On this version:
- AMSAT Fox-Plus CubeSat Strikes Towards CDR Milestone
- Hacking a Motorized RV Satellite tv for pc Dish for Monitoring LEO Satellites
- AMSAT Thanks 2024 President’s Membership Members
- 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 Novice Satellite tv for pc Company. ANS publishes information associated to Novice Radio in House together with experiences on the actions of a worldwide group of Novice Radio operators who share an lively curiosity in designing, constructing, launching and speaking by means of analog and digital Novice Radio satellites.
The information feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes information of Novice Radio in House as quickly as our volunteers can publish it.
Please ship any beginner satellite tv for pc information or experiences to: ans-editor [at] amsat [dot] org.
You may join free e-mail supply of the AMSAT Information Service Bulletins by way of the ANS Checklist; to affix this record see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/
ANS-026 AMSAT Information Service Weekly Bulletins
To: All RADIO AMATEURS
From: Radio Novice Satellite tv for pc Company
712 H Avenue NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002
DATE 2025 Jan 26
AMSAT Fox-Plus CubeSat Strikes Towards CDR Milestone
Crucial Design Evaluation (CDR) of the brand new AMSAT FOX-Plus CubeSat idea is anticipated to happen throughout late Might 2025 in response to Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Fox Plus Techniques Engineer. Launch of the newly-designed CubeSat is deliberate for late 2025.
Moore defined, “The aim of the Fox-Plus Novice Radio satellite tv for pc is to proceed and increase the success of the unique Fox sequence of AMSAT 1U CubeSats. We need to have models able to fly experimental payloads on brief discover.” The time period “1U” refers to the usual measurement CubeSat, also referred to as a nanosat, measuring 10x10x10 centimeters, weighing one to 1.33 kilograms.
In accordance with Moore, “To expedite the event, business off the shelf (COTS) parts have been chosen. The parts included the body, electrical energy system (EPS), photo voltaic panels, and antenna system (AntS) from ISISPACE.” Netherlands-based ISIS describes itself as “Disruptive House Options For A Higher Tomorrow” supplier turn-key missions, launch companies and parts.
AMSAT concentrates on the Linear Transponder Module (LTM) which incorporates Legacy Inner Housekeeping Unit (LIHU), Improved Command Receiver (ICR) and receiver/transmitter (RX/TX) subsystem. The CubeSat Energy Built-in Unit (PIU) consists of three subsystems deriving electrical vitality from photo voltaic panels saved in an influence battery pack (PBP).
AMSAT’s Fox-Plus A started throughout 2022 with a Idea of Operations (ConOps) presentation on February 11, 2022. ISIS produced parts have been acquired throughout 2023 then evaluated and examined throughout 2024. EM construct and check started within the later a part of 2024 and continues into 2025.
Mike Moore was first licensed in March of 2018 and earned his additional class license in November of the identical 12 months. Along with his AMSAT work he’s the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Culpeper County, Virginia and a member of the Culpeper Novice Radio Affiliation. He’s a constitution member of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Emergency Communications, also referred to as R3EMCOMM, an all-volunteer community-wide public service group. He makes use of an Icom 9700 for satellite tv for pc work.
Along with Moore, the Fox-Plus Engineering Crew consists of Andrew Robinson, KA3WDW (Mechanical & Structural Engineer), Cliff Jenkins, KE8JAE (Software program), Will Brozovic (Software program), Leandra MacLennan, AF1R (Electrical Engineer, {Hardware}), and Patrick Thomas, KB8DGC (System Engineer & PACSAT Liaison).
Fox CubeSat Program Background
AMSAT’s Fox CubeSat program is aligned with the U.S. Nationwide Aeronautics and House Administration (NASA) CubeSat Launch Initiative. This gives alternatives for CubeSats constructed by U.S. academic establishments, and non-profit organizations to fly on upcoming launches.
Also called the Instructional Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program, NASA’s revolutionary know-how partnerships present CubeSat builders a low-cost pathway to conduct scientific investigations and know-how demonstrations in house, thus enabling college students, lecturers, and school to acquire hands-on flight {hardware} design, growth, and construct expertise.
Fox-1A (now designated AO-85) was among the many earliest CubeSats launched by NASA. Fox-1 is a 1-Unit CubeSat with U/V FM repeater working at as much as 800mw together with experimental pay-loads facilitating STEM studying.
Ham Radio Now Episode 85 present host Gary Pierce, KN4AQ reveals the early days of the Fox program in his July 9, 2013 YouTube video. The present included an interview of Tony Montiero AA2TX (AMSAT VP Engineering) and Mark Hammond N4MH (AMSAT VP Training). They offered background details about the Fox-1 Satellite tv for pc and talked in regards to the AMSAT transition from purely Novice Radio satellites to turning into a platform and communications supplier for academic house science experiments.
AMSAT FoxTelem software program for Home windows, Mac and Linux working programs is used to transmit satellite tv for pc telemetry alerts. It was developed by Christopher Thompson, G0KLA/AC2CZ/VE2TCP. Thompson additionally has developed different Novice Radio Satellite tv for pc software program.
Payloads included a Penn State College capstone challenge for 2011-2012 tutorial 12 months, senior engineering college students. They developed a 3-axis Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) gyroscope to measure the spin and wobble of the satellite tv for pc.
The second payload was developed by Vanderbilt College college students. It recorded occurrences of radiation-induced bit upsets in trendy commercial-off-the-shelf reminiscence chips that exhibit a sensitivity to low-energy protons. The mission contributed to the validation of ground-based check strategies for hardness assurance and error price predictions.
An offshoot of the Penn State College experiment on Fox-1, Mark Spencer, WA8SME wrote about an Perspective Willpower Experiment Simulator (Wobbler) within the AMSAT Journal July/August 2013 problem.
[ANS thanks Mike Moore, K4MVM, AMSAT Fox Plus Systems Engineer for the above information.]
The 2025 AMSAT President’s Membership cash are right here now!
Celebrating the fortieth Anniversary of Novice Radio on Human Spaceflight
Assist Assist GOLF and Fox Plus
Be a part of the AMSAT President’s Membership at this time and assist
Hold Novice Radio in House!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
Hacking a Motorized RV Satellite tv for pc Dish for Monitoring LEO Satellites
Over on the SaveItForParts YouTube channel, Gabe Emerson, KL1FI, has uploaded a brand new video exhibiting how he’s hacking an outdated motorized Winegard RV satellite tv for pc dish for monitoring low earth orbit satellites, such because the NOAA and Meteor climate satellites in addition to the US Army’s DMSP system.
The motorized RV satellite tv for pc dish was initially meant for monitoring TV satellites, however by connecting to the serial port on the management unit, Gabe is ready to management the satellite tv for pc dish by means of his personal code.
Gabe experiences, “On this video I’m making a motorized satellite tv for pc tracker for S-Band alerts. S-Band consists of NOAA climate satellites and the US Army’s DMSP system (it’s additionally the radio band for WiFi, which I would have a look at later).
“I’m utilizing a Winegard model “Trav’ler” antenna designed to be used on campers and leisure autos. It has a built-in three-axis motor system for pointing at TV satellites, however I needed to make use of it for monitoring satellites nearer to earth. Since a low-orbit satellite tv for pc like NOAA 18 or DMSP passes overhead in about 10 minutes, I want to maneuver the dish quicker and extra exactly then it was meant for.
“This challenge remains to be ongoing, and I don’t but have the code up on Github. After I do, it is going to be accessible at https://github.com/saveitforparts/ alongside the code for some comparable antennas I’ve hacked previously.
“The serial cable I’m utilizing is described right here: https://saveitforparts.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/another-portable-radio-telescope/.”
[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]
AMSAT Thanks 2024 President’s Membership Members
Now that the books are being closed for the 2024 calendar 12 months, AMSAT want to prolong its deepest due to these people and organizations for his or her extraordinary items to AMSAT through the previous 12 months. The President’s Membership acknowledges these beneficiant donors, who collectively, have offered over $45,000 throughout 2024. The AMSAT Officers and Board of Administrators thank the next:
Titanium Stage ($4,800+)
Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Alan Biddle, WA4SCA
William Brown, K9LF
Platinum Stage ($2,400+)
Ray Crafton, KN2K
M2 Antenna Techniques
Quarter Century Wi-fi Affiliation
Gold Stage ($1,200+)
Nameless
Nameless
Burns Fisher, WB1FJ
Mark Hammond, N8MH
John Kludt, K7SYS
Glenn Miller, AA5PK
Michael Stipick, KC4RI
Silver Stage ($600+)
John Boehme, K4PRK
Donald Coker, KM6TRZ
Richard Dittmer, KB7SAT
Warren Fugate, W3WE
Mark Johns, K0JM
Joseph, Lynch,N6CL
Bruce Paige, KK5DO
Peter Prendergast, W2PP
Jason Schwarz, N4JJS
Jim Tittsler, 7J1AJH
Bronze Stage ($300+)
Keith Baker, KB1SF
George Gallis, AL7BX
Edward Krome, K9EK
Donald Lum, WA6ICW
Donald Pettigrew, K9ECT
Barbara Simpson, KA5CFB
Dave Taylor, W8AAS
Ronald Verweerdt, ZS6RVC
David Vine, WA1EAW
Core Stage ($120+)
Oscar Alonzo, N6PAZ
Nameless
Alan Arrison
David Batzle, N2VDY
Robert Beatty, WB4SON
Alan Boggs, K7IIV
Carlos Cardon, W7QL
James Gallagher III, KB3SQS
George Gallis, AL7BX
David Hartrum, WA3YDZ
Steven Husey, KB1UOJ
Brian Lopeman, KI7WXP
Doug Papay, K8DP
William Pesci, N4WLP
Carlos Picoto, AD7NP
Tim Pierce, N9PN
Larry Schroeder, KD4HSL
Martin Shinko, KB3AEV
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
Owen Trott, KF5BLK
Stefan Wagener, VE4SW
Wayne Wagner, AG1A
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Growth feedback, “AMSAT receives contributions of all sizes from members and different supporters who recognize the work that AMSAT is doing to maintain Novice Radio in House. Each donation, massive or small, is crucial to AMSAT’s success. However, it’s this group of donors, representing only one.3% of AMSAT membership, that do the heavy lifting for AMSAT fund elevating.
“Donations of no matter quantity that is smart for every member is very essential for 2025. After years of design work by AMSAT’s Engineering Crew, they’re now shopping for tens-of-thousands of {dollars} value of components and starting to construct the precise Fox Plus and GOLF satellites that we’ll get pleasure from having fun with. For those who can, please donate by means of the members’ portal or the AMSAT Retailer https://www.amsat.org/product-category/amsat-presidents-club-donations/.”
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]
Want new satellite tv for pc antennas?
Buy M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Retailer!
While you buy by means of AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes in direction of
Preserving Novice Radio in House.
https://amsat.org/product-category/{hardware}/
ARISS NEWS
Amateurs and others all over the world could pay attention to contacts between amateurs working in faculties and permitting college students to work together with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the Worldwide House Station. The downlink frequency on which to hear is 145.800 MHz worldwide.
Upcoming Contacts
Pine View College, Osprey, FL, direct by way of W4AC
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS.
The scheduled crewmember is Sunita Williams, KD5PLB.
The ARISS mentor is Phillip Shreves, N7GZT.
Contact is go for Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 17:21 UTC.
Look ahead to Livestream at:
https://www.youtube.com/@SarasotaSchools
https://www.fb.com/sarasotaschools (Probably)
Kyoto Municipal Shimogamo Junior Excessive College, Kyoto-city, Japan direct by way of JL3ZPU
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Nick Hague, KG5TMV.
The ARISS mentor is Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ.
Contact is go for Friday, January 31, 2025 at 09:09 UTC.
Aznakaevsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct by way of TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS0ISS.
The scheduled crewmember is Ivan Vagner.
The ARISS mentor is A.R.C. “ENERGIA, RV3DR.
Contact is go for Saturday, February,1 2025 at 11:15 UTC.
The crossband repeater continues to be lively (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they must do is decide up the microphone, elevate the amount up, and discuss on the crossband repeater. So give a hear, you simply by no means know.
The packet system can also be lively (145.825 MHz up & down).
As all the time, if there may be an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as a part of the security protocol.
Notice, all occasions are approximate. It’s endorsed that you just do your individual orbital prediction or begin listening about 10 minutes earlier than the listed time.
The newest data on the operation mode may be discovered at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html
The newest record of frequencies in use may 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.]
AMSAT Take away Earlier than Flight Key Tags Now Accessible
Sure, These are the Actual Factor!
Your $20 Donation Goes to Assist Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite tv for pc
Contains First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Solely)
Order Right now at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain/
Upcoming Satellite tv for pc Operations
NA-002; January 28 – February 2, 2025
VP5, Caicos Islands: Tony, KD8RTT, pays Providenciales Island a go to from Jan. 28 till Feb. 2. QRV as VP5/KD8RTT with a concentrate on satellites. QSL by way of his dwelling callsign. (Per DARC DX Publication)
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 acquire quick access to complete details about the operators answerable for activating particular grid squares. Moreover, you’ve got the flexibility to evaluate the match rating between your self and a selected rover for a given cross, whereas additionally with the ability to determine the upcoming satellite tv for pc passes which might be accessible out of your location.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT Rover Page Manager, and JoAnne Maenmpaa, K9JKM, for the above information.]
AMSAT Ambassador Actions
AMSAT Ambassadors present displays, reveal speaking by means of beginner satellites, and host data tables at membership conferences, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and different occasions.
Saturday February 1, 2025 (rescheduled from January 11, 2025)
Gwinnett Novice Radio Society – TechFest
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
Expo Middle Constructing
2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
K4RGK
Friday, Saturday, Sunday February 7-9, 2025
Hamcation 2025 and ARRL Southeastern Division Conference
Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park
4603 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32808
https://www.hamcation.com/
KE4AL
February 14-15, 2025
Yuma HAMCON and Southwestern Division Conference
Yuma County Fairgrounds
Yuma, AZ
https://www.yumahamfest.com/
N1UW
April 4 – 5, 2025
Southeastern VHF Convention 2025
High quality Inn
3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
W4FCL
Eager about turning into an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors present displays, reveal speaking by means of beginner satellites, and host data tables at membership conferences, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and different occasions.
For extra data go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program for the above information.]
Satellite tv for pc Shorts From All Over
- HamSCI has introduced Private House Climate Station periods by way of zoom. The Private House Climate Station (PSWS) community is a distributed sequence of receivers designed to measure the house atmosphere. These stations are constructed by professionals, citizen scientists, and ham radio operators. HamSCI and its companions are always at work on increasing the community, bettering the PSWS information assortment {hardware} and software program, rising the community infrastructure for information storage and retrieval, in addition to assembly HamSCI’s final aim, evaluation of the collected information. HamSCI has introduced a recurring sequence of Zoom based mostly periods to assist these within the challenge. Classes happen every Thursday at 10:00 AM Jap. Extra data is out there on the HamSCI web site https://hamsci.org/get-involved. [ANS thanks hamweekly.com for the above information.]
- The Excessive-frequency Lively Auroral Analysis Program (HAARP) might be conducting a analysis marketing campaign January 27-31 UTC, with working occasions specified within the desk beneath. Working frequencies will fluctuate, however all HAARP transmissions might be between 2.75 MHz and 10 MHz. Precise transmit days and occasions are extremely variable based mostly on real-time ionospheric and/or geomagnetic situations. All data is topic to vary. Analysis subjects for this marketing campaign embody VLF technology and ducting, research on STEVE airglow, and house particles detection. This marketing campaign may also help the GIRAFF rocket launch from Poker Flat Analysis Vary, which is investigating the mechanisms that trigger flickering and pulsing inside the aurora. Notice that a lot of experiments might be performed based mostly on the important frequency (f0F2) decided by the Gakona ionosonde. The included transmission discover complement accommodates data on the frequencies HAARP is permitted to transmit. HAARP transmissions will solely happen on our approved frequencies. Extra data is out there at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-026-HAARP. [ANS thanks hamweekly.com for the above information.]
- Electrical propulsion is being more and more used on house missions and will in the end substitute thrusters utilizing chemical rockets. Spacecraft powered by electrical propulsion may quickly be higher protected towards their very own exhaust, due to new supercomputer simulations. Electrical propulsion is a extra environment friendly different to conventional chemical rockets, and there are even plans to make use of electrical propulsion on NASA’s Lunar Gateway house station. The thought behind electrical propulsion is that an electrical present ionizes (i.e. removes an electron from) atoms of a impartial gasoline, comparable to xenon or krypton, saved on board a spacecraft. The ionization course of produces a cloud of ions and electrons. Then a precept referred to as the Corridor impact generates an electrical area that accelerates the ions and electrons and channels them right into a characteristically blue plume that emerges from the spacecraft at over 37,000 mph (60,000 kph). Therefore an electrical propulsion system can also be known as an ion engine. Extra data at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-026-ION. [ANS thanks space.com for the above information.]
Along with common membership, AMSAT gives membership to:
- Societies (a acknowledged group, golf equipment or group).
- Major and secondary faculty college students are eligible for membership at one-half the usual yearly price.
- Put up-secondary faculty college students enrolled in a minimum of half time standing shall be eligible for the scholar price for a most of 6 post-secondary years on this standing.
- Memberships can be found for annual and lifelong phrases.
Contact information [at] amsat [dot] org for extra membership data.
73 and keep in mind to assist Hold Novice Radio in House!
This week’s ANS Editor, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org
