Space & Astronomy/Space and Astronomy (October 1993).iso/mac/TEXT/STSKITS/STS_57.SRX

Text File | 1993-05-26 | 36KB | 806 lines

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SAREX BACKGROUND AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

[Ed. Note: This information is provided by the American Radio Relay League's
           Educational Activities Department]

WHAT IS SAREX?-

SAREX is the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment.   With the help of Amateur Radio
clubs and ham radio operators, astronauts will speak over the ham airwaves,
while in orbit, directly with large groups of students, showing teachers,
parents and communities how Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science,
technology, and learning.  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) and The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation (AMSAT) co-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, Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall 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 for teachers.

SAREX WORKING GROUP MEMBERS:-

A SAREX Working Group is comprised of Roy Neal, K6DUE -Chairman; Rosalie White,
WA1STO -American Radio Relay League (ARRL); Frank Bauer, KA3HDO -Radio Amateur
Satellite Corporation (AMSAT); and Lou McFadin, W5DID -NASA Johnson Space
Center.

SAREX EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND FREE INFORMATION:-

You can easily become a part of this activity in your local schools.  You will
be able to send and receive messages to the shuttle via packet (computer) radio
several times daily. The astronauts' work schedules will determine your chances
for a voice or television message.

All you need to provide is a 2-meter radio or a packet radio setup--which many
teachers get from local Amateur Radio clubs.  If you are a teacher or
instructor, contact ARRL EAD to get a list of local Amateur Radio clubs in your
area.  We'll also send you SAREX lesson plans and regular shuttle news updates.
If you are a parent or a grandparent, 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 a tremendous opportunity for you
to showcase SAREX and Amateur Radio to kids of all ages in a big way. Plan on
being a part of it; contact ARRL EAD, today.

Write to Tracy Simpson, the ARRL Educational Correspondent at:

ARRL Headquarters    Phone [phone], Ask for Tracy
225 Main St.         FAX [phone]
Newington, CT 06111

Or, contact ARRL Headquarters via these electronic services:

      MCI Mail           MCI ID: 215-5052
      CompuServe         CompuServe ID: 70007,3373
      Internet (USENET)  [e-mail]
      Prodigy            Luck Hurder - MGTS39A
      ARRL BBS           203-666-0578 open to the public
                         (9600/2400/1200/300 N-8-1)
      BIX                listings area of HAM.RADIO forum


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SAREX PAYLOAD DESCRIPTION AND MISSION OVERVIEW

[Ed. Note: This information is provided by the American Radio Relay League's
           Educational Activities Department]

This section contains a general payload description and a mission overview.

Payload Description

Configuration A - SAREX configuration A (see description of apparatus, below)
consists of a suite of amateur radio equipment, much of which was flown
previously on STS-51 F and STS-9. Configuration A is comprised of a low power
handheld Frequency Modulation (FM) transceiver, a spare battery set, an
Interface (I/F) module, an SAREX headset assembly, an equipment assembly
cabinet, a Television (TV) camera and monitor, a Payload General Support
Computer (PGSC) and an antenna capable of being mounted in one of the Orbiter's
flight deck windows. The equipment assembly houses power supplies, a Slow Scan
Television (SSTV) converter, and a packet radio Terminal Node Controller (TNC).

SAREX configuration A is capable of communicating with amateur radio stations
within Line Of Sight (LOS) of the Orbiter in any one of three modes, e.g.,
voice, SSTV or data. In the latter two modes, the equipment can be operated
either attended or unattended. In the attended method of operation, the
operator manually provides the equipment with TV pictures (using the TV camera)
or computer data (using the PGSC keyboard) and observes the TV picture on the
monitor or printed text via the PGSC screen. In the unattended method of
operation, the operator turns the equipment on and attends to other duties
occasionally observing the SAREX equipment operation.

The function of each of the SAREX configuration A equipment suite is summarized
as follows:

      a. Handheld transceiver - Receives and transmits FM voice, SSTV or packet
radio signals in the two meter (144 to 146 MHz) Amateur Band.

      b. I/F module - Serves to provide a means of interconnecting the SAREX
equipment with the standard crew microphone/headset or the SAREX headset
assembly and standard crew personal tape recorder.  The I/F module also
interconnects the handheld transceiver with the equipment assembly cabinet.

      c. Equipment assembly cabinet - Houses the SSTV converter, packet radio
TNC, power supplies and switches, displays and connectors.

         1.  SSTV converter - Takes normal TV from the camera or Shuttle TV
distribution system and makes still pictures which can be transmitted in a
voice bandwidth radio circuit and takes still TV frames transmitted up on a
voice bandwidth radio circuit and converts them for viewing on a standard TV
monitor.

         2.  Packet  TNC - Interconnects a computer with a radio transceiver so
that data to and from the computer is transmitted to and received from other
stations in bursts of characters using a special Amateur Radio developed
protocol.  This protocol includes error correction and station addressing
features.

      d. TV camera - Allows scenes in the Orbiter as well as external scenes
available through the various windows to be televised and sent to the SSTV
converter.

      e. TV monitor - Allows viewing of TV pictures from the SSTV converter.

      f. Antenna - Permits the radio signals to and from the handheld
transceiver to be transmitted and received through one of the Orbiter's windows
while limiting the leakage of radio frequency (RF) energy into the cabin.

      g. PGSC - Serves as a data terminal for the packet radio portion of the
experiment.


Configuration B - SAREX configuration B consists only of the handheld
transceiver, I/F module, spare battery set, SAREX headset assembly, personal
tape recorder, and the window antenna. It is capable only of exchanging voice
communications with amateur stations within LOS of the Orbiter. Configuration B
can be operated only in the attended mode.

Configuration C - SAREX configuration C consists of the handheld transceiver,
I/F module, PGSC, spare battery set, window antenna, packet module, SAREX
headset assembly, personal recorder, and the required cable assemblies. The
packet module contains a power supply and packet TNC. The power supply provides
power for the TNC and the handheld transceiver. The TNC interconnects with a
radio transceiver so that data to and from the computer is transmitted to and
received from other amateur radio stations. Configuration C is capable of
operating in either the voice or data mode in communications with amateur
stations within LOS of the Orbiter. This configuration can be operated in the
attended mode for voice communication and either the attended or automatic mode
for data communications.

Configuration D - SAREX configuration D is the same as configuration A except
that a Fast Scan Television (FSTV) module is added to the antenna assembly. The
FSTV module contains a receiving RF preamplifier and a video decoder that
provides NTSC video for SAREX. This configuration communicates with amateur
stations within LOS of the Orbiter in one of four modes, e.g., voice, SSTV,
data, or FSTV. The voice mode is operated in the attended mode while SSTV,
data, or FSTV can be operated in either the attended or unattended mode.

Configuration E - SAREX configuration E is virtually identical to configuration
D, except that instead of using the VCR/Monitor normally provided, the Shuttle
provided Video Interface Unit (VIU) is used in place.  In this configuration,
video from the FSTV or SSTV is viewed on color monitor in the orbiter.  This
modification results in a 50% reduction in SAREX payload weight.


Mission Overview

Integrated Ground Operations.- After the payload is initially prepared, it is
transported to the Orbiter integration facility. The payload is installed in
the Orbiter at the launch pad.

Flight Operations.- Operation in-flight will be limited to usage during
off-duty hours by crew members who have Amateur Radio licenses.

Postlanding.- After landing, the payload is removed from the Orbiter and
returned to the customer at JSC.


MISSION OPERATIONS:-

The mission operations section includes a definition of requirements and
constraints.


Payload Control Parameters

The payload control weight and payload control dimensions define the maximum
weight and dimensions of the payload for NSTS (National Space Transportation
System) mission planning purposes. A  payload may not exceed its control weight
or control dimensions without NSTS approval.

The payload control weights are as follows:

   Configuration A   60 lb (27.21 kg)
   Configuration B   35 lb (15.90 kg)
   Configuration C   45 lb (20.41 kg)
   Configuration D   70 lb (31.75 kg)
   Configuration E   35 lb (15.90 kg) - approx.

All configuration A and D payload equipment, except the window antenna, will be
stowed in one and one half middeck locker volumes. The window antenna will be
stowed in the Orbiter window shade bag.  All configuration B and C payload
equipment, except the window antenna, will be stowed in one half locker volume.
The window antenna will be stowed in the Orbiter window shade bag.

For configurations A, C, and D a PGSC can be used to provide the middeck SPOC
(Shuttle Payload Operations Contractor) function which would eliminate the
requirement to carry a second SPOC. In this configuration SAREX would be
operated on a non-interference basis with SPOC requirements.


Operational Requirements and Constraints

The following payload operational requirements and constraints will be used in
the flight planning and implementation of the STS/payload mission. Requirements
that impose flight design and/or crew activity constraints will be implemented
to the extent practical within primary payload objectives or mission objectives
as determined by the NSTS.


Launch Readiness - Prelaunch Constraints:

The payload will be in final lift-off configuration when installed in the
Orbiter. At this time, the payload will be capable of sustaining this
configuration indefinitely without access or NSTS support.


Launch Commit Criteria:  The payload will not constrain launch.

On-orbit.- All SAREX operations will be conducted in the 2 meter (144 to 146
MHz) band utilizing FM.

Operating times for the SAREX payload will be such as to not interfere with any
other planned mission activities. The payload operating times will be logged
via the standard crew personal tape recorder or the PGSC, as appropriate. The
customer will identify the desired ground locations expected to be used for
SAREX payload operations prior to the flight.


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SAREX MISSIONS -FUTURE AND PAST-

[Ed. Note: This information is provided by the American Radio Relay League's
           Educational Activities Department]

UPCOMING 1993 SAREX MISSIONS (updated 5/12/93):

Mission   Date                Inclination    Crew            Configuration
-------   -----------------   -----------    --------------  -------------

STS-57    June 3, 1993        low, 28.5 deg  Ronald Grabe, CDR     C
Endeavour                                    Brian Duffy, PLT, N5WQW
                                             G. David Low, PL-CDR
                                             Nancy Sherlock, MS
                                             Janice Voss, MS
                                             Peter Wisoff, MS

STS-58    no sooner than      39 degrees     John E. Blaha, CDR    C
Columbia  September 6, 1993                  Richard A. Searfoss, PLT
                                             Margaret Seddon, PL-CDR
                                             Shannon Lucid, MS
                                             William S. McArthur Jr., MS,KC5ACR
                                             David A. Wolf, MS
                                             Martin J. Fettman, PS

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

            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)

These missions will provide another opportunity for the public, especially
school children, to become directly involved in the U.S. space program and
Amateur Radio by participating with Amateur Radio operators communicating with
the shuttle.

Dates listed are tentative.  If the mission is listed as DELAYED, keep
checking future postings of this file for new launch dates and times.


PAST FLIGHTS FOR HAM RADIO:

On November 28, 1983, STS-9 was launched carrying Mission Specialist Owen
Garriott, Amateur Radio call sign W5LFL, and his ham radio into orbit.  For 10
days the Space Shuttle Columbia streaked through the skies, and for the last 7
of those days, hams around the world were sent emotionally into orbit when they
heard Dr. Garriott's voice break their squelches calling Earth-bound stations.
But it was just the beginning.  Amateur Radio had moved into its newest
frontier, and it was there to stay.


SAREX FLIGHT HISTORY:

STS-9     November 28 - December 8, 1983     Owen Garriott, W5LFL
Columbia

STS-51F   July 29 - August 6, 1985           Tony England, W0ORE
Challenger                                   Gordon Fullerton
                                             John Bartoe, W4NYZ

STS-61A   October 30 - November 6, 1985      Reinhard Furrer, DD6CF
Columbia                                     Ernst Messerschmidt, DG2KM
                                             Wubbo Ockels, PE1LFO

STS-35    December 2 - December 10, 1990     Ron Parise, WA4SIR
Columbia

STS-37*   April 5 - April 10, 1991           Ken Cameron, KB5AWP
Atlantis                                     Jay Apt, N5QWL
                                             Linda Godwin, N5RAX
                                             Steve Nagel, N5RAW
                                             Jerry Ross, N5SCW

STS-45    March 24 - April 2, 1992           Brian Duffy, N5WQW
Atlantis                                     David Leestma, N5WQC
                                             Kathryn Sullivan, N5YYV
                                             Dirk Frimout, ON1AFD

STS-50    June 25 - July 9, 1992             Richard N. Richards, KB5SIW
Columbia                                     Ellen S. Baker, KB5SIX

STS-47    September 12 - September 20, 1992  Jay Apt, N5QWL
Endeavour                                    Mamoru Mohri, 7L2NJY

STS-56*   April 8 - April 17, 1993           Kenneth Cameron, CDR, KB5AWP
Discovery                                    Stephen Oswald, PLT, KB5YSR
                                             Kenneth Cockrell, MS, KB5UAH
                                             C. Michael Foale, MS, KB5UAC
                                             Ellen Ochoa, MS, KB5TZZ

STS-55    April 26 - May 6, 1993             Steve Nagel, CDR, N5RAW
Columbia                                     Terrence "Tom" Henricks, PLT
                                             Jerry Ross, PL-CDR, N5SCW
                                             Charles Precourt, MS, KB5YSQ
                                             Bernard Harris, MS
                                             Hans Wilhelm Schlegel, PS, DG1KIH
                                             Ulrich Walter, PS, DG1KIM


* The entire crew of STS-37 and STS-56 were all licensed Amateur Radio
operators.


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SAREX Bulletin May 1993

Congratulations to each of the students and educators that
participated in an Amateur Radio contact with the Shuttle
astronauts during STS-56 and STS-55 this spring:

STS-56 participants: Wilson Junior High School, El Centro, CA;
Park Way Middle School, La Mesa, CA; Jarrettsville Elementary,
Jarrettsville, MD; Tishomingo County High School, Iuka, MS;
Billings West High School, Billings, MT; Laurel Middle School,
Laurel, MT; Unatego Central School, Otego, NY; Lehigh Valley
Schools, Allentown, PA; Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA;
Armand Bayou Elementary School, Houston, TX; Bellingham Public
Schools, Bellingham, WA; Hudson Junior High School, Hudson, WI;
Sedbergh School, Cumbria, England; Royal Grammar School, Surrey,
England; Instituto da Juventude, Portugal; Horsham Technical
School, Horsham, Victoria, Australia.

STS-55 participants: Meadow Village Elementary, San Antonio, TX;
Fairmont Elementary, Pasadena, TX; Cumberland Elementary School,
Sunnyvale, CA; Mudge Elementary, Fort Knox, KY; Seven Hills
School/Lotspeich Elementary, Cincinnati, OH; St. Martin's
Episcopal School, Metairie, LA; US Air Force, Colorado Springs,
CO; Westering High School, Pt. Elizabeth, South Africa; Sisekelo
High School, Swaziland; French Air Force Academy,
Salon-de-Provence, France; John F. Ward Elementary School,
Houston, TX; Trumansburg Middle School, Trumansburg, NY; Tamworth
High School, Tamworth, Australia; Gladstone State High School,
Gladstone, Australia.


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 (read on for
frequencies).  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 two next flights for SAREX scheduled for 1993 are STS-57 and
STS-58 (see table).  No more school applications are being
accepted for these missions.  Schools who have been chosen 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. Contact ARRL EAD if your application
information should change.


WHAT IS SAREX?

SAREX is the Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment.   With the help of
Amateur Radio clubs and ham radio operators, astronauts will
speak over the ham airwaves while in orbit. They will talk
directly with large groups of the general public, showing
teachers, students, parents and communities how Amateur Radio
energizes youngsters about science, technology, and learning.
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.


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.


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 to ARRL.  You may write ARRL EAD for a
SAREX application form (see the SAREX Resource List on the last
page).

While only a handful of schools get chosen for an actual contact,
all schools can participate by eavesdropping on the Shuttle
astronauts.  SAREX lesson plans 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.


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 on these Amateur Radio
stations:

Goddard Amateur Radio Club (Greenbelt, MD) Amateur Radio station
WA3NAN.  News and retransmissions on Amateur Radio high frequency
(HF) bands at 3.86, 7.185, 14.295, 21.395, and 28.65 MHz and on
VHF at 147.45 MHz.

Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club (Houston, TX) Amateur
Radio station W5RRR.  News bulletins and retransmissions on HF
bands at 3.850, 7.227, 14.280, 21.350, and 28.400 MHz and VHF at
146.64 MHz.

These stations, 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.


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:

STSPLUS (For IBM). The 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].

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


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.).  See also
the SAREX Resource List on the back page 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,
audiocassettes, 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]

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 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.


SAREX RADIO FREQUENCIES

The following frequencies will be used for SAREX missions during
1993.  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


QSLs

With each SAREX flight, a special QSL card (postcard-type
memento) is designed for each mission.  If you've made a 2-way
contact with the crew or hear the SAREX downlink, you qualify for
a QSL card for that mission.

You are eligible for only one QSL card per mission, regardless of
how many times you made contact.  Please, contact the Shuttle
only once each mission.  This way, other hams will have an
opportunity to make a contact as well.


STS-55 QSL Cards:                   STS-56 QSL Cards:
IBM Amateur Radio Club/1993         Vienna Wireless Society
PO Box 1328                         PO Box 418
Boca Raton, FL 33429-1328           Vienna, Va 22183

                UPCOMING 1993 SAREX MISSIONS (updated 5/12/93):

Mission   Date                Inclination    Crew            Configuration
-------   -----------------   -----------    --------------  -------------

STS-57    June 3, 1993        low, 28.5 deg  Ronald Grabe, CDR     C
Endeavour                                    Brian Duffy, PLT, N5WQW
                                             G. David Low, PL-CDR
                                             Nancy Sherlock, MS
                                             Janice Voss, MS
                                             Peter Wisoff, MS

STS-58    no sooner than      39 degrees     John E. Blaha, CDR    C
Columbia  September 6, 1993                  Richard A. Searfoss, PLT
                                             Margaret Seddon, PL-CDR
                                             Shannon Lucid, MS
                                             William S. McArthur Jr., MS,KC5ACR
                                             David A. Wolf, MS
                                             Martin J. Fettman, PS

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

            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)
        Educational Activities Department (EAD)
        ATT: Tracy Simpson, Educational Correspondent
        225 Main Street,  Newington CT 06111
        Phone [phone]  FAX [phone]

        MCI Mail ID: 215-5052
        CompuServe ID: 70007,3373
        Prodigy: MGTS39A - Luck Hurder
        BIX: ARRL
        Internet (USENET): [e-mail]
        Internet file 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)

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]
        NASA's SpaceLink via Internet: spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

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)

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)

        Your Introduction to Morse Code cassettes will provide
plenty of lessons and practice so that you can pass the optional
Morse code exam--earning even greater privileges on the amateur
frequencies. (#3487  $10)

        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.



                       Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment
                                    (SAREX)
                              Bulletin: May 1993

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