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I0OJJ > AMSAT 18.05.25 06:34l 553 Lines 24131 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: I0OJJ @ I0OJJ.ITA.EU (Gustavo)
To: AMSAT @ WW
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From: "Mark Johns, K0JM via ANS" <ans@amsat.org
Subject: [ANS] ANS-138 AMSAT News Service Bulletins for May 18
Date: Sat, 17 May 2025 20:06:45 EDT
Reply-To: k0jm.mark@gmail.com
To: space@ww
AMSAT News Service
ANS-138
May 18, 2025
In this edition:
* BuzzSat Satellite Meteorology Course Now Available
* AMSAT Volunteers Power Hamvention Exhibit
* The 16th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Enjoyed by Many
* AMSAT Symposium
* March/April 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available
* JAMSAT Symposium
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* Change to Upcoming Satellite Operations
* ARISS News
* AMSAT Ambassador Activities
* Satellite Shorts From All Over
The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information
service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes
news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities
of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active
interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog
and digital Amateur Radio satellites.
The news feed on http://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in
Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.
*Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at]
amsat.org <http://amsat.org>*
Sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via
the ANS List; to join this list see:
https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/
*BuzzSat Satellite Meteorology Course Now Available*
The AMSAT Youth Initiative is pleased to introduce the first in its series
of “Satellites in Space Help Us Live a Better Life on Earth” online courses!
*Title screen from the Satellite Meteorology online course (Image: AMSAT)*
An “Introduction to Satellite Meteorology” explores the many ways that NOAA
satellites help meteorologists predict the immediate weather and long-term
climate behavior to make our lives more enjoyable and safer. It is designed
for students Grades 8-12.
Each chapter has 40-50 pages and is expected to take perhaps 30 minutes per
chapter. If you leave the course, it will remember where you left off so
you wont have to start from scratch.
The course is designed to be “self-standing” so any student, parent, youth
leader or teacher can independently utilize the course. The courses are
free. You can try this course at:
https://buzzsat.com/
Please note that this edition of the course is a beta release. Numerous
improvements to the navigation features, clarity of graphics and technical
content are scheduled for the next release in June 2025. But wed love to
hear from you! Please send your comments and suggestions to Frank
Karnauskas, AMSAT VP-Development at f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org.
Future course to be added later this year include how satellites play a
critical role in managing:
- Climate Change
- Pollution Control
- Wildlife and Natural Resources
- Navigation
- Satellite Design and Operation
- Space Exploration
- Communications
- Broadcasting
- Military Operations
- And much, much more!
Subject matter experts in any of these areas or educators in the sciences
are invited to talk with the BuzzSat team about future course development.
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]
------------------------------
AMSAT Volunteers Power Hamvention Exhibit
AMSAT volunteers kept busy at the organizations exhibit at the 2025 Dayton
Hamvention. Interest level was high among both satellite veterans and hams
just wanting information on how to get started on the satellites.
The hot seller at the exhibit was the brand new, updated edition of the
book, *Getting Started in Amateur Satellites.*
*Steve Belter, N9IP, AMSAT Treasurer, helps beginners (Photo: Mark Johns)*
The AMSAT Education area attracted the attention of a number of young hams
and soon to be hams. Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, son of AMSAT
VP-Operations, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, shared his knowledge with other
young people who came to the exhibit.
*Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, points out Cubsat SIM displays to youth.
(Photo: Drew Glasbrenner)*
Interest was also high at the AMSAT engineering area, where members of the
engineering team discussed the GOLF-Tee and Fox-Plus satellites currently
under construction.
*AMSAT VP-Engineering, Jerry Buxton, NØJY, and other engineers discuss
satellite construction with Hamvention participants (Photo: Mark Johns)*
Live satellite demonstrations outside of the exhibit area also drew
interest from Hamvention participants.
*AMSAT Executive VP, Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, operates on RS-44 as Mark Johns,
KØJM, aims the Arrow antenna. (Photo: Keith Baker)*
The Hamvention AMSAT Forum was held on Saturday afternoon, May 17. The
forum featured updates on the organization itself from AMSAT President
Robert Bankston, KE4AL, Executive VP Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, and from Frank
Karnauskas, N1UW, VP-Development. Frank also updated those in attendance on
the AMSAT Youth Initiative, including the “Satellites in Space Help
Us Live
a Better Life on Earth” online courses (see above).
Jerry Buxton, NØJY, VP-Engineering, provided an overview of upcoming
satellite projects and launches in development and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA,
VP-Operations, discussed efforts to extend the lives of satellites already
on orbit.
Prior to the beginning of the Hamvention, on Thursday evening, May 15,
AMSAT members and friends gathered at Tickets Pub & Eatery in nearby
Fairborn, Ohio for what has become a traditional gathering in recent years.
More than 40 were in attendance a record number for this event.
*AMSAT members enjoy a pre-Hamvention meal at Tickets on Thursday
(Photo: Keith Baker)*
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
------------------------------
*The 2025 AMSAT Presidents Club Coins Are Now Available!*
[image: 2025 PC Coin Set]
*Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight*
*Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.*
*Join the AMSAT Presidents Club today and help*
*Keep Amateur Radio in Space!*
*https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/*
<https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/>
------------------------------
The 16th Annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet Enjoyed by Many
The 16th annual TAPR/AMSAT Banquet was held at the Kohler Presidential
Banquet Center on Friday, May 16. This dinner is always a highlight of the
TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio) and AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite
Corp.) activities during the Dayton Hamvention. This years banquet
speaker
was Phil Karn, KA9Q, who highlighted developments and use cases for his
ka9q-radio software suite for SDR receivers.
*Phil Karn delivers the TAPR/AMSAT banquet address (Photo: Mark Johns)*
Karn was the recipient of the ARRLs Mary Hobart, K1MMH, Medal of
Distinction. He was presented the honor at the ARRL donor reception on May
15, 2025, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.
A graduate of Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University with
degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Karn has retired from a
technology career including Bell Labs, Bellcore, and Qualcomm. He is
co-founder of AMPRnet, is founder and past-President of Amateur Radio
Digital Communications (ARDC)
<https://arrl.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0zMzM1OTczJnA9MSZ1PTUyMDUxODk2NCZsaT0
zODA3Mzc5Mw/index.html>,
a private foundation that exists to support amateur radio and digital
communication science and technology through grants and scholarships, and
the management of 44Net. Karn continues to serve on the ARDC Board of
Directors. The work of ARDC has contributed approximately $30 million to
amateur radio since 2020.
Karn has been licensed since he was 15. “Its been a major factor in my
life, directly and indirectly,” he said. Karn views amateur radio as a
creative outlet. “Im an engineer, so I need an outlet for my technical
ideas. Im retired, so amateur radio now fulfills that need. Its very
gratifying to see others using your ideas and works,” said Karn.
Karns technical contributions to advance the Amateur Radio Service
drive
his dedication to the future of education through ham radio. He envisions
education having a greater role in amateur radio in decades to come.
Ham
radio has always excelled at individual self-learning, but it could do so
much more. Id really like to see the many technical tinkerers outside ham
radio join us. Id like to see much more amateur radio in formal education.
HamSCI and the many university small satellite groups are good examples but
there could be so much more. Hams will continue to create new technology,
usually by working in academia and industry but also as individuals,
he
said.
Mary Hobart, K1MMH, was ARRLs first Chief Development Officer. She
passed
away in 2021. The medal named in her honor is given to those individuals or
couples who have inspired our small community to reach higher with their
own philanthropic support of ARRL and amateur radio. In 2023, ARRL honored
Michael “Mike” D. Valentine, W8MM (Silent Key), and his wif
e Margaret “Peg” Valentine with the inaugural Hobart Medal.
[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information]
------------------------------
43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting Announced
Save the date! The 43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General
Meeting will be held October 16th through Sunday October 19th. The site of
the 2025 event will be the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North.
*(Photo credit: Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North)*
The hotel is located minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and
features free airport shuttle, all-suite rooms at affordable prices and
free breakfast! Information for room reservation at reduced rates and event
registration will be published shortly.
For your planning purposes, the overall schedule for the event is as
follows:
*Thursday, October 16th*
0900 – 1700 Board of Directors Meeting
*Friday, October 17th*
0900 – 1200 Board of Directors Meeting
1300 – 1700 Symposium Presentations
1800 – 2100 Reception & Auction
*Saturday, October 18th*
0900 – 1200 Symposium Presentations
1300 – 1500 Symposium Presentations
1500 – 1700 Annual General Meeting
1800 – 1900 Reception
1900 – 2100 Banquet
*Sunday, October 19th*
0800 – 1000 Members Breakfast
*(Times subject to change.)*
Plan to attend this fun and informative event while you exchange ideas with
your friends in the world of amateur satellites!
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]
------------------------------
*Need new satellite antennas?*
*Purchase M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store.*
*When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards*
*Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.*
*https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/*
<https://amsat.org/product-category/hardware/>
------------------------------
March/April 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available
The March/April 2025 issue of *The AMSAT Journal* is now available to
members on AMSATs Member Portal.
*The AMSAT Journal* is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in
space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
(AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects,
technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from
around the world.
Inside the Current Issue:
- Using AI to Keep Amateur Radio in Space – Joe Kornowski, KB6IG
K
- New Space Opportunities
- The Future of Lunar Amateur Radio – JS1YMG Update
- APRS Update
- SDR Update
- AMSAT Field Day 2025 Rules – Bruce Paige, KK5DO
[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]
------------------------------
------------------------------
JAMSAT Symposium 2025: Satellites, Soldering, and Socials in Tokyo
The Japan Amateur Satellite Association (JAMSAT) successfully hosted its
17th annual general meeting and technical symposium on March 22–23, 2025,
at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in
Tokyo. The two-day hybrid event welcomed both in-person and online
participants and featured a diverse program of organizational updates,
technical presentations, hands-on outreach activities, and social
networking opportunities for the amateur satellite community.
The general meeting, held on the first day at noon, covered official
business including approval of the 2024 fiscal report, auditors findings,
the 2025 project plan, and a proposed revision to the associations bylaws.
JAMSAT members were invited to vote by proxy or attend via Zoom, and
participation exceeded expectations. The event was formally recognized as
an international meeting, qualifying for discounted use of the Miraikan
venue and underscoring its educational and public-service role.
Immediately after the meeting, the two-day symposium began with a series of
technical presentations. Topics included the RST (Lehman Satellite Tracker)
by JI1SYC, a report on the ultra-compact RSP-03 “Hamorun” satellite, and a
briefing on QO-100 operations from Cambodia under the XU7AMO callsign.
Other featured talks explored a geostationary payload proposal by AMSAT-DL,
the SHF beacons status, and technical insights into the Ten-Koh 2 receiver
system for 5.8 GHz.
*The 2025 JAMSAT General Meeting and Symposium was held in Tokyo and
featured two days of satellite presentations. [Credit: JAMSAT]*
Satellite mission updates were also prominent. Researchers from Chiba
Institute of Technology presented results from the SAKURA satellite and
previewed its successor, BOTAN. The team from Tokyo Institute of Technology
introduced OrigamiSat-2, a CubeSat designed to test a two-layer deployable
membrane antenna and high-speed downlink. The final session discussed
amateur satellite roles in emergency communications, drawing attention to
disaster readiness as a future focus area.
Public outreach remained a strong component of the event. On the morning of
March 22, JAMSAT organized the “Touching Satellites” program with support
from Icom Inc., offering live satellite demonstrations and electronics
workshops for children. An exhibit area featured satellite engineering
models and educational posters, while 10 young participants had the
opportunity to assemble and solder simple kits under the guidance of
volunteers.
A formal dinner was held at the nearby Chinese restaurant Tōen in Telecom
Center, drawing a wide cross-section of members for informal conversation
and project discussion. The social gathering reflected a return to normalcy
following years of pandemic-related restrictions and helped to strengthen
the groups community bonds. JAMSAT plans to publish digital versions of
the symposium materials online and encourages continued member engagement
through web meetings, field activities, and international coordination.
[ANS thanks the Mikio Mori, JA3GEP, JAMSAT Newsletter Editor for the above
information]
------------------------------
*Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?*
*Get your AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!*
*25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards*
*Keeping Amateur Radio in Space*
*https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear <https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear>*
------------------------------
Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for May 16
Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps
in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical
model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly
updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin
files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin
files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available
for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at
https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.
This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution
.
[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the
above information]
------------------------------
Change to Upcoming Satellite Operations
Due to the popularity of the https://hams.at website as a location to
report rover activity, the AMSAT website will no longer attempt to track
those reports separately. Thus, the AMSAT News Service will no longer carry
routine coverage. Please make use of https://hams.at for information on
upcoming satellite operations in the future.
[ANS thanks Ian Parsons, K5ZM, AMSAT rover page manager, for the above
information]
------------------------------
ARISS NEWS
Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between
amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with
astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The
downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.
*RECENTLY COMPLETED*
Astronomical society Kumova slama, Daruvar, Croatia, Direct via 9A1CCY
The ISS callsign was to be OR4ISS. The scheduled crewmember was Jonathan
(Jonny) Kim, KJ5HKP
The ARISS mentor was SP3QFE
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-05-15 17:00:12 UTC 26 degrees maximum
elevation
Congratulations to the Astronomical society Kumova slama students, Jonny,
mentor SP3QFE, and ground station 9A1CCY!
*UPCOMING*
Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS. The scheduled
crewmember is Sergey Ryzhikov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for 2025-05-23 09:15 UTC
The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} &
437.800 MHz down). If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is
pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband
repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.
The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).
As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios
are turned off as part of the safety protocol.
Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own
orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed
time.
The latest information on the operation mode can be found at
https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html
The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at
https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html
[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors
for the above information]
------------------------------
AMSAT Ambassador Activities
AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through
amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests,
conventions, maker faires, and other events.
June 21, 2025
*Rochester Amateur Radio Association Hamfest 2025*
Barnard Fire Field
410 Maiden Lane Rochester, NY 14616
KB2YSI
September 6, 2025
*Greater Louisville Hamfest*
Paroquet Springs Conference Centre
395 Paroquet Springs Drive
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
W4FCL
[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for
the above information]
------------------------------
Satellite Shorts From All Over
+ Congratulations to Benni Riethmueller, DL4BEN, (age 16!) on receiving
AMSAT Rover Award #087! To earn the AMSAT Rover Award, participants must
accumulate a combined total of 25 points through various achievements in
portable satellite operations outside their home grid square. The AMSAT
Rover Award was established to recognize and honor the accomplishments of
satellite operators who engage in rover operations. Rover operations
involve the activation of grid squares outside ones home grid, utilizing
various satellite transponders and modes to establish communication
links. A breakdown of the points system along with a list of past AMSAT
Rover Award recipients can be found at
https://www.amsat.org/amsat-rover-award/. Keep on roving, Benni, and
continue to inspire others in the AMSAT community! (ANS thanks Bruce
Paige, KK5DO, AMSAT Director of Contests and Awards for the above
information)
+ China has granted scientists from six countries, including the United
States, access to Moon rocks collected by its Change-5 mission in 2020.
Two NASA-funded U.S. institutionsBrown University and Stony Brook
Universitywere selected to study the samples, despite longstanding
restrictions on NASAs direct collaboration with China. The China
National Space Administration (CNSA) called the samples “a shared
treasure for all humanity” and emphasized its commitment to international
cooperation. Experts noted that while U.S.-China space technology
exchanges remain limited, lunar sample analysis poses no military concern
and aligns with global scientific norms. The Change-5 samples are of
particular in terest because they appear to be about a billion years
younger than those collected during the Apollo missions. CNSA officials
stated they intend to maintain an active and open stance in global space
collaboration through initiatives like the Belt and Road space
information corridor. (ANS thanks BBC News for the above information)
+ The FAA granted environmental approval for up to 25 Starship launches a
year at Starbase, a five-fold increase from the previous limit. (ANS thanks
The Orbital Index for the above information.)
+ Due to budget cuts, NASA might scale back ISS operations, such as
reducing crew size, extending crew missions, and halting upgrades to
science instruments. A list of other NASA projects that may be abandoned
by budget cuts is at
https://www.planetary.org/articles/billions-wasted-mysteries-unsolved-the-
missions-nasa-may-be-forced-to-abandon (ANS thanks The Planetary Society
for the above information.)
+ Germanys armed forces are planning to establish a large satellite
constellation, aiming to create an independent communications
infrastructure similar to SpaceXs Starlink. The initiative, led by the
Bundeswehr, envisions deploying hundreds of satellites to ensure secure
and resilient military communications, with potential expansion into
remote sensing and other applications. Germany has historically relied on
satellite services provided by allies but shifting geopolitical dynamics
have prompted a reevaluation of this dependence. The proposed Bundeswehr
constellation is intended to ensure sovereignty and continuity in defense
operations, even in contested or degraded environments. It would operate
separately from IRIS2, the European Unions own sovereign satellite
project aimed at providing broadband internet across the continent. Read
the full article at:
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/germanys-military-
wants-its-own-starlink-like-satellite-constellation (ANS thanks the
Andrew Jones, Space.com, for the above information.)
------------------------------
Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/
In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:
* Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
* Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at
one-half the standard yearly rate.
* Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status
shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary
years in this status.
* Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.
Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.
73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
This weeks ANS Editor, Mark Johns, KØJM
mjohns [at] amsat.org
ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation,
712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002
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