Take Your Own Photos From Space?

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A new satellite being developed by students at Stanford University will allow amateur radio operators to download specific photos taken by the satellite and, if all goes according to plan, direct the satellite to take a picture on command. Different modulation techniques for transmitting the images will be analysed.

The Sapling Magnifica satellite's primary mission will be to prove several key technologies needed for future Stanford Student Space Initiative satellites to host scientific payloads. The International Amateur Radio Union has coordinated downlink frequencies of 437.400 and 2427.00 MHz. Launch is tentatively planned for later this year.

More information - https://github.com/stanford-ssi

SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY

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All amateurs are invited to participate in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite!

Schedule

  • Start of SSTV transmission: 07 May 2023 00:00 UTC;

  • End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC;

  • Frequency of MCA “ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY”

  • 437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV;

  • Telemetry of the MSC “ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY” – https://r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/

Conditions: within 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable.

For image decoding, it is recommended to use RX-SSTV or Robot36 software. Received images must be in their original state and resolution.

Registration of an application for a diploma

An application for a diploma is sent to e-mail. mail radioamateur@sputnix.ru and should contain:

  • FULL NAME;

  • Call sign (if available, if not, indicate “no call sign”);

  • Date and time of receipt (UTC) of each image;

  • City and country of reception;

  • Return address for sending a paper version of the diploma (or a note that the diploma can be sent electronically)

  • Type of hardware and software used;

  • Accepted images

Applications will be accepted during the duration of the program (7-12 May 2023), as well as a day after the end of the broadcast – until 14th May 2023 00:00 UTC.

Please note that submitting an application means your consent to the processing of personal data specified in it.

Diplomas will be sent within 30 days after the deadline for applications, delivery to recipients will depend on the speed of postal services.

PS There will be special prizes for those who accept all 6 images in good quality.

More Information - https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47960

House Subcommittee Advances Five Satellite-Related Bills

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A U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee unanimously approved five space-related bills 8th March 2023, including legislation seeking to modernize regulations for satellites in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO).

  • The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act (HR 1338) would give the FCC defined deadlines for processing satellite license applications. It would require the FCC to “modernize its rules to encourage operators to base their operations in the United States,” said House Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy Rodgers (R-Wash.), “and incentivize operators to be responsible stewards of space and spectrum in a global marketplace.”

  • The Secure Space Act (HR 675) would prohibit the FCC from granting satellite licenses to foreign entities the U.S. deems a threat to national security or domestic supply chains.

  • Launch Communications Act (HR 682) would streamline the process for accessing certain spectrum for performing commercial spacecraft launches and reentries.

  • Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act (HR 1339) would compel the FCC would to review rule changes that could help promote space-based communications for the agriculture market.

  • Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act (HR 1353) would facilitate the use of satellites as providers of connectivity for emergency services in areas hit by natural disasters or otherwise lacking wireless communications.