[ans] ANS-120 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

From: "[RADIOCOMM LIST]" <list.admin@aus-city.com>

Date: April 29th 2012

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-120

ANS is a free, weekly, news and information service of AMSAT North America, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation ANS 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

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to:

ans-editor@amsat org

Volunteers are needed to help at the AMSAT booth at Dayton Gould *
WA4SXM, is looking for volunteers to help man the AMSAT booth dur- *
ing the 2012 Hamvention People are needed all 3 days for 2 hour *
shifts Please send the days and times you are available to help *
as well as how many shifts you are willing to work via e-mail to *
wa4sxm at amsat org *
Monitor http://www amsat org/amsat-new/hamvention/2012/Dayton php *
for the latest AMSAT at Dayton news and developments *

In this edition: * Reservations Required - 2012 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet at Dayton * AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Nominations * AMSAT 2012 Symposium First Call for Papers * Japan to Launch Student High-Voltage Satellite Horyu-2 in May 2012 * Satellite Export Controls - Progress Report * New Proposal Cycle for ARISS-US Contacts * Satellite Shorts From All Over

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-120 01 ANS-120 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 120 01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD April 29, 2012 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-120 01

Reservations Required - 2012 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet at Dayton

The sixth annual joint AMSAT/TAPR Banquet will be held Friday evening, May 18, 2012 during the Dayton Hamvention

The Banquet will be at the:

Kohler Presidental Banquet Center 4572 Presidential Way Kettering, OH 45429 (just south of Dayton)

Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, 14 May 2012 Seating is limited, so make your reservations early The price for the Banquet is $30 per person Reserved tickets may be picked up at the AMSAT booth at Hamvention on Friday, or at the door

You may make reservations for the 2012 AMSAT/TAPR Banquet online in the AMSAT Store: http://www amsat-na com/store/item php?id=100158

AMSAT Presidents Club Gold members should let Martha know if they are planning to attend the banquet For additional information con- tact Martha at the AMSAT office (martha@amsat org)

Banquet Schedule

6:30 PM: Doors open and Cash bar is available with Beer, Wine, Liquor and soft drinks
7:15 PM: Buffet Dinner service begins The Center has a justly deserved reputation for good food and service
8:15 PM: Presentation by Howard Long, G6LVB Howard will be talking about his FUNcube Dongle, the 64 - 1700 MHz Software Defined Receiver This innovative USB device is the size of a thumbdrive and has an SMA antenna socket Multiple SDR control and display soft- ware programs can be used with the FUNcube Dongle

[ANS thanks Gould Smith, WA4SXM for the above information]

AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Nominations

It is time to submit nominations for the upcoming open seats on the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors A valid nomination requires either one current Member Society, or five current individual members in good standing, to nominate an AMSAT-NA member for the position

Three directors and two alternate directors have terms expiring this year The director seats open for election are held by Tom Clark, K3IO; Lou McFadin, W5DID; and Gould Smith, WA4SXM The alternate dir- ector seats open for election are held by Mark Hammond, N8MH and Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK

The three nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be seated as regular board members with two year terms The two nom- inees receiving the next highest number of votes will be seated as alternate directors for one year

Written nominations, consisting of names, calls and individual signa- tures, should be mailed to: AMSAT-NA, 850 Sligo Ave #600, Silver Spring, MD, 20910 They must be received no later than June 15th No other action is required

Nominations may also be made by electronic means including e-mail, FAX, or electronic image of a petition Electronic petitions should be sent to MARTHA@AMSAT ORG or faxed to 301-608-3410, and also must be received by June 15th If using any electronic submission, there is a second, verifying step:

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT THIS SECOND, WRITTEN VERIFICATION ARE NOT VALID UNDER THE EXISTING AMSAT-NA BYLAWS A verifying traditional written petition MUST be received at the AMSAT-NA office at the above address within 7 days following the close of nominations

[ANS Thanks AMSAT Secretary Alan Biddle, WA4SCA for the above information]

AMSAT 2012 Symposium First Call for Papers

This is the first call for papers for the 2012 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held in Orlando, Florida on the weekend of October 26-28, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, Orlando Airport Hotel

Proposals for papers, symposium presentations and poster presenta- tions are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community:

Papers for publication in the Proceedings
Symposium Presentations
Poster Presentations
Equipment and Operating Demonstrations

We request a tentative title of your presentation as soon as possible, with final copy to be submitted by October 1 for inclusion in the printed proceedings

Abstracts and papers should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, at n8fgv@amsat org

The Symposium weekend will feature:

Space Symposium with Amateur Satellite Presentations
Operating Techniques, News, & Plans from the Amateur Satellite World
Board of Directors Meeting open to AMSAT members
Meet Board Members and Officers
Annual General Membership Meeting
Annual BanquetKeynote Speaker and Door Prizes

If you are interested in a Monday Trip (October 29) to the Kennedy Space Center please contact Martha via email: martha at amsat org

The trip will include a round trip bus from the hotel and entrance to the Space Center The cost will be about $100 This is a wonderful experience for those that haven't been and for those that have been multiple times We need to get an idea of how many will participate to select the correct bus

[ANS thanks Dan Schultz, N8FGV for the above information]

Japan to Launch Student High-Voltage Satellite Horyu-2 in May 2012

HORYU-2, an amateur radio satellite built by students at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT) in Japan will launch aboard a Japanese H-IIA rocket planned for May 17 at 1639-1642 UT

This Cubesat includes several experiments: + 300 volt power generation in LEO + COTS technology demonstration of surface potential measurement + Orbital debris observation + Earth photography

The satellite downlink will be 437 375 MHz using 1200bps FSK and CW

300 volt power generation in LEO

Power generation in space in practice is limited to 160 volt genera- tion with 120 volt transmission aboard the ISS due to electrostatic potential of the solar array with respect to its platform High power generation will require heavier cables or increased loss due to re- sistances Future high power generation in LEO will require 300-400 volts The HORYU-2 mission, 300V power generation in space without any discharge, is the first space environment test of the new tech- nology

COTS technology demonstration of surface potential measurement

A contact surface potential meter developed by TREK, Inc for terres- trial commercial application will be flown This is a high impedance meter which will not affect the charge state of the object being test- ed As HORYU-2 passes through the aurora zone, differential charges may develop between the insulator surface and the satellite chassis The potential meter will measure the potential of the insulator that is the same material to be used for SCM The two measurements are compared to validate against each other

Orbital debris observation

This experiment will detect micro-debris impact on the surface of HORYU-2 The debris sensor consists of many conductive thin wired laid down in parallel in the area of 8×8 cm Upon impact, some of the lines are cut and the resistance becomes infinite

Earth photography

A small CMOS camera, developed by the University of Surrey, called the Surrey Camera Payload (SCAMP) will take pictures in JPEG format at 640 × 480 pixels From 700km altitude, one pixel will correspond to 1 6km

More information is available on the web: Horyu website in Google English: http://tinyurl com/HoryuSatellite http://www uk amsat org/6638 http://www uk amsat org/4279

[ANS thanks the Horyu-2 team and AMSAT-UK for the above information]

Satellite Export Controls - Progress Report

Since the inception of The International Traffic in Arms Regula- tions (ITAR) in 1999, all US-built satellites have been subject to the US Munitions List, including amateur radio, education and university satellite projects The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under the Department of State (DoS) manages ITAR ITAR has curtailed AMSAT's collaboration with foreign nationals on Amateur Radio Satellite projects, as well as with universities that have foreign students enrolled as any technical exchanges concerning satellite technology with non-US citizens brought the potential for Federal prosecution

On November 1, 2011, Congressman Howard L Berman (D-CA) introduced H R 3288: "Safeguarding United States Satellite Leadership and Sec- urity Act " In summary, this act would authorize the President to re- move commercial satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List However, while AMSAT was pleased to see this draft bill, there were concerns that "commercial satellites" could be interpreted as not including amateur radio and education satel- lites

Consequently, earlier this year AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW appointed AMSAT NY Area Coordinator Peter Portanova, WB2OQQ as AMSAT's Congressional Liaison to establish relationships that would put AMSAT on the radar regarding H R 3288 to ensure that ama- teur radio and education satellites would be included in the final bill Peter's appointment was based in part on his success in lead- ing a delegation to meet with Congressman Peter King on H R 607 in 2011 that resulted in the amendment of that bill to protect the ama- teur and amateur satellite frequencies that were being considered for auction Peter was clearly qualified to lead AMSAT's efforts to ensure that amateur radio and education satellites would be included in such a bill Peter notes, "What we accomplished on 607 validates that 'grass roots' efforts can be successful" Over the past few months, AMSAT, under Peter's guidance has taken steps to meet with key personnel involved in the legislative process in Washington to make them aware of AMSAT, the importance of amateur radio satellites in the development of education outreach and potential for emergency communications All of these meetings have been successful in build- ing awareness of the need to have amateur radio satellites (as well as education satellites) removed from the US Munitions List and plac- ed under the Department of Commerce Control List

While H R 3288 has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this initiative was being held up pending a joint report from the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of State (DoS) required by Section 1248 of the FY2010 Defense Authorization Act wherein Congress directed DoD to assess whether national security would be negatively impacted by moving satellites from the US Muni- tions List (USML) to the Commerce Control List (CCL) Clearly, the politicians were awaiting this report before deciding whether to support H R 3288

On April 18, 2012 the long awaited "1248" report was released by DoD and DoS: "Risk Assessment of United States Space Export Control Pol- icy," that addresses the risks associated with removing satellites and related components from the United States Munitions List (USML)

The report identifies several satellite types, and related items, that are not purely defense-related and should not be designated as defense articles on the USML or controlled under the Internation- al Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

The Departments recommended that the following items are more appro- priately designated as dual-use items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR):

(1) Satellites that do not contain technologies unique to military applications or critical for maintaining a military edge; (2) Communications satellites (COMSATs) that do not contain classi- fied components; (3) Remote sensing satellites with performance parameters below cer- tain thresholds; and (4) Systems, subsystems, parts and components associated with those satellites

From AMSAT's perspective, this is certainly good news for the satel- lite industry from both a commercial and amateur radio/education per- spective In particular, placement of amateur radio satellites under EAR would remove the most onerous impacts of ITAR, allowing for exam- ple, free exchange of technical information with foreign nationals, allowing collaboration on satellite projects Actual export of hard- ware, however, would be controlled by the Department of Commerce That said, it is too early to draw any conclusions as a 180-day re- view process has now begun If the recommendations of the "1248 Re- port" are accepted, it could pave the way for H R 3288 or a bill drafted in response to the "1248 recommendations" to move forward However, given the tendency of Congress to put off major decisions from May onward pending Fall elections, AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW believes that it is likely, based on the current Congress and other factors, very little will occur within the 112th Congress In Barry's words, "We are pleased with our initiatives to this point; however these activities are still a work in progress " The AMSAT Board, along with AMSAT's Congressional Liaison, will stay focused on these activities and report to the membership as information be- comes available

The 44 page "Department of Defense/Department of State Report to Congress Section 1248 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111 - 84): RISK ASSESSMENT OF UNITED STATES SPACE EXPORT CONTROL POLICY" is available on-line in PDF format at: http://tinyurl com/DoD-1248-Report

Bloomberg Business Week article on ITAR: http://tinyurl com/BusinessWeek-ITAR (www businessweek com)

(ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW and AMSAT Congres- sional Liaison Peter Portanova, WB2OQQ for this report )

New Proposal Cycle for ARISS-US Contacts

NASA Teaching From Space (TFS) office has announced a new proposal cycle for ARISS-US contacts Proposals may be submitted in the time period between April 23 through July 2, 2012 for contacts that will be scheduled beginning in January 2013

Informational sessions will be held to answer any questions concern- ing the proposal process To attend a session or to have questions answered, contact TFS at JSC-TFS-ARISS@mail nasa gov or call 281-244-1919

For more information, see the TFS Web site: http://tinyurl com/ARISS-Proposal-Cycle (www nasa gov)

If you represent an education organization, formal or informal, and you are located in the United States or its territories, you can submit a proposal

If you are located outside of the U S , you will need to contact the ARISS representative for your region:

Europe, Africa, and the Middle East: Francesco De Paolis, IK0WGF school selection manager@amsat it
Russia: Valeriy Agabekov, N2WW/UA6HZ n2ww@arrl net
Japan and all countries in Southeast Asia and Pacific Oceania: Keigo Komuro, JA1KAB iaru-r3@jarl or jp
Canada and all other countries: Maurice-André Vigneault, VE3VIG ve3vig@amsat org

[ANS thanks the NASA Teaching From Space Office for the above information]

Satellite Shorts From All Over

The ARISS International Team monthly teleconference was held on Tuesday, April 17 World Amateur Radio Day and the HamTV status were discussed Minutes have been posted to the ARISS site: http://ariss rac ca/arisstel2012-04-17 htm
A video segment of the successful ARISS contact with Flabob Airport will be aired on the Bob Heil & Gordon West "Ham Nation" show on May 1, 2012 at 1800 PDT (UTC-7) Tune in at: http://www twit tv/hn
ESAs mysteriously silent Envisat Earth observing satellite has been observed and imaged by another satellite in space Frances space agency (CNES) pulled off an on-orbit coup, using their high- resolution Pleiades satellite to take a picture of Envisat from about 100 km See the satellite-to-satellite view at: http://tinyurl com/Envisat-Photo (www universetoday com)
For the last 1000 days the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), aboard NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, has been operating continuously to probe the universe from its most distant regions to our local solar neighborhood To commemorate 1000 days of infrared wonders, the program is releasing a gallery of the 10 best IRAC images: http://www cfa harvard edu/news/2012/pr201211_images html
In celebration of the 22nd anniversary of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope this month, episode 54 of the Hubblecast gives a slideshow of some of the best images from over two decades in orbit, set to special music: http://www spacetelescope org/videos/archive/category/hubblecast/
JD1/OG, OGASAWARA ISLAND, AS-031 Makoto,JI5RPT, is working from Chichijima Islands (IOTA AS-031) signing JD1BLY in CW/SSB/digital modes on 80-6m and via satellite also from April 29 until May 5 QSL via homecall See: http://www ji5rpt com/jd1 and http://twitter com/jd1bly (via DXNL DX Newsletter 1777 - Apr 25, 2012)

[ANS thanks everyone for the above information]

/EX

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 addi- tional 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 stu- dent rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status Contact Martha at the AMSAT Office for additional student membership information

73, This week's ANS Editor, Lee McLamb, KU4OS ku4os at amsat dot org

Via the ANS mailing list courtesy of AMSAT-NA http://amsat org/mailman/listinfo/ans

The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription:

You are subscribed to the following list: [list_name]

using the following email: example@example.com

You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL:

https://aus-city com/cgi-bin/dada/mail cgi/u/RADIOCOMM_LIST/example/example com/

If the above URL is inoperable, make sure that you have copied the entire address Some mail readers will wrap a long URL and thus break this automatic unsubscribe mechanism

You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen:

<[program_url]/list/[list]>

If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: