AMSAT NEWS SERVICE ANS-272

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor- mation 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://www 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 org

In this edition:

• Vandenberg Falcon 9 Launch Rescheduled for 29 September
• E Mike McCardel, KC8YLD Appointed AMSAT VP-Educational Relations
• 2013 Symposium Commemorative Shirt Order Deadline
• September/October AMSAT Journal is Ready
• Chesapeake VA Club Conducts Demos in Support of STEM Education
• New AMSAT Shirts and Hat Rolled Out for 2013
• Successful ARISS Contact in Italy

SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-272 01 ANS-258 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 272 01 From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD September 29, 2013 To All RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-272 01

Vandenberg Falcon 9 Launch Rescheduled for 29 September

SpaceX officials are pressing ahead with launch preparations for the company's first Falcon 9 rocket launch from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base on Sunday, 29 September with a launch window that opens at 1600 UTC

The flight marks several firsts for the commercial space transportation company, including the maiden launch of an upgraded version of the Falcon 9 rocket with stretched fuel tanks, more powerful engines and a 5 2-meter payload fairing to enshroud satellites

It is also the first SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base, a launch site on California's Central Coast, where engineers modified an existing facility used by the U S Air Force Titan 4 rocket to be the West Coast home of the Falcon 9

Canada's Cassiope space weather research and communications demonstration satellite is riding the Falcon 9 rocket into an elliptical near-polar orbit between 155 miles and 900 miles high Secondary passengers aboard include POPACS, DANDE and CUSat

POPACS:

The second P in POPACS (Polar Orbiting Passive Atmospheric Calibration Spheres) stands for Passive, meaning that the three spheres do not carry radios on board They are simple, polished ten-cm-diameter hollow Aluminum spheres, weighing 1 kg, 1 5 kg and 2 kg, respectively, that will be radar tracked by the Space Surveillance Network of the U S Strategic Command and optically tracked by an international network of students with Go To telescopes

The purpose of the mission is to measure the way in which the total density of Earth's upper atmosphere above 325 km varies in response to solar stimuli during the descending phase of Solar Cycle 24 and all of Solar Cycle 25 The spheres' expected lifetimes, after deployment into the initial 325 km x 1500 km 80 degree orbit that they will hopefully soon share with DANDE and CUSat, are 10, 12 5 and 15 years, depending, of course on solar activity

DANDE:

DANDE stands for “Drag and Atmospheric Neutral Density Explorer ” Measuring drag and neutral particles in the lower atmosphere between 325-400 kilometers, DANDE will be measuring real time density, quantifying variations in altitude and over time, as well as providing in-situ model calibration data The satellite is a low-cost density, wind, and composition measuring instruments that will provide data for the calibration and validation of operational models and improve our understanding of the thermosphere Weighing approximately 84 pounds, DANDE is classified as a nano-satellite that is about 18 inches in diameter

The Colorado Space Grant Consortium (COSGC) has housed the project for approximately 7 years, in which about 150 students have been a part of the project through initial concept and design, to the current team of mission operators There are two instruments on board which allow DANDE to make in-situ measurements rather than being passive or only carrying accelerometers The subsystem ACC (Accelerometers) contains 6 accelerometer heads arranged in a circle which were built in-house The NMS subsystem (Neutral Mass Spectrometer) also known as Wind and Temperature Spectrometer will survey the variety and quantity of numerous neutral particles in the Thermosphere This data will be particularly interesting during periods of high solar activity do to atmospheric effects seen at these times in the polar regions of Earth

DANDE Telemetry System Information: Beacon Downlink Frequency: 436 75 MHz FM Callsign: dandecosgc Data Rate: 9600 baud Modulation: fsk Transmit Interval: every 15 seconds RF Power Output: 0 75 W Antenna Polarization: linear http://dande colorado edu/ http://spacegrant colorado edu/beacon/index php

CUSat:

CUSat is a multi-year effort to design, build, and launch an autonomous in-orbit inspection satellite system The satellite will allow us test the accuracy and viability of the carrier-phase differential GPS (CDGPS) algorithm We hope to prove the algorithm accurate to less than 10 cm by comparing the CDGPS navigation solution to the known distance between GPS antennas CUSat will use this relative GPS information to help determine and control its attitude This is the first step towards having a multi-satellite system use the CDGPS algorithm to aid in autonomous inspection CUSat is the winner of the University Nanosat-4 Program which aims to educate the future aerospace workforce and develop new space technologies

CUSat Telemetry Information: Beacon Downlink Frequency: 437 405 MHz FM Callsign: BOTTOM Data Rate: 1200 baud Modulation: afsk Transmit Interval: every 1 minute RF Power Output: 2 2 W Antenna Polarization: circular

[ANS thanks Miranda Link and SpaceFlightNow for the above information]

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E Mike McCardel, KC8YLD Appointed AMSAT VP-Educational Relations

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW has accepted the resignation of Mark Hammond, N8MH as VP-Educational Relations and appointed E Michael McCardel, KC8YLD as his replacement

Mark Hammond, N8MH of Coats, NC has served as VP-Educational Relations since December 2011 During his tenure, Mark established a team focused on educational issues and supporting the educational objectives of AMSAT A highlight for the team was the ARISS contact conducted during the 2012 Pacificon Convention in October 2012 in Santa Clara, CA that provided an opportunity for a group of selected young people from the Santa Clara area to ask questions directly to an astronaut on board the International Space Station with an audience of the participant's family members and amateur radio operators in attendance Managing a school contact during an ARRL Convention provided a unique opportunity to highlight ARISS before a much wider audience that appreciated both the technical details of communications technology and the wonder of students speaking to an astronaut Members of Mark's Education Team, including Joe Spier, K6WAO, Dale Hunzeker, KJ6VUC and E Mike were all involved in the management of the ARISS contact at Pacificon

In his 22 months of service, Mark developed a strong working relationship with the ARRL Education Department, NASA Education at Johnson Space Center, various universities which AMSAT had established working relationships, plus AMSAT members interested in finding ways of placing amateur radio satellites in the classroom Mark has served as a member of the review team (which included ARRL and JSC Education) which evaluated applications for ARISS school contacts His close working relationship with Mark Spencer, WA8SME encouraged "Spence" to develop some creative educational concepts, such as the Fox-1 Attitude Determination Experiment Simulator that was featured in the July/August 2013 of the AMSAT JOURNAL Mark also represented AMSAT-NA at the 2012 AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium at Guilford, which provided an opportunity for him to interact with the AMSAT-UK FUNCube-1 team responsible for developing educational materials in support of that satellite's educational objectives

Mark's resignation is due to his appointment effective September 1, 2013 as vice president of academic affairs and provost of Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC The increased workload and travel associated with his new position has forced Mark to re-evaluate his diminishing available time His conclusion was that he could not devote the time necessary to fulfill his AMSAT educational responsibilities

AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW notes, "Mark re-invigorated a critical area for AMSAT, establishing new relationships with key organizations outside of AMSAT and helping us to better understand and respond to the challenges of fulfilling our vision of using amateur radio satellites in support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the classroom AMSAT's loss is Campbell University's gain, and we wish Mark well in his new position " Barry also observed, "Fortunately for AMSAT, Mark will serve as a member of the AMSAT Board of Directors, having just been elected by the AMSAT membership, which allows AMSAT to benefit from Mark's insight and perspective in dealing with AMSAT's strategic issues "

Mark's leadership on education has enhanced AMSAT's focus on an important aspect of AMSAT's mission "Over the past two years I've had the distinct pleasure of interacting with some very capable individuals who are passionate about integrating amateur radio satellites into the classroom as well as working with individuals who make the ARISS program such a worldwide success," reflected Mark "I have every confidence in E Mike as he continues to further enrich AMSAT's education outreach program by not only continuing initiatives already set into motion, but by establishing new and exciting ones as well "

With Mark's resignation, the appointment of "EMike" McCardel, KC8YLD of Danville, OH as the new VP-Educational Relations is also announced First licensed in 2003, EMike's initial interest in amateur radio was due to the ISS and the desire to interact with the astronauts on board That initial interest broadened in its scope to include amateur radio satellites and AMSAT, joining in 2011 and was subsequently drawn to the educational outreach efforts of Mark Hammond's new Educational Relations team

E Mike's professional background incorporated teaching and working with young people inside and outside the classroom, including having worked with the developmentally disabled For the past 18 years, he has served as an IT manager at Kenyon College, Gambier, OH as a member of the college's Library and Information Services Department EMike retired from Kenyon this past June

McCardel's interest in education outreach has also been reflected in his volunteer work under the ARRL with the "Ohio Section Educational Outreach Initiative" which E Mike notes, "focuses on building relationships with teachers and students beginning with our own children and grandchildren and their teachers As teachers become aware and have a better understanding of our resources, they adjust to find ways to fit it into the curriculum "

From this experience, E Mike is hopeful that the focus on reaching out to teachers can be encouraged under AMSAT "I hope to expand on this theme with AMSAT while continuing to build the strong relationships Mark has been developing with our Colleges and Universities I am challenged to follow in Mark's shoes He has been a good mentor and friend and I believe that he constructed a firm foundation upon which we can build and move AMSAT's educational outreach forward "

[ANS thanks AMSAT President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, for the above information]

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2013 Symposium Commemorative Shirt Order Deadline

A reminder that the deadline for ordering 2013 Symposium commemorative shirts is October 1st The shirts will be available for pickup at the Symposium, but cannot be ordered there, or on the AMSAT Store More information, and a downloadable order form, can be found on the AMSAT web site: http://ww2 amsat org/?p=1685

[ANS thanks Alan, WA4SCA, for the above information]

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September/October AMSAT Journal is Ready

The September/October 2013 AMSAT Journal is ready This issue was sent to the print shop this week The next stop will be the post office and then your mailbox

Here is what you will find in this issue:

• Apogee View by Barry Baines, WD4ASW

• Exploring the Fox-2 Maximum Power Point Tracking System by Mark Spencer, WA8SME

• W7LRD Grid Expedition to CN77 by Bob Johnson, W7LRD

• AMSAT-UK Prepares for November Launch of FUNcube-1

• 2013 AMSAT Field Day Results by Bruce Paige, KK5DO

• Museum Ships Weekend 2013 - Satellites and a Balloon by Andy MacAlister, W5ACM and Allen Mattis, N5AFV

• Kitty Litter Radio Carrier for Portable Operation by Randy Hall, K7AGE

• AMSAT at Dayton 2013 by Keith Baker, KB1SF/VA3KSF

• Ham Video Transmitter Aboard Columbus by Gaston Bertels, ON4WF

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Journal Editors: JoAnne, K9JKM; Bernhard, VA6BMJ; Douglas, KA2UPW/5; Mike, K4ERA; and James, K3JPH for the above information]

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Chesapeake VA Club Conducts Demos in Support of STEM Education

Amateur Memorial Radio Club K4AMG recently completed a program using the AMSAT CubeSat Simulators and presented it to the following groups

CUBE SAT Presentations: * STEM Technology teachers Chesapeake Schools 200 + (K5VIP) * Western Tidewater Amateur Radio Club 30 (W4VX) * Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter 54 at the WHRO Studios 30 (W4BUE) * Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club 30 (KN4KL) * Virginia Beach Hamfest Forum and table 75 (W4VX / W4BUE) * Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology High School VO TECH, WFOS / W4FOS 8 students

They are in "standby" for STEM teachers to discuss lesson plan(s)

Presentations information: (1 hour) * CUBE SAT * Video of edited clips from Dayton Youth Forum and our VO Tech about 20 mins Clips: - SAT COM - Robots - DX - High Altitude Balloon MIT Letter Hack - School Club Roundup * STEM presentation

They also use their new Kenwood TS-2000 purchased with the grant form ARRL The radio will be used by the Students at The Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology The students will partake in Satellite Communications, using the portable antenna system the students built

Their goal is to place "electronics, wireless communications and amateur radio" into the STEM program They have been in the VO Tech formally for 5 years and informally for about 10 years

Their website proudly promotes in its banner K4AMG, "Mentors in Electronics and Wireless Communication" for the Next generation

They are currently rendering a video of their experience

Visit their website HTTP://http://www k4amg org/

[ANS thanks Rich Siff, W4BUE for the above information]

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New AMSAT Shirts and Hat Rolled Out for 2013

Be seen as the Satellite Guy (or gal) at hamfests and club meetings with official AMSAT apparel The AMSAT Store guys invite you to visit http://tinyurl com/New-AMSAT-Apparel (amsat org) to get the new goods for 2013 featuring:

• AMSAT Golf Shirt - light blue with a pocket over the left breast with the AMSAT logo in red and a cubesat logo in blue with white stars above the pocket

• AMSAT Hat - grey in color It sports the AMSAT logo with the words "AMATEUR RADIO IN SPACE" as well as a logo of a satellite

• Fox Tee Shirt - navy blue colored tee with Fox logo and CubeSat image across the front in white

Visit the main page of the AMSAT Store to see all of the AMSAT products for sale: http://store amsat org/catalog/

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Store Team for the above information]

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Successful ARISS Contact in Italy

Successful direct contact with Istituto Comprensivo Statale "E Fermi - A Oggioni" in Villasanta, Italy

16 September, 2013 at 08 04 UTC, 10 04 local time, Istituto Comprensivo Statale "E Fermi - A Oggioni" in Villasanta, Italy established a direct contact with ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KDP, onboard the International Space Station

The Fermi-Oggioni Middle School is located in the centre of Villasanta, near Monza (Milano) There are 403 students and 43 teachers One class (25 students) is involved in the project named "Space to Space" These students are thirteen years old and they are attending the third and final year of middle school

Gianpietro Ferrario IZ2GOJ, ARISS mentor and radio contact coordinator, managed for a direct contact from the school in Villasanta, assisted by the ARISS Lombardia team The questions were read by students at school More than 100 students, parents, visitors and media attended he event (indirect attendance about 300)

The contact was established by IZ2GOJ in Villasanta ARISS telebridge station IK1SLD in Casale Monferrato was connected per phone line with the school, ready to take over the radio link in case of problem Contact was established with IRØISS at 08 04 UTC, 10 04 local time Immediately after AOS, astronaut Luca Parmitano switched to backup channel following some noise heard onboard Luca Parmitano answered 15 questions, and exchanged greetings with the school administrator before LOS Signals from the ISS were loud and clear during most of the pass

National Television and newspapers covered the event: http://www youtube com/watch?v=Aj-KK5gwmZI

Streaming video is available here: http://www youtube com/watch?v=vDkg0PYPY2o

Congratulations to ARISS Lombardia and IK1SLD teams!

[ANS thanks Gianpietro, IZ2GOJ, 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

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