Monster Media 1994 #2/Monster Media No. 2 (Monster Media)(1994).ISO/ham/hod007.zip/FILE8.007

Text File | 1994-08-15 | 49KB | 1,174 lines

                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                          MONDAY APRIL 4, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.



* LUNAR EXPLORATION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED *
==========================================
International Space Enterprises (ISE), a U.S. corporation planning a series
of privately-financed missions to the Moon, has been selected to co-host an
International Lunar Exploration Conference and Apollo commemorative event
in San Diego.  The conference is tentatively scheduled for 13-16 November
1994, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of America's second piloted
mission to the Moon, Apollo 12.  In addition to bringing together lunar
scientists from all over the world, the event will kick off a nationwide
educational initiative, whose ultimate goal is to fly a student experiment
to the Moon by December 1997, the 25th anniversary of Apollo 17, the final
Apollo mission to the Moon.

The November event will be co-sponsored by the National Space Society and
the Spaceweek International Association, non-profit organizations dedicated
to the expansion of human activities in space.  The San Diego chapter of the
National Space Society will work with ISE to develop the technical program
for the conference, which will feature presentations and workshops on a
variety of topics relating to exploration and utilization of the Moon.
Spaceweek will manage the Apollo 12 commemorative event, planned as a gala
fund-raising banquet on the evening of 15 November.  Proceeds from the
conference and banquet will be used for development and flight of the student
experiment, which will be selected through a nationwide competition held
during the 1995-96 academic year.

The specific site for the November conference will be selected within the
next few weeks, and a preliminary conference program will be released in
June.  Details of the nationwide student experiment contest - which will be
designed to involve students at all academic levels in the 1997 lunar mission
- will be announced as they become available and a draft contest guidelines
document will be presented at the November event.  For additional information
please contact Tom Kessler of ISE at [phone].

[Info via Franklin Antonio]


* UFO ON 2-METERS *
===================
G3IOR reported an unidentified satellite sending telemetry on 145.592 MHz.
It was first heard by G3JQI in England at 18:50 UTC "dopplering" down until
a 18:55 UTC LOS on 16-Mar-94.

Keep an ear out for this spacecraft, and send reception reports to
SpaceNews.


* OSCAR-11 NEWS *
=================
G3RWL reports that UoSAT-OSCAR-11 is about to re-commence its regular news
bulletin transmissions.  The news bulletins are transmitted in ASCII on a
frequency of 145.826 MHz FM AFSK at 1200 bps.


* SpaceNews AVAILABILITY *
==========================
SpaceNews archives are now available via anonymous FTP at pilot.njin.net!
Files may be found under the /pub/SpaceNews directory.  All issues from
1993 have been zipped together in one file, while 1994 issues are available
separately in ASCII form.  The IP address for pilot.njin.net is 128.6.7.38,
and answers to frequently asked questions, satellite software, and space
related GIF images will be added in the not-too-distant future.

The latest issue of SpaceNews has been available to those with Internet
access for some time by using the Unix "finger" command as follows:

        finger [e-mail]

Those without "finger" capabilities can receive SpaceNews via e-mail by
sending a blank message to [e-mail] with a subject of #finger
[e-mail].

SpaceNews is also available on Usenet under the newsgroups of
rec.radio.amateur.space and sci.space.news, thanks to the folks at the
University of California at San Diego.  It is also available on the
Amateur Packet Radio Network, and several of the "Pacsat" satellites, thanks
to Pacsat ground stations who upload the issues to the birds each week.

SpaceNews has also been known to appear on the packet radio personal message
system operated by the Cosmonauts on the Russian space station Mir.  :-)


* SpaceNews BBS *
=================
A "SpaceNews" packet radio BBS has been established by Mario, KD6ILO in
Tacoma, Washington.  Mario reports the BBS carries SpaceNews, AMSAT, and
NASA information, and serves the Puget Sound area on a frequency of
144.910 MHz.  The BBS is also linked to the UoSAT-OSCAR-22 satellite
through the N7RSN SatGate also located in Tacoma, WA.


* FO-20 SCHEDULE *
==================
The FO-20 command station announced that FO-20 will be placed in Mode JA
(Analog transponder mode) during Field Day 1994 (25-Jun-94 18:00 UTC through
26-Jun-94 18:00 UTC).

The current operating schedule is as follows:

Analog mode:
    06-Apr-94 06:45 -to- 13-Apr-94 07:10 UTC
    20-Apr-94 07:35 -to- 27-Apr-94 07:55 UTC
    11-May-94 06:54 -to- 18-May-94 07:20 UTC

Digital mode:
    Unless otherwise noted above.

[Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK]


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

        GM1SXX    KA1CNK     ON1EN     KD6EFQ     KD6ILO    N8QPO

and First Lt. Walter Witt, N8DKI, of the USAF Auxillary Civil Air Patrol
who uses SpaceNews in teaching aerospace science to cadets between the ages
of 13 and 21.


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail]  -or- [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>

                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                          MONDAY APRIL 11, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* NEW AO-13 SCHEDULE *
======================
Magnetorquing from attitude 180/0 to 230/-5 commenced on Apr 04 [Fri] 1810
UTC, orbit 4446/224, and continued for 8 perigees.  The new schedule
commenced on orbit 4452 MA 145 Apr 07 [Thu] 1120 UTC.

*** AO-13 TRANSPONDER SCHEDULE ***  1994 Apr 07-Jul 11
Mode-B  : MA   0 to MA 170 |
Mode-BS : MA 170 to MA 218 |
Mode-S  : MA 218 to MA 220 |<- S beacon only
Mode-S  : MA 220 to MA 230 |<- S transponder; B trsp. is OFF
Mode-BS : MA 230 to MA 250 |        Alon/Alat 230/-5
Mode-B  : MA 250 to MA 256 |
Omnis   : MA 250 to MA 120 |  Move to attitude 180/0, Jul 11

NEW ATTITUDE - Note: The mean attitude for the period 1994 Apr 07-Jul 11
will be ALON/ALAT 230/0.  This is an Alon 10 degrees "better" than
originally proposed.  It is achieved at the expense of a 10 degree "worse"
Sun angle, which will will now reach 40 degrees (77% illumination)
May 30-Jul 11.  During that period the Mode-B transponder *might* have to
be OFF from MA 250-80 to conserve battery power.

Please don't rely on gossip and rumour!  Continuous up to date information
about AO-13 operations is always available on the beacons, 145.812 MHz or
2400.664 MHz in CW, RTTY and 400 bps PSK.  These bulletins are also posted
to Internet, ANS, Packet, PacSats etc, and many international newsletters.
A 400 bps PSK decoder is available from G3RUH and several DSP products;
display software P3C.EXE etc from many AMSAT groups.

The active command stations are listed below, and constructive feedback
about operations is always welcome.

  Peter   DB2OS  @ DB0FAU.#NDS.DEU.EU
  James   G3RUH  @ GB7DDX.#22.GBR.EU
  Graham  VK5AGR @ VK5WI.#ADL.#SA.AUS.OC

The above may also be reached via Internet ([e-mail]) and KO-23.
Please remember to state clearly a return address.

Notes prepared on behalf of, and in total cooperation with the above by:

James Miller G3RUH @ GB7DDX.#22.GBR.EU   1994 Apr 04 [Mon] 0600 UTC


* AMSAT NET VIA SATELLITE *
===========================
Bruce Paige, KB5ZRV, is the AMSAT Area Coordinator in Houston, Texas.  Bruce
runs a local AMSAT net that meets on the 147.100 MHz repeater every Tuesday
evening at 10:00 PM local Central Time.  The net is rebroadcast over the
Galaxy 3 satellite, Transponder 17 on a 5.8 MHz subcarrier.

This net is then received live and retransmitted by repeater operators
in Toronto, Canada, Anchorage, Alaska (3 repeaters), New England States
(6 repeaters), Ontario, CA, Lawton, OK, Indianapolis, IN, Fargo, ND.  It
has also been heard in Hawaii and other states.

The net has a telephone number for those that would like to ask questions
of the net or check in.  There are beginners segments that lasts 3-5
minutes, and explain how satellite novices can work various satellites,
describes different types of station equipment necessary to work satellites,
and other topics that beginners find useful in getting started in satellite
operations.  SAREX operating techniques have also been covered.

This net re-broadcast is free for the taking by those with TVRO ground
stations.  The people who run the net are having a great time and have
found many people are listening in that do not have AMSAT nets in their
local areas.

Any comments can be directed to Bruce via the Internet at [e-mail].


* FO-20 SCHEDULE *
==================
The FO-20 command station announced that FO-20 will be placed in Mode JA
(Analog transponder mode) during Field Day 1994 (25-Jun-94 18:00 UTC through
26-Jun-94 18:00 UTC).

The current operating schedule is as follows:

Analog mode:
    06-Apr-94 06:45 -to- 13-Apr-94 07:10 UTC
    20-Apr-94 07:35 -to- 27-Apr-94 07:55 UTC
    11-May-94 06:54 -to- 18-May-94 07:20 UTC

Digital mode:
    Unless otherwise noted above.

[Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK]


* FUJI AWARD INFORMATION *
==========================
Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK, reports that a "Fuji" award is available to users
of the FO-20 satellite.  Applicants should have confirmed CW or SSB contacts
with 10 different amateur stations through the FO-20 Amateur Satellite.  A
fee of 8 IRCs or US $4 will be charged per award.  An additional 2 IRCs will
be charged for air mail delivery regardless of the number of the awards
claimed.  If QSL cards are submitted, sufficient funds for return postage
will also be required.

Correspondence should be sent to:
 Japan Amateur Radio League -- Award Desk
 1-14-2 Sugamo, Toshima, Tokyo 170, Japan


* SpaceNews BBS UPDATE *
========================
The SpaceNews packet radio BBS sponsored by Mario, KD6ILO, reported in last
week's issue of SpaceNews has changed frequency.  It can now be found
operating on 145.050 MHz.  The latest issue of SpaceNews, as well as other
AMSAT and satellite-related news and information can be found on this BBS.
The BBS is also linked to the UoSAT-OSCAR-22 satellite through the N7RSN
SatGate also located in Tacoma, WA.


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

   K2UVG        VE3OZL          W4AT            ZR5JRS          VE7AHX


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail]  -or- [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>


                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                          MONDAY APRIL 18, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* STS-59 SAREX NEWS *
=====================
The following are some packet frames received from the Space Shuttle
Endeavour by Andy, WA5ZIB:

W5RRR-1>SAREX [04/12/94  10:13:38] <UI>:
This is STS-59 SAREX Robot station W5RRR-1
onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

W5RRR-1>QST [04/12/94  10:14:01] <I S4 R0>:
Thanks to all of you hams who have connected to our packet station
and worked us on voice!  It really makes us feel closely connected
to the people and places that we are flying over.  On board Endeavour
things are working very well - the scientists are very happy with the
data they are acquiring.  I am very happy to be back in space, and it
all feels very familiar and nice.  Our crew has been very well trained,
and we were able to accomplish all our tasks as scheduled so far.
We have had some spectacular views of Earth - we just flew over Tahiti,
for example.

73, N5QWL
12 April 1994 02:20 UTC

QSLs are available through the ARRL at the following address:

ARRL
ATTN: STS-59 QSLs
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
USA

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with your QSL.  Non-US
stations should include a self addressed envelope with $0.50 of US postage
affixed or appropriate IRCs.  Include the callsign worked, date, UTC, mode,
and frequency.  For packet contacts, include the QSO number issued by the
Robot.  SWL QSLs: Include the callsign heard, date, UTC, mode, and
frequency.


* SOLAR ECLIPSE INFORMATION *
=============================
On 1994 May 10 (Tue), an annular solar eclipse will be visible throughout
North and Central America.  The May issue of "Sky & Telescope" (p 72ff)
details this event, the last of its type visible in the continental US
until 2012 May 20.

Scott, KF9QK, plans to monitor 10-meter beacons for the effect of the
eclipse on radio propagation.  Of interest is a predicted 'bow shock'
effect on ionospheric propagation as the annular eclipse proceeds, so
amateurs should plan observations well ahead and after their astronomical
eyeball brethren.  Observations of any effect on V/UHF propagation are also
of interest.  A log of conditions before, during and after the event would
be most helpful.  "Sky & Telescope" provides the needed planning
information.  Radio observers, of course, need not worry about atmospheric
conditions.

Weather-wise, observers can also expect noticeable shifts in temperature,
pressure and wind during the annular eclipse.  An observer in Indiana has
requested such information, which, if forwarded to KF9QK, will be relayed.
Again, the better the log, the more it's worth.

Scott may be reached via packet radio at: KF9QK @ N9HSI.IL.USA.NOAM

[Info via KF9QK]


* AMSAT PBBS MOVE *
===================
The AMSAT PBBS changed frequency and modes on April 15th at 1600 UTC.
The AMSAT PBBS will be on a Mark frequency of 14.079 MHz, (that's
14.1811 MHz AFSK LSB), using Pactor with the callsign WT0N.  The new
schedule will be as follows: Monday through Saturday from 1600 UTC until
2300 UTC on a Mark freqeuncy of 14.079 MHz.  From 2330 UTC until 0400 UTC
on a Mark freqeuncy of 7.0735 MHz (that's 7.0756 MHz AFSK LSB), using
Pactor.  These changes have been made to better serve AMSAT users with
greater coverage and use of a mode that many of the users have expressed
an interest in.  If anyone would like to use the Mode G-TOR, please let
WT0N know and he will see about setting up a schedule for G-TOR users.
Please send any comments or suggestions to one of the following:

INTERNET: [e-mail]
PACKET: WT0N@WB0GDB.#STP.MN.USA.NOAM
PACTOR: WT0N

The AMSAT PBBS will have updated Keps and AMSAT bulletins, along with
SpaceNews and other satellite related items.

[Info via BJ Arts, WT0N]


* JOHNSON SPACE CENTER BBS INFORMATION *
========================================
The Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club has set up a telephone computer
bulletin board (BBS).  The purpose of the BBS is to provide a source of
current Space Shuttle mission Keplerian Elements.

There are limited number of BBS files available for downloading.
Among the current files are:
     o   Current and old element sets for the mission in progress
     o   Current mission information
     o   Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) information
     o   Recent Space Shuttle Mission Schedules and Manifests
     o   Astronaut/Cosmonaut Ham List
     o   Current JSC Amateur Radio Club Newsletter

We ask that no files be uploaded to the BBS.

The telephone number is [phone].  The speed is anything
up to 9600 baud.  The parameters are N-8-1.

The BBS is currently running in ProComm HOST mode, so the log on is very
simple and downloading is easy.

After logging in you will see the Welcome Screen describing the BBS.
Also, the Welcome Screen contains the current and latest element set
number (e.g., JSC008) loaded on the BBS.  Check it against your last set
so you won't waste your time duplicating a set you already have.

Press ENTER to bring up the second page containing the current Space
Shuttle Keplerian Element Set.  If you have a file capture or screen
capture function in your communications software, use it for this page.
That way, you won't have to go through the file download process if all
you wanted was the latest element set.

If you have any comments for the Club or BBS sysop, leave a message and
the sysops will respond.

Dale Martin, KG5U @ KA5KTH.#SETX.TX.USA.NA
Secretary, Johnson Space Center ARC
Houston, Texas


* AMATEUR SPACE SHOT *
======================
With funding from the National Space Society, the Pacific Rocket Society
(PRS) is building a nitric acid/furfuryl alcohol rocket designed to
achieve an altitude of 80 kilometers--the edge of space.

Of interest to the AMSAT folks is the television and data telemetry
payload designed and built by Duncan Cumming, KD6GKE.  (Duncan is a
native of Birmingham England and holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering
from Cambridge University.)  The system transmits video from a small
security camera at 434 MHz and data at 145.75 MHz.

The data channels include GPS, magnetometer, accelerometer, altimeter,
launch detector, engine temperatures and pressures and status switches.
The heart of the system is a Tattletale IV single board 6303 based
computer.

An article on Duncan's telemetry system, co-authored by George Morgan,
WB6ZUV, appears in the April 1994 issue of "High Power Rocketry."

The launch will be from the Pacific Rocket Society test site in the
Mojave Desert later this year.

The PRS meets monthly in the physics classroom of Chaminade College
Preparatory, West Hills, California.  Inquiries about the project can
be sent to PRS president Charles Pooley, KD6HKU at [e-mail] or
to Dave Reeves at [e-mail] or [e-mail].

[Info via Dave Reeves, KF6PJ/WA6BYE]


* FO-20 SCHEDULE *
==================
The FO-20 command station announced that FO-20 will be placed in Mode JA
(Analog transponder mode) during Field Day 1994 (25-Jun-94 18:00 UTC through
26-Jun-94 18:00 UTC).

The current operating schedule is as follows:

Analog mode:
    20-Apr-94 07:35 -to- 27-Apr-94 07:55 UTC
    11-May-94 06:54 -to- 18-May-94 07:20 UTC

Digital mode:
    Unless otherwise noted above.

[Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK]


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

                     N9QKD             WT0N

and Bob, N7PTM, who uploads SpaceNews to the GEnie telephone BBS system.
Bob places SpaceNews in the Radio and Electronics section, and is told
it is available in the Space section as well.


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail]  -or- [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>


                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                          MONDAY APRIL 25, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* AMSAT-UK COLLOQUIUM NEWS *
============================
AMSAT-UK Colloquium Call for Papers

The ninth AMSAT-UK Colloquium will be held July 28, 29, 30 & 31 at
the University of Surrey in Guildford, Surrey (England).  This year's
colloquium will be divided into four primary topic areas: Spacecraft
Engineering, Future Space Missions, Groundstation and Spacecraft Operations
and Associated Amateur Space Activities.  Papers falling into these
categories are sought for the event.  Authors should submit abstracts to
arrive no later than May 10, 1994 for consideration for this year's event.
Papers accepted for this year's proceedings will be required in final form
(camera ready or on disk) no later than June 10, 1994.  Authors will be
notified of paper acceptance by June 1.

Abstracts should be sent to:

Doug Loughmiller, G0SYX
AMSAT-UK Colloquium Programme Chairman
University of Surrey
Centre for Satellite Engineering Research
Guildford, Surrey
GU2 5XH
England

Submissions can also be made to the programme chairman via fax on
[phone] or via the Internet to: [e-mail].
Abstracts and papers should only be sent to the addresses listed above.

The annual AMSAT-UK Colloquium is the largest international gathering of
amateur satellite enthusiasts and experts in the world and has established
a high standard of quality presentations on topics relevant to the amateur
satellite community.  Organizers of this year's event would welcome all
contributions of program material covering the vast scope of the amateur
satellite program as it exists in 1994.  The ninth AMSAT-UK colloquium
promises to be the most informative and entertaining event yet.  We look
forward to your participation in this year's Colloquium.

[Info via F6CDD]


* SAREX NEWS *
==============
The following message from the STS-59 crew was received via SAREX by
Dave, N6JLH in California:

We used the SAREX rig today to talk with 2 of our astronauts now
stationed in Star CIty, near Moscow, and 2 cosmonauts.  One of
the astronauts was my friend and former STS-37 crewmate, Ken
Cameron, R3/KB5AWP.  Ken also got me into ham radio. It was terrific
to hear his voice after several months corresponding by e-mail
only!  Linda, N5RAX and I and crewmate Kevin Chilton spoke to Ken
and the cosmonauts including U6MIR, Anatoli Artsibartski, on two
succesive orbits.  What a great way to use ham radio!
They were standing near the Yuri Gagarin statue, using an HT
with a 5/8 whip, standing on a car to increase their elevation!

73, Jay N5QWL   01:10 UTC 17 April 1994


* VE7BQH MAKES DXCC ON 144 MHZ *
================================
Heartiest congratulations to Lionel Edwards, VE7BQH, on becoming the fourth
radio amateur to receive a DXCC award for 144 MHz, reported in May QST.
What's more, Lionel did it with an antenna having forward gain of
approximately 23.7 dBd, about 5 dB smaller than that of anyone else to have
reached this exalted level of VHF DXing (so far, W5UN, KB8RQ and SM7BAE).
The 336-element collinear array at VE7BQH is rotatable in the Z axis
(polarization) as well as the normal X and Y axes (azimuth and elevation),
which accounts for some of Lionel's outstanding results; his own operating
ability, dedication and persistence over many years obviously contributed
as well.

VE7BQH is perhaps best known as the ever-patient, ever-helpful net control
station, premier technical advisor and chief schedule-arranger of the
2-meter EME Net, which meets each Saturday and Sunday on 14.345 MHz, a role
he has filled without peer for many years.  It's fair to say that without
Lionel, 144 MHz EME would not have become anything like what it is today,
and none of those using the mode could possibly have accomplished even a
fraction of what they have done so far.

Congratulations, Lionel, thanks for everything and please keep up the great
work you're doing for all of us!

[Info via Ray Soifer, W2RS]


* GARC WORLD WIDE WEB SERVER NEWS *
===================================
The NASA Goddard Amateur Radio Club, Inc. in Greenbelt, Maryland has been
working behind the scenes on projects that may benefit all amateur radio
operators in general and perhaps AMSAT members in particular.

Astronaut Ron Parise, WA4SIR, has been beta testing a BBS which is
accessible via the Internet through telnet and ftp, telephone modem, and
packet radio (locally on 145.090 MHz and nonlocally through "packet
wormholes").  With Ron's heavy STS-67 crew training as of late, Jim
Blackwell N3KWU is picking up much of the work to complete the beta phase.

The BBS contains Keplerian orbital elements updated daily, AMSAT bulletins,
SAREX bulletins, club member mail service, club announcements, space
shuttle mission info and lots more.

Access via Internet: wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov or 128.183.105.17
       via landline: 301-286-4137
       via packet:   see above parenthetical

Additionally, the Goddard Amateur Radio Club has a home page for public
viewing on the GARC World Wide Web server.  It contains the latest GARC
Newsletter in electronic form, latest space shuttle keps, GARC calendar of
events, details of upcoming club activities, current WA3NAN QSL card, club
facility-repeater-BBS info, a morse code experiment and more.

WWW access URL:
          http://macgwy-mac2.gsfc.nasa.gov/garc/wa3nan-home-page.html

The GARC Web server was developed and is maintained by club president
Jim Blackwell N3KWU ([e-mail]).  You are invited to check out its
potential.  This medium is the hottest item on the Internet today.

73, Pat WD8LAQ    Internet: [e-mail]
                  Work URL: http://epims1.gsfc.nasa.gov/nppo/nppo.html


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

          AJ1R     KS2D     KE4CIL      KD6RGW     G7MZY

...and Terry Stader, KA8SCP, the America Online Ham Radio Club Host, who
makes SpaceNews bulletins available in the Ham Radio Club's Space Radio
News Library on America Online.  According to Terry, SpaceNews is downloaded
quite frequently.


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>

                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                           MONDAY MAY 2, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* AO-27 OPERATING NOTES *
=========================
AO-27 has had its FM transponder in operation on the weekends when the
spacecraft is in sunlight.  The transponder on AO-27 receives on an uplink
frequency of 145.850 MHz FM, and downlinks on 436.800 MHz FM.  As of yet,
no official operating schedule has been announced, but that hasn't stopped
amateur experimenters from communicating with others through the satellite.

As an example, John, N8QGC, has been working stations on AO-27 all the way
from his Detroit area QTH to as far away as Mexico City, Mexico, Baffin
Island, and the North West Territories.  N8QGC usually works AO-27 from a
mobile station using 10 watts of transmitter power from his Kenwood TM-731A
and a homebrew 1/4 wave antenna.  Even with his low power and small antenna
system, John has no problem securing a strong signal into the satellite.
He has even tried accessing the satellite with his ICOM IC-U2AT running
2.5 watts and a rubber duck antenna and also had a good uplink signal
(especially during periods when larger stations were not clobbering the
satellite uplink with excessively strong signals).  Due to the extreme
sensitivity of this satellite, uplink ERP should be kept below 25 watts.

AO-27 control station Mark, N4TPY, has reported that the satellite has a
transponder output power of between 2 and 3 watts at the present time, and
as such, is nearly impossible to receive on a HT with a rubber duck.
Omni-directional antennas have provided only limited results.

N8QGC uses a 6 element KLM 440-6X yagi rated at 8.9 dB gain to copy AO-27's
downlink signals.  He aims it out his car window and receives the satellite
well.  The doppler shift experienced when communicating through this
satellite can be quite high.  John usually starts listening for AO-27 at
436.805 MHz, and tracks it down to 436.790 MHz at LOS.

Santoyo V. Ramon, XE1KK, of Mexico City has reported hearing Spanish
speaking stations through AO-27 with very strong signals.  They are not
hams, nor are they hearing the satellite downlink.  He believes they are
located in the Caribbean zone, probably Cuba or Puerto Rico, and have been
heard talking about union elections.  He is actively tracking down the
source of these signals.

[Info via N8QGC, XE1KK, and ANS]


* KEPLERIAN DATA AVAILABLE *
============================
Up-to-date Keplerian data in the NASA 2-line format is available via the
Internet at archive.afit.af.mil (129.92.1.66) using anonymous ftp.  Files
such as amateur.tle, glonass.tle, gorizont.tle, gps-ops.tle, gps.tle,
tvro.tle, visual.tle, and weather.tle are located in the /pub/space
subdirectory at this site.


* OSCAR-11 NEWS *
=================
The Digitalker has been activated on the UoSAT-OSCAR-11 satellite.  UO-11
has an FM downlink on 145.826 MHz, and the voice messages are interspersed
with telemetry and news bulletins sent at 1200 bps using AFSK modulation.


* MIR NEWS *
============
James, G1HJH, of Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, England provides the
following listing of messages contained on the Mir Personal Message System
on 18-Apr-94:

Msg # Stat Date     Time  To     From   @ BS  Subject
 2273 PR   04/17/94 10:34 ALL    N6JLH         MIR Keps 4-14 UTC
 2272 P    04/16/94 11:33 R0MIR  N7YRV         Hi
 2271 P    04/16/94 11:31 W6KZW  WD6GYU        Hello de Manton!
 2270 P    04/16/94 10:59 VK3CFI VK3ZGL        hello maggie
 2269 P    04/16/94 09:58 N7QME  N7TTQ         hi hhere
 2268 PR   04/16/94 09:57 R0MIR  N7TTQ         greetings from Tigard, OR
 2267 P    04/15/94 23:05 R0MIR  F1OKN         ** DOBRI VIETCHERE **
 2266 PR   04/15/94 14:18 R0MIR  KB2MVN        School Greetings
 2265 P    04/15/94 14:10 R0MIR  KD6CLO        QSL CARD
 2264 PR   04/15/94 12:44 ALL    KB2MVN        CALLING CQ.....
 2265 P    04/18/94 01:05 R0MIR  G1HJH         HOPE ALL IS FINE
5449 Bytes free
Next message Number 2274


* OSCAR-13 SCHEDULE *
=====================
The following is the latest AO-13 operating schedule:

M QST *** AO-13 TRANSPONDER SCHEDULE ***  1994 Apr 07-Jul 11
Mode-B  : MA   0 to MA 170 |
Mode-BS : MA 170 to MA 218 |
Mode-S  : MA 218 to MA 220 |<- S beacon only
Mode-S  : MA 220 to MA 230 |<- S transponder; B trsp. is OFF
Mode-BS : MA 230 to MA 250 |        Blon/Blat 230/-5
Mode-B  : MA 250 to MA 256 |
Omnis   : MA 250 to MA 120 |  Move to attitude 180/0, Jul 11

[Info via G3RUH]


* FO-20 SCHEDULE *
==================
The Fuji-OSCAR-20 satellite will be operating in Mode JA between 11-May-94
at 06:54 UTC through 18-May-94 at 07:20 UTC.  The packet mailbox is active
at other times.

[Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK]


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>


                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                           MONDAY MAY 9, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* SPACE CALENDAR *
==================
May 10 - Annular Solar Eclipse, Visible from Mexico, USA, Canada
May 20 - Resurs Launch (Russian)
May 24-25 - Partial Lunar Eclipse
May 25 - DSPSE (Clementine), 4th Earth Flyby
May 27 - DSPSE (Clementine), Lunar Flyby

[Info via LU7AKC]


* WEBERSAT NEWS *
=================
WEBERSAT (WO-18) is broadcasting new pictures and light spectrometer data
weekly.  Software for the extraction, decoding, and display of spectrometer
data, written by Bob (KB7KCL), is available on LO-19 (file #s 371a/3739),
or directly from Weber State University.  Monday UTC continues to be the
day for the broadcast of the most recent spectrum, along with the week's
WOD.

WeberWare 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, or a similar program is required for picture
extraction, decoding, and display.  WeberWare 1.3 is the current software
version, and is available from Weber State University, AMSAT-NA, or AMSAT-UK.
The most recent WeberSat double field image is number 10/14, which was taken
of an as yet unidentified area of Northern Nigeria, Africa. The photo has
very few clouds, and land features are clearly visible.  Expect new photos
sometime during the week of May 9th.

WO-18 is currently sending spacecraft solar array current whole orbit data
(WOD).  This is an excellent opportunity for a student, group, or class to
use this data for spacecraft motion studies, or for studying the long term
effects of the space environment on solar cell effeciency.  WOD collection
and broadcast will adhere to the following schedule:

 1 May/Week1: Array currents, Ch# 26 27 28 29 2A 2B
 8 May/Week2: Array currents, Ch# 26 27 28 29 2A 2B during 10-May-94 eclipse
15 May/Week3: BCR, 21 22 29 2F 33 36
22 May/Week4: Temperatures and impact detector, Ch# 14 2F 30 35 3B 40
29 May/Week1: Array currents, Ch# 26 27 28 29 2A 2B

[Info via EA2CLS]


* MICROSAT DESIGN AT STANFORD *
===============================
Over the years a number of Stanford researchers have been involved in the
design and operation of dozens of different kinds of space vehicles.  But,
beginning this year, the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department has
initiated a new program that involves students in designing, constructing
and controlling small, simple and inexpensive "microsatellites" that are
launched into orbit.

On Thursday, April 21, two dozen engineering students involved in this
program at Stanford University showed a mock-up of their first satellite
design to a visiting Russian official, Yuri Plotnikov, professor of flight
mechanics and control design at the Moscow Aviation Institute.

If the project goes as planned, a year from now the 2-foot-wide hexagonal
satellite will hitch a ride on top of a Delta rocket along with a commercial
satellite.  Once it goes into orbit, the satellite will begin beaming back
digital pictures of Earth and broadcasting its position and status over ham
radio channels with a synthesized voice.

"The program has two major objectives," said Robert Twiggs, a visiting
professor brought to Stanford from Weber State University in Utah to
jump-start the new small satellite development laboratory. "First is to give
graduate students in aero-astro and other departments practical, hands-on
experience in designing and building something that can be launched into
space in only a year on a very limited budget.  Second is to provide
faculty, students, space experimenters and industry with an opportunity
to do inexpensive space experiments."

Plotnikov's interest stems from the fact that the Moscow Aviation
Institute is a professional school with 15,000 students devoted to aerospace
design.  "The name is historical.  Actually, we design anything that flies,"
he said.  The institute currently has a joint satellite program with Utah
State University.  When asked whether something similar is likely with
Stanford, he shrugs and replies, "It's all a matter of funding."

The students have nicknamed their design the Stanford (or Satellite) Quick
Research Testbed, or SQUIRT.  They hope that this could become a de facto
standard for microsatellites, which are a growing phenomenon worldwide.
Students at the University of Umea in Kirna, Sweden, are working on a
parallel design.  So far, about a dozen student-designed microsatellites
have been built and launched.

The watchwords for these satellites are simple and inexpensive.  So the
Stanford design uses powerful magnets to keep the satellite aligned
perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field, rather than employing
complicated gyros and thrusters to control its position.

"Usually, the reason for a satellite is its payload.  But we are doing
things backward.  Our purpose is to get the experience of designing the
satellite, so what it carries is of secondary importance.  However, we've
tried to come up with a payload that will be interesting and worthwhile,"
said Christopher Kitts, a graduate student in mechanical engineering.

The payload the students have agreed upon is a digital camera, voice
synthesizer and global positioning satellite system receiver.  The GPS
receiver will allow student controllers to determine the satellite's
position.  Simple photocells will determine when the camera is pointing
toward the Earth.  That will allow the Logitech digital camera to snap
images of different parts of the globe that will be transmitted by radio
to interested ham radio operators.

According to Kitts, participants hope that the pictures and synthesized
messages from the satellite can be used in elementary schools, middle
schools and high schools to help interest students in science.

[Info via Axel, CE3AFC]


* FO-20 MALFUNCTION *
=====================
FO-20 command station had confirmed that the FO-20 satellite has experienced
a malfunction.  The operating schedule previously announced has been
cancelled.  More details will be available next week.

[Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK]


* RS-12 NEWS *
==============
Bandi, HA5WH reports that his friend, Sanyi, XU7VK is active on RS-12 from
Cambodia and is looking for contacts.  XU7VK is active during his local
daytime hours and is using CW.


* OSCAR-11 NEWS *
=================
During a conversation with Doug, G0SYX at the Dayton Hamvention, Eric,
WB1HBU was informed that UoSAT-OSCAR-11 now has its S-band beacon
transmitting continuously on 2401.5 MHz.

[Info via Eric, WB1HBU]


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail] -or- [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>


                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                           MONDAY MAY 31, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution.


* DOVE STATUS *
===============
KA3AFY copied the following packet frame from DOVE-OSCAR-17 on 24-May-94:

DOVE-1>BRAMST [05/23/94 22:29:58]:
5/23/94
Software loading in progress
S-band is off
DOVE Command Team (WD0E)

At 5/25/94 0525Z DOVE controllers loaded and executed test software
designed to assure the operation of the voice module after several months
of dormancy.  A brief test of the voice capability generated only garbled
voice, so it was turned off.  They are investigating possible causes, and
at this point believe it is a software problem, not hardware.

For the next few days DOVE may be in various modes as controllers continue
testing and/or loading new software.  The S-band transmitter will remain
off.  Telemetry reports are not needed at this time.

[Info via Jim White]


* LUSAT-1 STATUS REPORT *
=========================
Controllers report that LUSAT-1 appears healthy after experiencing an OBC
software crash.  The software load was performed as part of the recovery
effort was intentionally stopped after the second module was loaded and
turned on.  The next step of the recovery will involve continuing with
the satellite's deep tests.

The satellite is sending telemetry on 437.125 MHz and it's digipeater is
turned on.  The BBS, however, is unavailable for use since the BBS software
is NOT loaded on the satellite.  The BBS will not be operational for the
next 3 weeks (approx.).

Those who send LUSAT-1 overseas telemetry reports (in raw format) will
receive a special certificate for their collaboration.  The telemetry
reports must be sent via the Internet to <[e-mail]> or via
packet radio to LU8DYF @ LU8DYF.BA.ARG.SOAM or via satellite to LU8DYF @
any-active-satellite.

LUSAT controllers would like to thank LU8DYF and all the other stations
who helped in the LUSAT-1 recovery, including: LU1DBC, LU1EXC, LU1FYZ,
LU2BDT, LU2FHE, LU3AGY, LU4AGC, LU4FIO, LU6DYD, LU7ABF, LU7AKC, LU7DSU,
LU7XAC, LU8ENU and LW1EEO.

[Info via Eduardo Sweet, LU7AKC of the LUSAT-1 recovery team]


* SpaceNews AVAILABILITY *
==========================
Steve Diggs, KB4ZTN, reports that SpaceNews is now available on his
"Top Of The Rock BBS" in Lilburn, Georgia, about 15 miles outside of
Atlanta.  Each issue of SpaceNews is received automatically from the
amsat.org server via the Internet, saved as an ASCII file, named as the
bulletin ID with a .TXT extension, and posted as a new upload.

The telephone number of the Top Of The Rock BBS is [phone].


* MIR DIAGRAM *
===============
The following graphic depicting the structure of the Mir space station is
provided by Jean-Claude, FB1RCI:

MIR complex: ex-CCCP/Russian space station (Launch 1986) 90 tons

                                        _   EVA hatchway
                                      /   \
    attitude motor                  /       \
       control                     I         I
           O                       I         I   KRISTAL
            \                      I         I   module
             \                     I         I
              \      docking   n   I_       _I
               \                 o   \     /
    _____     __\______           d   I   I
   I      \_/           \________   e  \_/     _    _____/I
   I                              \__ /   \  /   \/       I  SOYOUZ
   I                               __   +  I              I  shuttle
   I       _             _______ /    \ _ /  \ _ / \_____ I
   I ___ /   \_________ /             /    \             \I
                                     I      I
   KVANT 1     Domestic/Command     I        I
   module            area           I        I
                 (main module)      I        I  KVANT 2
                                    I        I  module
                                    I        I
                                     \__   __/
                                         \/ docking gear
      I\_____    _
      I       \/   \   automatic freighter
      I             I       PROGRESS
      I _____ /\ _ /
      I/

Professional frequencies:
   FM      143.625  MHz  downlink to the ground control station TSUP (voice)
   FM      121.750  MHz     --     for Mir extra vehicular activity (voice)
   FM      121.750  MHz     --     for Soyuz approach for docking (voice)
  SSB      922.750  MHz     --     for telemetric Mir (few moments)
  SSB      166.150  MHz     --     for telemetric Progress freighter
Radio amateur frequency:
  FM       145.550  MHz     up/downlink  voice contact (CQ MIR)
 FM+AFSK   145.550  MHz     --    --     AX.25 packet PMS 1200 bps (R0MIR-1)


* REPORT FROM DL3HRT *
======================
Karsten Hansky, DL3HRT, reports that he is active on RS-10 and monitors
the satellite especially during passes in range of North America, but hears
few signals.  He has worked VE2AYT and K1QPM so far.  Both stations come in
with good signals (559).  Karsten has also worked CN8ST and has heard a
TU4-station on the satellite.

DL3HRT recently made a test and heard his own downlink signals using an
uplink power of just 300 milliwatts fed into a 9-element yagi.  He feels
this success should encourage others to try RS-10 Mode A operations.

In other news, Karsten, along with Matthias, DL3HZM, have created a
satellite tracking program called "sat09may.exe" that is available via
anonymous FTP at igel.physik.th-zwickau.de in the /pub subdirectory, and
pilot.njin.net in the /pub/SpaceNews/software subdirectory.  An older
version is available from the Simtel directory at oak.oakland.edu.


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

        KA3AFY   KB4ZTN   WD5EEV   KH6AF   K7YHA   N8QPO   NX0R
        Harry Bedard, Jr. Don Fay


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX      : [phone]
PACKET   : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET : [e-mail] -or- [e-mail]

MAIL     : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
           Department of Engineering and Technology
           Advanced Technology Center
           Brookdale Community College
           Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
           U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>