ISS SSTV April 11-16 – Humans in Space

April 12 is the International Day of Human Spaceflight so, what better theme for the April 11-16 Slow Scan TV transmissions.

Start: Friday, April 11 1700 GMT (6pm BST)
End: Wed, April 16 1430 GMT (3:30pm BST)

Frequency: 145.800 MHz FM (+/-3.5 kHz Doppler Shift)
SSTV Mode: PD120 (Transmission cycle 2 minutes on, 2 minutes off)

You are invited to upload decoded images in the ARISS gallery, area “Series 26 – Humans in space” at: https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_SSTV/

Once you’ve submitted, just clicking on the dedicated button you can apply for the official ARISS SSTV award.

Also, you can request the ARISS QSL by contacting the European QSL bureau: https://www.ariss-eu.org/index.php/ariss-station/european-qsl-bureau

To support everyone interested in such events, the European Space Agency released tutorials about how to receive pictures transmitted over amateur radio by the International Space Station: you can find them on https://issfanclub.eu/2024/11/08/esa-tips-how-to-get-pictures-from-the-international-space-station-via-amateur-radio-2/

It’s always possible to receive the ISS SSTV signal by using the WebSDR at the Goonhilly Earth Station, the audio can then be fed into your PC or Smartphone SSTV App https://vhf-goonhilly.batc.org.uk/

Follow @ARISS_intl on X for official updates, since changes can occur.

Reminder, the images are sent on a (roughly) 2 minutes on, 2 minutes off schedule. So if you don’t hear anything, give it 2 minutes!

Many FM rigs can be switched been wide and narrow deviation FM filters. For best results you should select the filter for wider deviation FM. Handhelds generally have a single wide filter fitted as standard.

You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at https://www.amsat.org/track/

Useful information on receiving the pictures and links for Apps to display the pictures can be found here:
https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/

You may be able to get publicity for the amateur radio hobby if you contact your local newspaper and tell them you’ve received a picture (doesn’t have to be perfect) from the International Space Station, see
https://amsat-uk.org/2015/02/04/iss-sstv-in-uk-press/

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2024-12-08

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2024-12-08

Exploring the World of Radio Amateur Satellites

Radio amateur satellites, often referred to as OSCARs (Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio), are artificial satellites built and operated by amateur radio operators. These satellites use amateur radio frequency allocations to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations on Earth. The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) is a key organization promoting the development and launch of these satellites.

History and Development

The journey of amateur radio satellites began with the launch of OSCAR-1 on December 12, 1961. This satellite was a secondary payload on a U.S. spy satellite launch and marked the first-ever amateur radio satellite.Since then, AMSAT and other groups have launched over 30 spacecraft designed and built by radio amateurs. These satellites have played a significant role in advancing satellite communication technology.

Types of Amateur Radio Satellites

Amateur radio satellites can serve various functions, including:

Repeaters: These satellites receive signals from one ground station and retransmit them to another ground station, extending the range of communication.
Transponders: Linear transponders receive signals on one frequency and retransmit them on another frequency.
Store-and-Forward: These satellites store data received from one ground station and forward it to another ground station at a later time.

Current Operations

Currently, there are over 18 fully operational amateur radio satellites in orbit. These satellites are used by licensed amateur radio operators for voice (FM, SSB) and data (AX.25, packet radio, APRS) communications. The AMSAT organization regularly updates information about these satellites and provides resources for operators to get started.

Educational and Scientific Contributions

Amateur radio satellites have also contributed to education and science. Programs like ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) allow astronauts and cosmonauts to communicate with students and educational institutions around the world. This initiative has facilitated over 1,700 connections with ISS astronauts, providing unique learning experiences for students.

Getting Started

For those interested in amateur radio satellites, AMSAT offers resources and guides to help beginners get started. The organization provides information on tracking satellites, operating them, and staying updated with the latest developments.

Amateur radio satellites have opened up new horizons for communication, education, and scientific exploration. Whether you're an experienced operator or a curious beginner, the world of amateur radio satellites offers endless opportunities to connect and learn.

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