XPost: rec.radio.info

AMSAT NEWS SERVICE
ANS-182

In this edition:

* Firefly Aerospace's Alpha "Noise of Summer" Mission Rescheduled
* Curium One Satellite Set to Test SatNOGS-COMMS Transceiver
* SpaceX Falcon Heavy Successfully Launches GOES-U Satellite
* GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers July 2024 Rankings
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 28, 2024
* ARISS News
* Upcoming Satellite Operations
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information se rvice 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 digita
l Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on https://www.amsat.org<https://www.amsat.org/> publishes ne
ws 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<https://www.amsat.org/>

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

ANS-182 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

To: All RADIO AMATEURS

From: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation

712 H Street NE, Suite 1653
Washington, DC 20002

DATE 2024 Jun 30

________________________________
Firefly Aerospace's Alpha "Noise of Summer" Mission Rescheduled

Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket, originally scheduled for launch on June 2 7th, has been rescheduled to 9:03 pm PDT on July 1st for its #FLTA005 missi
on titled "Noise of Summer." This launch will occur from Space Launch Compl ex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying NASA payloads a
nd involving a dedicated launch team. For updates closer to the launch wind
ow, visit Firefly Aerospace's official website at https://fireflyspace.com/ news/.

A highlight of this launch is the ELaNa 43 mission, featuring the deploymen
t of multiple CubeSats, including the University of Maine's MESAT1. This sa tellite, equipped with a Linear Transponder Module (LTM) from AMSAT, will h
elp conduct experiments designed by Maine schools, contributing to educatio
nal and research objectives supported by NASA. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MESAT1-Maines-F irst-Small-Satellite.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LZJ5C68jqX T4r7W3U5ZVb6?domainÿsat.org>
MESAT1 being loaded into the satellite dispenser on the Firefly Aerospace r ocket. [Credit: University of Maine]

The "Noise of Summer" mission will deploy a total of eight CubeSats using F irefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket. Alongside MESAT1, these CubeSats include C atSat from the University of Arizona, KUbeSat-1 from the University of Kans
as, R5-S4 and R5-S2-2.0 from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Serenity from Tea chers in Space, SOC-i from the University of Washington, and TechEdSat-11 ( TES-11) from NASA's Ames Research Center. The livestreamed launch, in colla boration with NASASpaceflight, will provide viewers with insights into the intricate operations involved.

MESAT1, beyond its primary mission objectives, will study local temperature
s and phytoplankton concentrations using onboard sensors and imaging equipm ent. It also features a linear transponder for amateur radio use, with tele metry accessible through AMSAT's FoxTelem program, allowing enthusiasts to decode and analyze satellite data. Users can download the latest version of
FoxTelem from the AMSAT website (https://www.amsat.org/foxtelem-software-f or-windows-mac-linux/) to decode and forward telemetry results to AMSAT's c entral server for further analysis by engineers and students.

Educational experiments aboard MESAT1, such as ALBEDO, IMAGER, and HAB, dev eloped by Maine schools, aim to study light reflection, coastal water turbi dity, and early detection of harmful algal blooms, respectively. These proj ects highlight the collaborative effort between educational institutions an
d space agencies to promote scientific learning and environmental awareness
.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MESAT1_Fox_Tele m_v1.12z3.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/HTfhC82lv1Ty6WkJSwOOw B?domainÿsat.org>
FoxTelem Version 1.12z3 has been updated for receiving MESAT1 satellite tel emetry. [Credit: AMSAT]

Managed under NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative and supported by the Maine S pace Grant Consortium, MESAT1 represents a significant milestone as Maine's
first small satellite. It will enter a Sun-synchronous orbit, facilitating
long-term data collection for climate and environmental studies.

AMSAT's involvement in the mission underscores its role in advancing amateu
r radio satellite technology and promoting international cooperation in spa
ce science. Through initiatives like FoxTelem, AMSAT enables public engagem
ent with satellite telemetry, thereby enhancing participation in space expl oration and scientific discovery.

[ANS thanks Firefly Aerospace, University of Maine, and AMSAT for the above
information]

________________________________
Curium One Satellite Set to Test SatNOGS-COMMS Transceiver

The upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 rocket will carry the Curium One satell ite, a 12-unit CubeSat developed collaboratively by Planetary Transportatio
n Systems and the Libre Space Foundation. A primary focus of this mission i
s the in-orbit testing of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver, an open-source rad
io designed to enhance satellite communication capabilities. This mission a
ims to validate the performance of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver, a dual-ba
nd, software-configurable radio transceiver specifically created for Teleme
try and Telecommand (TMTC).

The SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver is notable for its dual-band operation in the
UHF and SHF bands. It can accommodate a turnstile antenna, which facilitat
es both transmitting and receiving radio signals. The transceiver's softwar e-configurable nature allows for in-flight adjustments to carrier and inter mediate frequencies, bitrate, modulation options, and channel-filter bandwi dth, making it highly versatile for various experimental and educational se tups. This flexibility is expected to be a significant asset in the mission
's success. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SatNOGS-COMMS-T ransceiver.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RKhbC9rmw1IwkAOZt0w5 aa?domainÿsat.org>
The SatNOGS-COMMS board will be verified onboard Curium One CubeSat [Credit
: Libre Space]

Curium One's mission represents the first in-orbit demonstration of the Sat NOGS-COMMS transceiver. This testing is crucial for verifying the transceiv er's performance in space and will provide valuable data for future mission
s. The success of this test will also validate the design and functionality
of the SatNOGS-COMMS board, which is fully compatible with the extensive S atNOGS Network comprising over 200 ground stations worldwide. IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination is still pending for Curium One after a Li
bre Space Foundation application was submitted on June 23rd.

One of the standout features of the SatNOGS-COMMS transceiver is its open-s ource nature. By making the hardware and software publicly available, the L ibre Space Foundation aims to foster a collaborative environment where amat
eur radio operators, students, and space enthusiasts can contribute to and benefit from the technology. This approach not only democratizes access to advanced space communication technology but also accelerates innovation and
learning within the community. This mission could set a precedent for futu
re open-source space technologies. The GitLab repository for the SatNOGS-CO
MMS transceiver can be found at https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/sat nogs-comms.<https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs-comms> [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Curium-Satellit e-Undergoes-Illumination-Testing.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/ s/wKuqCgJPjZszAKBgiyHqXI?domainÿsat.org>
Curium One CubeSat will fly on the first Ariane 6 rocket launch. [Credit: P lanetary Transportation Systems

The verification of SatNOGS-COMMS onboard Curium One will supply critical i nformation for the Libre Space Foundation's upcoming PHASMA mission and oth
er future projects. For Planetary Transportation Systems, this mission mark
s the first in-orbit validation of their satellite design, which is a signi ficant milestone for the company's future endeavors in space technology dev elopment. This mission represents a crucial step in their strategic roadmap
.

Curium One's mission highlights the potential of open-source satellite tech nology. By promoting amateur radio and providing educational opportunities
in space technology, this mission aims to make space more accessible and af fordable for everyone. The data and insights from testing the SatNOGS-COMMS
transceiver will support more inclusive and innovative uses of space, sett
ing a new standard for collaborative space missions. This mission shows the
impact of collaboration and open-source innovation in advancing space expl oration and technology.

[ANS thanks the European Space Agency Libre Space Foundation for the above information]

________________________________
The 2024 AMSAT President's Club coins are here now!
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Coin-Both_ 586-300x148.jpg]
Join the AMSAT President's Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space! https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/ ________________________________
SpaceX Falcon Heavy Successfully Launches GOES-U Satellite

On June 25, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket successfully lifted off from Kenne
dy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A at 5:26 p.m. Eastern, carrying the GOE
S-U weather satellite, the final spacecraft in a series of geostationary we ather satellites. This launch featured several notable firsts, overcoming p revious weather forecasts that had predicted only a 30% chance of favorable
conditions.

The GOES-U satellite, successfully deployed from the Falcon Heavy's second stage four and a half hours after liftoff, after the stage completed a sequ ence of three burns to place the satellite into a geostationary transfer or bit. Built by Lockheed Martin for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admi nistration (NOAA), GOES-U will be renamed GOES-19 upon reaching geostationa
ry orbit. After on-orbit commissioning, it will be positioned at 75 degrees
east in geostationary orbit, taking over from GOES-16 as the operational G OES-East satellite.

GOES-U carries a suite of earth and space science instruments similar to it
s predecessors but includes the new Compact Coronagraph (CCOR) instrument f
or solar observation. CCOR will monitor the solar corona for flares and cor onal mass ejections, a crucial function for understanding space weather. Th
is role was previously filled by the nearly 30-year-old Solar and Heliosphe
ric Observatory spacecraft. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GOES-U-SpaceX-F alcon-Heavy.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/SyPQCkRPn8hJOAwLsyA sIC?domainÿsat.org>
GOES-U lifts off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on Jun
e 25th, 2024. [Credit: SpaceX]

The GOES-R series, which began with a launch in 2016, has significantly imp roved weather forecasting. Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Ser vice, stated at a pre-launch briefing, "The GOES-R series of satellites, it
's been a gamechanger for us." The satellites have enabled new and improved
forecasts, warnings, and services that help save lives and protect propert
y.

Among the enhancements in the GOES-R series is a lightning mapper. Pam Sull ivan, director of the GOES-R program at NOAA, highlighted its impact, sayin
g it allows meteorologists to better understand storm severity and issue mo
re accurate warnings. "The main thing I hear from forecasters is that they
have more confidence in a forecast," she noted.

NOAA is already planning the next generation of geostationary weather satel lites, called GeoXO, set to begin launching in 2032. Contracts have been aw arded to Lockheed Martin for satellite construction and BAE Systems for sou nder and ocean color instruments. Steve Volz, assistant administrator of NO AA's Satellite and Information Service, described GOES-U as "the bridge tha
t connects today's geostationary satellite technology with the technology o
f tomorrow." [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NOAA-GOES-U-Sat ellite-Acoustics-Testing.jpg]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/WGUSCl YPoxiY2mM9iDlGrJ?domainÿsat.org>
NOAA's GOES-U satellite undergoing testing by Lockheed Martin in Littleton,
Colorado. [Credit: Lockheed Martin]

The launch was marked by the synchronized landings of the two Falcon Heavy
side boosters at Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Statio
n. This mission was also the first time NOAA launched a GOES weather satell
ite on a SpaceX rocket. The three previous GOES-R satellites launched on At
las 5 rockets from United Launch Alliance (ULA), but SpaceX was awarded the
$152.5 million contract for the GOES-U launch in September 2021 after ULA withdrew due to a lack of available Atlas rockets.

The Falcon Heavy's additional performance is a key advantage. Julianna Sche iman, director of NASA science missions at SpaceX, explained that the rocke
t's capability allows for a significant delta V reduction, meaning the spac ecraft requires less energy to reach its final orbit. This efficiency trans lates into fuel savings and extended operational life for GOES-U, which has
a design specification of 15 years. "With the added capability Falcon Heav
y is giving us, we expect to be at 20-plus years of fuel life," said NOAA's
Sullivan.

The GOES-U launch marked the 10th overall for the Falcon Heavy and the seco
nd contracted by NASA, following the Psyche asteroid mission in October 202
3. Another Falcon Heavy is set to launch NASA's Europa Clipper mission this
October, continuing SpaceX's role in advancing space exploration and weath
er monitoring capabilities.

[ANS thanks Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, for the above information]

________________________________
GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers July 2024 Rankings

The July 2024 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satell
ite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap<https://x.com/GridMasterMap

on Twitter, has been released. The ranking is determined by the number of

grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids wh
ere a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr<https://gridmaster .fr/> website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not dir ectly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are enco uraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr<htt ps://gridmaster.fr/> in order to provide more accurate data.

Updated: 2024-06-28
1
ND9M
26
LU5ILA
51
EA4NF
76
FG8OJ
2
NJ7H
27
N5BO
52
AA5PK
77
DF2ET
3
JA9KRO
28
K8BL
53
JL3RNZ
78
HB9GWJ
4
N5UC
29
DL2GRC
54
SP5XSD
79
PT9BM
5
UT1FG
30
KE4AL
55
AD7DB
80
KI7UXT
6
OE3SEU
31
VE3HLS
56
F4DXV
81
KJ7NDY
7
DL6AP
32
KB5FHK
57
KE9AJ
82
YU0W
8
WI7P
33
KI7UNJ
58
KI7QEK
83
WA9JBQ
9
DP0POL
34
LA9XGA
59
PA3GAN
84
N4DCW
10
N6UA
35
F4BKV
60
XE1ET
85
KB2YSI
11
HA3FOK
36
JO2ASQ
61
N8RO
86
N0TEL
12
K5ZM
37
N7AGF
62
KM4LAO
87
VE3GOP
13
N9IP
38
XE3DX
63
VE1CWJ
88
JM1CAX
14
WY7AA
39
K7TAB
64
SM3NRY
89
CU2ZG
15
W5PFG
40
KE0PBR
65
N4UFO
90
K0FFY
16
AK8CW
41
KI0KB
66
VA3VGR
91
KG4AKV
17
AD0DX
42
KE0WPA
67
W1AW
92
N6UTC
18
F5VMJ
43
PR8KW
68
VA7LM
93
AF5CC
19
WD9EWK
44
VK5DG
69
PT2AP
94
VE6WK
20
AD0HJ
45
N6DNM
70
M1DDD
95
W8MTB
21
DJ8MS
46
EB1AO
71
DL4EA
96
VE7PTN
22
ON4AUC
47
AC0RA
72
LU4JVE
97
K6VHF
23
KX9X
48
JK2XXK
73
W8LR
98
DK9JC
24
ND0C
49
W7WGC
74
AA8CH
99
PT9ST
25
KG5CCI
50
N4AKV
75
VE1VOX
100
VO2AC

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap<https://x.com/GridMasterMap> for the above infor mation]

________________________________
Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store!<https://www.amsat.org/shop/> [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/cm/LEO-Pack1-300x298.pn g]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ltupCo2PrVTyr5woSr0poi?domainÿmsat.org/>
When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/
________________________________
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for June 28, 2024

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 u pdates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin fi
les are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files
will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new
amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org /keplerian-elements-resources/.

This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution
.

[ANS thanks AMSAT Orbital Elements page for the above information]

________________________________
ARISS NEWS

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

+ Recently Completed Contacts

Complejo Educativo Nuestra Señora de Fátima N° 1139 and N° 8119, P
érez, Argentina, Telebridge via VK6MJ
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Jeanette Epps KF5QNU
The ARISS mentor was VE6JBJ
Contact was successful Thu 2024-06-27 13:38:07 UTC

+ Upcoming Contacts

Moroccan School of Engineering Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco, telebridge vi
a VK6MJ
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Jeanette Epps KF5QNU
The ARISS mentor is IN3GHZ
Contact is go for: Mon 2024-07-01 12:02:01 UTC

St. Luke's College, Buenos Aires, Argentina, direct via LU4AA
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Mike Barratt KD5MIJ
The ARISS mentor is VE6JBJ
Contact is go for: Wed 2024-07-03 14:42:53 UTC
Watch for Livestreaming via their Instagram accounts: The school: @stlukes. college / Radio Club Argentino: @rca_sociedad_nacional

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 pi
ck up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeat
er. 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 orb ital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ar iss.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 f
or the above information]

________________________________
Upcoming Satellite Operations

From Randy, ND0C: From 24 June thru 7 July, we will be on another family ca mping vacation, which means another satellite roving expedition! This time,

thru WI to MI and back thru IL and IA. No super rare grids but several tha
t may be needed by many. The grids and passes will depend on where/when we happen to be while on the road or camping. This will be all LEO sats: FM &
SSB. As always, I will try for EU passes on RS-44 when possible. Looking fo rward to pushing past the 100 grids-roved milestone.

From Mike, N8MR: I will be in EN57, with roves to EN67 from Friday, June 28

thru Saturday, July 6. Using an Icom 9700, Arrow and Alaskan antennas. Lis tening for Europe on linear eastern passes. I can rove to EN56, only if nee ded. Posting passes to hams.at<https://hams.at/> a day in advance. All QSOs
to LoTW as N8MR.

VP5/AA5UK will be QRV from FL31 from 23rd June through 5th July. This opera tion will be holiday style but will cover HF/LEO/MEO. Head over to his VP5/ AA5UK QRZ page for all the info you can shake a stick at.

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

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

________________________________
AMSAT Ambassador Activities

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

"Moon Day" at the Frontiers of Flight Museum - July 20th, 2024
Dallas Love Field Airport
8008 Herb Kelleher Way
Dallas, TX 75235
https://flightmuseum.com/events/

AMSAT and Amateur Radio satellites will be presented to the general public
as part of this annual space themed STEAM event. Volunteers to help at the table space and to do contact demos are welcome. Contact tschuessler [at] a msat.org<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KdRZCL9Rk7HzRV3oiV6DzY?doma
inÿsat.org> for more information.

Huntsville Hamfest - August 17th and 18th, 2024
Von Braun Center South Hall
700 Monroe Street SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
https://hamfest.org/

AMSAT Booth and Forum / N8DEU and W4FCL

Northeast HamXpostion - August 22nd thru 25th, 2024
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center
181 Boston Post Road West
Marlborough, MA 01752
https://hamxposition.org/

Greater Louisville Hamfest - September 7th, 2024
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165 https://louisvillehamfest.wixsite.com/louisvillehamfest

AMSAT Forum and Information Table / W4FCL

North Star Radio Convention - October 5th, 2024
Hennepin Technical College (North Campus)
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
https://conv2023.tcfmc.org/

AMSAT Forum and Information Table / KØJM and ADØHJ

Central Kentucky Hamfest - October 5th, 2024
Highlands Baptist Church
2032 Parallel Road
Lexington, KY 40502
https://www.facebook.com/w9khz/

AMSAT and Educational Satellites Forum and Information Table / AI4SR and W4
FCL

2024 AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting - October 25th thru 2 7th, 2024
Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
3050 N Rocky Point Drive West
Tampa, FL 33607
https://www.amsat.org/

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Events page for the above information]

________________________________
Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store<https://ww w.zazzle.com/store/amsat_gear>!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radi
o in Space [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AMSAT-Car-Flag- e1705691761784-300x235.png]<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/doNFCG6E Ovcz1E8yiw1-h7?domainúzzle.com>
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear<https://www.zazzle.com/store/amsat_gear> ________________________________
Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ The Ariane 6 rocket recently completed its final 'wet dress rehearsal' at
Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a crucial milestone before it
s maiden launch. This rehearsal involved loading 180 tons of supercooled pr opellant into the rocket, cooling its components to cryogenic temperatures,
and rolling back the mobile gantry. ESA's Guy Pilchen highlighted that thi
s rehearsal allowed teams to refine launch operations using the actual flig
ht hardware and software. Following fueling, the rocket underwent final pre parations for its upcoming launch, expected to confirm its date after data analysis. With payloads ranging from Earth observation to scientific experi ments, Ariane 6 aims to secure Europe's independent access to space and adv ance space exploration. (ANS thanks the European Space Agency for the above
information)

+ China's Chang'e 6 probe has returned to Earth on June 25, 2024, with the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon, landing in Inner Mongolia
on Tuesday. The successful mission marks a global milestone, with the samp
les expected to include 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock that could shed light on the geological differences between the moon's near and far sides.
The probe landed in the moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin, providing samples f
rom various geological layers. This mission is part of China's growing spac
e rivalry with the U.S. and other nations, aiming to establish China as a t echnological power. The journey began on May 3 and lasted 53 days, involvin
g drilling into the core and collecting surface rocks. China plans to share
the samples with international scientists, hoping to answer fundamental qu estions about lunar geology and the solar system's early days. (ANS thanks Huizhong Wu, Associated Press, for the above information)

+ NASA called off a planned spacewalk on June 24 due to a malfunction in as tronaut Tracy Dyson's spacesuit. Dyson and her crewmate Mike Barratt were p reparing to exit the International Space Station to conduct maintenance whe
n a water leak was detected in Dyson's suit cooling unit. This unit is cruc
ial for maintaining a comfortable temperature during spacewalks. The leak o ccurred just after the suits were switched to battery power, prompting NASA
to abort the mission. Although Dyson reported feeling a bit warm and expre ssed concerns about potential water damage to electrical connectors, both a stronauts were safe throughout the incident. This cancellation follows a si milar recent setback on June 13, involving a spacesuit issue, and it raises
questions about the potential impact on the return schedule of Boeing's St arliner capsule. (ANS thanks Jackie Wattles, CNN, for the above information
)

+ NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who flew Boeing's Starli
ner capsule to the International Space Station (ISS), have had their return
to Earth delayed multiple times due to issues with the spacecraft. Origina
lly planned to stay for about a week, their mission has been extended indef initely as NASA and Boeing investigate a slow helium leak and malfunctionin
g thrusters discovered after reaching orbit. The latest delay was announced
last week, with no new return date set yet. Despite these issues, the astr onauts are assisting with tasks and conducting tests on the ISS, where they
are accommodated with sufficient supplies. NASA is taking a cautious appro ach, allowing data to drive decisions about managing the leaks and thruster
performance. This mission aims to certify the Starliner for future routine
flights, similar to SpaceX's Crew Dragon service for NASA. (ANS thanks Den
ise Chow, NBC News, 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 shal
l 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<https://www.amsat.org/> for additional membersh
ip information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week's ANS Editor, Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
ad0hj [at] amsat.org<https://www.amsat.org/>



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