ANS-169

In this edition:

* Spain's URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8

* SpaceX's Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions

* European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge

* ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role

* Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings

* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023

* ARISS News

* Upcoming Satellite Operations

* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, 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

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

ANS-169 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS

From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation

712 H Street NE, Suite 1653

Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2023 June 18

Spain's URESAT-1 Collaborative Satellite Launches on SpaceX Transporter-8

The URESAT-1 satellite, also known as HADES-B according to its ITU designation, successfully launched into space as part of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission from Vandenberg AFB on Monday, June 12. The satellite is a joint effort between AMSAT-EA, URE (the Spanish equivalent of ARRL), private companies, and universities.

The URESAT-1 satellite, contained within the D-Orbit ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), was not deployed directly from the Falcon-9 rocket. Instead, approximately one hour and twenty minutes after launch, the Falcon-9 released the OTV, which will orbit the Earth for several days before deploying URESAT-1, along with other satellites.

One of the primary objectives of URESAT-1 is to serve as an FM voice and FSK data repeater. Equipped with a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) camera, the satellite will transmit live images as well as stored images at regular intervals. It also features a chess game, enabling players on Earth to engage in a game against the satellite. Periodically, the satellite will transmit updates on the state of the game, including the chess board, the last movement made, and whether the next move belongs to the players or the satellite.

The specified frequencies for communication with URESAT-1 are as follows: for uplink transmissions, 145.975 MHz or 145.925 MHz (auxiliary frequency) using FM voice without subtone, FSK 50 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200/2400 bps. For downlink transmissions, the frequency is set at 436.888 MHz, and modes include FM voice, CW, FSK 50 bps telemetry, SSTV Robot 36, and a voice beacon with the callsign AO4URE.

To provide further information regarding URESAT-1's transmissions, the AMSAT-EA organization has made available a comprehensive document that can be accessed at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13366685/AMSAT+EA+-+URESAT-1+Transmissions+description.pdf

For those interested in decoding the telemetry, a Linux x86/ARM decoder is available for download at the following link: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13395017/URESAT-1_telemetry_decoder_Linux_X86_ARM_v1.0.zip

A sample file containing the audio of a telemetry file can be found here: https://www.amsat-ea.org/app/download/13398144/URESAT-1_sample_FSK_telemetry-chessboard_packet.wav

If URESAT-1 operates as intended, the project team plans to release a Linux program that will allow players to send their chess moves to the satellite, further enhancing the interactive experience.

[ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA President for the above information]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

SpaceX's Transporter-8 Mission Launches a Diverse Array of Smallsat Missions

SpaceX's Transporter-8 mission successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during its afternoon launch window on Monday, June 12. Part of SpaceX's small satellite (smallsat) rideshare program, Transporter-8 carries dozens of small to pico-sized satellites and orbital test vehicles. This launch marks the 38th Falcon 9 rocket launch of 2023, showcasing the rocket's significance as the major workhorse in the space industry.

As a rideshare launch, Transporter-8 doesn't have a primary mission but aims to lower costs for small spacecraft operators. The launch manifest for Transporter-8 includes an eclectic variety of missions. Among them is URESAT-1, a 1.5 P Pocketqube spacecraft from AMSAT-EA and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union (URE), equipped with an amateur radio payload that will attempt to play chess against opponents on Earth.

Transporter-8's diverse manifest demonstrates the wide range of missions being pursued, from space manufacturing technology demonstration by Varda Space Industries to two cryptocurrency technology satellites (CRYPTO3 and MOXY-1) and a communications satellite for the Vatican (SpeiSat). This blend of missions highlights the growing importance and potential of small satellite deployments.

With its rideshare model, SpaceX is enabling more affordable access to space for small spacecraft operators. By sharing the launch vehicle with multiple payloads, the costs are distributed among different customers, allowing them to realize their space ambitions at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch.

The success of Transporter-8 adds to SpaceX's impressive track record, and if the company maintains its launch pace while incorporating successful Falcon Heavy rocket launches, it could be on track to achieve Elon Musk's ambitious target of 100 rocket launches by the end of 2023. SpaceX's dedication to advancing space exploration and commercial satellite deployments is evident in its consistent launch operations and commitment to driving innovation in the industry.

[ANS thanks Jon Kelvey, writing for SpaceRef, for the above information]

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

           The 2023 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now!

                To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its launch

                        on June 16, 1983, this year's coin features

                                    an image of AMSAT-OSCAR 10.

              Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help

                                    Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

              https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

European Space Agency and S5Lab Announce LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Fly Your Satellite! program in collaboration with S5Lab is offering a unique opportunity for radio amateurs around the world. The challenge is to establish communication through the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater, providing a chance to win a special prize: a QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from June 26 to July 30, this challenge allows radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and showcase their communication skills.

LEDSAT, developed by students from Sapienza University in Rome's S5Lab research team with support from AMSAT Italia, is an educational 1U CubeSat that participated in the second edition of the Fly Your Satellite! program. Its primary objective is to demonstrate a LED-based payload for ground-based optical tracking. The successful launch of LEDSAT on Vega flight VV19 on August 17, 2021, marked a significant milestone for the project. To celebrate the launch, a competition was launched, encouraging participants from around the world to record the first signs of life from the spacecraft.

To participate in the challenge, radio amateurs are invited to send a message to the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station, with the callsign PI9ESA. The digipeater will be activated during specific time windows, with operators stationed at the ground station to receive incoming messages. Upon successful reception of a message, the sender's callsign and contact details will be documented on a personalized QSL card, acknowledging their accomplishment.

The LEDSAT digipeater can store and retransmit digital messages sent to the satellite, acting as a transponder for long-distance communication. Messages can be retransmitted immediately or with an optional delay of up to two days.

LEDSAT follows a Sun-Synchronous orbit, resulting in two communication windows each day – around midday and midnight – where contact can be established. Participants can predict passes precisely above the ESTEC ground station or their area of residence by using their favorite pass prediction software or obtaining the latest Two-Line Elements for LEDSAT from https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?CATNR=49069.

Due to LEDSAT's monitoring and housekeeping requirements and the potential high demand from operators, the digipeater activation time slots will follow a pattern of one day ON and one day OFF, with the switch-on/off always occurring at 00:00 UTC. This schedule will begin on Monday, June 26th at 00:00 UTC, and conclude on Sunday, July 30th at 24:00 UTC.

While the challenge is supported by operators on a voluntary basis, efforts will be made to cover as many LEDSAT passes as possible, especially those occurring around local midday on weekdays. A detailed schedule of pass coverage will be published, so participants are advised to regularly check for updates.

The LEDSAT digipeater uplink frequency is 435.310 MHz, the downlink frequency is 435.190 MHz, and the modulation type is GMSK using a CSP + Golay + ASM (AX100 Mode 5) protocol at 1200 baud. The LEDSAT team has prepared a software package and a user manual for connecting to the digipeater, available for download on the LEDSAT website at https://www.s5lab.space/index.php/ledsat-digipeater/.

It is important to note that transmitting to the satellite is prohibited for those who are not licensed radio amateurs. However, non-licensed individuals can still participate in the challenge by listening to the messages transmitted by the ESTEC ground station. If they provide evidence of successful reception, including the date and time, they may also receive a customized QSL card.

Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars, prepare their messages, and not miss the chance to connect and communicate with the LEDSAT spacecraft to receive their QSL card. Let's come together and make this event a memorable celebration of our shared passion for space exploration and amateur radio communication.

For any inquiries regarding LEDSAT or the digipeater challenge, please email cubesats@esa.int.

[ANS thanks the European Space Agency along with S5Lab for the above information]

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

     Need new satellite antennas? Purchase Arrows, Alaskan Arrows,

    and M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store. When you purchase through

           AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards

                  Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.

           https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

ARISS-USA Seeks Experienced Educator for Director of Education Role

ARISS-USA, a 501(c)(3) educational and scientific non-profit organization, is seeking an experienced educator to serve as their Director of Education. The position is part-time and remote, with a one-year probationary period. ARISS provides and operates Amateur Radio systems on the International Space Station (ISS) and elsewhere to inspire, educate, and engage youth and communities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and to support ISS backup communications.

Responsibilities of the Director of Education include developing strategies to maintain and expand the educational outcomes of the ARISS experience, leading the Education Engagement Volunteer Team (EEVT), recruiting and guiding ARISS Education Ambassadors (AEA), coordinating the selection of host organizations for astronaut radio contacts, promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM engagement, creating educational lesson plans and kits, ensuring alignment with National Science Standards, collecting and analyzing metrics and survey data, networking with stakeholders and space agencies, and coordinating with ARISS educators in other countries.

The desired candidate should have demonstrated leadership in education, at least three years of teaching experience, a degree in education or a related field, proficiency in virtual technologies, enthusiasm for STEAM education and amateur radio, and U.S. citizenship. Knowledge and experience in amateur radio, coordination with international colleagues, working with partners and sponsors, and interfacing with space agencies are preferred.

The position is remote within the USA, and the anticipated salary for 20 hours per week ranges from $23,000 to $34,500 per year, depending on experience. Flexibility in working hours is allowed as long as deliverables and engagement requirements are met. Interested candidates should submit their resume, CV, and a cover letter to candidates@ariss-usa.org by July 15, 2023.

[ANS thanks David Jordan, AA4KN for the above information]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Satellite LEO Top 100 Rovers June 2023 Rankings

The June 2023 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operations, as determined by @GridmasterMasterMap on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data.

Updated: 2023-06-07

1   N5UC    26  N6DNM   51  AD7DB   76  WN9Q

2   ND9M    27  DJ8MS   52  KD8RTT  77  DK9JC

3   NJ7H    28  KE4AL   53  N4UFO   78  VE6WK

4   JA9KRO  29  K8BL    54  N4DCW   79  N6UTC

5   N6UA    30  KE0PBR  55  PT2AP   80  VA3VGR

6   HA3FOK  31  XE3DX   56  KJ7NDY  81  AB5SS

7   AD0HJ   32  LA9XGA  57  AF5CC   82  PT9BM

8   K5ZM    33  EA4NF   58  N0TEL   83  WI4T

9   WY7AA   34  JO2ASQ  59  VO2AC   84  DL4EA

10  AK8CW   35  VE1CWJ  60  KI7UXT  85  N3CRT

11  AD0DX   36  W7WGC   61  KI7QEK  86  N7EGY

12  DL6AP   37  F4DXV   62  AM1SAT  87  LU3EQ

13  N5BO    38  WI7P    63  W8LR    88  JK2XXK

14  N9IP    39  JL3RNZ  64  PR8KW   89  KF7R

15  WD9EWK  40  KE0WPA  65  WA9JBQ  90  PT2AZ

16  W5PFG   41  EB1AO   66  PT9ST   91  KF6JOQ

17  ND0C    42  AA5PK   67  KB2YSI  92  YU0W

18  KX9X    43  AA8CH   68  AC0RA   93  VO1FUA

19  KB5FHK  44  KE9AJ   69  XE1ET   94  W8MTB

20  VE3HLS  45  VA7LM   70  LU4JVE  95  LU5UFM

21  LU5ILA  46  K7TAB   71  K0FFY   96  JR8QFG

22  N7AGF   47  VE1VOX  72  KG4AKV  97  VE7PTN

23  KI7UNJ  48  M1DDD   73  KC7JPC  98  FG8OJ

24  ON4AUC  49  VE3GOP  74  CU2ZG   99  HB9WDF

25  KG5CCI  50  KM4LAO  75  K4DCA   100 K0JM

[ANS thanks @GridmasterMasterMap for the above information]

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

    Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?

            Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff

                    from our Zazzle store!

        25% of the purchase price of each product goes

            towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space

              https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for 16 June 2023

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. Elements in the TLE bulletin files are updated daily. TLE bulletin files are updated to add or remove satellites as necessary Thursday evenings around 2300 UTC, or more frequently if new high interest satellites are launched. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/

The following satellite has decayed from orbit and has been removed from this week's AMSAT-NA TLE distribution:

MiTEE 1 NORAD Cat ID 47314 (decayed form orbit on 12 June 2023 per Space-Track).

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

ARISS NEWS

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

+ Upcoming Contacts

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV

The ARISS mentor is ON6TI

Contact is go for: Tue 2023-06-20 10:16:10 UTC

SPACE (Space Port Area Conference for Educators), Kennedy Space Center, FL, telebridge via VK4KHZ (***)

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS

The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV

The ARISS mentor is AJ9N and AA4KN

Contact is go for: Wed 2023-06-21 14:52:25 UTC

Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, Dubai, UAE, direct via A68MBR

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Sultan Al Neyadi KI5VTV

The ARISS mentor is ON6TI

Contact is go for: Thu 2023-06-22 08:38:52 UTC

The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater.  So give a listen, you just never know.

The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

Note, all times are approximate.  It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at  https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html

The latest list of frequencies in use can be found 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 Operations

To include your satellite roving plans in the AMSAT News Service Weekly bulletins, send them to Ian, K5ZM at k5zm (at) comcast (dot) net at least a couple of weeks in advance. Upcoming satellite operations are updated weekly on the AMSAT Upcoming Satellite Operations page but may expire before the next AMSAT News Service bulletin is released. You can watch for the latest roving information to become available at https://www.amsat.org/satellite-info/upcoming-satellite-operations/.

A growing number of satellite rovers are currently engaged in sharing their grid square activations on https://hams.at. By visiting the website, you gain easy access to comprehensive information about the operators responsible for activating specific grid squares. Additionally, you have the ability to assess the match score between yourself and a particular rover for a given pass, while also being able to identify the upcoming satellite passes that are accessible from your location.

[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above information]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

+ AMSAT 2023 Field Day

  June 24, 1800 UTC - June 25, 2100 UTC, 2023

  More information at: https://www.amsat.org/field-day/.

+ Small Satellite Conference

  August 5-10, 2023

  Utah State University, Logan, UT

  More information at: https://smallsat.org/.

+ AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting

  October 20-21, 2013

  Dallas, Texas

  More information to follow.

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Congratulations to Ian Parsons, K5ZM, for providing satellite contacts from an impressive 104 grid squares and earning AMSAT VUCC/r Award # 12! The Reverse VUCC or VUCC/r Award, originally introduced by the Central States VHF Society and now carried on by AMSAT, acknowledges the efforts of satellite rovers like Ian. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/reverse-vucc-or-vucc-r-award. Keep on roving, Ian, and continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community!

+ Congratulations to Terry, AJ4A, for being awarded GridMaster Award # 57! This prestigious award, introduced by Star Comm Group in 2014 and sponsored by Damon Runion, WA4HFN, and Rick Tillman, WA4NVM, is now entrusted to AMSAT for the benefit of the entire AMSAT community. The GridMaster Award recognizes amateurs worldwide who establish two-way communication via amateur satellite with operators in all 488 Maidenhead grids in the contiguous United States of America. More information about this award can be found on the AMSAT website at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/. Well done on this remarkable achievement Terry!

+ E2QRP special event station will operate on QO-100 and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that pass over Thailand during IARU QRP Day. The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) operators will be on the air from grid OK04nk on June 16 , 2023 at 12.00 UTC until June 18, 2023 at 5.00 UTC. QSL via Thailand HS Bureau or direct from RAST, G.P.O. Box 2008 Bangkok Thailand. (ANS thanks Tanan Rangseeprom, HS1JAN, for the above information)

+ The Small Satellite Conference provides an extensive series of talks, speed sessions, and posters that focus on successfully carrying out a small satellite mission. From early wildfire detection using CubeSat images to UHF ground stations for controlling satellites, topics vary wildly. The conference takes place August 5-10, 2023 at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (ANS thanks Amateur Radio Daily for the above information)

+ Have your name etched onto a microchip mounted on NASA’s Europa Clipper expedition to explore Jupiter's icy moon: https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/sign-on/  (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and NASA for the above information)

+ United Launch Alliance (ULA) briefly test-fired the first-stage engines on its new Vulcan Centaur rocket on Wednesday evening (June 7), completing a crucial milestone for the booster’s first flight. Vulcan Centaur is designed to replace ULA’s current fleet of Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy launch vehicles. The first stage can be supplemented with strap-on solid rocket boosters for heavier payloads. ULA is gearing up for the first Vulcan Centaur launch, which is likely to occur in July. The rocket’s primary payload will be Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lunar lander, which will carry payloads for NASA and private companies under the space agency’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Vulcan Centaur will also carry the KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 demonstration satellites for Amazon. The spacecraft will demonstrate technology for the company’s 3,236-satellite broadband constellation. (ANS thanks the Parabolic Arc for the above information)

+ Capturing footage of the International Space Station (ISS) hurtling through space at approximately 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h) is no mean feat, yet French astrophotographer Thierry Legault has pulled it off yet again. In his latest stunning footage, captured on June 9, Legault imaged the ISS whizzing past three sunspot groups. The entire solar transit lasted just 0.75 seconds. In addition, Legault captured these shots while two NASA astronauts, Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, and Warren "Woody" Hoburg, KB3HTZ, were carrying out a spacewalk to install a new solar array outside the station. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).

* 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 student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.

* Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.

Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week's ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ

ad0hj [at] amsat.org