AMSAT News Service

ANS-320
November 16, 2025

In this edition:

* BOTAN Digipeater Schedule a Challenge for U.S. Hams
* Launch Scrubbed Due to ‘Highly Elevated Solar Activity’
* Alarm Over Reductions at Goddard Space Flight Center
* Comet Photos Plagued by Satellite Streaks
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* ARISS SSTV Event Continues
* 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 https://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

You can 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/

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BOTAN Digipeater Schedule a Challenge for U.S. Hams

BOTAN, a 1U cubesat built by students of the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan, was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) on October 10 via the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) “Kibo” module. The satellite carries an earth-observation camera downloading images upon ground station command at 437.375 MHz. These downloads occur primarily when the satellite is over Japan.

Information on the satellite may be found at
https://sites.google.com/p.chibakoudai.jp/gardens-04/home-english?authuser=0

BOTAN also carries an APRS digipeater operating on 146.825 MHz. The digipeater is also activated by ground station command. Although the original design specifications called for the digipeater to remain active for 720 minutes (12 hours) after activation, observations have shown that it currently times out after 480 minutes (8 hours).

As a result, when the digipeater is activated by the command station in Japan, it has timed out before passing over portions of North America. Although the Chiba Institute has asked amateurs around the world for telemetry downloads, the attempts to make use of the satellite’s services have been frustrating for North American amateurs.

BOTAN is next scheduled for digipeater activation on 2025-11-16 at 08:53 UTC (although current Keplerian data does not show the bird over Japan until approximately half an hour after that time). Far west coast U.S. and Mexican stations would be in the footprint briefly in the first hour thereafter. The eight hour activation would end at 16:53 UTC. During that period the satellite will pass over Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and South America — but not over Central or North America. Interested operators are encouraged to watch for schedule changes.

Masahiro Sanada, JI1IZR, has posted a nice blog about the station setup he is using for BOTAN operation. The post may be found at https://ji1izr.cocolog-nifty.com/

[ANS thanks Chiba Institute of Technology and Masahiro Sanada, JI1IZR,  for the above information.]

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Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

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Alarm Over Reductions at Goddard Space Flight Center

Alarm is growing among federal workers at NASA’s iconic Goddard Space Flight Center’s main campus in Greenbelt, Maryland — the nerve center for groundbreaking missions like the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes — as more than a dozen buildings on the campus are being emptied and padlocked during the federal shutdown, with very little notice to employees, said four sources who spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. NASA leadership has pushed back against those concerns.

In one instance, furloughed employees were given just days to temporarily return to work and help empty entire buildings of highly specialized equipment, according to sources and internal emails obtained by CNN. In the communications, NASA managers wrote that equipment not moved in time — including one-of-a-kind hardware — could be thrown away or donated.

A Hubble Space Telescope composite image shows a supernova explosion designated SN 2014J in the galaxy M82.
Photo Credit: NASA Goddard

In a statement, a NASA spokesperson said the building closures are part of a “strategic consolidation” plan mapped out by Goddard leaders that should not impact ongoing projects.

One document reviewed by CNN, which was compiled by more than a dozen Goddard workers concerned about the steps taken at the campus, states that 13 buildings are being shuttered, including about 100 laboratories. The roughly 1,270-acre campus includes more than 30 large buildings and dozens of smaller structures.

The changes described by sources have the space agency’s engineers concerned they could permanently lose access to equipment and facilities that are crucial to keeping current and future projects on track.

[ANS thanks the CNN  for the above information. Read the full story at https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/science/nasa-goddard-building-closures-government-shutdown]

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Comet Photos Plagued by Satellite Streaks

Recent months have seen space fans revel in a wealth of spectacular astrophotography depicting the evolution of Comet Lemmon’s glowing coma and twisting tail as it journeyed through a Northern Hemisphere night sky swarming with satellites.

While many photographers opted to post sanitized views of Comet Lemmon, others intentionally compiled their images to reveal the incredible number of satellites that crossed the night sky over the course of multiple exposures.

A composite image of Comet Lemmon revealing where bright pixels were rejected by an image-stacking algorithm. (Image credit: Dan Bartlett via Space.com)

“Photographically, if someone is attempting to take a single image of a target and needs the image to be ‘clean’ — free of manmade objects — well, that image is nearly impossible to obtain,” astrophotographer Dan Bartlett told Space.com in an email. “Every single subframe I take (prior to stacking) now contains at least one, and usually more than one satellite streak.”

There are currently about 13,000 operational satellites orbiting Earth, of which about 8,900 are SpaceX Starlink craft. This number is set to exponentially increase, with SpaceX alone aiming to orbit up to 42,000 of its internet-beaming spacecraft, while competing companies aim to add thousands more satellites to their own “megaconstellations.”

Astrophotographers combat satellite streaks by capturing a multitude of short exposures over the course of a single session. The images are then combined and subjected to an algorithm that determines a median value for each pixel before rejecting outlier pixels with values that exceed set parameters.

[ANS thanks Space.com for the above information. Read the full article at https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/comet-lemmon-photos-are-plagued-by-satellite-streaks-heres-how-amateur-astronomers-face-the-problem .]

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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/

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Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for November 14, 2025

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/.

The following satellite has been removed from this week’s AMSAT distribution:

ENSO — NORAD Cat ID 58470 Decayed from orbit on or about 09 November 2025

The following satellite has been added to this week’s AMSAT distribution:

CEVROSAT1 — Provisional ID 98526 Note: Resource constraints at USSF 18SDS evidently are preventing generation of TLE for this satellite. The element set provided is unusally poor, expect the satellite to pass a minute or more away from predictions.

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information.]

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ARISS SSTV Event Continues

The worldwide Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team and the global family of ham radio enthusiasts celebrated 25 years of continuous amateur radio operations on the International Space Station (ISS) on November 13, 2025.

Only eleven days after the Expedition 1 crew took up residence on ISS the crew turned on the ham radio system and began speaking with teams in Star City Russia, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Throughout it all volunteer ARISS team members have worked side by side with space agencies and astronauts and cosmonauts around the world to develop, certify, launch and operate the ham radio systems that enable creation of an amateur radio bridge between people on earth and spacefarers in orbit.

During 25 years of continuous operations, ARISS has connected 1 million kids in classrooms and information educational settings to the ISS through nearly 1,800 ham radio contacts. It’s all about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational opportunities. Maximum value is added by working with educators to ensure that their students learn about space science, living and working in space, ISS research and radio communications. This educational element starts 4-6 months before the ARISS contact.

When the time comes for their once-in-a-lifetime radio contact with the ISS, they use an amateur radio ground station at their host organization or one of our international ground stations to talk directly to the astronauts and cosmonauts on ISS—LIVE!

There are two amateur radio stations on ISS, one in the Columbus Module and one in the Service Module, supporting 24/7 communications with hams on the ground via voice and digital repeaters in space. ARISS also provides opportunities for youth and radio amateurs to downlink pictures, called Slow Scan Television (SSTV), from ISS as well as standard Television downlinks using our HamTV system and our L/S-Band antennas.

It’s important to note that these amateur radio systems are completely independent from the ISS communications systems. Because of that, they also serve as a pivotal ISS backup communications capability. If the main ISS communications systems fail or are rendered unusable, our flight hardware and ground operations team is ready to spring into action 24/7.

As we cross the threshold of 25 years of continuous operations on ISS and look forward to many more, ARISS will begin a one-year commemoration of its achievements. Several interactive initiatives for youth, educators, ham radio operators and the public are planned. Stay tuned to the ARISS website and social media channels to find out what what is planned. As reported in AMSAT News Service bulletins last week, the first commemorative event is already underway—an SSTV (picture downlink) event that started November 12 and runs through November 19.

[ANS thanks Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chair, ARISS-USA Executive Director,  for the above information.]

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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

Colegio Del Faro, Benavídez, Tigre, Argentina, direct via LU4BB
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Mike Fincke KE5AIT
The ARISS mentor was VE3TBD
Contact was successful: Tue 2025-11-11 18:18:56 UTC 51 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the Colegio Del Faro students, Mike, mentor VE3TBD, and ground station LU4BB!

Scheduled Contacts

SPACE Academy of Azercosmos, Baku, Azerbaijan, direct via 4K4AZE
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Mike Fincke KE5AIT
The ARISS mentor is SP3QFE
Contact is go for: Sun 2025-11-16 14:53:03 UTC 28 degrees maximum elevation

Russian school TBD, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Platonov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Tue 2025-11-18 10:10 UTC

Escuela Jose Marti, Mexico City, Mexico, telebridge via IK1SLD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD
The scheduled crewmember is Zena Cardman KJ5CMN
The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD
Contact is go for: Wed 2025-11-19 15:34:03 UTC 55 degrees maximum elevation

Russian school TBD, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Platonov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Thu 2025-11-20 14:50 UTC

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication.  You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

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.

Packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) suspended for SSTV (145.800 MHz down)​​ until November 20.

Ham TV is configured for​​​ scheduled digital amateur television operations (2395.00 MHz).

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.]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!

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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.

None currently scheduled.

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information.]

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Satellite Shorts from All Over

+ Amazon is rebranding its “Project Kuiper” constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. The program will now be known as “Amazon Leo.” There are now 153 Kuiper satellites satellites in orbit, intended to provide high-speed internet connections worldwide. (ANS thanks Amazon for the above information.)

+ LambdaVision, a biotech company, has flown nine missions to the ISS, where it produced a 200-layer protein thin film as a precursor to an artificial retina implants. Most recently, the company won a NASA Phase 2 In Space Production Applications award in September to continue developing the company’s in-space manufacturing process — in this case, in partnership with microgravity research firm Space Tango. (ANS thanks PayloadSpace.com for the above information. See the full article at https://payloadspace.com/lambdavision-closes-7m-seed-round-to-make-retinas-in-leo/.)

+ Three Chinese astronauts returned from their nation’s space station Friday after more than a week’s delay because the return capsule they had planned to use was damaged, likely from being hit by space debris. The team left their Shenzhou-20 spacecraft in orbit and came back using the recently arrived Shenzhou-21, which had ferried a three-person replacement crew to the station, China’s Manned Space Agency said. The original return plan was scrapped because a window in the Shenzhou-20 capsule had tiny cracks, most likely caused by impact from space debris, the space agency said Friday. (ANS thanks the Associated Press for the above information. Read the full story at https://apnews.com/article/china-space-station-stranded-crew-shenzhou-e266f7106491b587e60d303068973761)

+ SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink broadband satellites November 10 on a Falcon 9 rocket. It was the 94th orbital mission so far this year from Cape Kennedy, breaking 2024’s record of 93 launches. A SpaceX executive said at a conference recently that he expected the company to finish the year with 165 to 170 Falcon 9 launches, which would also be a record. The total number of Starlink satellites launched so far in 2025 is 2,600. And the year’s not over yet. (ANS thanks SpaceNews Editor’s Choice newsletter for the above information.)

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Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

• Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
• Students under age 25 are eligible for free membership.
• 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 week’s 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
AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.

AMSAT News Service

ANS-313
November 9, 2025

In this edition:

* SpaceX Bandwagon-4 Mission Places CEVROSAT-1 in Orbit with Rideshare Payloads
* CatSat to Open Microwave Linear Transponder Access for Amateur Radio Community
* ARISS to Mark 25 Years of ISS With Special Worldwide SSTV Event in November
* Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications Adds AMSAT Publications
* AI Fix from Earth Restores James Webb Telescope Clarity, No Astronauts Needed
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for November 7, 2025
* 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 https://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

You can 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/

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SpaceX Bandwagon-4 Mission Places CEVROSAT-1 in Orbit with Rideshare Payloads

SpaceX launched its Bandwagon-4 rideshare mission on November 2 at 0509 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, deploying eighteen satellites into a mid-inclination low Earth orbit. The flight is part of SpaceX’s dedicated mid-inclination rideshare program, complementing the Transporter series that serves sun-synchronous orbit customers. All spacecraft were successfully released from the Falcon 9 upper stage approximately seventy-five minutes after liftoff.

The manifest included CEVROSAT-1, an amateur radio satellite built by CEVRO University in the Czech Republic in partnership with Mendel University in Brno and Brno University of Technology. The 48-kilogram microsatellite carries a 9k6 G3RUH GFSK digipeater and AX.25 telemetry on 436.025 MHz, coordinated through the IARU. First signals were received shortly after deployment, with amateur operators reporting telemetry and digipeated packets and uploading frames to the SatNOGS network. The satellite supports student research, hands-on engineering education, and amateur radio experimentation, including an Earth-imaging payload and an optical reflector system for laser technology trials.

The largest spacecraft on the mission was a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite for South Korea’s Project 425 defense reconnaissance program. This continues South Korea’s partnership with SpaceX to deploy a constellation of independent surveillance satellites, following earlier launches on previous Bandwagon missions. The spacecraft is expected to provide high-resolution radar imagery to support national security and intelligence activities.

Commercial Earth-observation company Iceye launched three additional SAR satellites for the Emirati firm Space42, expanding the “Foresight Constellation” for regional surveillance and environmental monitoring. Weather intelligence provider Tomorrow.io also flew two spacecraft to enhance its global atmospheric sensing network, supporting improved forecasting and climate-modeling applications.

Commercial space station developer Vast deployed its Haven-Demo spacecraft, a 500-kilogram technology demonstrator designed to validate systems for the upcoming Haven-1 private station. The satellite will test avionics, communications, propulsion, and power systems in orbit. In addition, Starcloud launched Starcloud-1, a technology demonstration spacecraft billed as the first on-orbit artificial-intelligence compute node, featuring an advanced Nvidia processor intended to run large language models in space.

The Bandwagon-4 mission demonstrates the increasing diversity of spacecraft utilizing commercial rideshare launches, spanning defense, scientific, commercial, and amateur radio missions. With CEVROSAT-1 now active on orbit, radio amateurs are encouraged to monitor 436.025 MHz and submit reception reports as commissioning continues.

Read the full article at: https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-fourth-bandwagon-rideshare-mission/

[ANS thanks Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, and the Libre Space community, for the above information]

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CatSat to Open Microwave Linear Transponder Access for Amateur Radio Community

The CatSat team has announced that preparations are underway to open public operation of the spacecraft’s linear transponder, offering the amateur-radio community a new microwave-band satellite resource. CatSat, a 6U CubeSat developed and flown by students, faculty, and staff at the University of Arizona in partnership with FreeFall Aerospace and Rincon Research, has been on orbit since July 2024 and is now entering the phase of its mission focused on community engagement and technology demonstration.

CatSat was launched aboard a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base as part of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. Measuring roughly the size of a family-size cereal box, the spacecraft carries a suite of experimental payloads, including a novel inflatable antenna capable of enabling large-aperture communications from a small satellite platform. In addition to ionospheric monitoring via high-frequency (HF) radio measurements and imaging of the Earth, CatSat includes a linear transponder for amateur radio, extending the University of Arizona’s long legacy in space science down to hands-on student involvement.

The satellite orbits Earth in a nearly sun-synchronous polar orbit, circling the globe approximately every 90 minutes. As part of its student-driven mission, CatSat is demonstrating how cutting-edge antenna systems and commercial-off-the-shelf radio hardware can support meaningful research and amateur communications from a compact form factor. The mission is funded by the University of Arizona Office of the Vice President for Research and the Arizona Space Institute, with additional support from industry partners.

When the linear transponder is active, CatSat listens on 5.663 GHz (uplink) and transmits on 10.47 GHz (downlink), providing approximately 200 kHz of bandwidth. Patch antennas on the spacecraft’s −Y face offer roughly 60-degree beam coverage, and the attitude-control system can point the antenna footprint at ground stations for up to 10 minutes per pass. Power considerations limit each activation to about 15 minutes, a balance that allows the spacecraft to support both mission science and amateur communications.

Early on-orbit demonstrations used a 1-meter C-band uplink dish and a 6.1-meter X-band downlink dish to confirm transponder functionality, successfully relaying Morse code. The CatSat team is now constructing a more accessible ground station using 1-meter-class commercial antennas to show that amateur access is practical with reasonably sized equipment. Operators will be able to monitor schedule updates — informally known as the “five and dime” plan — through the CatSat mission website.

Commissioning passes targeting the CatSat ground stations in Tucson took place on October 29 and November 2, with one final activation scheduled for November 9 at approximately 7:50 PM MST (UTC-7) — just hours after this bulletin’s publication. As testing continues, dates may shift as the team evaluates performance and power-budget constraints. Operators can follow activation plans and future opportunities at https://catsat.arizona.edu.

Read the full announcement at: https://catsat.arizona.edu/news/catsat-team-preparing-public-linear-transponder-operations

[ANS thanks the CatSat Team and the University of Arizona for the above information]

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Only 7 Weeks Left to Get Your Coin!
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and FoxPlus.

Annual memberships start at only $120
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

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ARISS to Mark 25 Years of ISS With Special Worldwide SSTV Event in November

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will commemorate the 25th anniversary of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station with a special worldwide Slow-Scan Television (SSTV) event in mid-November. The ISS has been continuously inhabited since November 2, 2000, marking a major milestone in human spaceflight and international cooperation. ARISS, the first educational payload on the station, continues to play a key role in inspiring students, supporting STEM engagement, and connecting the global amateur radio community with astronauts in orbit.

The Series 30 SSTV event, titled “ISS at 25 and Scouts!” will feature 12 SSTV images celebrating the station’s 25-year milestone and Scouting. Transmissions are scheduled to begin Wednesday, November 12 around 1730 UTC and continue through Thursday, November 20 (time TBD). Downlink will occur on 145.800 MHz FM using the PD120 mode, following the standard ARISS pattern of approximately two minutes of transmission followed by two minutes off. A planned pause in images will occur to support an ARISS school contact with Azerbaijan on November 16 at 1450 UTC.

Radio amateurs and listeners worldwide are encouraged to participate, as ISS SSTV events are accessible to stations with a broad range of equipment. Many operators successfully receive images using only a handheld VHF radio and a phone-based decoding app, while more advanced satellite stations can produce particularly clean results. SSTV events continue to be a popular entry point for newcomers interested in amateur space communication.

Participants may upload their best received image to the ARISS SSTV portal at https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_SSTV/ and then request a commemorative event certificate. Submitted images must be single, unedited SSTV frames in GIF, JPG, or PNG format, limited to 800×800 pixels and 800 kB. Once the image is uploaded, operators will be prompted to request their personalized certificate, and because submissions are only accepted for a short time after the conclusion of the event, prompt participation is encouraged.

In keeping with past ARISS activities, operators may also request a traditional ARISS QSL card to confirm SSTV reception. QSL requests must be mailed to the appropriate regional bureau with a self-addressed stamped envelope or sufficient return postage. Details and mailing addresses for each world region are available at https://www.ariss.org/qsl-cards.html, and operators should include date, time, frequency, and mode with their report.

Additional updates and operating details will be posted on www.ariss.org and ARISS social media channels as the event approaches. AMSAT congratulates ARISS and the ISS program on 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the station and encourages radio amateurs everywhere to join in this special commemorative SSTV celebration honoring the ISS legacy and the role of amateur radio in space education.

[ANS thanks Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) for the above information]

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Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications Adds AMSAT Publications

The Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications recently added publications provided by AMSAT from 1969-2013 to the Internet Archive. These include the vast majority of issues of the AMSAT Newsletter, AMSAT Satellite Report, AMSAT’s ORBIT magazine, and The AMSAT Journal for that time period.

The Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications is a library of materials and collections related to amateur radio and early communications. The DLARC is funded by a significant grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications, a private foundation, to create a digital library that documents, preserves, and provides open access to the history of this community.

The Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications can be accessed at https://archive.org/details/dlarc

AMSAT publications can be found at https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22AMSAT%22

Issues of The AMSAT Journal from 2014 to the present can be accessed by AMSAT members at https://launch.amsat.org/The_AMSAT_Journal

[ANS thanks the Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications for the above information]

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AI Fix from Earth Restores James Webb Telescope Clarity, No Astronauts Needed

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has received a remarkable upgrade — not from astronauts or hardware, but from artificial intelligence. Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a software-based solution that corrected subtle image blurring in one of JWST’s most sensitive instruments, restoring the telescope’s precision without the need for any on-orbit servicing mission.

The issue affected JWST’s Aperture Masking Interferometer (AMI), a specialized instrument designed to resolve extremely fine features when observing stars and exoplanets. Soon after operations began, scientists noticed faint distortions caused by tiny electronic effects within the infrared detector. Rather than planning a complex repair mission, similar to how astronauts serviced the Hubble Space Telescope decades ago, the team pursued a software-only approach.

Two PhD researchers, Louis Desdoigts and Max Charles, created a new calibration system called AMIGO that uses artificial intelligence to model the behavior of JWST’s detector in space. By correcting a phenomenon known as the “brighter-fatter effect,” where electrical charge slightly spreads between pixels, their software restored AMI’s ability to produce extremely sharp, high-contrast images from millions of miles away.

With the correction applied, JWST has achieved sharper-than-ever detections of faint and closely orbiting objects. The team demonstrated improved imaging of a dim exoplanet and a brown dwarf companion orbiting the nearby star HD 206893, about 133 light-years from Earth. Additional examples included high-resolution observations of Io’s volcanic surface, a Wolf-Rayet star system, and a distant black hole jet — confirming that the fix significantly boosts scientific capability.

The effort highlights a growing era where software and artificial intelligence can enhance or even “repair” spacecraft from the ground. “Instead of sending astronauts to bolt on new parts, they managed to fix things with code,” said Professor Peter Tuthill of the University of Sydney, whose group originally contributed the AMI instrument design for JWST. The achievement underscores both the telescope’s flexibility and Australia’s strong role in cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation.

The research has now been publicly released and peer-review is underway. The software tools are being prepared for use by the broader JWST science community, ensuring the telescope continues delivering unmatched views of the universe — all thanks to a clever fix developed on Earth, with no spacewalks or hardware intervention required.

Read the full article at: https://scitechdaily.com/how-ai-saved-nasas-10-billion-webb-telescope-from-blurry-vision/

ANS thanks University of Sydney and SciTechDaily for the above information]

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AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

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Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for November 7, 2025

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.]

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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.

Scheduled Contacts

+ Recently Completed

Petőfi Sándor Evangélikus Gimnázium, Kollégium és Általános Iskola, Mezőberény, Hungary, Telebridge via K6DUE
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Jonathan (Jonny) Kim KJ5HKP
Contact was successful: Fri 2025-11-07 08:13:22 UTC
Watch the Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/share/16x7e1jvTv/ and https://www.facebook.com/mpseg/live_videos/

+ Upcoming Contacts

Colegio Del Faro, Benavídez, Tigre, Argentina, direct via LU4BB
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Mike Fincke KE5AIT
The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD
Contact is go for: Tue 2025-11-11 18:18 UTC

SPACE Academy of Azercosmos, Baku, Azerbaijan, direct via 4K4AZE
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Mike Fincke KE5AIT
The ARISS mentor is SP3QFE
Contact is go for: Sun 2025-11-16 14:53 UTC

Russian school TBD, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Platonov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Tue 2025-11-18 10:10 UTC

Russian school TBD, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Platonov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for Thu 2025-11-20 14:50 UTC

Many times a school may make a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last-minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication.  You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

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.

Packet operations continue to be active (145.825 MHz up & down). HamTV is configured (2395.00 MHz).

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.

AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,

“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”

Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.

Scheduled Events

None currently scheduled.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information.]

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Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!

---

AMSAT News Service

ANS-264
September 21, 2025

In this edition:

* AMSAT 2025 Board of Directors Election Results Announced to Membership
* Special Hotel Rate Deadline is September 24 for AMSAT 43rd Annual Symposium
* AMSAT July/August 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available for Member Download
* Open Letter from AMSAT-SM Highlights Need for Full Duplex Handheld Radio
* Wow@Home Project Builds Worldwide SDR Telescope Network to Monitor the Sky
* Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL Debuts with Record Cargo Delivery to ISS
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for September 19, 2025
* 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 https://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

You can 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/

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AMSAT 2025 Board of Directors Election Results Announced to Membership

The 2025 AMSAT Board of Directors Election concluded on September 15, 2025, with a total of 330 votes cast. Four seats were up for election this year, with the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes elected to two-year terms on the Board of Directors, and the candidate receiving the next highest number of votes designated as Alternate Director for a one-year term.

The following have been elected to serve on the AMSAT Board of Directors:
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA – 261 votes
Jerry Buxton, NØJY – 254 votes
Barry Baines, WD4ASW – 245 votes
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW – 232 votes

Alternate Director:
Douglas Tabor, N6UA – 213 votes

The AMSAT Board of Directors is responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction, overseeing satellite projects and operations, supporting educational outreach, and fostering collaboration with partners worldwide. The Board ensures that AMSAT continues to fulfill its mission of advancing amateur radio in space for the benefit of members and the broader amateur-radio community.

[ANS thanks Doug Tabor, N6UA, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information]

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Special Hotel Rate Deadline is September 24 for AMSAT 43rd Annual Symposium

The deadline to reserve a hotel room at the AMSAT special rate for the 43rd Annual Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting is Tuesday, September 24. The discounted rate of $129 plus tax is offered at the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North, located minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

All rooms are two-room suites with a choice of two Queens or one King, and include breakfast, free parking, a free airport shuttle, outdoor pool, brew pub, courtyard, and fully updated rooms. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel using Group Code: P7C, and discounted rooms are limited.

Reservations can be made by calling 877-424-2449 or online at:
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/phxff/hoteldetail
(Select “Group Rate” under Rate Preference and enter P7C before continuing.)

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP – Development, for the above information]

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AMSAT July/August 2025 AMSAT Journal Now Available for Member Download

The July/August 2025 edition of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members. The AMSAT Journal is AMSAT’s bi-monthly digital magazine dedicated to amateur radio in space. Each issue features technical articles, educational initiatives, operating activities, and community news from around the world. Members can access both the latest edition and the full archive through the AMSAT member portal.

Inside the Current Issue: Apogee View – Robert Bankston, KE4AL; Educational Relations Update – Alan Johnston, KU2Y; AMSAT Field Day 2025 Results – Bruce Paige, KK5DO; An Amateur Radio Eye on AI – Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK; Experimental Validation of the Mexican Network of Amateur Satellite Stations (REMEASAT) – Omar Álvarez Cárdenas, XE1AO, et al.

This issue opens with Robert Bankston, KE4AL, delivering his final Apogee View column as AMSAT President. Bankston reflects on five years of leadership, thanking members and volunteers for their dedication while emphasizing the need to continue pushing forward with higher orbits, expanded communications, and vigilance in protecting amateur frequencies. Educational outreach is another key theme, with Alan Johnston, KU2Y, providing updates on the CubeSatSim project, STEM activity guides, and recent demonstrations in the U.S. and Australia. He also previews educational sessions at both the AMSAT Space Symposium and AMSAT-UK Colloquium this October.

Contest enthusiasts will enjoy Bruce Paige’s, KK5DO, detailed report on the 2025 AMSAT Field Day. This year saw seventeen participating stations with highlights including innovative setups, first-time satellite contacts, and several memorable QSOs with the ISS. Other technical features include Joe Kornowski’s article, An Amateur Radio Eye on AI, exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence for weak-signal decoding, propagation forecasting, and antenna optimization, as well as a comprehensive study on the Experimental Validation of the Mexican Network of Amateur Satellite Stations (REMEASAT), showcasing citizen-science collaboration across Mexico and beyond.

Beyond the feature articles, the issue also highlights upcoming events such as the 43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting, scheduled for October 16–19 in Phoenix, Arizona. Members will also find announcements on opportunities to support AMSAT through the President’s Club and eBay for Charity initiatives, reflecting the many ways volunteers and donors continue to strengthen AMSAT’s mission of keeping amateur radio in space.

AMSAT members can access the July/August 2025 edition and archived issues at: https://launch.amsat.org/The_AMSAT_Journal

[ANS thanks Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK, Editor-in-Chief of The AMSAT Journal, for the above information]

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Open Letter from AMSAT-SM Highlights Need for Full Duplex Handheld Radio

In August, the AMSAT-SM group in Sweden issued an open letter to several major amateur radio manufacturers calling for the development of a new handheld transceiver with true full duplex capability. The initiative, led by Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU, highlights the strong demand within the satellite operating community for modern equipment that supports simultaneous transmit and receive on different bands without desense.

The letter was sent to a dozen manufacturers, including Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Alinco, Baofeng, TYT, Wouxun, Retevis, AnyTone, QYT, Radtel, and Verotelecom. These companies represent both long-established Japanese firms and newer Chinese brands that have introduced a wide variety of handhelds in recent years. While today’s radios often feature APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, and USB-C charging, none currently provide the full duplex FM capability needed for effective satellite operation.

AMSAT-SM emphasized that full duplex operation is vital for amateur satellite use, allowing operators to hear their own downlink while transmitting. This feature was present in older, now-discontinued models such as the Kenwood TH-D72, but is missing from all currently produced handhelds. The group argued that satellite operators would be willing to pay a premium for this capability, and that manufacturers could capture a unique market by stepping into this space.

Among the minimum technical requirements outlined were extended filtering between the VHF and UHF bands, robust desense protection, support for both memory and VFO operation in duplex mode, CTCSS subtone transmission, and a rugged external antenna connector for portable Yagi antenna use. Practical considerations such as USB-C charging, selectable power output up to five watts, and energy-efficient design for longer battery life were also highlighted as priorities.

AMSAT-SM further suggested several “nice to have” features that could broaden the radio’s appeal. These included APRS with GPS, Bluetooth support for wireless headsets, and computer connectivity over Bluetooth for channel programming and Doppler control. The group specifically recommended implementing the CAT protocol over Bluetooth, which would allow operators to use existing satellite tracking and Doppler correction software without proprietary apps.

As of August 30, AMSAT-SM reported that three of the twelve manufacturers contacted had responded to their appeal, with one company moving forward in discussions. While details remain confidential, the group encourages operators to stay tuned for updates. The effort reflects both the continuing innovation within the amateur satellite community and the strong desire for modern, purpose-built equipment to support space-based communication.

Read the full letter at: https://www.amsat.se/2025/08/16/open-letter-from-amsat-sm-regarding-development-of-a-full-duplex-handheld/

[ANS thanks Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU and AMSAT-SM for the above information]

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AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

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Wow@Home Project Builds Worldwide SDR Telescope Network to Monitor the Sky

The Wow@Home project, inspired by the famous “Wow!” signal detected in 1977, is advancing its effort to establish a global network of small, software defined radio (SDR) telescopes dedicated to searching for transient astrophysical events and potential technosignatures. Testing of hardware and software continues, though progress has been slowed by a shortage of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), a key component expected back in stock later this month. Project organizers note that the original Wow! signal was strong enough to have been detected by a modest home telescope, underscoring the scientific value of a distributed approach.

A worldwide network of small radio telescopes offers distinct advantages compared to professional observatories. These low-cost systems can operate autonomously around the clock, providing continuous sky monitoring that large instruments cannot sustain. Distributed across different time zones, the network allows global coverage, coincidence detection of events, and rapid response to alerts. The approach is scalable, resilient, and accessible, making it ideal for education, citizen science, and wider participation in radio astronomy.

The prototype Wow@Home telescope is a meridian-style system modeled after the Big Ear telescope used in the Ohio State SETI project. With a fixed elevation and a wide 25-degree beam, the telescope surveys a full 360-degree strip of sky each day as the Earth rotates. Over time, multiple passes yield full-sky coverage. While sensitivity is lower than professional instruments, this design provides valuable data on radio frequency interference (RFI) near the hydrogen line and creates a platform for detecting strong transient events.

Central to the project is the Wow@Home software, now under development. Built initially in IDL (Interactive Data Language) and later to be translated to Python for broader access, the software acquires and analyzes data to identify transient events and reject RFI. Early test results include signal-to-noise plots, hydrogen spectral profiles of the Galactic center, and narrowband event detections. A unique “retro” display option is also being developed to recreate the printout style of the original Ohio SETI experiments, connecting modern work to its historic roots.

The Wow@Home network is not an interferometer and does not measure polarization at this stage. Its strength lies in continuous, distributed monitoring for signals lasting from seconds to days. Coordinated observations across multiple sites can confirm weak or short-lived events, eliminate local interference, and provide complementary coverage to large observatories. Recent discoveries of Fast Radio Bursts and long-period transients illustrate the types of phenomena that modest instruments may detect if deployed widely.

Looking ahead, organizers estimate that at least 114 telescopes are required for basic sky coverage, with about 342 needed for effective redundancy and RFI rejection. At a cost of roughly $500 per station, the full network could be established for under $200,000—far less than a single professional facility. A public version of the Wow@Home software is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. Volunteers with expertise in RFI mitigation, graphical interfaces, or app development are encouraged to contribute. More information is available from project lead Abel Méndez at the University of Puerto Rico (abel.mendez [at] upr.edu).

Project details and updates are available at: https://phl.upr.edu/wow/outreach

[ANS thanks Abel Mendez, University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, and RTL-SDR.com for the above information]

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Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL Debuts with Record Cargo Delivery to ISS

Northrop Grumman’s newest cargo spacecraft, the Cygnus XL, successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on September 18 following its debut launch. The capture took place at 7:24 a.m. EDT (1124 UTC) as NASA astronaut Jonny Kim operated the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple the freighter while the complex orbited about 260 miles (420 kilometers) above the Democratic Republic of Congo. The arrival came one day later than originally planned after the spacecraft overcame a thruster issue during rendezvous preparations.

The mission, designated NG-23, lifted off on September 14 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch marked the 23rd Cygnus resupply flight for NASA, continuing Northrop Grumman’s role in commercial cargo delivery. The company partnered with SpaceX to provide launch services after previously relying on its Antares rocket.

A thruster anomaly initially delayed Cygnus XL’s approach, requiring mission planners to rework the trajectory for a safe capture. “It’s a very intricate planning exercise that we have to go through to arrive at Space Station and rendezvous in a very specific point in space,” explained Bill Spetch, NASA ISS operations integration manager. Engineers resolved the issue, allowing the spacecraft to complete its final maneuvers and reach the station safely.

Cygnus XL represents the largest and most capable version of the cargo vehicle to date. The freighter delivered approximately 11,000 pounds (4,990 kilograms) of supplies, science experiments, and hardware, compared to about 8,500 pounds (3,855 kilograms) on earlier flights. The debut also ended a year-long gap in Cygnus operations, caused by delays to the NG-22 mission, which was ultimately canceled following transport damage.

The NG-23 vehicle was christened the S.S. William “Willie” McCool, honoring the NASA astronaut who lost his life in the 2003 space shuttle Columbia tragedy. “To see a ship bearing his name safely arrive at the station is a reminder that his courage and kindness are still circling our beautiful planet Earth,” said Kim after completing capture operations.

On board are materials to advance research in multiple disciplines, including semiconductor crystal growth, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cryogenic fuel tank technology, and microbial control systems. NASA highlighted a specialized ultraviolet light unit to improve water system safety and crystal-growth experiments that could lead to new cancer treatments. The S.S. McCool was berthed to the Unity module’s Earth-facing port at 10:10 a.m. EDT (1410 UTC) on September 18 and is scheduled to remain at the ISS until March 2026 before deorbiting to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

[ANS thanks Mike Wall, Space.com for the above information]

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The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Have Just Arrived!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight

Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!

---

Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for September 19, 2025

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.]

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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.

Scheduled Contacts

+ Recently Completed

Taka Town Board of Education Children’s Future Division, Taka Town, Japan, direct via JA3YRL
The ISS callsign was OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember was Kimiya Yui KG5BPH
The ARISS mentor was 7M3TJZ
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-09-11 09:22:34 UTC
Congratulations to the Taka Town Board of Education Children’s Future Division students, Kimiya KG5BPH, mentor 7M3TJZ, and ground station JA3YRL!

National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, Nigeria, telebridge via ZS6JON
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Zena Cardman KJ5CMN
The ARISS mentor was IN3GHZ
Contact was successful: Sat 2025-09-20 09:37:23 UTC
Congratulations to the NASRDA students, Zena KJ5CMN, mentor IN3GHZ, and ground station ZS6JON!

+ Upcoming Contacts

Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Oleg Platonov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR
Contact is go for: Wed 2025-09-24 10:00 UTC

Many times a school may make a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last-minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication.  You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

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.

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.]

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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.

AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,

“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”

Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.

Scheduled Events

Radio Society of Tucson Autumn Hamfest – September 27, 2025
Calvary Lutheran Church
8711 East Speedway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85710
https://k7rst.club/2025/08/rst-autumn-hamfest-2025/
N1UW

North Star Radio Convention – October 11, 2025
Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
https://northstarradio.org/
ADØHJ

43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting – October 16 thru 19, 2025
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North
1515 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Details at https://www.amsat.org/2025-symposium/

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information.]

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In this edition:

* CubeSats to Deploy from ISS on September 19
* Register Now – AMSAT Symposium Prices Increase September 16
* AMSAT Board of Directors Election Ends September 15, 2025
* FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Limited Use of Amateur Radio Band
* ARRL Lab Helps Radio Amateurs Avoid Interfering With US Space Force Radar
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* Space Station’s Silver Jubilee Celebrated with Silver Research
* 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

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/

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CubeSats to Deploy from ISS on September 19

JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has announced that five Japanese CubeSats will be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) on September 19 (though the date and time of the deployment are subject to change due to the ISS schedule modification). The deployment event for those satellites will be broadcast via YouTube JAXA Channel. Four of the CubeSats, carrying scientific and educational payloads, will operate in the amateur bands, and radio amateurs around the world are invited to participate in the projects:

GHS-01 is a 2U size CubeSat equipped with a camera for photographing the earth, a sensor for checking the state of the satellite, and an attitude control device. In response to commands from the ground station, the satellite-mounted camera photographs the earth from space and transmits the image data to the ground. In order for amateur radio users around the world to voluntarily acquire image data taken by this satellite by radio, the date and time of image transmission will be published on the website https://gifuhs2022.wordpress.com/. Also, the satellite carries a digitalker mission. Audio data is transmitted from a ground station and stored in the satellite. The voice data is transmitted from the satellite as an analog FM voice signal, and a message is broadcast from space. The date and time the message will be sent will be published on the website. The satellite was built by Gifu University with technical cooperation for using satellite radio waves with sister schools of universities and high schools such as Lithuania, Australia, Kenya, South Korea, and Taiwan. A downlink on 437.090 MHz has been coordinated with 20 wpm CW, 1k2 AFSK, 9k6 GMSK and digitalker voice.

DRAGONFLY, coordinated by Kyushu Institute of Technology, is part of the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite project, BIRDS-X, and funded by Amateur Radio Digital Communications in the U.S. The 2U CubeSat will carry APRS digipeaters on 145.825 MHz, as well as a Store and Forward messaging system. In addition to the VHF APRS frequency, a UHF downlink for CW beacon and telemetry using 4k8 GMSK will transmit at 437.375 MHz. A ground terminal competition will be held on DRAGONFLY. More information is available at https://birds-x.birds-project.com/

STARS-Me2, a 1U CubeSat built by Shizuoka University features an earth observation camera, but the real experimentation takes place on the AX.25 radio downlinks on which those photos are transmitted back to earth. Reception success rates at receiving ground stations will be measured at baud rates of 1.2kbps, 9.6kbps and 115.2kbps. The coding gain of the error correction scheme will be measured on the downlinks. And the reception performance with polarization diversity at multiple terrestrial receiver stations (developed by amateur radio operators) will be evaluated. The goal is to learn more about how large data sets, such as images, are best transmitted from space. UHF downlinks with CW, 1k2 AFSK, 9k6 FSK and 115.2 bps GMSK are coordinated for 437.350 MHz, 437.400 MHz and 437.200 MHz.

RSP-03 is also a 1U CubeSat carrying a camera, but in this case the camera will not be aimed at earth, but at the stars. The main mission is to capture the star data by camera, convert it to “audible data,” and deliver the audio to the ground as a “Stellar Symphony.” After acquiring data of stars and constellations captured by the onboard camera an on-board AI will compose sounds from the star data and transmit it to the ground via an FM Digi-talker. In addition, digital data will be sent using various baud rates and modulation modes, and a digital “QSL card,” stored on the satellite before launch will be transmitted via SSTV after amateurs have uploaded their callsigns from the ground. A downlink at 437.050 MHz will be shared by the FM Digi-talker, 1200 BPS (AFSK on FM), 9600 BPS (GMSK), and 24000 BPS (4FSK, OQPSK). Details are at https://rsp03.rymansat.com/en.

[ANS thanks Masa Arai, JN1GKZ, IARU, and JAXA for the above information.]

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Your 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coin Is Waiting!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

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Register Now – AMSAT Symposium Prices Increase September 16

Discounted registration for the 2025 AMSAT Symposium, to be held October 17-19, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ will be available through September 15th. Prices increase on September 16th.
Credit: Holiday Inn Suites Phoenix Airport North

For details, visit https://www.amsat.org/43rd-amsat-space-symposium-and-annual-general-meeting/ .

Proposals for Symposium papers and presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur satellite community. We request a tentative title of your paper or presentation as soon as possible, with final copy submitted by October 8th for inclusion in the Symposium Proceedings.

Proposals for presentations at the Symposium do not require a paper. Presentations will be recorded and made available on AMSAT’s YouTube Channel and transcribed and published with its slides in the Proceedings.

Proposals should be sent to Frank Karnauskas, N1UW via f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org .

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information.]

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AMSAT Board of Directors Election Ends September 15, 2025

Four seats on the Board of Directors are up for election this year. The four candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected to the seats and the candidate receiving the next largest number of votes shall be declared the First Alternate. Members’ opportunity to vote ends on Monday September 15, 2025. Results will be announced no later that September 30, 2025.

The following candidates who have been duly nominated are as follows:

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Jerry Buxton, NØJY
Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Frank Karnauskas, N1UW
Douglas Tabor, N6UA

AMSAT members may review the candidate statements and cast their ballots at https://launch.amsat.org/2025-BoD-Election .

[ANS thanks Douglas Tabor, N6UA, AMSAT Secretary, for the above information.]

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AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain

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FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Limited Use of Amateur Radio Band

The FCC Space Bureau has granted a license to AST & Science LLC (operating as AST Space Mobile) for using the 430 — 440 MHz amateur radio allocation for TT&C operations for 20 additional satellites.

The FCC Space Bureau commented: “At this time, to address the concerns raised by amateur radio operators and the petitioner, we issue a limited grant to AST to conduct emergency operations in the 430–440 MHz bandwhen no other bands are available for the 20 additional satellites authorized herein for a period not to exceed 24 hours.”

This decision is the result of over 2500 comments to the FCC by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and several International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member societies, AMSAT, and individual amateur radio operators. The IARU maintains its view that the use of Article 4.4 of the ITU Radio Regulations is inappropriate in this matter, in particular as there are existing allocations in the UHF spectrum for Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) operations. There are no technical or operational requirements for AST & Science LLC to intrude the 430–440 MHz spectrum which is a primary amateur and amateur satellite service allocation in ITU Region 1 and in several countries in Region 2.

The IARU and its member societies will continue to monitor the further development of this issue. As a sector member of ITU‑R, the IARU will contribute towards improving the respective process concerning Article 4.4.

The IARU is grateful for the support and contributions from our member-societies.

[ANS thanks IARU for the above information.]

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ARRL Lab Helps Radio Amateurs Avoid Interfering With US Space Force Radar

US Space Command headquarters is being moved to Huntsville, Alabama, known as “Rocket City USA.” The move was announced in a press conference on September 2, 2025. Huntsville will host the 2026 ARRL National Convention as part of the Huntsville Hamfest, but there’s a bigger connection between U.S. Space Command and amateur radio.

Space Command utilizes forces such as the US Space Force to accomplish its command mission. The ARRL Lab supports the U.S. Space Force’s Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) early warning radar installations which scan the skies for incoming missiles and space junk.

Since 2007, the ARRL Lab has been conducting this crucial analysis using Longley-Rice terrain modeling to determine if an amateur fixed station, repeater, or EME station is eligible for a waiver to be granted by the military to run more than the 50 watts of RF power on the 70-centimeter band currently allowed with a 100-mile radius of either the Cape Cod Air Force Station in Massachusetts, or Beale Air Force Base in California. “We want to ensure that amateurs can exercise as many operating privileges as possible, while understanding the need for the Space Force to operate without interference,” said ARRL Lab Manager George Spatta, W1GKS.

The reports provided to the Space Force advise a “cone of protection” in azimuth and elevation at which the amateur would be limited to a power level which would not interfere with the radar.

Amateurs are secondary users on the 70-centimeter band and the ARRL Lab’s cooperation with the military helps ensure we do not interfere with this vital function of our nation’s security. As of this writing, the Lab is conducting this analysis for two different waiver requests. “It is an important part of the work we do to serve radio amateurs,” said Spatta.

[ANS thanks ARRL for the above information.]

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Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for September 12

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/.

EIRSAT-1 NORAD Cat ID 58472 Decayed from orbit on or about 5 September 2025

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager for the above information.]

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Space Station’s Silver Jubilee Celebrated with Silver Research

This November marks a quarter century of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, which has served as a springboard for developing a low Earth economy and NASA’s next great leaps in exploration, including human missions to the Moon and Mars. To kick off the orbiting laboratory’s silver 25th anniversary countdown, here are a few silver-themed science investigations that have advanced research and space exploration.

Antimicrobial properties

Silver has been used for centuries to fight infection, and researchers use its unique properties to mitigate microbial growth aboard the space station. Over time, microbes form biofilms, sticky communities that can grow on surfaces and cause infection. In space, biofilms can become resistant to traditional cleaning products and could infect water treatment systems, damage equipment, and pose a health risk to astronauts. The Bacterial Adhesion and Corrosion investigation studied the bacterial genes that contribute to the formation of biofilms and tested whether a silver-based disinfectant could limit their growth.

Another experiment focused on the production of silver nanoparticles aboard the space station. Silver nanoparticles have a bigger surface-to-volume ratio, allowing silver ions to come in contact with more microbes, making it a more effective antimicrobial tool to help protect crew from potential infection on future space missions. It also evaluated whether silver nanoparticles produced in space are more stable and uniform in size and shape, characteristics that could further enhance their effectiveness.

Wearable tech

Silver is a high-conductivity precious metal that is very malleable, making it a viable option for smart garments. NASA astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory tested a wearable monitoring vest with silver-coated sensors to record heart rates, cardiac mechanics, and breathing patterns while they slept. This smart garment is lightweight and more comfortable, so it does not disturb sleep quality. The data collected provided valuable insight into improving astronauts’ sleep in space.

Silver crystals

In microgravity, there is no up or down, and weightlessness does not allow particles to settle, which impacts physical and chemical processes. Researchers use this unique microgravity environment to grow larger and more uniform crystals unaffected by the force of Earth’s gravity or the physical processes that would separate mixtures by density. The NanoRacks-COSMOS investigation used the environment aboard the station to grow and assess the 3D structure of silver nitrate crystals. The molecular structure of these superior silver nitrate crystals has applications in nanotechnology, such as creating silver nanowires for nanoscale electronics.

[ANS thanks NASA for the above information.]

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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
Taka Town Board of Education Children’s Future Division, Taka Town, Japan, direct via JA3YRL
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Kimiya Yui KG5BPH
The ARISS mentor is 7M3TJZ
Contact was successful: Thu 2025-09-11 09:22:34 UTC 45 degrees elevation

UPCOMING
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, Nigeria, telebridge via ZS6JON
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Zena Cardman KJ5CMN
The ARISS mentor is IN3GHZ
Contact is go for: Sat 2025-09-20 09:37:23 UTC 83 degrees elevation

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. Scheduled radio power down and power up times:

Sat 2025-09-13 12:40 UTC Power Down due to Progress 93P Arrival
Sun 2025-09-14 14:05 UTC Power Up due to Progress 93P Arrival

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.]

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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.

Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, writes…
“My 184th “How to Work the Easy Satellites” presentation was to a wonderful club last night: the Lapeer County ARA in Michigan. Email received this morning:
‘Hi, Clint~I want to thank you for your presentation last night for our club meeting. We had many good comments afterward and I hope it has inspired more of our members to give satellites a try. I was surprised how much research you did on Lapeer and the photos/graphics you put together to personalize your presentation for us. We will be having our annual picnic in a couple of weeks and we will be demonstrating with the Arrow and Elk antennas with a variety of radios and letting members make contacts. Hopefully we’ll get several good runs that afternoon. Again, I appreciate the effort you put into your presentation. Well done! 73, Viki Clark, N8VLC'”

October 11, 2025
North Star Radio Convention & ARRL Minnesota State Convention
Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
https://northstarradio.org/
ADØHJ

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 2025
AMSAT Board of Directors Meeting and 43rd Annual AMSAT Space Symposium & Annual General Meeting
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North
1515 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Details at https://www.amsat.org/2025-symposium/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information.]

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Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA, has developed a Windows program — SkyRoof — that combines satellite tracking and SDR functions in one application. Those using SDRs as receivers for satellite downlinks can now see all satellite traces on the waterfall labeled with satellite names and the boundaries of the transponder on screen. The program follows the Doppler shift, and all frequency tuning is done visually, with a mouse. Provision is made for CAT control of a separate external uplink transceiver. Full information at https://ve3nea.github.io/SkyRoof/index.html (ANS thanks Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, for the above information.)

+ Rolling across the rugged, rusty red terrain on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover came upon some rocks with peculiar green, blue, black and white dots. After detailed image analysis, scientists have come to a potentially encouraging conclusion: If those speckled rocks were formed like they are on Earth, they might be evidence of past life on the dusty planet. The rocks “very well could be the clearest sign of life that we’ve ever found on Mars, which is incredibly exciting,” acting NASA administrator Sean P. Duffy said in a news conference Wednesday. The findings were published in the journal Nature on September 10. (ANS thanks The Washington Post for the above information. Full article at https://wapo.st/4mapyHQ.)

+ “The Most Important Satellite You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of,” a video produced as part of the PBS Space Time series, is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlNKj0K_3FY (ANS thanks The Orbital Index and PBS for the above information.)

+ Xiamen Radtel Electronics Co., Ltd. of Fujian, China has introduced a 12-watt FM VHF/UHF hand-held transceiver which they claim will operate in full duplex across bands. Full duplex is preferred for satellite operation and is rarely offered in handheld radios. The radio also includes reception of AM aircraft frequencies and wide-band commercial FM broadcast frequencies. The Radtel R8000 sells for less than $120 U.S. Another model, the Radtel RT-69, adds GPS and the 222 MHz band, as well as some shortwave SWL coverage. It sells for less than $200 U.S. Details at http://bit.ly/4ph72QT (ANS thanks Clint Bradford, K6LCS, for the above information.)

+ The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is a multi-national forum for the development of communications & data systems standards for spaceflight. An announcement about a competition to help develop new CCSDS protocols will be made at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium 2025 by Matt Cosby, CTO of Goonhilly Earth Station. Further details will be provided in his talk on Saturday 11 October from 15:15 to 16:00, titled “Challenges in Deep Space Communications – and how this community can contribute.“ Details will also be posted on social media after the presentation. The event will be streamed by the BATC at https://amsat-uk.org/. (ANS thanks Dave Johnson, G4DPZ, Hon. Sec. AMSAT-UK, for the above information.)

 

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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 week’s 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
AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.