Category Archives: Satellite

Fox-1A (AO-85) Launch Successful

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AMSATALTLOGO

AMSAT launched their first CubeSat, Fox-1A, Amateur Oscar 85 (AO-85) on October 8th.  Telemetry has already been received, and the satellite is currently in the commissioning stage which may take a few days or a couple of weeks, prior to being turned over to full-time amateur use.

 

This is a mode U/V FM satellite, that should be reachable using a dual-band HT with a hand-held crossed beam like an Arrow 146/437-10BP:

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010582

 

Here is a copy of the Fox1A Operating Guide:

http://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/FoxOperatingGuide_May2015_Hi.pdf

 

Here is a copy of the latest AMSAT Journal:

http://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/AMSAT_Journal_Fox_Launch_Special_Issue.pdf

 

Here is a link to the telemetry decoding software:

http://www.amsat.org/?page_id=4532

Initial Review of ARISS Technical Proposal Favorable

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ariss_logoThe ARISS Technical Team (Mike K1NPT, Jeff KA1NGP, and Bob WB4SON) presented their initial technical proposal to the ARISS mentor this afternoon and received positive initial feedback.

A couple of tweaks will be required to the equipment list to optimize things (two complete stations must be provided and the RF requirements are pretty high for both the TX and RX paths to ensure a horizon to horizon contact).  Plus the audio/visual details still need development.

The goal is to have the proposal submitted within the next week or so.

All Saints Academy Selected to move on for ARISS Contact

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All Saints Academy was one of fourteen schools and organizations that submitted proposals to host an Amateur Radio contact with the International Space Station (ARISS). They are moving into the final stage of the selection process. Schools or organizations ultimately selected will host a scheduled Amateur Radio contact with an ISS crew member during the first half of 2016.

Congratulations to Mike Cullen for writing a successful proposal, to Rob White for all his efforts with Mike in growing young ASA hams, and to KVH Industries, Newport County Radio Club, RIDOE, FabNewport, and ATC Tech for being event sponsors.

See the official ARRL announcement here:  http://www.arrl.org/news/fourteen-us-schools-groups-on-list-to-host-ham-contacts-with-space-station