QRZ! Ham Radio 1/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - December 1993.iso/arrl/sarexant.ex

Text File | 1993-11-21 | 21KB | 518 lines

                Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment
                             (SAREX)
                      Bulletin: August 1993

With just over half of the year behind us, 1993 has already
proven to be a banner year for SAREX.  Three missions down, and
two more scheduled to fly before year end.

This year also marks the tenth anniversary of Amateur Radio
operations from the Space Shuttles.  It was in November 1983 that
Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL, first used a simple hand-held FM
transceiver to make over 250 voice contacts from aboard Columbia
(STS-9), pleasing amateurs around the world with that
unforgettable experience.

The success of Owen's mission lead NASA, the American Radio Relay
League and the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation to continue
support of ham radio from the Shuttle as an experimental and
educational undertaking.  The program would also embody the
ambitions of the ham radio community--a true extension of their
ability to contribute to the radio art.  Through this cooperative
effort, Amateur Radio was taken into space for the first time
under the acronym SAREX on July 29, 1985.


SAREX MISSION HIGHLIGHTS:

       STS-56 [April 8-17, 1993]
The mission, lead by Commander Ken Cameron, KB5AWP, represented
the second all-ham astronaut-crew in SAREX history.  The Amateur
Radio station aboard Discovery included voice, packet (computer)
radio, and amateur television.  SAREX contacts were made with
schools in the US, England, Portugal and Australia.

       STS-55 [April 26-May 6, 1993]
As part of the SAREX educational program, students in the US,
France, Australia and South Africa were contacted.  A similar
payload, the Spacelab Amateurfunk-Experiment (SAFEX), was
operated by the Germans.  On April 30, the crew conducted an
experiment during orbits 61 and 62 comparing the performance of
the SAREX window-mounted antenna to the SAFEX antenna, mounted on
Spacelab in the Shuttle's cargo bay.  The following amateurs and
schools participated by collecting data, which is being analyzed
by the Motorola Amateur Radio Club: KE3I, WM3O, AB4DQ, AD4BL,
K4GFG, KB4CUR, KD4AKW, KD4BCX, KD4DRA, KD4HXT, KD4SRD, KD4VFR,
KE4PT, KI4FN, KN4JN, KO4HD, KO4HX, KO4ZT, KP4BJD, KQ4AV, N4CU,
N4EEB, N4IBU, N4NSU, N4PYB, N4XGI, W4EWB, W4JMX, W4ROA, WB4YUC,
WD4AHZ, WD4DML, WD4EVD, KG5IT, N5FYJ, WH6AMX, K8UYU, KA8YDB,
W8TWJ, K9BCT, K9ES, NUBW, WRAO, TG9AJR, David Beardsley, the
students at South Seminole Middle School (FL) and Discovery
Elementary School (FL).

STS-57 [June 21-July 1, 1993]
The astronaut crew of Shuttle Endeavour communicated with student
groups in Grayslake, IL; Berkely, CA; Charleston, SC; Houston,
TX; and Mexico. SAREX and Amateur Radio, in general, received a
big boost when President Bill Clinton had a telephone conference
with the STS-57 crew. During his address to the astronauts,
Clinton commended the crew, the SAREX team and the amateur radio
community for their outstanding support to students around the
world.


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 later in the Bulletin).  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 three next flights for SAREX scheduled for 1993/94 are
STS-58, STS-60 and STS-59 (see table, later).  Applications are
being accepted for STS-59, currently planned for March 31, 1994.
Schools who have been chosen for STS-58 and STS-60 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, WA3NAN, (Greenbelt, MD).  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, W5RRR, (Houston,
TX).  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
(ARRL in no way warrants these products):

     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.

     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 Ln, 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.).  See also
the SAREX Resource List on the last 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.

For all QSLs, it is essential that you include a self-addressed
stamped envelope using a large (4 inch x 9.5 inch) envelope.
Please expect a long delay (6-10 months), as the development of a
SAREX QSL card can be a very lengthy process.  The following QSL
managers have volunteered to handle requests for cards:

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

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

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


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 is studying ways to allow for more general ham
contacts on 1994 flights.  Please keep posted for future details.
                        UPCOMING 1993 SAREX MISSIONS (updated 8/12/93):

Mission   Date                Inclination    Crew            Configuration
-------   -----------------   -----------    --------------  -------------
STS-58    September 10, 1993  39 degrees     John E. Blaha, CDR    C
Columbia                                     Richard A. Searfoss, PLT, pending
                                             Margaret Seddon, PL-CDR
                                             Shannon Lucid, MS
                                             William S. McArthur Jr., MS,KC5ACR
                                             David A. Wolf, MS
                                             Martin J. Fettman, PS, KC5AXA

STS-60    November 10, 1993    57 degrees    Charles Bolden, CDR   C
Discovery                                    Kenneth Reightler, PLT
                                             Franklin Chang-Diaz, MS
                                             Jan Davis, MS
                                             Ronald Sega, MS
                                             Sergei K. Krikalev, MS, UZ3AK

STS-59    March 31, 1994                     Sidney M. Gutierrez, CDR  C
Atlantis                                     Kevin P. Chilton, PLT
                                             Linda M. Godwin, PL-CDR, N5RAX
                                             Jay Apt, MS, N5QWL
                                             M. R. "Rich" Clifford, MS
                                             Thomas B. Jones, MS

            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) SAREX Bulletin
        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: August 1993

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