QRZ! Ham Radio 4/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 4.iso/files/arrl/ead/sarex5.txt

Text File | 1994-11-27 | 25KB | 595 lines

                      Shuttle Amateur Radio
                           EXperiment
                             (SAREX)
                       Bulletin: July 1994

IMPORTANT News For Teachers and Amateurs...

This version of the SAREX Bulletin contains the latest, most
up-to-date information on the program.  We've included new
information on:

              - Upcoming SAREX Opportunities
              - Keplerian Elements
              - SAREX QSL Cards

The following dates are tentative.  Please understand that delays
in spacecraft launches are somewhat common; particularly because
there are people on-board!

       Upcoming SAREX Missions:  STS-65     July 8, 1994
                                 STS-64     September 9, 1994
                                 STS-67     January 12, 1995

----------------------------------------------------------------

With the help of Amateur Radio clubs and ham radio operators,
astronauts have been speaking over the ham airwaves while in
orbit.  They're talking directly with large groups of the general
public, showing teachers, students, parents and communities how
Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science, technology, and
learning.  The program is called SAREX, the Shuttle Amateur Radio
EXperiment.  NASA's intent in making astronauts available for
SAREX operations is to involve the largest possible numbers of
people, particularly youngsters, in technology and the US space
program with the help of Amateur Radio.

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), The Radio Amateur
Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and NASA sponsor these exciting
experiments, with AMSAT heading up technical operations.
Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators work behind the scenes,
including those from NASA's Amateur Radio clubs at the Johnson
Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and Goddard Space
Flight Center.  The ARRL takes the lead with information and
educational support.  ARRL Educational Activities Department
(EAD) and NASA HQ will create lesson plans and resource materials
for teachers.


I AM A SCHOOL TEACHER--HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

Schools wanting to make a SAREX contact with the astronauts are
asked to submit proposals and an application to ARRL.  You may
write ARRL EAD for a SAREX application form (see the SAREX
Resource List at the end of this document).  The SAREX
application may also be obtained electronically from the NASA
Spacelink electronic information system (computer BBS).

While only a handful of schools get chosen for an actual contact,
all schools can participate by eavesdropping on the Shuttle
astronauts.  SAREX lesson materials are also available to all
schools who participate.  Imagine listening in on the astronauts
from your classroom!

If you are a school teacher, you can easily become a part of
SAREX in your school(s).  Contact the ARRL EAD to get a list of
your local Amateur Radio clubs to help you.

If you are a parent, grandparent and/or a ham radio operator,
contact ARRL EAD and a local school.  EAD will send you
materials, including ways to convince teachers and school
administrators that Amateur Radio is an important discipline the
school should take advantage of on a full-time basis.   This is a
tremendous opportunity for you to showcase SAREX and Amateur
Radio to kids of all ages in a big way.


VIDEOTAPE--HAM RADIO IN SPACE

The ARRL Educational Activities Department has videos available
for teachers and hams to borrow.  Use of the Audiovisual Library
is free, the only cost being return shipping.

Ham Radio In Space is a 30-minute color video chronicling the
participation of schools and hams in SAREX.  You and your class
will enjoy watching students talk to the astronauts via ham radio
as they participate in this unique educational program.  To
borrow a copy of this video, send a postcard with your request to
ARRL EAD (see Resource List, end of document).  Borrowers, please
indicate the date you will need the video.  Requests should be
made at least one month in advance.


HAMS + STUDENTS = SAREX

Are you a ham radio operator that was successful making a random
radio contact with the Space Shuttle Astronauts during a SAREX
mission?  If you've answered "YES", now is your turn to
contribute to this educational undertaking.

Establish a SAREX station at a local school.  Bring in a
shortwave receiver and let students eavesdrop on all of the NASA
air-to-ground audio--from launch to landing (frequencies can be
found further on).  Then, set up a 2-meter satellite ground
station and attempt a random SAREX contact from the classroom.
The teacher may even apply for a school contact, almost
guaranteeing that the students will have an opportunity to
communicate with the Shuttle crew during an upcoming SAREX
mission.

Don't closet yourself and your equipment at home.  You, your
radio club, and your local school can become a part of SAREX,
today!


UPCOMING SAREX MISSIONS

The next three flights for SAREX are STS-65, STS-64 and STS-67
(see table, further on).  Applications are no longer being
accepted for these flights.  Schools who have been selected will
be contacted by a SAREX coordinator.  If your school was not
chosen this time, applications are recycled and you may be chosen
for a future flight, in 1995.  Contact ARRL EAD if your
application information should change.


HOW DO I TALK TO THE ASTRONAUTS?

You may communicate with the Shuttle astronauts using a variety
of modes: voice, packet (computer) radio or television.  It all
depends on which equipment configuration they take into space.
For example, astronauts Jay Apt and Mamoru Mohri made hundreds of
random voice contacts with Amateur Radio operators during STS-47
in September 1992.  When the astronauts were sleeping, however, a
robot computer ham station aboard the orbiting Shuttle
automatically made contact with hundreds more amateurs around the
world.  The robot computer transmitted an acknowledgment to each
ham whose computer successfully made contact with it.

On other missions, the SAREX configuration has even included Slow
Scan Television (SSTV) and Fast Scan Television (FSTV) allowing
amateurs a firsthand glimpse at life in space.


ARE ALL OF THE CONTACTS MADE BY
THE ASTRONAUTS RANDOM?

During each SAREX mission, the astronauts' primary work schedules
dictate when they can and cannot operate the radio equipment.  As
a result, most of the contacts they make are random.  If the
astronauts are operating their radio, however, you can be certain
that many hams will be attempting to contact them.

During SAREX missions, a handful of schools are chosen from
around the world to make contact with the Shuttle.  These
contacts are prearranged, giving the schools a greater chance at
making a successful contact.  Two or more students at each of the
selected schools ask questions of the astronauts during the
contact.  The nature of these contacts embodies the primary goal
of SAREX│to excite students' interest in learning.


HOW CAN I USE MY SHORTWAVE RADIO TO EAVESDROP ON THE ASTRONAUTS?

When a Shuttle mission carries the SAREX payload, news and
astronaut retransmissions are carried by the Goddard Amateur
Radio Club's station, WA3NAN, (Greenbelt, MD). This station, and
several VHF and UHF repeater groups, will retransmit the audio
signals from the Shuttle on most amateur bands so that you and
the students can hear the communications.  You will hear NASA
mission commentary, frequent bulletins to advise listeners of
astronaut-planned transmissions, and amateur two-way voice and
amateur television transmissions with the Shuttle.  WA3NAN
operates on the high frequency (HF) bands at 3.86, 7.185, 14.295,
21.395, and 28.65 MHz and on VHF at 147.45 MHz.

GARC also maintains a Bulletin Board  System (BBS) which is
accessible via the Internet, modem and packet radio.  The BBS
contains Keplerian orbital elements updated daily, AMSAT and
SAREX bulletins and Space Shuttle mission information.
   via Internet: wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov or 128.183.105.17
   via phone: [phone]
   via packet: WA3NAN on 145.090 MHz in the DC area.


HOW MAY I TRACK THE SHUTTLE WITH A COMPUTER?

A number of software packages are available for tracking the
Shuttle on a personal computer.  Here are just a few options
(ARRL in no way warrants these products):

     AMSAT Tracking Programs. These easy to use programs are
perfect for the serious Amateur Radio space enthusiast or
beginner.  Call AMSAT (The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation)
for current prices and details [phone] or write to AMSAT,
PO Box 27, Washington DC  20044.

     STSPLUS (For IBM). This software was designed by David
Ransom Jr.  The program allows the user to track an orbiting
space shuttle or satellite.  Excellent graphics and maps help to
create a mock Mission Control Center.  Look for STSPLUS posted on
the NASA Spacelink bulletin board system [phone].

     OrbiTrack (MacIntosh) $20.  Available from BEK Developers,
PO Box 47114, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-7114.  Includes a user's
manual.

    SatTrack (MacIntosh) $20.  Available from Mike Pflueger,
WD8KPZ, 6207 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, AZ 85306.  Include a
blank floppy diskette.

OrbiTrack and SatTrack are also available via FTP from
sumex.stanford.edu.  Look in  info-mac/app for the programs
sat-trak-102.hqx and orbitrack-214.hqx.


KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS

Computer tracking programs use Keplerian elements to calculate
times when the shuttle is to appear above your horizon.  Each
time a Shuttle is launched, new Keplerian elements are generated
based on the launch time and the orbiter's inclination and
motion.  Using these elements correctly will allow you to
pinpoint the location of the Shuttle at any given time.

If you're interested in receiving Keplerian elements on a
biweekly basis, write NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Code
513, Greenbelt, MD 20771.  Don't forget to tell them which type
of satellite(s) you are interested in tracking (ie: Shuttle,
Amateur Radio satellites, weather satellites, etc.).

Celestial BBS--The most current orbital elements from the NORAD
two-line element sets are carried on the Celestial BBS,
[phone], and are updated daily (when possible).
Documentation and tracking software are also available on this
system.  The Celestial BBS may be accessed 24 hours per day at
300, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 bps using 8 data bits, 1 stop bit,
no parity.

Element sets, Shuttle elements, and some documentation and
software are also available via anonymous ftp from
archive.afit.af.mil (129.92.1.66) in the directory pub/space.

See also the SAREX Resource List at the back of this document for
additional Keplerian element sources.


NASA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

How do you find information on Shuttle schedules, payloads, space
science and mission lesson plans?  To make the most of your SAREX
experience, NASA has a number of materials and resources
available to educators:

     Teacher Resource Center Network--Teacher Resource Centers
(TRC) contain a wealth of information for educators:
publications, reference books, slides, audio cassettes,
videocassettes, telelecture programs, computer programs, lesson
plans and activities.  For more information, contact the TRC
nearest you.

Teacher Resource Centers

NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA  Phone: [phone]

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD  Phone: [phone]

NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX  Phone: [phone]

NASA Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL  Phone: [phone]

NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, VA  Phone: [phone] x757

NASA Lewis Research Center
Cleveland, OH  Phone: [phone]

Alabama Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL  Phone: [phone]

NASA John C. Stennis Space Center
Stennis Space Center, MS  Phone: [phone]

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA  Phone: [phone]

NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility
Edwards, CA  Phone: [phone]

Wallops Flight Facility
Wallops Island, VA  Phone: [phone]

     NASA Spacelink BBS--NASA Spacelink is a computer information
service that allows individuals to receive news about current
NASA programs, activities, and other space-related information,
including historical and astronaut data, lesson plans, classroom
activities, and even entire publications.  Although primarily
intended as a resource for teachers, anyone with a personal
computer and a modem can access the network.

The Spacelink computer access number is [phone] (or
Internet access using the following address:
spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov).  Users need a computer, modem,
communications software, and a long-distance telephone line to
access Spacelink.  (The data word format is 8 bits, no parity,
and 1 stop bit.)  For more information, contact the Spacelink
Administrator, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Mail Code CA21,
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812.

     NASA Television--The NASA Television service offers daily
educational and informational programming, carries Shuttle
launches and mission coverage, and occasionally airs live
coverage of SAREX activity.  NASA TV is received by satellite
dish or may be available through your local cable television
network:

TUNING-IN NASA TV
Satellite - Spacenet 2
Transponder - 5
Channel - 9
C Band
69 degrees west longitude
Frequency 3880.0 MHz
Horizontal polarization
Audio on 6.8 MHz


SAREX RADIO FREQUENCIES

The following frequencies are used for SAREX missions.  These
frequencies were chosen after much deliberation to minimize
contention between SAREX operations and other 2-meter users.  If
you have any comments, please direct them to AMSAT via Frank
Bauer, KA3HDO (at his Callbook address) or the ARRL EAD.  We
appreciate the cooperation of all amateurs in making the SAREX
operations successful.

Most SAREX operations are split-frequency.  One frequency is used
for "downlink" (the astronauts transmit to Earth stations) and a
separate frequency is used for the "uplink" (Earth stations
transmit to the astronauts).  For all operations, Earth stations
should listen to the downlink frequency and transmit on the
uplink frequency only when the Shuttle is in range and the
astronauts are on the air.

   Packet Downlink
   Worldwide:  145.55 MHz

   Packet Uplink
   Worldwide:  144.49 Mhz

   Voice Downlink
   Worldwide:  145.55 Mhz

   Voice Uplink
   Europe:  144.70, 144.75, 144.80 Mhz
   Rest of the world: 144.91, 144.93, 144.95, 144.97, 144.99 Mhz


POSTCARDS FROM SPACE--
SAREX QSL CARDS

Participating in the Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment can be an
exhilarating experience.  But, as many hams know, waiting for
that coveted QSL card requires a lot of patience.  Designing a
card for the ultimate DXpedition can be a lengthy process.
Here's a behind-the-scenes glance at producing a SAREX QSL, and
some tips to help you get your card.

After a SAREX mission, ARRL and the SAREX Working Group work with
the crew members to select photos from that mission, and design
and layout the QSL card.  This may take a few months because of
the busy schedule of the astronauts, among other things.  Once
the card is designed and printed, ARRL forwards the QSL cards to
whichever Amateur Radio club is involved with the awesome task of
managing the cards.

In the past, amateurs sent their contact and listener reports
directly to the managing club.  Now, all reports should be sent
to ARRL Headquarters.

In order for the managing process to run smoothly, please include
the following information in your QSL or report: Shuttle flight
number (STS-XX), date, time in UTC, frequency and mode (FM voice,
packet, sstv or fstv).  This documents the contact or listener
report.  In addition, you must also include an SASE using a
large, business-sized envelope if you wish to receive a card.  No
cards are distributed without the proper postage affixed or
sufficient IRCs included.    The following clubs have graciously
volunteered their service for handling QSL cards for the
following missions:
     STS-59  Orange Park Amateur Radio Club, Florida
     STS-65  Lake County Amateur Radio Club, Indiana
     STS-64  Nashua Area Radio Club, New Hampshire


     QSL ADDRESSES


STS-56 QSL
C/O Vienna Wireless Society
P.O. Box 418
Vienna, VA 22183

STS-55 QSL
IBM Amateur Radio Club/1993
P.O. Box 1328
Boca Raton, FL 33429-1328

STS-57 QSL
C/O Miami County ARC
P.O. Box 214
Troy, OH 45373

STS-60, STS-58, STS-59, STS-65, STS-64 and STS-67 QSLs
C/O American Radio Relay League
Educational Activities Department
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111


GENERAL SAREX QSOs

The extremely busy work schedules of the Astronauts may sometimes
reduce your chance for an unscheduled, random contact with the
Shuttle.  The SAREX Working Group recognizes the longstanding
commitment of the Amateur Radio community in supporting SAREX
activities and attempts to schedule as many opportunities as
possible for general ham contacts during flights.


                                  STS-65 Prelaunch Keplerian Elements

STS-65
1 00065U          94189.76284929  .00052344  00000-0  15762-3 0    37
2 00065  28.4664  13.0731 0003571 330.7493  29.2906 15.90324781    23

Satellite: STS-65
Catalog number: 00065
Epoch time:      94189.76284929   =    (08 JUL 94   18:18:30.18 UTC)
Element set:     003
Inclination:       28.4664 deg
RA of node:        13.0731 deg           Space Shuttle Flight STS-65
Eccentricity:     .0003571              Prelaunch Element set JSC-003
Arg of perigee:   330.7493 deg          Launch:  08 JUL 94  17:06 UTC
Mean anomaly:      29.2906 deg
Mean motion:   15.90324781 rev/day           Gil Carman, WA5NOM
Decay rate:     5.2344e-04 rev/day^2      NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev:               2
Checksum:              289


                                  STS-64 Prelaunch Keplerian Elements

STS-64
1 00064U          94253.10077961 -.00030838  00000-0 -39665-4 0    59
2 00064  57.0058 195.1865 0009670 275.6619  84.3358 16.05979206    51

Satellite: STS-64
Catalog number: 00064
Epoch time:      94253.10077961   =    (10 SEP 94   02:25:07.36 UTC)
Element set:     005
Inclination:       57.0058 deg
RA of node:       195.1865 deg           Space Shuttle Flight STS-64
Eccentricity:     .0009670              Prelaunch Element set JSC-005
Arg of perigee:   275.6619 deg          Launch:  09 SEP 94  20:30 UTC
Mean anomaly:      84.3358 deg
Mean motion:   16.05979206 rev/day              G. L. Carman
Decay rate:    -3.0838e-04 rev/day^2      NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev:               5
Checksum:              309

UPCOMING 1994 SAREX MISSIONS (updated 7/28/94):
     The following dates are tentative.  Please understand that delays in
spacecraft launches are somewhat common; particularly because there are people
on-board!

Mission   Date                Inclination    Crew            Configuration
-------   -----------------   -----------    --------------  -------------
STS-65    July 8, 1994        28.45 deg      Robert D. Cabana, CDR (TBD)
Columbia  1706 UTC                           James D. Halsell Sr., PLT
          (14 days)                          Richard J. Hieb, PL-CDR
                                             Leroy Chiao, MS       C
                                             Donald A. Thomas, MS, KC5FVF
                                             Carl E. Walz, MS
                                             Chaiki Naito-Mukai, PS

STS-64    September 9, 1994   57 degrees     Richard N. Richards, CDR, KB5SIW
Discovery 2030 UTC                           L. Blaine Hammond Jr., PLT (TBD)
          (9 days)                           Carl J. Meade, MS     B
                                             Mark C. Lee, MS
                                             Susan J. Helms, MS
                                             Jerry M. Linenger, MS (TBD)

STS-67    January 12, 1995    28.45 deg      Steven Oswald, CDR, KB5YSR
Endeavour (14 days)                          William Gregory, PLT
                                             Tamara Jernigan, PL-CDR
                                             John Grunsfeld, MS    C
                                             Wendy Lawrence, MS (TBD)
                                             Ronald Parise, PS, WA4SIR
                                             Samuel Durrance, PS (TBD)


              Abbreviations:         Commander= CDR
                                     Pilot= PLT
                                     Payload Commander= PL-CDR
                                     Mission Specialist= MS
                                     Payload Specialist= PS

              Configuration A:       FM Voice (attended)
                                     Packet (attended/unattended)
                                     SSTV (attended/unattended)

              Configuration B:       FM Voice
              Configuration C:       FM Voice, Packet
              Configuration D:       FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV
              Configuration E:       FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV
                                     (different hardware)

                                          SAREX Resource List

SAREX EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND INFORMATION:

        American Radio Relay League (ARRL) SAREX Bulletin
        Educational Activities Department (EAD)
        ATT: Tracy Bedlack, N1QDO, Educational Correspondent
        225 Main Street,  Newington CT 06111
        Phone [phone]  FAX [phone]
        MCI Mail ID: 215-5052
        CompuServe ID: 70007,3373
        Prodigy: PTYS2A
        America Online: HQARRL
        Internet (USENET): [e-mail]
        Internet e-mail server: [e-mail] (valid commands include INDEX and
                                HELP)
        ARRL BBS:  [phone] open to the public
                   (14,000/9600/2400/1200/300 N-8-1)
        Anonymous FTP: oak.oakland.edu in the /pub/hamradio/arrl/infoserver
                       directory

SAREX NEWS, BULLETINS AND KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS:

        ARRL (Newington, CT) Amateur Radio station, W1AW, (9:45 PM, 12:45 AM
EST) on HF bands at 3.99, 7.29, 14.29, 18.16, 21.39, 28.59 and VHF at 147.555
MHz.

        The AMSAT International Satellite Net on Tuesdays, 3.840 MHz, 0130Z to
0300Z, and on Sundays, 14.282 MHz, 1800Z to 2100Z, +/- QRM.

        NASA's Spacelink BBS: phone [phone]
                    Internet: spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

        Goddard Amateur Radio Club BBS: phone [phone]
                              Internet: wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov

GETTING STARTED IN AMATEUR RADIO:

        You're Invited...Getting Started in Amateur Radio--free information
booklet.  Provided as a service of the ARRL, this booklet includes information
on your local Amateur Radio clubs, instructors and examination sites and
popular study guides.  Call our toll-free hotline for new hams:
         1-800-32-NEW HAM (800-326-3942).  Why not get started, today!

        Now You're Talking! book (second edition) contains everything you need
to know to pass your first Amateur Radio written exams. (#3525  $19)

        ARRL Technician Class Exam Course video.  Learn the "ropes" with the
"pros".  You won't find a better course or a better deal anywhere.  5 hours of
excitement.  Call 1-800-326-3942 for details.

ARRL BOOKS:

        The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook has the information you need to
communicate through, or receive signals from, a growing "fleet" of orbiting
satellites and spacecraft--including the Shuttle!  Whether your interest is in
Amateur Radio, weather, TV-broadcast or other spacecraft, you'll find an
immense store of valuable data--everything from setting up ground station
equipment to antennas. (#3185  $20)

        Your Packet Companion is perfect for the packet (computer) radio
newcomer, covers everything--from assembling a station to sending mail, from
packet satellites and spacecraft to the latest networking systems.  Its
straightforward writing style and clear drawings will get you on the cutting
edge of digital ham radio in no time. (#3959  $8)


The American Radio Relay League, Educational Activities Department, Newington
Conn. USA

SAREX.5
6/28/94
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