The first Amateur Radio Satellites from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are<BR>presently being built by the Space Research Institute at the King Abdulaziz<BR>City for Science and Technology in Riyadh. Tentatively set for launch<BR>August 25, 2000, these satellites will be capable of 9k6 digital store and<BR>forward operation (Packsat Broadcast Protocol compatible) as well as FM bent<BR>pipe mode.<P>These satellites will use the following downlink frequencies. Uplinks are<BR>in the VHF band and will be announced after commissioning.<P>SAUDISAT-1A SAUDISAT-1B<BR>Downlink 437.075 436.775<P>Amateur Radio is in its infancy in Saudi Arabia. With these satellites we<BR>hope not only to add satellites to the space resources available to hams<BR>world wide, but to increase the awareness of the value of Amateur Radio in<BR>the Kingdom.<P>Dr. Turki Al Saud<BR>Director, Space Research Institute.<BR>King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.<BR>Riyadh, Saudi Arabia