updates are utterly ample for many beginner satellites. TLE bulletin recordsdata are up to date every day within the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin recordsdata might be posted instantly after dependable parts grow to be obtainable for brand spanking new beginner satellites. Extra info could also be discovered at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
NOTICE: In an effort to attenuate confusion between sources of two line aspect units, AMSAT is adopting the conference of itemizing the USSF/NORAD Satellite tv for pc Catalog identify first, adopted by any secondary identify or names in parentheses. For instance this week “POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT)” was added the place “POEM 4” is the identify that seems within the USSF Satellite tv for pc Catalog, and “BGS ARPIT” is the identify greatest recognized throughout the beginner satellite tv for pc neighborhood. Anticipate identify modifications for affected satellites within the coming weeks as this modification is absolutely carried out.
The next satellite tv for pc has been added to this week’s AMSAT TLE distribution:
POEM 4 (BGS ARPIT) NORAD Cat ID 46495
The next satellites have been faraway from this week’s AMSAT TLE distribution:
PRISM (HITOMI) NORAD Cat ID 33493 Doubtless defunct
YUBELEINY 2 (RS-40) NORAD Cat ID 33735 Doubtless defunct
CHUBUSAT-2 NORAD Cat ID 41338 Doubtless defunct
CHUBUSAT-3 NORAD Cat ID 41339 Doubtless defunct
PRATHAM NORAD Cat ID 41783 Doubtless defunct
D-SAT NORAD Cat ID 42794 Doubtless defunct
RANGE-B NORAD Cat ID 43772 Doubtless defunct
CySat-1 NORAD Cat ID 61501 Decayed from orbit on or about 09 January 2025
MRC-100 NORAD Cat ID 56993 Decayed from orbit on or about 05 January 2025
[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information]
ARISS NEWS
Amateurs and others all over the world could eavesdrop on contacts between amateurs working in colleges and permitting college students to work together with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the Worldwide Area Station. The downlink frequency on which to pay attention is 145.800 MHz worldwide.
+ Upcoming Contacts
Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and Vermont College, Mexico Metropolis, Mexico, telebridge through IK1SLD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague KG5TMV
The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD
Contact is go for: Fri 2025-01-17 17:00:18 UTC
The crossband repeater continues to be energetic (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they need to do is choose up the microphone, elevate the amount up, and discuss on the crossband repeater. So give a pay attention, you simply by no means know.
The packet system can be energetic (145.825 MHz up & down).
As all the time, if there’s an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as a part of the security protocol.
Word, all occasions are approximate. It is suggested that you just do your personal orbital prediction or begin listening about 10 minutes earlier than the listed time.
The newest info on the operation mode could be discovered at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html
The newest listing of frequencies in use could be discovered at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]
Upcoming Satellite tv for pc Operations
8R, GUYANA:
Be careful for Aldir, PY1SAD, signing 8R1TM from Georgetown between
Jan. 1 and Feb. 8. QRV on 160-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and through
satellites. QSL direct through House Name, LoTW, eQSL, qrz.com.
NA-057; HR, BAHIA ISLANDS: Alex, K6VHF, returns to Roatan Isl. and
operates as K6VHF/HR9 between the fifth and twelfth. QRV on 160-6m and
through RS-44 satellite tv for pc. QSL through K6VHF (d/B), ClubLog OQRS,
LoTW, eQSL.
A rising variety of satellite tv for pc rovers are at the moment engaged in sharing their grid sq. activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the web site, you achieve quick access to complete details about the operators accountable for activating particular grid squares. Moreover, you’ve the power to evaluate the match rating between your self and a specific rover for a given cross, whereas additionally with the ability to determine the upcoming satellite tv for pc passes which can be accessible out of your location.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]
AMSAT Ambassador Actions
AMSAT Ambassadors present displays, show speaking by means of beginner satellites, and host info tables at membership conferences, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and different occasions.
AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,
“Suppose a 75-minute presentation on “working the straightforward satellites” could be applicable in your membership or occasion? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”
Clint has NEVER given the very same present twice: EACH of the 150+ displays thus far has been personalized/tailor-made to their audiences.
Cowtown Hamfest / 2025 ARRL North Texas Part Conference – January seventeenth via 18th, 2025
Forest Hill Civic and Conference Middle
6901 Wichita Road
Forest Hill, TX (Fort Price)
https://www.cowtownhamfest.com/
N5HYP
Gwinnett Newbie Radio Society TechFest – February 1st, 2025
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
Expo Middle Constructing
2405 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
http://www.techfest.information/
K4RGK
HamCation 2025 / ARRL Southeastern Division Conference – February seventh via February ninth, 2025
Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park
4603 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
https://www.hamcation.com/
KE4AL
Yuma HAMCON and Southwestern Division Conference – February twentieth via twenty second, 2025
Yuma County Fairgrounds
2520 East thirty second Road
Yuma, AZ 85365
https://www.yumahamfest.com/
N1UW
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]
Need to fly the colours by yourself grid expedition?
Get an AMSAT automobile flag and different neat stuff from our Zazzle retailer!
25% of the acquisition worth of every product goes in the direction of Protecting Newbie Radio in Area
Satellite tv for pc Shorts From All Over
+ Eutelsat’s OneWeb web constellation skilled a 48-hour outage beginning on December 31, 2024, resulting from a software program glitch seemingly attributable to failing to account for the intercalary year. The problem disrupted web providers however was resolved as soon as the foundation trigger, a floor phase software program downside, was recognized and addressed. Eutelsat operates over 630 satellites and has been constructing the OneWeb constellation since 2020 to supply international high-speed web, concentrating on enterprise purchasers fairly than direct customers. The corporate confronted challenges in launching its satellites resulting from strained relations with Roscosmos following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, forcing it to depend on SpaceX and India for launches. Regardless of finishing its constellation in 2023, regulatory delays in nations like India and Turkey have prevented international broadband protection, leaving providers obtainable solely in restricted areas. Eutelsat is now planning to replace its constellation with 100 new satellites by Airbus, aiming for improved reliability and full international service rollout by spring 2025. (ANS thanks Gizmodo for the above info)
+ Florida’s Area Coast set a file with 93 launches in 2024, surpassing the earlier yr’s 74, due to improvements from Area Launch Delta 45 and personal sector collaboration. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen credited developments like automation, modernized infrastructure, and streamlined processes for the milestone. SpaceX dominated with 88 launches from Florida and accomplished 134 missions globally, together with authorities, industrial, and take a look at flights. The Area Pressure launched initiatives just like the “One Falcon” program to help SpaceX’s fast launch cadence, unifying personnel throughout ranges to reinforce effectivity. Though solely 4 launches immediately supported nationwide safety, improvements in industrial house strengthen resilience and responsiveness for navy missions, exemplified by the Fast Response Trailblazer mission. With Blue Origin’s New Glenn and ULA’s Vulcan Centaur making ready for nationwide safety roles, competitors is poised to develop, diversifying capabilities and bolstering launch choices. (ANS thanks SpaceNews for the above info)
+ SpaceX’s next-generation Starship, Model 2 or Block 2, is about to launch on its seventh take a look at flight from Starbase, Texas, as early as Monday, January 13, 2025, with the launch window opening at 5:00 p.m. EST (4:00 p.m. CST; 2200 UTC). This iteration, taller and extra superior than its predecessors, introduces quite a few upgrades, together with smaller, repositioned flaps for higher warmth safety, an enhanced propulsion system, and improved avionics for prolonged missions. For the primary time, SpaceX will take a look at Starship’s payload deployment mechanism, releasing mock Starlink satellites on a suborbital trajectory and conducting reentry experiments to refine the car’s warmth defend and reuse capabilities. The Tremendous Heavy booster, outfitted with extra protections and sensor enhancements, goals to realize one other tower catch, a feat final achieved in October. The mission additionally marks progress towards full reusability, with one of many booster’s engines recovered and reused from a earlier flight. These developments, mixed with a deal with orbital refueling and car endurance, lay the groundwork for Starship’s future objectives, together with lunar landings underneath NASA’s Artemis program and past. (ANS thanks Ars Technica for the above info)
+ Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, named “Ghost Riders within the Sky,” is about to launch in mid-January aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking the corporate’s first lunar mission. The lander, just lately built-in at NASA’s Kennedy Area Middle, will carry 10 NASA payloads and expertise demonstrations as a part of NASA’s Business Lunar Payload Companies (CLPS) program. These payloads will take a look at circumstances between Earth and the moon, examine lunar geology, and show modern applied sciences like radiation-resistant {hardware} and lunar GPS. The 60-day mission consists of 25 days in Earth orbit, a four-day translunar injection, 16 days in lunar orbit, and two weeks of operations on the moon’s floor. Throughout its time on the moon, Blue Ghost will gather important knowledge and pictures, together with capturing a photo voltaic eclipse and documenting the phenomenon of lunar mud levitation, final noticed throughout Apollo 17. The mission will present priceless insights to help NASA’s purpose of a sustainable human presence on the moon by means of Artemis whereas additionally showcasing the technical capabilities of personal trade. Firefly CEO Jason Kim emphasised the mission as a tribute to Apollo’s legacy and a pivotal step ahead in advancing lunar exploration. (ANS thanks Area.com for the above info)
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73 and bear in mind to assist Preserve Newbie Radio in Area!
This week’s ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org
