SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC0801 * SpaceNews 01-Aug-94 * BID: $SPC0801 ========= SpaceNews ========= MONDAY AUGUST 1, 1994 SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA. It is published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution. * AUGUST SPACE CALENDAR * ========================= Aug ?? - FAST (Fast Auroral Snapshot) Pegasus Launch Aug ?? - ETS-VI (Engineering Test Satellite) H2 Launch (Japan) Aug 05 - 25th Anniversary (1969), Mariner 7, Mars Flyby Aug 06 - Comet Machholz Returns Aug 12 - Perseids Meteor Shower (Potential Meteor Storm) Aug 18 - STS-68, Endeavour, Shuttle Radar Laboratory (SRL-2) Aug 25 - 5th Anniversary (1989), Voyager 2, Neptune Flyby Aug 28 - 205th Anniversary (1789), William Herschel's Discovery of Enceladus (Saturn Moon) Aug 31 - DSPSE (Clementine), Asteroid 1620 Geograplus Flyby [Info via Ron Baalke] * VE3ONT EME CONTEST SKED * =========================== The Toronto VHF Society, VE3ONT, will participate in this year's ARRL EME Contest using the Institute for Space and Terrestrial Science's 46m (150') Algonquin Park dish (located at grid square FN05xw). This year's operation will provide an increased opportunity to work 144 MHz stations. UTC Date VE3ONT TX Freq Listening Range Approx. Times 29-Oct-94 432.050 MHz 432.050 - 432.060 MHz 0645 - 1815 UTC 30-Oct-94 1296.050 MHz 1296.050 - 1296.060 MHz 0754 - 1844 UTC 26-Nov-94 144.100 MHz 144.100 - 144.110 MHz 0538 - 1645 UTC 27-Nov-94 144.100 MHz 144.100 - 144.110 MHz 0646 - 1713 UTC Because the Algonquin dish has a 9 degree lower elevation limit, stations with horizon fixed antennas in eastern North America will have a limited chance to work VE3ONT. The following operating hints will improve your chance of making a QSO: - As in 1993, VE3ONT will work "split" frequency. Do not call on VE3ONT's TX frequency. Pick a random frequency in the listening range. Use the full range. VE3ONT will be looking for stations in the clear. - VE3ONT will use circular polarization on all bands. You may use linear or circular polarization to make a contact with VE3ONT. If circular, use RHCP on TX and RX for the 144 and 432 MHz bands. On 1296 MHz, they will have switchable sense so you may use either the satellite or EME polarization convention. - Conditions permitting, VE3ONT may start each operating period on SSB to work strong stations as quickly as possible. Please do not call again for a second contact on CW. Conversely, if you make a contact on CW, please do not call again for a SSB QSO. - All contacts will be "random" with no schedules or sequencing. Please be patient. VE3ONT experienced a great deal of QRM during last year's event. Low power and OSCAR class stations are encouraged to make an EME contact with VE3ONT. 100 watts delivered to a single long yagi should be sufficient on the 144 and 432 MHz bands. On 1296 MHz, stations were worked with as little as 10 watts and a 2m (6') dish in 1993. Be advised that use of the dish at the Algonquin Space Complex is always subject to last minute preemption for non-Amateur purposes. QSLs with an SAE should be directed to Dennis Mungham VE3ASO, RR 3, Mountain, Ontario, Canada, K0E1S0. Reception reports are also welcome. Send your log to the ARRL. For further information, contact Peter Shilton VE3VD, (905) 774-8766. The latest developments will be provided at the Central States VHF Conference July 29-30, Memphis, TN, and the International EME Conference, Gottskars, Sweden, August 26-28. [Info via Michael Owen, W9IP] * NEW SPACE ORGANIZATION * ========================== A group of space science educators involved in the use of classroom and school space simulators (including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary simulators) met at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland) during July of 1994 for the purpose of establishing a national organization. The purposes of the organization are: 1. To facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and technical enhancements among simulator using educators. 2. To assist teachers interested in developing space simulators. 3. To provide consultation services to teachers and schools regarding the use of space simulators in space science education. 4. To encourage the use of the information superhighway as a tool for enhancing space science simulations. 5. To provide assistance regarding sources of free or low cost resources and materials from the aerospace community, government organizations, and information providers. 6. To advance the use of simulation as an educational technique in all areas of education. Membership in The National Association of Space Simulating Educators is open to anyone interested in education. The organization's focus is school educators at all levels from pre-K through college. For a free informational pamphlet, write The National Association of Space Simulating Educators, attn. Robert E. Morgan, University School, 20701 Brantley Rd., Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122 or send electronic mail requesting the pamphlet to: nasse@shadowso.com. [Info via Robert E. Morgan, K8RBV] * THANKS! * =========== Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews, especially: N2RPZ VE4KHS WB4APR F6HLG KC6ROL * FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED * =========================== Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any of the following paths: FAX : 1-908-747-7107 PACKET : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA INTERNET : kd2bd@ka2qhd.de.com -or- kd2bd@amsat.org SATELLITE : AMSAT-OSCAR-16 MAIL : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD Department of Engineering and Technology Advanced Technology Center Brookdale Community College Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 U.S.A. <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>> /EX