HAM RADIO INFORMATION
SHUTTLE AMATEUR RADIO EXPERIMENT (SAREX)
SAREX-II-01 is a secondary payload on STS-35, currently scheduled for
launch on May 9, 1990. It will be located in the Aft Flight Deck of the
Space Shuttle Columbia. Ron Parise, WA4SIR, the Payload Specialist and
astronomer on Columbia will be the Astronaut ham operator, using
Configuration C, explained in the Payload Description section below.
SAREX-II-02 is a secondary payload on STS-37, currently scheduled for
launch on November 1, 1990. It will be located in the Aft Flight Deck
of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Ken Cameron, KB5AWP, the pilot of
Atlantis will be the Astronaut ham operator, using Configuration D,
explained in the Payload Description section below.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the customer on the SAREXII
payloads. NASA gave its authorization for SAREX operations for the
following reasons:
To encourage our youth to become excited about science and
technology, and
To familiarize large numbers of the general public with manned
space flight
NASA's intent in making astronauts available for SAREX operations is to
involve the largest possible numbers of people, particularly
youngsters, in Amateur Radio and the US space program. With Amateur
Radio Clubs and hams, our astronauts will speak over the ham airwaves
directly with large groups of students, showing teachers, parents and
communities how Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science,
technology, and learning.
You can easily become a part of this activity in your local schools, as
the astronauts will operate the SAREX equipment on the 2-meter band.
You will be able to send and receive messages via packet for periods of
about 12 hours daily. The astronauts' work schedules will determine
your chances for a voice or television message, but Ron and Ken may
have an hour or more each day for these modes.
The Johnson Space Center's Amateur Radio Club station, W5RRR, in
Houston, Texas, will re-transmit astronaut's signals to WA3NAN, at
Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, MD (near Washington, DC),
and to W6VIO, at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA. These
stations, plus W1AW and several VHF and UHF repeater groups, will
re-transmit the signals on most amateur bands so that you and the
students can copy the communications. You will hear NASA Mission
Commentary, frequent bulletins to advise listeners of astronaut-planned
transmissions, and all amateur two-way voice and amateur television
transmissions with the shuttles. Using a simple hand-held transceiver,
you can open the world of science to hundreds of youngsters. Students
themselves can take part in the shuttle flight via a packet message,
and some will even be able to talk directly to the astronauts in orbit.
ARRL and AMSAT are co-sponsoring these exciting missions, with AMSAT
heading up technical operations. Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators
have already been working behind the scenes for months.
The ARRL takes the lead with information and educational support. ARRL
Educational Activities Branch (EAB) and NASA HQ will create lesson
plans for teachers. All you need to provide is a 2-meter rig or a
packet radio setup. If you are a teacher or instructor, contact ARRL
EAB to get everything you will need and regular news updates. If you
are a parent or a grandparent, contact ARRL EAB and a local school.
EAB 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 a tremendous opportunity for you to showcase SAREX 1990 and
Amateur Radio to kids of all ages in a big way. Plan on being a part
of it; contact ARRL EAB now and give your best to our exciting hobby
and to our hope for tomorrow: America's youth.
The above info can be found in the February 1990 ARRL magazine QST on
page 46.
Write to Rosalie White, WA1STO, the ARRL Educational Coordinator at
ARRL Headquarters Phone (203) 666-1541, Ask for Rosalie
225 Main St.
Newington, CT 06111
Listen to the ARRL Bulletins on W1AW (see QST for CW and voice
bulletins) on a daily basis; and to the AMSAT International Satellite
Nets on Tuesdays, 3.840 MHz, 0130Z to 0300Z, and on Sundays, 14.282
MHz, 1800Z to 2100Z, +/- QRM.
See preliminary Keplerian elements for ASTRO-1, SAREXII-01 and GRO,
SAREXII-02 at end of this message.
PAYLOAD DESCRIPTION AND MISSION OVERVIEW
This section contains a general payload description and a mission
overview. It is not intended to specify requirements or constraints
that should be specified in other sections.
Payload Description
Configuration A - SAREX-II configuration A consists of a suite of
amateur radio equipment, much of which was flown previously on STS-51 F
and prior to that as a reduced capability configuration (configuration
B) on STS-9. Configuration A is comprised of a low power handheld
Frequency Modulation (FM) transceiver, a pare battery set, an
Interface (I/F) module, an SAREX headset assembly, an equipment
assembly cabinet, a Television (TV) camera and monitor, a Payload
General Support Computer (PGSC) and an antenna capable of being mounted
in one of the Orbiter's flight deck windows. The equipment assembly
houses power supplies, a Slow Scan Television (SSTV) converter, a
packet radio Terminal Node Controller (TNC) and switches and displays
necessary to control the equipment as well as connectors to connect it
to other equipment comprising configuration A.
SAREX-II configuration A is capable of communicating with amateur radio
stations within Line Of Sight (LOS) of the Orbiter in any one of three
modes, e.g., voice, SSTV or data. In the latter two modes, the
equipment can be operated either attended or unattended. In the
attended method of operation, the operator manually provides the
equipment with TV pictures (using the TV
camera) or computer data (using the PGSC keyboard) and observes the TV
picture on the monitor or printed text via the PGSC screen. In the
unattended method of operation, the operator sets up the equipment,
turns the equipment on and selects the operating mode. The operator
then attends to other duties with only occasional observation of the
SAREX-II equipment operation.
The function of each of the SAREX-II configuration A equipment suite is
summarized as follows:
a. Handheld transceiver - Receives and transmits FM voice, SSTV or
packet radio signals in the two meter (144 to 146 MHz) Amateur
Band.
b. I/F module - Serves to provide a means of interconnecting the
SAREX-II equipment with the standard crew microphone/headset or the
SAREX headset assembly and standard crew personal tape recorder.
The I/F module also interconnects the handheld transceiver with the
equipment assembly cabinet.
c. Equipment assembly cabinet - Houses the SSTV converter, packet
radio TNC, power supplies and switches, displays and connectors.
1. SSTV converter - Takes normal TV from the camera or Shuttle
TV distribution system and makes still pictures which can
be transmitted in a voice bandwidth radio circuit and takes
still TV frames transmitted up on a voice bandwidth radio
circuit and converts them for viewing on a standard TV
monitor.
2. Packet TNC - Interconnects a computer with a radio
transceiver so that data to and from the computer is
transmitted to and received from other stations in bursts
of characters using a special amateur developed protocol.
This protocol includes error correction and station
addressing features.
d. TV camera - Allows scenes in the Orbiter as well as external scenes
available through the various windows to be televised and sent to
the SSTV converter.
e. TV monitor - Allows viewing of TV pictures from the SSTV converter.
f. Antenna - Permits the radio signals to and from the handheld
transceiver to be transmitted and received through one of the
Orbiter's windows while limiting the leakage of Radiofrequency (RF)
energy into the cabin.
g. PGSC - Serves as a data terminal for the packet radio portion of
the experiment.
h. Associated cables - Interconnect the various pieces of equipment
making up the SAREX-II configuration A suite of equipment.
i. SAREX headset assembly.
j. Personal tape recorder - to record contacts.
Configuration B - SAREX-II configuration B consists only of the
handheld transceiver, I/F module, spare battery set, SAREX headset
assembly, personal tape recorder, and the window antenna. It is capable
only of exchanging voice communications with amateur stations within
LOS of the Orbiter. Configuration B can be operated only in the
attended mode.
Configuration C - SAREX-II configuration C consists of the handheld
transceiver, I/F module, PGSC, spare battery set, window antenna,
packet module, SAREX headset assembly, personal recorder, and the
required cable assemblies. The packet module contains a power supply
and packet TNC. The power supply provides power for the TNC and the
handheld transceiver. The TNC interconnects with a radio transceiver
so that data to and from the computer is transmitted to and received
from other amateur rado stations. Configuration C is capable of
operating in either the voice or data mode in communications with
amateur stattions within LOS of the Orbiter. This configuration can be
operated in the attended mode for voice communication and either the
attended or automatic mode for data communications.
Configuration D - SAREX-II configuration D is the same as configuration
A except that a Fast Scan Television (FSTV) module is added to the
antenna assembly. The FSTV module contains a receiving RF preamplifier
and a video decoder that provides NTSC video for SAREX-II. This
configuration communicates with amateur stations within LOS of the
Orbiter in one of four modes, e.g., voice, SSTV, data, or FSTV. The
voice mode is operated in the attended mode while SSTV, data, or FSTV
can be operated in either the attended or unattended mode.
Note 1: This band is also part of the Amateur Satellite Service
frequency allocations established on a worldwide basis by the
International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Mission Overview
Integrated Ground Operations.- After the payload is initially prepared,
it is transported to the Orbiter integration facility. The payload is
installed in the Orbiter at the launch pad.
Flight Operations.- Operation in-flight will be limited to usage during
off-duty hours by licensed crewmembers. Upon completion of in-flight
operation activities, the equipment will be returned to its flight
stowage position(s) for landing.
Postlanding.- After landing, the payload is removed from the Orbiter
and returned to the customer at JSC.
MISSION OPERATIONS
The mission operations section includes a definition of requirements
and constraints by mission phase.
Payload Control Parameters
The payload control weight and payload control dimensions define the
maximum weight and dimensions of the payload for NSTS mission planning
purposes. A payload may not exceed its control weight or control
dimensions without NSTS approval.
The payload control weights are as follows:
Configuration A 60 lb (27.21 kg)
Configuration B 35 lb (15.90 kg)
Configuration C 45 lb (20.41 kg)
Configuration D 70 lb (31.75 kg)
All configuration A and D payload equipment, except the window antenna,
will be stowed in one and one half middeck locker volumes. The window
antenna will be stowed in the Orbiter window shade bag. All
configuration B and C payload equipment, except the window antenna,
will be stowed in one half locker volume. The window antenna will be
stowed in the Orbiter window shade bag.
For configurations A, C, and D a PGSC can be used to provide the
middeck SPOC function which would eliminate the requirement to carry a
second SPOC. In this configuration SAREX-II would be operated on a
non-interference basis with SPOC requirements.
Operational Requirements and Constraints
The following payload operational requirements and constraints will be
used in the flight planning and implementation of the STS/payload
mission. Requirements that impose flight design and/or crew activity
constraints will be implemented to the extent practical within primary
payload objectives or mission objectives as determined by the NSTS.
Launch Readiness - Prelaunch Constraints:
a. The payload will be in final lift-off configuration when installed
in the Orbiter. At this time, the payload will be capable of
sustaining this configuration indefinitely without access or NSTS
support.
Launch Commit Criteria: The payload will not constrain launch.
On-orbit.- All SAREX-II operations will be conducted in the 2 m (144 to
146 MHz) Amateur Satellite Service band utilizing FM with a nominal
frequency deviation of 5 kHz. The specific frequencies to be used are
contained in annex 1.
Operating times for the SAREX-II payload will be such as to not
interfere with any other planned mission activities. The payload
operating times will be logged via the standard crew personal tape
recorder or the PGSC, as appropriate. The customer will identify the
desired ground locations expected to be used for SAREX-II payload
operations prior to the flight.
PRELIMINARY SAREX ELEMENTS
STS-35, ASTRO-1
Epoch time: 90129.25347223 9 May 90 -6:05:00:000 UTC
Element set: JSC-006
Inclination: 28.4690 deg
RA of Assending Node: 130.7008 deg Space Shuttle Flight
Eccentricity: .0005720 STS-35 Pre-launch flight
Arg of perigee: 246.6067 deg profile Keplerian Elements
Mean anomaly: 119.6564 deg Launch: 5/9/90 04:50 UTC
Mean motion: 15.71792660 rev/day
Decay rate: 3.1 E-04 rev/day 2 W5RRR
Epoch rev: 2 NASA Johnson Space Center
STS-37, GRO, SAREXII-02
Epoch time: 90305.68520255 1 Nov 90 16:26:41:500 UTC
Element set: JSC-002
Inclination: 28.4616 deg Space Shuttle Flight
RA of Ascending Node: 99.7418 deg STS-37 Pre-launch flight
Eccentricity: .0010911 profile Keplerian Elements
Arg of perigee: 295.9904 deg Launch: 11/1/90 15:10 UTC
Mean anomaly: 73.6488 deg
Mean motion: 15.37258192 rev/day W5RRR
Decay rate: 2.3 E-04 rev/day 2 NASA Johnson Space Center
Epoch rev: 2
Element sets provided by Gil Carman, WA5NOM, JSC ARC, W5RRR President
Watch for updates on the ARRL and AMSAT Packet BBS and the Nets.
Ed Stluka, W4QAU 2/27/90
Note to amateur radio operators: If Shuttle transmissions are being
rebroadcast in your area, give us the frequencies in a note when you log off
NASA Spacelink. We'll add your note to this document.
Response(s) to the note above:
========NASA/SPACELINK MESSAGE======= 10-MAR-89 14:30:04
From: N6GOZ Logged on port: @CON5
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
AS AN ADDITION TO YOUR HAM RADIO FREQUENCIES INFORMATION YOU MIGHT INCLUDE TH
E FACT THAT PEOPLE IN THE GREATER SAN FRANSISCO BAY ARE AND SACRAMENTO CAN VI
EW THEMISSION VIA THE W6NKF AMATEUR TELEVISION REPEATER ON MT.DIABLO WHICH OP
ERATES ON 427.250 MHZ WITH THE ANTENNA POLARIZATION BEING VERTICAL.THOSE WITH
CABLE READY TV'S VCR'S OR CABLE CO MPANY BOXES CAN TUNE THIS EQUIPMENT TO CH
ANNEL 58 IN THE CATV FORMAT AND BY HOOKING UP AN OUTSIDE TV ANTENNA SHOULD
BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE TELECAST.THIS MAKES THE SERVICE AVAILABLE TO THE
GENERAL PUBLIC INCLUDING SCHOOLS,COLLEGES ETC.
============END OF MESSAGE===========
========NASA/SPACELINK MESSAGE======= 11-MAR-89 18:29:30
From: RYAN Logged on port: @CON3
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
SHUTTLE AUDIO IS RETRANSMITTED IN THE MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
ON 145.150 MHZ DURING ALL SHUTTLE FLIGHTS. ADDITIONALLY, DURING SOME
FLIGHTS, THE AUDIO IS ALSO RETRANSMITTED BY THE 3M ARC REPEATER (WB0BQG/R)
ON 147.12 MHZ.
============END OF MESSAGE===========
========NASA/SPACELINK MESSAGE======= 17-MAR-89 08:39:57
From: DAVERANSOM Logged on port: @CON3
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA, SHUTTLE AIR-TO-GROUND MAY SOMETIMES BE HEARD
ON VHF AT 145.46 MHZ.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 17-MAR-89 08:40:54
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
THE WB4LA REPEATER LOCATED IN DAYTON, OH ON THE FREQUENCY OF 145.11
REBROADCASTS NASA SHUTTLE COVERAGE FROM NASA SELECT.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 04-MAY-89 19:00:02
HERE IN THE PHOENIX AREA WE ARE RECEIVING SHUTTLE COMMUNICATIONS ON
449.000 MHZ.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 06-MAY-89 01:15:27
HELLO WAYNE HARRELL WD4LYV WITH THE COASTAL PLAINS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
WE HAVE SHUTTLE AUDIO ON THE WD4EVD REPEATER IN SOUTH GEORGIA
REPEATER IS LOCATED AT ASHBURN GA. NEAR I-75
147.285 IS THE FREQ.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 05-MAY-89 18:58:12
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
DURING STS MISSIONS, NASA SELECT AUDIO IS AVAILABLE ON AMATEUR RADIO REPEATER
WD6BNO/R TRANSMITTING ON 52.22 MHZ WITH COVERAGE IN THE CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN
VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. COVERAGE INCLUDES BAKERSFIELD TO STOCKTON. ENJOY!!
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 06-MAY-89 00:42:19
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
HERE IS A FREQUENCY TO ADD TO YOUR HAM LISTINGS OF NASA REBROADCASTS.
THE AMES AMATEUR CLUB RE-BROADCASTS NASA SELECT AUDIO ON 145.580 MHZ 2M FM.
THE SIGNAL ORIGINATES FROM THE NASA-AMES RESEARCH CENTER IN THE HEART
OF THE SILICON VALLEY, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA.
NASA SELECT VIDEO IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LINE-OF-SIGHT
TO BLACK MOUNTAIN VIA AMATEUR TV. FOR ATV DETAILS
MAIL TO: AMES AMATEUR CLUB, P.O. BOX 73, MOFFETT FIELD, CA., 94035-0073.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 10-OCT-89 15:24:36
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER SUPPLIES
A NASA SELECT AUDIO ON 146.64 MHZ 2M FM (W5RRR REPEATER).
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 10-OCT-89 18:07:44
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
FROM WB4CXD- SHUTTLE AUDIO CAN BE HEARD IN BIRMINGHAM, AL ON
145.38 (DIRECT) AND VIA N4AHN REPEATER ON 145.15 MHZ.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 10-OCT-89 22:23:49
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
MESSAGE FOR HAM RADIO SECTION:
..
IF VISITING THE "MILA" (MERITT ISLAND LAUNCH AREA) AT CAPE CANAVERAL,
YOU CAN HEAR LAUNCH, AND AIR-TO-GROUND ON THE K4GCC REPEATER AT
146.94 MHZ. THIS IS A HAM RADIO REPEATER WHICH CARRIES THE "USUAL
INANE HAM CHATTER" UNTILL SOMETHING COMES DOWN THE NASA SELECT AUDIO
FEED. THEN THE FEED OVERRIDES THE REPEATERS INPUT FREQUENCY, AND THE
NASA FEED IS BROADCAST. SO DON'T GET FRUSTRATED THAT THESE RATCHET-
JAWS ARE HOGGING THE AIR, IT JUST MEANS NOTHING IS HAPPENNING YET.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 11-OCT-89 12:57:11
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
NASA SELECT IS ON 444.3 (NN0V) AND 146.40 IN THE CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA AREA.
FOR THIS MISSION (STS34) IT HAS BEEN ON 444.3 ONLY. WE KNOW OF QUITE
A FEW LISTENERS FOR THIS; ALSO MAY BE ON COX CABLE CH 13 (KTS).
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 18-OCT-89 21:16:09
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
WE WILL BE RETRANSMITTING STS-32 AUDIO IN MAIN VIA HAM RADIO ON
224.84 MHZ K1MON/R MT AGAMENTICUS , YORK MAINE
AND 146.925 KA1SSZ/R PORTLAND MAINE
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 16-DEC-89 06:28:36
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
NASA SELECT AUDIO IS REBROADCAST IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA ON
THE FOLLOWING FREQUENCIES:
145.46 MHZ
224.04 MHZ
448.825 MHZ
NASA SELECT VIDEO IS REBROADCAST FROM THE MT. WILSON REPEATER
K6KMN AT A FREQUENCY OF: 1241.25 MHZ
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 21-DEC-89 16:43:13
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
IN WASECA, MINNESOTA,NASA SELECT AUDIO CAN BE FOUND ON 147.45 MHZ.
VIDEO IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON 427.25 MHZ.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 02-JAN-90 23:55:15
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
A "CLEAN" (NO CHATTER OR OTHER TRAFFIC) RETRANSMISSION OF NASA
SELECT AUDIO CAN BE HEARD IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA ON 52.640 AND
448.825. THE SAME SIGNALS ARE SUPPLIED T224.940 AND TO THE
CACTUS SYSTEM. THE CACTUS SYSTEM USUALLY CARRIES THIS FEED TO
THE FOLLOWING AREAS AND FREQUENCIES.
SANTA BARBARA 449.000 SAN JOSE 443.550
SAN DIEGO 448.625 & 448.675 EAST DESERT 448.650
LOS ANGELES 449.000 & 448.650 BLYTHE 448.975
PHOENIX 449.000 & 448.975 TUSCON 448.625
SW/SE NEW MEXICO 449.000 ; 448.975 ; 448.675 ; 448.650 ; 448.625
EL PASO 448.650 LAS VEGAS 449.000
CEDAR CITY 448.650 SALT LAKE 448.625
SOME OF THE MORE OUTLYING STATIONS MAY NOT COVER ALL THE MISSION
BUT USUALLY ARE ON LINE DURING LAUNCH AND LANDING. OTHER AMATEUR
TRAFFIC WILL BE HEARD ALONG WITH THE MISSION AUDIO. DE WA6CDR
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 07-JAN-90 03:56:19
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
IN REGARD TO NASA SELECT REBROADCASTS, IN CENTRAL MINN, 149.200 MHZ
ON A BEAM ANTENNA TOWARDS MPLS WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH GOOD COVERAGE WITHIN
APPX 120 KM OF MPLS. THIS WAS NOT FOUND TO BE CONSISTANT, AND RECEPTION IN
ST. CLOUD WAS FAIR.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 19-FEB-90 12:22:57
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
NASA SELECT MAY NOW ALSO BE HEARD ON THE 146.790 WA8KZR HAM REPEATER
IN GREENVILLE OHIO.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 11-MAR-90 10:45:13
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
IN THE NORTHERN CALIF. AREA SPACE SHUTTLE CAN BE HEARD ON 154.530 MHZ. ON THE
WA6IEO REMOTE BASE. 12 WATTS TRANSMITTING FROM AN ALTITUDE OF 3200 FEET.
============END OF MESSAGE=========== 19-MAR-90 00:03:41
THE REPEATER FREQUENCY FOR THE CHICAGO AREA FOR SHUTTLE SPACE FLIGHTS IS
145.210 MHZ.
05-MAY-89 18:58:12
---------MESSAGE FROM USER-----------
DURING STS MISSIONS, NASA SELECT AUDIO IS AVAILABLE ON AMATEUR RADIO REPEATER
WD6BNO/R TRANSMITTING ON 52.22 MHZ WITH COVERAGE IN THE CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN
VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. COVERAGE INCLU
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