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1993-04-04
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SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.01
STS-55/SAREX MISSION SCRUBBED
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.01
WA4SIR Provides Details About The STS-55 Launch Abort
The following is an excerpt from a message sent to the schools and members
involved in the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) from Ron Parise
(WA4SIR) about the STS-55 main engine "shut-down" 3 seconds before launch.
"At 9:51 AM this morning just 3 seconds prior to launch, the Columbia's
on-board computers performed an automatic shutdown of it's three main
engines. Preliminary analysis of the telemetry data obtained during the
ignition sequence points to a faulty helium purge valve which should have
closed prior to the fuel and oxidizer valves being opened. The vehicle was
then safed by thelaunch control team and flight crew. To help you under-
stand what actually happened let me give you a little background of the
sequence of events which occur within the last 8 seconds of the count-down.
At 6.8 seconds before launch (T - 6.8 sec) the general purpose computers
(GPC's) start the ignition sequence for the 3 liquid fuel main engines. It
takes a few seconds for them to ignite and start producing thrust. The
computers give the engines until T - 3 sec to reach 90% of their thrust.
At that time if their are any indications of any difficulty with any of the
3 engines then the computers will shut them all down and abort the launch.
If the engines are all performing normally then the 2 solid rocket boosters
are ignited at T - 0. Since the solid rocket boosters cannot be turned off
once they are ignited, the computers spend the last three seconds making
sure everything is exactly right before starting them. The shuttle system
performed exactly as it was designed to do. It detected a problem with the
number 3 main engine, and aborted the countdown at T - 3 sec just as it was
supposed to."
A definitive launch date for STS-55 has not been set. This problem will
most likely take on the order of 2-4 weeks to resolve. Since STS-56 uses a
different launch pad, launch for this mission is still scheduled for
April 7. Please watch the AMSAT News Service (ANS) for any further
information concerning STS-55 and STS-56.
[The ANS would like to thank Frank Bauer (KA3HDO) of the SAREX Working
Group and Ron Parise (WA4SIR) for this bulletin item.]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.02
FIRST CUT ARSENE ELEMENT SET
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.02 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.02
N3FKV Provides A "First-Cut" ARSENE Orbital Element Set
At the risk of being considered presumptious, here is an element set
for ARSENE, derived from the tenative orbital plans published in the
RACE report last January. To wit: Period = 17.5 Hr, Apogee = 36,000 KM,
Perigee = 20,000 KM. This orbital element set does not have any relation
to real time. Its purpose is to show orbital geometry only. It is quite
interesting to run out over several days and see the coverage. The
"Orbit-View" projection in InstantTrack is particularly helpful in under-
standing the dynamics of this proposed OSCAR satellite scheduled to be
launched in late May.
Satellite: Arsene
Catalog number: 00000
Epoch time: 93000.00000000
Element set: N3FKV-notional
Inclination: 0.0 deg
RA of node: 0.0 deg
Eccentricity: 0.24
Arg of perigee: 0.0 deg
Mean anomaly: 0.0 deg
Mean motion: 1.371430 rev/day
Decay rate: 0.0 rev/day^2
Epoch rev: 1
[The AMSAT News Service (ANS) would like to thank Dick Campbell (N3FKV) for
this bulletin item.]
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.03
INSTANT TRACK UTILITIES: PART I
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.03 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.03
KB5MU Has Released A Series Of Utility Programs For InstantTrack: Part I
Paul Williamson (KB5MU) has just released a collection of small programs
that may be useful to InstantTrack users. Most of the files on the
Utilities Diskette are ready to use and can just be copied into the
InstantTrack directory of your hard disk (usually C:\IT).
Most of the programs come with two text files. A .DOC file which
contains the general documentation for the program, and a .UPD file
contains the wish list, bug list, and update history for the program. To
get started with one of the programs on the disk, you just read the .DOC
file for that program using a text editor. You can also print the DOC file
out if you wish.
Some of the programs also come with a .ZIP file which contains the source
code for that program. If you're not a programmer or are not interested in
modifying the program, you can safely ignore or delete the .ZIP files.
A short description of each of the programs follows:
ITPASS - InstantTrack Satellite Pass Table Generator - ITPASS outputs a
table of upcoming satellite passes, giving AOS and LOS times and the
maximum elevation angle for each pass. You can specify which satellite(s)
you want and how many passes to display. You can tell ITPASS to ignore
short passes or low passes, or both. You can use ITPASS interactively to
get a quick look at today's satellite passes. ITPASS is also designed to
work with other programs to help automatically schedule your station
operations.
ITSORT - An InstantTrack Keplerian Element Database Arranger - One thing
that's missing from InstantTrack is a way to move satellites around in the
database. ITSORT works with your familiar text editor to let you
manipulate the order of InstantTrack's Keplerian Element database to suit
you. It makes it easy to add, delete, sort, or rearrange satellites in the
database however you like. You just run ITSORT, and it creates a text file
for you to edit. Once you have the satellites arranged the way you want
them in the text file, you run ITSORT again to incorporate the changes into
the InstantTrack database.
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.04
INSTANT TRACK UTILITIES: PART II
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.04 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.04
KB5MU Has Released A Series Of Utility Programs For Instant Track: Part II
ITSTAMP - InstantTrack Timestamped Logfile Annotator - ITSTAMP is for
people who are trying to analyze any kind of satellite-related log file.
If you have any kind of data in an ASCII table with timestamps, and you
would like to know the azimuth, elevation, and range to the satellite for
each of the data points in your file, ITSTAMP is for you.
DISPANG - Display OrbitDRV Antenna Angles on Screen - If you run
InstantTrack's OrbitDRV or OrbitNCP programs to drive your Kansas City
Tracker (or compatible), even while not running InstantTrack itself, you
may find DISPANG a convenient addition to your setup. After you install
DISPANG, you'll see the azimuth and elevation of your antennas displayed in
the upper right-hand corner of the computer's text screen, while you run
other programs undisturbed. Versions for color and monochrome displays are
provided, along with assembly language source code for your edification.
IPMDRV - KCT-compatible RotorDRV for WB5IPM Controller - In the May 1987
issue of QEX, the ARRL Experimenter's Exchange, Frank Perkins (WB5IPM)
described a very simple interface for computer control of antenna rotators.
The file IPMDRV.ZIP on this diskette contains software drivers for the
WB5IPM interface hardware. These drivers are compatible with InstantTrack
and with OrbitDRV. Thanks to Courtney Duncan (N5BF) for donating these
drivers. The drivers also come with assembly language source code, and can
be used as an example if you need to create InstantTrack-compatible drivers
for your own custom hardware.
Kansas City Tracker Information - Two files on the diskette contain
technical information about the Kansas City Tracker. DRVSVC.DOC, provided
by Brooks Van Pelt (KB2CST) specifies the defined software interface
between tracking programs like InstantTrack and the KCT drivers. (See
INTSPEC.TXT from your InstantTrack distribution diskette for information
about which ones InstantTrack uses.) KCTHW.TXT contains some notes on
exactly what hardware is on the KCT/T circuit board, in case you want to
write some custom software for it.
KISS2ASC - KISS Packet Logfile to ASCII Logfile Converter - If you're
active on the digital satellites, you've probably had to deal with KISS log
files. A KISS log file is a binary log of every packet your TNC received
during the session. Because KISS logs are binary, it can be difficult to
see what's in them. KISS2ASC allows you to convert the contents of a KISS
log file to readable ASCII, so you can see just what is in the log file.
KISSFILT - KISS Packet Logfile Filter - KISSFILT is another tool for
dealing with KISS log files. It allows you to selectively keep or discard
KISS packets from the log file, based on criteria such as the to and from
callsigns in the packets. If you like to save telemetry logs, you can use
KISSFILT to remove all the other chatter from your KISS logs to save space.
For more information on how you can obtain these utility programs to
accompany InstantTrack, contact the AMSAT-NA office for information on the
availability of the InstantTrack Utilities diskette. Our thanks to Paul
for his effort in making these programs available to us.
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.05
AMSAT OPS NET SCHEDULE
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.05 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.05
AMSAT Operations Net Schedule
AMSAT Operations Nets are planned for the following times. Mode B Nets
are conducted on AO-13 on a downlink frequency of 145.950 MHz and Mode J/L
on a downlink of 435.970 MHz.
Date UTC Mode Phs NCS Alt NCS
3-Apr-93 2130 B 150 VE2LVC W9ODI
10-Apr-93 2230 B 86 N7NQM W5IU
19-Apr-93 0130 B 95 WB6LLO WA5ZIB
Any stations with information on current events would be most welcome.
Also, those interested in discussing technical issues or who have questions
about any particular aspect of OSCAR statellite operations are encouraged
to join the OPS Nets. In the unlikely event that either the Net Control
Station (NCS) or the alternate do not call on frequency, any participant is
invited to act as the NCS.
**************************************
Slow Scan Television on AO-13
SSTV sessions will be held on UTC Saturdays and Sundays:
Mode J Downlink 435.980 MHz
Mode B after J Downlink 145.960 MHz
OPS NETS will take priority, look for SSTV activity immediately after the
net. SSTVer's are invited to join the Net to make schedules at other
times if desired.
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.06
PHASE-3D PROGRESS REPORT
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.06 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.06
Phase-3D Design Effort Proceeding
AMSAT Engineering Vice President Dick Jansson (WD4FAB) announces
that, following the Orlando meeting, the Phase-3D design effort
has been proceeding nicely.
The basic design is that which has been discussed since the meeting - a
hexagonal cylinder with dimensions of 2240 mm (7.3 feet) across the points
and 1120 mm (3.7 feet) across each face. The height is 675 mm (2.2 feet).
Two of the faces will accommodate about half the spacecraft's compliment of
solar cells. The remainder will be mounted on unfolding panels. Total
weight of the satellite will be 400 kg (880 lbs). The high gain antennas
will be mounted on the top, along with the motor nozzle. Initial concern
that the nozzle might impair the operation of the antennas has been
alleviated through computer modeling. An additional consideration, heat
from the nozzle, is not expected to present a significant problem in the
design of the antennas. The reason the antennas were relocated to the
nozzle side of the spacecraft is because additional height is available
-- greatly facilitating antenna design.
A great deal of WD4FAB's effort, since the meeting, has been spent on
structural and thermal analysis. This has led to confirmation of the
general design for the cylindrical launch adaptor in which Phase 3D will
ride, and a conceptual layout of the routing of heat pipes needed to cool
the sunlit side of the spacecraft as well as remove heat from the high
power transmitter modules. Also analyzed was the three point separation
mount which will support the satellite inside the cylindrical adaptor
section.
Dick now feels that these subjects are now well enough in hand to permit
him to concentrate on producing specific structural design drawings. These
will be used in the construction of an engineering model by mid-summer.
The schedule calls for that to be followed by the fabrication of flight
spaceframe beginning this fall and completed during the spring of 1994.
Keep tuned for more Phase-3D progress.
/EX
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-086.07
WEEKLY OSCAR STATUS REPORTS
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 086.07 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD MARCH 27, 1993
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-086.07
Weekly OSCAR Status Reports: 27-MAR-93
AO-13:
L QST *** AO-13 TRANSPONDER SCHEDULE *** 1993 Mar 22 - May 10
Mode-B : MA 0 to MA 90 !
Mode-BS : MA 90 to MA 120 !<- Mode-S Transponder;Mode-B Transponder is ON
Mode-S : MA 120 to MA 130 !<- Mode-S Transponder;Mode-B Transponder is OFF
Mode-LS : MA 130 to MA 135 !<- Mode-S Beacon + Mode-L Transponder
Mode-JL : MA 135 to MA 150 ! Blon/Blat 180/0
Mode-B : MA 150 to MA 256 ! Move S/C attitude to 210/0 on 10-May-93
Please don't uplink to Mode-B transponder during MA 120-130. Your uplink
transmissions will interfere with Mode-S users. Inorder to further
encourage Mode-S enthusiasts and the use of the AO-13's Mode-S transponder,
Mode-S is now ON for an additional 30 MA units, i.e. MA 90 to MA 135.
During MA 90-120 you will have to endure the coupling from Mode-B users
operating at 145.880-145.920 MHz. Either work between them, or use their
signals as test signals. MA 120-130 is Mode-S transponder exclusive (plus
Mode-B beacon). MA 130-135 is Mode-S beacon (plus Mode-L transponder).
[G3RUH/VK5AGR/DB2OS]
MIR: According to Sergey (RV3DR), the Mir Space QSL Manager, hams saw the
following message coming from the Mir spacestation packet station:
**HELLO HAM,s !!!***
You can listen voice MSG space orbital station
"MIR" on 145,55 MHz at 20 and 21 MARCH.
Will work digital voice memory microphone.
Inventor - DL2MDE
Voice MSG repeat every 3 min.
Best 73 RV3DR Sergey -Space QSL manager
Later, in a message from Leo (UA3CR), he sent the following signal report
from Moscow about the voice message: "Just a few minutes ago at 12:27 UTC I
heard Digi-Voice message downloaded from MIR Space Station. The [message
was] very strong and readable signals in Moscow! The system is working OK!
Congratulation to Cosmonauts and German engineers! de Leo ua3cr@rk3kp."
[UA3CR/RV3DR]
/EX