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AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-194

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and infor-
mation 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 commun-
icating 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: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans


In this edition:

* AMSAT Leadership Explains 2018-2020 Legal Expenses
* Update on HO-107 (HuskySat-1)
* AMSAT-DL Proposes LunART - Luna Amateur Radio Transponder
* Buffalo Soldiers Special Event on the Satellites
* Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* Upcoming ARISS Contacts
* Satellite Shorts from All Over


SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-194.01
ANS-194 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 194.01
From AMSAT HQ KENSINGTON, MD.
DATE July 12, 2020
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-194.01

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AMSAT office
is closed until further notice. For details, please visit
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-office-closed-until-further-notice/

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AMSAT Leadership Explains 2018-2020 Legal Expenses

On July 10, 2020, AMSAT President Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, sent the
following letter to AMSAT members regarding legal expenses incurred
during the 2018-2020 timeframe. The letter was co-signed by Dr. Tom
Clark, K3IO, Martha Saragovitz, Keith Baker, KB1SF, Robert Bankston,
CPA, KE4AL, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, Dr. Mark
Hammond, N8MH, Bruce Paige, KK5DO, and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM.

https://tinyurl.com/ANS-194-Letter

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Office for the above information]

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Update on HO-107 (HuskySat-1)

AMSAT Vice President - Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, posted the
following update on HO-107 (HuskySat-1) on the AMSAT-BB:

While it is disappointing that the transponder did not see a longer
period of use following the science missions, the overall
HuskySat-1/HO-107 project and mission were quite beneficial for our
partner and for AMSAT. The HuskySat-1 team were able to command their satellite and experiments and receive the telemetry they sought, and
AMSAT was able to work through the extensive process of making a new
design for a "black box" radio module that can be integrated into a
non-AMSAT spacecraft and fly in the space environment.

The LTM (Linear Transponder Module) on HO-107 worked for over three
months after HuskySat-1 came alive following its deployment.
The failure of the LTM came during or just after a period of full sun
where LTM temperatures reached over 80 degrees Celsius.

While licensed and operated as an amateur radio satellite by AMSAT
during the transponder use, there are some facts that set HO-107 apart
from our Fox-1 CubeSats and other AMSAT satellites.

1. It's not our satellite. We have no control and may not have any
insight into how a partner actually uses the LTM. While we see the
LTM temperatures and many of the other typical data fields that we
downlink to FoxTelem regarding LTM health, data such as temperature of
the host environment as well as other specific information like power
and the state of the other systems in a host satellite may or may not
be available to us. Whether LTM is operated within design limits is
entirely up to the host.

The University of Washington HuskySat Labs team was very cooperative
with us on this mission, however there are things regarding their
mission that we do not know because they are processing and studying
their data for use in their thesis and classes and preparing it for
release in a specific way typical of such an institution today. AMSAT
is generally more forthcoming with information about our missions but
what we can and have said about this mission is determined by UW.
That is really no different to certain aspects of our own missions.
Most members are likely familiar with the vague wording I provide for
some of our launch timelines and that is the result of the same thing,
in the owner of the launch vehicle or LSP/APIC determining what we can
say to the public and when.

2. HO-107 was the first ever use of a new product, the AMSAT LTM.
The LTM idea was first put forth at the AMSAT leadership strategic
planning meeting in 2017 and is now coming into availability for other non-AMSAT CubeSats to fly amateur radio on their mission.

HO-107 is the pilot production of LTM and was developed in partnership
with UW HuskySat-1. It was the first CubeSat radio module designed
and built by AMSAT for use in other host CubeSats, and UW was key in
working with us through the design and processes needed to provide
such a module. They did not buy it as, nor did we give it to them as
an "off the shelf" product as we plan to for future LTM production.
LTM was developed from the Fox-1E linear transponder design, and
provided in a partnership with UW that started in November 2014 when
we made an agreement with University of Washington to fly an amateur
radio on their CubeSat mission. Overall, the HuskySat-1 team were
quite happy with the telemetry and command performance even with the
LTM anomalies showing up toward the end of their experiments. In the
process of getting HuskySat-1 to orbit several students became
interested in amateur radio, and we have already had preliminary
discussions of future joint mission plans.

The ability to provide more LTM to new and future partners will
increase the number of orbiting satellites carrying amateur radio, at
a low cost to AMSAT and the partner, keeping amateur radio in space
even as we develop newer and more capable satellites. There is no
doubt that HO-107 was a success in many ways beyond the operational
life of the transponder.

As usual, the AMSAT Engineering team of volunteers deserve the praise
for putting yet another amateur radio in space be it in our own
satellite, or in a partner satellite!

[ANS thanks Jerry Buxton, N0JY, AMSAT Vice President - Engineering,
for the above information]

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AMSAT's GOLF Program is about getting back to higher orbits, and it
all begins with GOLF-TEE – a technology demonstrator for deployable
solar panels, propulsion, and attitude control. Come along for the
ride. The journey will be worth it!

https://tinyurl.com/ANS-GOLF

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AMSAT-DL Proposes LunART - Luna Amateur Radio Transponder

AMSAT-DL has submitted a proposal to the European Space Agency to
place an amateur radio communications link on the Large European
Lander. This system would support direct communication with earth
through amateur radio frequencies in the microwave bands, support
University and Student Payloads with direct access to their
experiments, allow Radio Science for a huge community of radio amateur operators and scientists worldwide. It would also provide an important
back-up communication capability and capacity during emergency or when
the ESA network is busy.

More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-LunART

AMSAT wishes our friends at AMSAT-DL the best of luck on their
proposal. This would be a great resource for amateur radio should it
come to fruition.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information]

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Buffalo Soldiers Special Event on the Satellites

In honor of Buffalo Soldiers Month and to commemorate the formation of
the United States Army 9th and 10th Calvary Buffalo Soldiers Regiments
the Texas Parks and Wildlife will take part of a worldwide amateur radio special event on July 25th - 26th, 2020. Transmissions will begin
transmitting at 8am CST Saturday morning July 25 and will end 8pm CST
Sunday July 26. Commemorative QSL cards and Certificates will be
available (see the callsign W5W or W5B at the QRZ.com web site for QSL information).

Operations will be held on:

Voice 10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meters
Digital FT8 on 20, 40 and 80 meters
CW on 20, 40 meters
Satellite

Listen for the FCC assigned callsigns: W5W or W5B

Shortwave Listeners (SWL) are encouraged to participate.

For those without amateur radio privileges to transmit or listen in,
please join us Saturday July 25 at 1pm CST on Facebook Live, look for
Buffalo Soldiers Program - Texas Parks and Wildlife, for participation
and a chance at a special QSL Card and Commemorative Certificate.

For additional information about the Buffalo Soldiers legacy and an
excellent video history about the Buffalo Soldiers with commentary
from Judge Joe Green please visit www.qrz.com and enter W5W or W5B
into the search box.


[ANS thanks Rudy Hardy, W5HRH, for the above information]

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Purchase AMSAT Gear on our Zazzle storefront.
25% of the purchase price of each product goes
towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

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Hamfests, Conventions, Maker Faires, and Other Events

Want to see AMSAT in action or learn more about amateur radio in
space?

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

Due to COVID-19, many hamfest and events around the United States have
been canceled or postponed. While we make every effort to ensure the information contained below is correct, there may be some that we
missed.

No events are currently scheduled. We wish all of you safekeeping and
hope to be at a hamfest near you soon.

[ANS thanks Robert Bankston, KE4AL, AMSAT Vice President - User
Services, for the above information]

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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/

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Upcoming Satellite Operations

Quick Hits:

EM57 & EM67 (Saturday 7/11 & 7/12) N4DCW may also stop in EM58, passes
posted on his QRZ page.
FN45 & FN46, VE2FUA, 7/12 & 7/13: Chris is heading out to a little
known (to rovers at least) called Maine. Might want to get him while
he is there.
DN44, 7/13 – 7/17, @N7AGF FM for sure may bring linear gear if it
fits.
FM13 & FM03, 7/12 & 7/13, Wz4M is heading out Holiday Style
EN20/30 Line, July 28-31, KX9X : Sean is moving quickly towards his
VUCC/R award by heading out again for two more grids. Watch his
Twitter for details.
DM97/98 & EM08/09: Super Rover @ADoDX is heading out for the Kansas
QSO party and N0E. More to come.

@WY7AA is heading out again!!!

Mon. 7/13 Drive day possible FM passes from DN63
Tues – Sat. 7/14 – 7/18 SSB and FM passes from DN64 Burgess
Junction, WY. Some HF POTA K-4534 Big Horn National Forest
Sun. 7/19 Travel day no sats, but internet updates
Mon 7/20 SSB and FM passes from DN67/68. Every pass from about 16:00
– 04:00
Tues 7/21 SSB and FM passes from DN57/58. Every pass from about 16:00
– 04:00
Wed. 7/22 Travel day no sats
Thurs 7/23 SSB and FM passes from DN55/56. Every pass from about
16:00 – 04:00
Fri 7/24 SSB and FM passes from DN65/66. Every pass from about
16:00 – 04:00
Watch his QRZ page for details and updates.

Please submit any additions or corrections to ke0pbr@gmail.com

[ANS thanks Paul Overn, KE0PBR, for the above information]

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Upcoming ARISS Contacts

Quick list of scheduled contacts and events:

Don Bosco Haacht Technisch en Beroepsonderwijs, Haacht, Belgium, Multi
-point telebridge via AB1OC

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR
Contact was successful: Fri 2020-07-10 10:49:51 UTC 27 deg (***)

International Aerospace School, Ufa, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled astronaut is Ivan Vagner
Contact is go for Fri 2020-07-17 19:10 UTC

[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, ARISS Operations, for the above
information]

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AMSAT, along with our ARISS partners, is developing an amateur
radio package, including two-way communication capability, to
be carried on-board Gateway in lunar orbit.

Support AMSAT's projects today at https://www.amsat.org/donate/

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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+Congratulations to Kevin Manzer, N4UFO, on earning AMSAT GridMaster
Award #12 for working all 488 continental US grids. Kevin notes that
it took him just over five years, from 2013-2018, to accomplish this
goal. More information regarding the GridMaster Award can be found at https://www.amsat.org/gridmaster/ (via KK5DO and N4UFO)

+F4DXV and R9LR have set another new satellite distance record - this
time on LilacSat-2. The 4,561 km QSO occured on 10-Jul-2020 at 04:23
UTC. Records are listed at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-SatDist (via F4DXV
and N8HM)

+An article about the first amateur radio communication system in
lunar orbit, aboard LO-94, has been published at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-194-LO-94 (via BG2BHC on Twitter).

+Congratulations to KP4RV for being the first station in Puerto Rico
to receive the VUCC Award on amateur satellites (via KF7R on Twitter).

+The European Space Agency recently published a how-to video regarding reception of ISS SSTV pictures. An ISS SSTV transmission is expected
within the next few weeks in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of Apollo/Soyuz: https://youtu.be/HtC-BPcMruA

+All issues of The AMSAT Journal dating back to 2014 are now available
to AMSAT members on AMSAT's new membership portal. The 1969-2013
archive will be added at a later date. All editions of AMSAT's
Symposium Proceedings are also available for members If you're a
current AMSAT member, get logged on today. If you are not yet a
member, consider joining today at https://launch.amsat.org/

+The 2020 edition of AMSAT’s Getting Started with Amateur Satellites
is now available on the AMSAT store. A perennial favorite, Getting
Started is updated every year with the latest amateur satellite
information, and is the premier primer of satellite operation. The
book is presented in DRM-free PDF format, in full color, and covers
all aspects of making your first contacts on a ham radio satellite.
The digital download is available for $15 at https://tinyurl.com/2020GettingStarted

+ The AMSAT Folding at home team continues to climb the rankings. Now
in the top 900 of all teams at the time of this writing, the team has
grown to 48 members with 67 active CPUs within the past 50 days and
includes 12 members in the top 100,000 of all users. Alex Free,
N7AGF, is our top contributor with over 159,000,000 points credited
to AMSAT's team. For more information about the Folding at home
project and how you can contribute to scientific research, including
the fight against COVID-19, see https://foldingathome.org/. AMSAT's
team number is 69710: https://stats.foldingathome.org/team/69710

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/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. President's Club donations may be made at https://tinyurl.com/ANS-PresClub.

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.

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

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space,

This week's ANS Editor,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
n8hm at amsat dot org
_______________________________________________
Via the ANS mailing list courtesy of AMSAT-NA https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/ans

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