HAM Toolkit/HAM Toolkit.iso/text/arrl/sarex.5

Text File | 1994-05-29 | 23KB | 574 lines

Subject: Shuttle Amateur Radio
                      EXperiment
                        (SAREX)
                Bulletin: February 1994

On behalf of NASA, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
(AMSAT) and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), thank you for
your interest in SAREX.  This bulletin contains the latest
information on getting started in this exciting undertaking.  If
you're an Amateur Radio operator, school teacher, or space
enthusiast, SAREX promises to be your Ticket To Space.

Schools have already been selected for missions STS-60 and
STS-59.  If you submitted an application for your school and it
wasn't selected, your application will be recycled for future
SAREX opportunities in 1994.  Please contact ARRL EAD if any
changes need to be made to your original application (ie: change
of address or phone number).

The following dates are tentative.  Please understand that delays
in spacecraft launches are somewhat common; particularly because
there are people on-board!

Upcoming SAREX Missions:
STS-60     February 3, 1994
STS-59     Early Spring 1994
STS-65     Late Summer 1994


Give kids the opportunity to talk to the astronauts, and they'll
ask some remarkable questions.  Here are just a few of the many
questions that students asked of the Space Shuttle crewmembers
during SAREX flights in 1993:

           How do you brush your teeth?  Did you want to be an
astronaut when you were young?  What planet are you closest to?
What would happen if a tether broke?  How fast does the Shuttle
move?  Have you seen any volcano ash?  At what point does gravity
return?  When I become an astronaut, what challenges will I face?

Do you think the ozone layer can be repaired?  What does a
spectrometer measure?  What do scientists hope to learn by
studying solar activity?


STS-58 -- ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS

The landing of Space Shuttle Columbia on November 1, 1993 brought
an end to the highly successful Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment
(SAREX) activities of mission STS-58.  SAREX Working Group member
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, reported that "all facets of this SAREX
flight were performed superbly.  This was a testament of the
outstanding support and preparation by the astronauts on-orbit
and the SAREX team on the ground."

During orbit 206, the Robot packet beacon contained the following
message from the astronaut-crew:

     W5RRR-1*>QST  We are in the middle of Flight Day 13.
Tomorrow we will begin preparation for deorbit, entry, and
landing.  To those of you who have attempted a QSO, the STS-58
crew is eternally grateful. Congratulations to those who have
succeeded.  To those who were not successful, thanks for trying
and better luck during a future mission. The Shuttle Amateur
Radio EXperiment is successful only due to your efforts. ...
Flying in space is truly an honor and I am pleased and proud that
Amateur Radio is part of the human exploration of space.  73,
KC5ACR (Bill McArthur), KC5AXA (Martin Fettman), KC5CKM (Richard
Searfoss).

All 17 scheduled school group contacts were completed, and only 2
of these had to be repeated.  Thousands listened in on the many
school children who were selected by their schools to ask
questions of the Shuttle crewmembers.  Nearly 10,000 students
throughout France listened in via a ham radio repeater link as a
school in Pau, France made their contact.

The mission also provided several "scheduled" general QSO
opportunities.  Said KA3HDO, "For the DX chaser, this mission
will probably be remembered for the special effort that was made
on the part of the astronauts to make as many general voice QSO
contacts as their busy schedule would allow. ... With respect to
packet QSOs, well over 800 (contacts) at this time is a good
estimate."


HAMS + STUDENTS = SAREX

Are you a ham radio operator that was successful making a random
radio contact with the Space Shuttle Astronauts during a SAREX
mission?  If you've answered YES, now is your turn to contribute
to this educational undertaking.

Establish a SAREX station at a local school. Bring in a shortwave
receiver and let students eavesdrop on all of the NASA
air-to-ground audio from launch to landing (frequencies can be
found later in this document).  Then, set up a 2-meter satellite
ground station and attempt a random SAREX contact from the
classroom.  The teacher may even apply for a school contact,
almost guaranteeing that the students will have an opportunity to
communicate with the Shuttle crew during an upcoming SAREX
mission.

Don't closet yourself and your equipment at home.  You, your
radio club, and your local school can become a part of SAREX,
today!


UPCOMING SAREX MISSIONS

The next three flights for SAREX scheduled for 1994 are STS-60,
STS-59 and STS-65 (see table found in this document).
Applications are no longer being accepted for these flights.
Schools who have been selected will be contacted by a SAREX
coordinator.  If your school was not chosen this time,
applications are recycled and you may be chosen for a future
flight, later this year.  Contact ARRL EAD if your application
information should change.


WHAT IS SAREX?

SAREX is the Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment.   With the help of
Amateur Radio clubs and ham radio operators, astronauts will
speak over the ham airwaves while in orbit.  They will talk
directly with large groups of the general public, showing
teachers, students, parents and communities how Amateur Radio
energizes youngsters about science, technology, and learning.

NASA's intent in making astronauts available for SAREX operations
is to involve the largest possible numbers of people,
particularly youngsters, in technology and the US space program
with the help of Amateur Radio.

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), The Radio Amateur
Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) and NASA sponsor these exciting
experiments, with AMSAT heading up technical operations.
Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators work behind the scenes,
including those from NASA's Amateur Radio clubs at the Johnson
Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and Goddard Space
Flight Center.  The ARRL takes the lead with information and
educational support.  ARRL Educational Activities Department
(EAD) and NASA HQ will create lesson plans and resource materials
for teachers.


HOW DO I TALK TO THE ASTRONAUTS?

You may communicate with the Shuttle astronauts using a variety
of modes: voice, packet (computer) radio or television.  It all
depends on which equipment configuration they take into space.
For example, astronauts Jay Apt and Mamoru Mohri made hundreds of
random voice contacts with Amateur Radio operators during STS-47
in September 1992.  When the astronauts were sleeping, however, a
robot computer ham station aboard the orbiting Shuttle
automatically made contact with hundreds more amateurs around the
world.  The robot computer transmitted an acknowledgment to each
ham whose computer successfully made contact with it.

On other missions, the SAREX configuration has even included Slow
Scan Television (SSTV) and Fast Scan Television (FSTV) allowing
amateurs a firsthand glimpse at life in space.


ARE ALL OF THE CONTACTS MADE BY
THE ASTRONAUTS RANDOM?

During each SAREX mission, the astronauts' primary work schedules
dictate when they can and cannot operate the radio equipment.  As
a result, most of the contacts they make are random.  If the
astronauts are operating their radio, however, you can be certain
that many hams will be attempting to contact them.

During SAREX missions, a handful of schools are chosen from
around the world to make contact with the Shuttle.  These
contacts are prearranged, giving the schools a greater chance at
making a successful contact.  Two or more students at each of the
selected schools ask questions of the astronauts during the
contact.  The nature of these contacts embodies the primary goal
of SAREX--to excite students' interest in learning.


I AM A SCHOOL TEACHER--HOW CAN I
GET STARTED?

Schools wanting to make a SAREX contact with the astronauts are
asked to submit proposals and an application to ARRL.  You may
write ARRL EAD for a SAREX application form (see the SAREX
Resource List at the end of this document).

While only a handful of schools get chosen for an actual contact,
all schools can participate by eavesdropping on the Shuttle
astronauts.  SAREX lesson plans are also available to all schools
who participate.  Imagine listening in on the astronauts from
your classroom!

If you are a school teacher, you can easily become a part of
SAREX in your school(s).  Contact the ARRL EAD to get a list of
your local Amateur Radio clubs to help you.

If you are a parent, grandparent and/or a ham radio operator,
contact ARRL EAD and a local school.  EAD will send you
materials, including ways to convince teachers and school
administrators that Amateur Radio is an important discipline the
school should take advantage of on a full-time basis.   This is a
tremendous opportunity for you to showcase SAREX and Amateur
Radio to kids of all ages in a big way.


HOW CAN I USE MY SHORTWAVE
RADIO TO EAVESDROP ON THE
ASTRONAUTS?

When a Shuttle mission carries the SAREX payload, news and
astronaut retransmissions are carried on these Amateur Radio
stations:

     Goddard Amateur Radio Club, WA3NAN, (Greenbelt, MD).  News
and retransmissions on Amateur Radio high frequency (HF) bands at
3.86, 7.185, 14.295, 21.395, and 28.65 MHz and on VHF at 147.45
MHz.

     Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club, W5RRR, (Houston,
TX).  News bulletins and retransmissions on HF bands at 3.850,
7.227, 14.280, 21.350, and 28.400 MHz and VHF at 146.64 MHz.

These stations, and several VHF and UHF repeater groups, will
retransmit the audio signals from the Shuttle on most amateur
bands so that you and the students can hear the communications.
You will hear NASA Mission Commentary, frequent bulletins to
advise listeners of astronaut-planned transmissions, and amateur
two-way voice and amateur television transmissions with the
Shuttle.


HOW MAY I TRACK THE SHUTTLE WITH
A COMPUTER?

A number of software packages are available for tracking the
Shuttle on a personal computer.  Here are just a few options
(ARRL in no way warrants these products):

     AMSAT Tracking Programs. These easy to use programs are
perfect for the serious Amateur Radio space enthusiast or
beginner.  Call AMSAT (The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation)
for current prices and details [phone] or write to AMSAT,
PO Box 27, Washington DC  20044.

     STSPLUS (For IBM). The software was designed by David Ransom
Jr.  The program allows the user to track an orbiting space
shuttle or satellite.  Excellent graphics and maps help to create
a mock Mission Control Center.  Look for STSPLUS posted on the
NASA SpaceLink bulletin board system [phone].

     OrbiTrack (MacIntosh) $20.  Available from BEK Developers,
PO Box 47114, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-7114.  Includes a user's
manual.

    SatTrack (MacIntosh) $20.  Available from Mike Pflueger,
WD8KPZ, 6207 W. Beverly Ln, Glendale, AZ 85306.  Include a blank
floppy diskette.

OrbiTrack and SatTrack are also available via FTP from
sumex.stanford.edu.  Look in  info-mac/app for the programs
sat-trak-102.hqx and orbitrack-214.hqx.


KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS

Computer tracking programs use Keplerian elements to calculate
times when the Shuttle is to appear above your horizon.  Each
time a Shuttle is launched, new Keplerian elements are generated
based on the launch time and the orbiter's inclination and
motion.  Using these elements correctly will allow you to
pinpoint the location of the Shuttle at any given time.

If you're interested in receiving Keplerian elements on a
biweekly basis, write NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Code
513, Greenbelt, MD 20771.  Don't forget to tell them which type
of satellite(s) you are interested in tracking (ie: Shuttle,
Amateur Radio satellites, weather satellites, etc.). See also the
SAREX Resource List on the last page for additional Keplerian
element sources.


NASA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

How do you find information on Shuttle schedules, payloads, space
science and mission lesson plans?  To make the most of your SAREX
experience, NASA has a number of materials and resources
available to educators:

           Teacher Resource Center Network--

Teacher Resource Centers (TRC) contain a wealth of information
for educators: publications, reference books, slides, audio
cassettes, videocassettes, telelecture programs, computer
programs, lesson plans and activities.  For more information,
contact the TRC nearest you.

Teacher Resource Centers:

NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA  Phone: [phone]

NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility
Edwards AFB, CA  Phone: [phone]

Wallops Flight Facility
Wallops Island, VA  Phone: [phone]

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD  Phone: [phone]

NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX  Phone: [phone]

NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL  Phone: [phone]

NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, VA  Phone: [phone]

NASA Lewis Research Center
Cleveland, OH  Phone: [phone]

U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL  Phone: [phone]

NASA John C. Stennis Space Center
Stennis Space Center, MS  Phone:[phone]

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA  Phone: [phone]


           NASA SpaceLink BBS--

NASA SpaceLink is a computer information service that allows
individuals to receive news about current NASA programs,
activities, and other space-related information, including
historical and astronaut data, lesson plans, classroom
activities, and even entire publications.  Although primarily
intended as a resource for teachers, anyone with a personal
computer and a modem can access the network.

The SpaceLink computer access number is [phone] (or
Internet access using the following address:
          spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

Users need a computer, modem, communications software, and a
long-distance telephone line to access SpaceLink.  (The data word
format is 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.)  For more
information, contact the SpaceLink Administrator, NASA Marshall
Space Flight Center, Mail Code CA21, Marshall Space Flight
Center, AL 35812.


SAREX RADIO FREQUENCIES

The following frequencies will be used for SAREX missions during
1994.  These frequencies were chosen after much deliberation to
minimize contention between SAREX operations and other 2-meter
users.  If you have any comments, please direct them to AMSAT via
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO (at his Callbook address) or the ARRL EAD.
We appreciate the cooperation of all amateurs in making the SAREX
operations successful.

Most SAREX operations are split-frequency.  One frequency is used
for "downlink" (the astronauts transmit to Earth stations) and a
separate frequency is used for the "uplink" (Earth stations
transmit to the astronauts).  For all operations, Earth stations
should listen to the downlink frequency and transmit on the
uplink frequency only when the Shuttle is in range and the
astronauts are on the air.


     Packet Downlink
     Worldwide:  145.55 MHz

     Packet Uplink
     Worldwide:  144.49 Mhz

     Voice Downlink
     Worldwide:  145.55 Mhz

     Voice Uplink
     Europe:  144.70, 144.75, 144.80 Mhz
     Rest of the world: 144.91, 144.93, 144.95, 144.97,
                        144.99 Mhz


QSLs

With each SAREX flight, a special QSL card (postcard-type
memento) is designed for each mission.  If you've made a 2-way
contact with the crew or hear the SAREX downlink, you
qualify for a QSL card for that mission.

You are eligible for only one QSL card per mission, regardless of
how many times you made contact.  Please, contact the Shuttle
only once each mission.  This way, other hams will have an
opportunity to make a contact as well.

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


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

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

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

STS-60, STS-58, and STS-65 QSL
C/O American Radio Relay League
Educational Activities Department
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111


GENERAL SAREX QSOs

The extremely busy work schedules of the Astronauts may sometimes
reduce your chance for an unscheduled, random contact with the
Shuttle.  The SAREX Working Group recognizes the longstanding
commitment of the Amateur Radio community in supporting SAREX
activities and attempts to schedule as many opportunities as
possible for general ham contacts during flights.


                 UPCOMING 1994 SAREX MISSIONS (updated 2/1/94):

Mission   Date                Inclination    Crew            Configuration
-------   -----------------   -----------    --------------  -------------
STS-60    February 3, 1994     57 degrees    Charles Bolden, CDR, KE4IQB
Discovery                                    Kenneth Reightler, PLT
                                             Franklin Chang-Diaz, MS
                                             Jan Davis, MS          C
                                             Ronald Sega, MS, KC5ETH
                                             Sergei K. Krikalev, MS, U5MIR

STS-59    Early Spring 1994    57 degrees    Sidney M. Gutierrez, CDR
Atlantis                                     Kevin P. Chilton, PLT
                                             Linda M. Godwin, PL-CDR, N5RAX
                                             Jay Apt, MS, N5QWL     C
                                             M. R. "Rich" Clifford, MS
                                             Thomas B. Jones, MS

STS-65    Late Summer 1994     28.45 deg     Robert D. Cabana, CDR
Endeavour                                    James D. Haisell Sr., PLT
                                             Richard J. Hieb, PL-CDR
                                             Leroy Chiao, MS        C
                                             Donald A. Thomas, MS (TBD)
                                             Carl Walz, MS
                                             Chaiki Mukai, PS

            Abbreviations: Commander= CDR
                           Pilot= PLT
                           Mission Specialist= MS
                           Payload Specialist= PS
                           Payload Commander= PL-CDR

            Configuration A: FM Voice (attended)
                             Packet (attended/unattended)
                             SSTV (attended/unattended)

            Configuration B: FM Voice
            Configuration C: FM Voice, Packet
            Configuration D: FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV
            Configuration E: FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV (different hardware)



                                             SAREX Resource List

SAREX EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND INFORMATION:

       American Radio Relay League (ARRL) SAREX BULLETIN
       Educational Activities Department (EAD)
       ATT: Tracy Simpson-Bedlack, N1QDO
            Educational Correspondent
            225 Main Street,  Newington CT 06111
            Phone [phone]  FAX [phone]

       MCI Mail ID: 215-5052
       CompuServe ID: 70007,3373
       Prodigy: MGTS39A - Luck Hurder
       BIX: ARRL
       Internet (USENET): [e-mail]
       Internet file server: [e-mail] (valid commands
                             include INDEX and HELP)
       ARRL BBS:  [phone] open to the public
                  (14,000/9600/2400/1200/300 N-8-1)


SAREX NEWS, BULLETINS AND KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS:

       ARRL (Newington, CT) Amateur Radio station, W1AW, (9:45
PM, 12:45 AM EST) on HF bands at 3.99, 7.29, 14.29, 18.16, 21.39,
28.59 and VHF at 147.555 MHz.

       The AMSAT International Satellite Net on Tuesdays, 3.840
MHz, 0130Z to 0300Z, and on Sundays, 14.282 MHz, 1800Z to 2100Z,
+/- QRM.

       NASA's SpaceLink BBS: phone: [phone]
                             internet: spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

GETTING STARTED IN AMATEUR RADIO:

       You're Invited...Getting Started in Amateur Radio--free
information booklet.  Provided as a service of the ARRL, this
booklet includes information on your local Amateur Radio clubs,

instructors and examination sites and popular study guides.  Call
our toll-free hotline for new hams: 1-800-32-NEW HAM
(800-326-3942).  Why not get started, today!

       Now You're Talking! book (second edition) contains
everything you need to know to pass your first Amateur Radio
written exams. (#3525  $19)

       Your Introduction to Morse Code cassettes will provide
plenty of lessons and practice so that you can pass the optional
Morse code exam--earning even greater privileges on the amateur
frequencies. (#3487  $10)

       ARRL Technician Class Exam Course video.  Learn the
"ropes" with the "pros."  You won't find a better course or a
better deal anywhere.  5 hours of excitement.  Call
1-800-326-3942 for details.

ARRL BOOKS:

       The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook has the information
you need to communicate through, or receive signals from, a
growing "fleet" of orbiting satellites and spacecraft--including
the Shuttle!
       Whether your interest is in Amateur Radio, weather,
TV-broadcast or other spacecraft, you'll find an immense store of
valuable data--everything from setting up ground station
equipment to antennas. (#3185  $20)

       Your Packet Companion is perfect for the packet (computer)
radio newcomer, covers everything--from assembling a station to
sending mail, from packet satellites and spacecraft to the latest
networking systems.  Its straightforward writing style and clear
drawings will get you on the cutting edge of digital ham radio in
no time. (#3959  $8)


                       Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment
                                    (SAREX)
                           Bulletin: February 1994

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

                                                          SAREX.5
                                                             2/94