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Use of 430-440 MHz by AST SpaceMobile constellation

Image by PE0SAT of 435.900 MHz downlink received Sept 12, 2024

Image by PE0SAT of 435.900 MHz downlink received Sept 12, 2024

AST & Science LLC (AST SpaceMobile) currently have five Bluebird satellites, launched 12 September 2024, in Low Earth Orbit using the amateur radio 430-440 MHz band, see
https://community.libre.space/t/asts-bluebird-1-5/12255

These amateur frequencies are used for the uplink and downlinks with up to 50 kHz bandwidth 430.5, 432.3, 434.1, 435.9 and 439.5 MHz.

AST say they have ground stations in Australia, Argentina, Bulgaria and Korea.

They are planning to launch a further 243 satellites also using 430-440 MHz and in February submitted a request for use of those amateur frequencies to the FCC Space Bureau
https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=371448&x=.

In April the FCC responded with these questions to AST
https://forum.amsat-dl.org/cms/index.php?file-download/7502/

AST’s responded in May to the FCC questions regarding their filing, see answer regarding IARU
https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=376295

The Interference Analysis Report submitted by AST in their answer doesn’t mention the interference that would be caused from the 430-440 MHz transmissions, see
https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=373778&x=.

FCC issued this Public Notice in June – comment to FCC by July 21
https://www.fcc.gov/document/space-bureau-accepts-filing-ast-science-llc-application

For some background on FCC attitudes see the interview the Chief of the FCC’s Space Bureau, Jay Schwarz, gave to the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). It primarily concerns the ITU-R EPFD limits but it reflects the new thinking at the FCC about getting rid of “outdated assumptions about system design and spectrum use”
https://www.aei.org/technology-and-innovation/how-the-fcc-space-bureau-is-rethinking-the-rules-of-space/

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ISS Contact with Dublin Students

2025-06-04 ISS Contact with Dublin StudentsStudents at Technological University of Dublin will talk via ham radio with astronaut Takaya Onishi KF5LKS on the International Space Station.

The contact is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 12:10 UTC (1:10 PM BST) via EI1ISS.

The contact on 145.800 MHz FM +/- 3.5 kHz Doppler should be receivable outdoors in the British Isles and Western Europe using just handheld radio and 1/4 wave whip.

Many amateur FM radios can be switched been wide and narrow deviation FM filters, usually marked FM-N (narrow) and FM. For best results you should select the filter for wider 5 kHz deviation FM. Handhelds generally have a single wide filter fitted as standard.

Don’t have a radio for 145.8 MHz?  Use your phone to tune in online using the GoonhillyWebSDR radio https://vhf-goonhilly.batc.org.uk/

A live video feed of the event is planned, check the ARISS YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ARISSlive

For the latest information follow ARISS on X: https://x.com/ARISS_Intl

Follow Takaya Onishi on X: https://x.com/Astro_Onishi

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ISS Slow Scan TV May 5-12

International Space Station - Image Credit NASA

International Space Station – Image Credit NASA

Slow Scan TV (SSTV) transmissions from the International Space Station are planned to take place from 1200 GMT on Monday, May 5, to Monday, May 12.

The ARISS Series 27 images will mark the end of World War 2 in Europe.

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, 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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Issue 245 of OSCAR News Now Available

OSCAR News issue 245 front coverE-members of AMSAT-UK can now download the April 2025 edition of OSCAR News, issue 245, here.

The paper edition edition will be sent to postal members and should arrive in the next 2-3 weeks.

In this issue:
• From the Secretary’s Keyboard
• Satellite News
• Team 2: Canada VO100QO by Stefan Wagener VE4SW and John Langille VE1CWJ
• Roving in England & Wales by Endaf Buckley N6UTC / MW1BQ
• A Quadrifilar Helicoidal Antenna by Ron G4LMN
• AMSAT-UK Statement of Accounts
• The FUNcube-Lite Payload on Jovian-1 by David Bowman, G0MRF
• FUNcube Lite – Project Update by David Bowman, G0MRF
• ARISS Contact Report between the Girlguiding Surrey West Association and the International Space Station on 5th October 2024 by Ciaran Morgan M0XTD
• Goonhilly Radio Club M0XGH by David Johnson G4DPZ

AMSAT-UK FUNcube Mission Patch

AMSAT-UK FUNcube Mission Patch

Membership of AMSAT-UK is open to anyone who has an interest in amateur radio satellites or space activities, including the International Space Station (ISS).

E-members of AMSAT-UK are able to download the quarterly publication OSCAR News as a convenient PDF that can be read on laptops, tablets or smartphones anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Join as an E-member at Electronic (PDF) E-membership

PDF sample copy of “Oscar News” here.

Join AMSAT-UK using PayPal, Debit or Credit card at
http://shop.amsat-uk.org/

E-members can download their copies of OSCAR News here.

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