| |
WG3K > ANS 22.05.24 08:44l 82 Lines 5403 Bytes #63 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS140.11
Read: GUEST
Subj: Satellite Shorts From All Over
Path: IZ3LSV<ED1ZAC<GB7CIP<I0OJJ<PI8ZTM<CX2SA<N3HYM<WG3K
Sent: 240520/0142Z 4485@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
Congratulations to Maksym “Max” Romenskyy, SA5IKN, M0SKN, US6IKN, EI6KC,
who has earned his THIRD *satellite Worked All Zones (WAZ) award*, this
time as EI6KC #121. This is the first WAZ Satellite Award in Ireland. He is
also the first in the world to complete three WAZ Satellite Awards from
three different locations in three countries. He already holds a special
plague “IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD # 1 SAT WAZ AWARD WITH TWO CALLS” for WAZ
awards #40 as SA5IKN (38 zones) and #92 as MØSKN. (ANS thanks Max
Romenskyy, US6IKN, for the above information.)
Since April 28, 2019, *the Swiss satellite net on QO-100* has been a
consistent weekly event, marking its fifth anniversary on the same date in
2024. Hosted by HB9RYZ initially and later by HB9TSI from Italy, the round
convenes every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on 10489.740 MHz, typically with 5 to 10
participants, though 15 joined for the anniversary round. Led by Paul,
HB9DFQ, the round maintains a familiar format: participants check in, share
station updates and radio experiences, delve into topics, and bid farewell.
Despite no specific celebration planned, the anniversary drew a hearty
attendance. Notable moments include Roman, HB9HCFs reports from Antarctica
during the pandemic, while regular attendees like IS0/HB9SJP and supportive
listeners add to the camaraderie. The inaugural round was preserved on
Soundcloud by HB9WDF, encapsulating the enduring spirit of this community
gathering. (ANS thanks AMSAT-HB for the above information for the above
information)
The recently released *GreenCube BackPack antenna by Arrow Antennas*,
designed specifically for IO-117 satellite communication, can now be
purchased from their website for $219. It boasts a three-piece split boom
design and 15 UHF elements, along with a pre-assembled and pre-tuned Gamma
Match compatible only with BNC connectors. Engineered for maximum gain and
efficiency, the antenna utilizes aluminum Arrow Shafts for its elements and
a 3/4″ square boom measuring 116.8″ in length. Mounting near its balance
point is recommended due to its weight, and plastic tips ensure safety.
While the foam handle grip can be removed using isopropyl alcohol, using
the tripod hole for mounting is discouraged due to balance issues.
Additionally, customers have the option to purchase a separate element set
for cross-polarized antenna configuration, priced at $99.00. Info at
https://arrowantennas.com/arrowii/greencube.html (ANS thanks Arrow
Antennas, for the above information.)
Prof. Robert “Bob” Twiggs, KE6QMD, and a group of former students and
colleagues are working on gathering and publishing a series of books on *the
history of the creation and adoption of the CubeSat*. Take a look at the
LinkedIn announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eNZgv6Tk. If this sounds like
something youd be interested in supporting, please take a look at our
GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cubesat-history-project. The
communitys response has been amazing! Over a hundred interviews were
conducted, and countless images and documents from the earliest days of the
CubeSat were collected! The result is that we have accumulated one of the
most comprehensive histories of the CubeSat, with many unique,
never-before-told stories! Reach out if you are interested in sponsoring
the project to get a signed copy and your organizations name in the book.
Please email Dr. Aaron Zucherman at azucherman@gmail.com. (ANS thanks Aaron
Zucherman, KM6CHY, for the above information.)
Last week, as Sol continues to edge into the most active phase of its
11-year cycle, *multiple massive X-class solar flares* (the largest an X5.8
flare) erupted from associated active sunspots, along with coronal mass
ejections (CMEs) directed towards Earth. This sustained activity caused a
G5 solar storm last weekend (NOAAs space weather scales for reference),
leading to aurorae visible from middle latitudes as far south as Puerto
Rico in the US and all over Europe. This was one of the most powerful solar
storms since an estimated X28-45 flare in 2003 contributed to the 2003
Halloween solar storms that damaged or interrupted services from multiple
spacecraft, saturated measurement instruments, and made ISS astronauts
shelter in the more shielded Russian segment. (ANS thanks The Orbital Index
for the above information.)
Japans Moon Sniper, also known as *SLIM, has astounded experts by
surviving its third lunar night*, despite not being designed for such harsh
conditions. Initially landing near the Shioli Crater on January 19, the
spacecraft encountered an anomaly during descent, landing on its nose and
facing west, hindering its solar panels ability to generate power.
However, Moon Sniper continues to defy expectations by waking up after each
lunar night, transmitting new images before going back into hibernation.
Despite enduring both the extreme cold of the lunar night and the searing
temperatures of the lunar day, the spacecraft has maintained functionality,
prompting close monitoring from the mission team to identify potential
deteriorating components. As Moon Sniper enters hibernation again, the team
plans to resume operations in May, expressing gratitude for ongoing support
and even composing a song titled “15 Degree Slope” to commemorate the
missions unexpected journey. (ANS thanks CNN for the above information.)
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
