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GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – Gahanna City Council has agreed to move forward with a $100 million project that aims to enhance the city’s Creekside District.  On Nov. 17, the council approved a development agreement between the Columbus-based companies Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital, a private investment firm. The approval will pave the way for [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A local property owner started off the holiday season with some generosity. F&W Properties was founded by David and Suzanne Fisher in the 1960s. Many residents have been with them for decades so the founders decided to show them their appreciation. “I think it’s great because I don’t get to be [...]

AMSAT News Service ANS-327
November 23, 2025

In this edition:

• September/October 2025 Edition of The AMSAT Journal Now Available
• New AMSAT CubeSatSim Lite Available on AMSAT Store Sunday
• Happy 12th Birthday to AO-73 (FUNcube-1)
• Successful Reception of CatSat 10 GHz Downlink
• SO-124 Nears End of Orbital Life
• Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for October 10, 2025
• ARISS News
• AMSAT Ambassador Activities
• Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT News Service bulletins are a free, weekly news and information service of AMSAT, The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. ANS publishes news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.

The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in Space as soon as our volunteers can post it.

Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat.org

You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

September/October 2025 Edition of The AMSAT Journal Now Available

The September/October 2025 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to members on AMSAT’s Member Portal.

Click here to download your copy now

The AMSAT Journal is a bi-monthly digital magazine for amateur radio in space enthusiasts, published by the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT). Each issue is your source for hardware and software projects, technical tips, STEM initiatives, operational activities, and news from around the world.

Inside the Current Issue:

• Apogee View – Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
• Educational Relations Update – Alan Johnston, KU2Y
• AMSAT Education and CubeSat Simulator Project Update – Alan Johnston, KU2Y
• The STAR Project and the CubeSatSim Lite – Mark Samis, KD2XS
• The Next Time We Might Receive a Message From the Stars – Joe Kornowski, KB6IGK
• Bridging Orbit and Classroom: SatNOGS and CubeSatSim Activities – Frederic Rabb, KK6NOW

[ANS thanks AMSAT for the above information]

AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing! Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain New AMSAT CubeSatSim Lite Available on AMSAT Store Sunday

The new AMSAT CubeSatSim Lite will be available on the AMSAT Store starting on Sunday November 23 at 7:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time. The product page can be found at https://www.amsat.org/product/cubesatsim-lite–complete/

The CubeSatSim Lite comes fully assembled and includes a Pi Zero 2W with CubeSatSim micro SD card installed, SMA antennas, USB sound card, Pi Camera, and USB power cord and plug. Just plug it into a power outlet and you will receive simulated telemetry in seven modes including the new FUNcube mode and Cross Band Repeater Mode. For full information see this Wiki page: https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/wiki/CubeSatSim-Lite or the CubeSatSim ReadMe file: https://cubesatsim.org/download/cubesatsim-lite–readme.pdf This is a small initial batch – the next batch should be available early in the new year. CubeSatSim Lite Complete

[ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President – Educational Relations, for the above information]

The 2025 AMSAT President’s Club Coins Are Here!
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio on Human Spaceflight
Help Support GOLF and Fox Plus.
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today!

Happy 12th Birthday to AO-73 (FUNcube-1)

AO-73 celebrated its 12th birthday on November 21, 2025. The satellite is still operating well in full-time transponder mode.

On November 21, 2013 FUNcube-1 (AO-73) was launched from the Yasny launch base located in the Orenburg Region, Russia on a Dnepr Launch Vehicle into a 600 km, 97.8º inclination sun-synchronous orbit. In this orbit the satellite passes over the British Isles and Europe approximately 3 times in the morning, and 3 in the evening, every day, perhaps allowing the morning passes to be used for educational purposes and the evening passes for Amateur Radio communications.

FUNcube carries a UHF to VHF linear transponder that has 300 mW PEP output and which can be used by Radio Amateurs worldwide for SSB and CW communications.

Communication subsystem:
• 145.935 MHz BPSK Telemetry 30/300 mW
• Inverting SSB/CW transponder 300 mW
– 435.150 – 435.130 MHz Uplink
– 145.950 – 145.970 MHz Downlink

The passband may be up to 15 kHz higher depending on on-board temperatures. Low temperatures give higher frequencies

As of writing, ground stations from around the world have collected 11,631,536 frames of telemetry throughout the satellite’s life. The satellite’s recently received telemetry values can be found on AMSAT-UK’s Data Warehouse at http://data.amsat-uk.org/ui/fc1-fm.

 

[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]

Successful Reception of CatSat 10 GHz Downlink

Mike Seguin, N1JEz, reports the successful reception of the University of Arizona’s CatSat’s 10 GHz downlink on 10.47 GHz on the morning of November 21, 2025. The satellite’s  linear transponder uses 10 GHz down and 5 GHz up. More information is available at https://catsat.arizona.edu/

Mike reports that signals were quite good in FN34xn in Vermont! His next step is to try the uplink on 5 GHz on 5.663 GHz.

Below is a link to a portion of the pass. It is an I&Q file recorded with HDSDR using the Winrad format.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15cuuhi-U5WDkVjiKHJeuP_argBhH0Cpz/view?usp=drive_link

Congrats to the CatSat team!!

[ANS thanks Mike Seguin, N1JEZ, and the University of Arizona’s CatSat Team for the above information]

SO-124 Nears End of Orbital Life

Simulations indicate that the decay of our satellite HADES-R (SO–124) is approaching and will likely occur during the first two weeks of January 2026. If you can, take the opportunity to make use of this satellite, which has been working very well and has brought much joy to radio amateurs around the world. Any old FM equipment will work, since the repeater is level-activated and does not require a sub-tone.

The frequencies and operating modes are as follows:

SO-124

145.925 MHz uplink, Modes: FM voice (no sub-tone) and FSK 200 bps, AFSK, AX.25, APRS 1200 / 2400 bps
436.888 MHz downlink,  Modes: FM voice, CW, FSK 200–2400 bps

[ANS thanks Félix Páez, EA4GQS, AMSAT-EA for the above information]

Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for November 21, 2025

Two Line Elements or TLEs, often referred to as Keplerian elements or keps in the amateur community, are the inputs to the SGP4 standard mathematical model of spacecraft orbits used by most amateur tracking programs. Weekly updates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files are updated daily in the first hour of the UTC day. New bulletin files will be posted immediately after reliable elements become available for new amateur satellites. More information may be found at https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-resources/.

This week there are no changes to the AMSAT TLE Distributions.

[ANS thanks Joe Fitzgerald, KM1P, AMSAT Orbital Elements Manager, for the above information]

Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase an M2 LEO-Pack from the AMSAT Store! When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.

ARISS News

Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amateurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink frequency on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

Scheduled Contacts

Istituto Di Istruzione Superiore “Il Tagliamento” Di Spilimbergo (Pn), Spilimbergo, Italy, telebridge via IK1SLD

AND

Istituto Comprensivo “G. Mazzini”, Livorno, Italy, telebridge via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Zena Cardman KJ5CMN
The ARISS mentor is IZ2GOJ

Contact is go for: Fri 2025-11-28 11:40:17 UTC 34 deg

Due to the scheduled docking of the Soyuz scheduled for Thu 2025-11-27 12:38 UTC, the radios will be powered down.  Here is the schedule for power down and power up:

Service module radio power down Thu 2025-11-27 10:35 to 10:40 UTC

Columbus module radio power down Thu 2025-11-27 10:40 to 10:45 UTC

Service module radio power up Fri 2025-11-28 10:15 to 10:20 UTC

Columbus module radio power up Fri 2025-11-28 10:20 to 10:25 UTC

Many times a school may make a last minute decision to do a Livestream or run into a last minute glitch requiring a change of the URL but we at ARISS may not get the URL in time for publication.  You can always check https://live.ariss.org/ to see if a school is Livestreaming.

As always, if there is an EVA, a docking, or an undocking; the ARISS radios are turned off as part of the safety protocol.

The crossband repeater continues to be active (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down),  If any crewmember is so inclined, all they have to do is pick up the microphone, raise the volume up, and talk on the crossband repeater. So give a listen, you just never know.

Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orbital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.org/current-status-of-iss-stations.html

The latest list of frequencies in use can be found at https://www.ariss.org/contact-the-iss.html

[ANS thanks Charlie Sufana, AJ9N, one of the ARISS operation team mentors for the above information]

Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get an AMSAT car flag and other neat stuff from our Zazzle store!
25% of the purchase price of each product goes towards Keeping Amateur Radio in Space

AMSAT Ambassador Activities

AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

AMSAT Ambassador Clint Bradford, K6LCS, says,

“Think a 75-minute presentation on “working the easy satellites” would be appropriate for your club or event? Let me know by emailing me at k6lcsclint (at) gmail (dot) com or calling me at 909-999-SATS (7287)!”

Clint has NEVER given the exact same show twice: EACH of the 150+ presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.

Scheduled Events

No events currently scheduled

Interested in becoming an AMSAT Ambassador? AMSAT Ambassadors provide presentations, demonstrate communicating through amateur satellites, and host information tables at club meetings, hamfests, conventions, maker faires, and other events.

For more information go to: https://www.amsat.org/ambassador/

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, for the above information]

Satellite Shorts from All Over

+ China is set to launch an uncrewed Shenzhou spacecraft to the Tiangong space station to provide the Shenzhou-21 astronauts with a means of returning home. An airspace closure notice issued Nov. 17 indicates that China is preparing the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft and a Long March 2F rocket for launch at around 04:10z. on Nov. 25. (ANS thanks SpaceNews Weekly for the above information)

+ Reports indicate the Lobachevsky (RS83S) will be launched in late December. Although the IARU coordination request indicated that it would carry a digital repeater, the satellite’s website indicates that it carries an FM transponder with a 70cm uplink and a 2m downlink. (ANS thanks SpacePi and PV8DX for the information)

Join AMSAT today at https://launch.amsat.org/

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

• Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
• Primary and secondary school students are eligible for membership at one-half the standard yearly rate.
• Post-secondary school students enrolled in at least half time status shall be eligible for the student rate for a maximum of 6 post-secondary years in this status.
• Memberships are available for annual and lifetime terms.

Contact info [at] amsat.org for additional membership information.

73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

This week’s ANS Editor,

Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
n8hm [at] arrl.net

ANS is a service of AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, 712 H Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A portion of Maize Road is closed after a van drove into a pole near Garden Road Saturday afternoon. According to Columbus police dispatch, the van brought down the pole just after 4 p.m. The section of Maize Road from Garden Road to Carbone Drive will be closed until AEP can [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- For one last time in the Horseshoe in the regular season, Ohio State will take the field putting its perfect record on the line. The No. 1 ranked Buckeyes host Rutgers on Senior Day as 11 starters were honored before the game. OSU enters the matchup at 10-0 but are without [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Five suspects have been arrested, including three after a police chase when an alleged stolen vehicle struck another car in Grove City. According to Grove City police, officers were alerted to the presence of a stolen vehicle on Stringtown Road near the intersection of Jackson Pike, as well as a reported [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio man previously imprisoned three times has pleaded guilty to sex crimes again after he unknowingly resumed contact with the undercover agent who aided in his arrest 13 years ago. According to federal court documents, 57-year-old William Kisor was arrested outside of a hotel southeast of Columbus after agreeing [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Work is underway on the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts' plan to convert the former Central Presbyterian Church into a flexible music and event venue. The project, estimated earlier this year at $14 million, follows CAPA's long-held vision to remake the Downtown 19th-century church at 132 S. Third St. into [...]

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead after a crash in Jefferson Township Friday night just before 7 p.m. According to a Franklin County Sheriff's Office media release, a black Honda Civic was traveling on State Route 16 toward Scenic Road when it hit a man in the road. The driver stayed on [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead after a shooting on Columbus' east side near Whitehall Friday night just before 7 p.m. The shooting occurred in the first block of North Hampton Road. According to Columbus police dispatch, the victim was taken in critical condition to a hospital. There is no suspect information at [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio held its 41st annual bake sale on Friday. The holiday tradition raises funds to support families staying at The Ronald McDonald House while their child receives medical care. It wasn't a typical bake sale. There were artists selling their work and other crafts, and [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Experts are warning shoppers to stay vigilant because scammers don't take holidays off. It’s easy to place an online order in just seconds, but Marlon Platt with Chase Bank says to take more time to inspect before pressing to pay.  “Everybody wants to see friends, family and loved ones and purchase [...]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It’s been one thing after another for Joe Bidinger, CEO and Founder of Echo Spirits Distilling Company. Most recently, someone tried to break into the Grandview location. The team could have easily responded with anger but instead are choosing generosity. “We said, now's our opportunity. Let's take this and do something [...]

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® announces the results of the 2025 ARRL Division elections.

In the ARRL Pacific Division, current Director John Litz, NZ6Q (1,270 votes), of Stockton, California, was declared the winner, defeating Bob Vallio, W6RGG (960 votes).

In the Southeastern Division, current Director Mickey Baker, N4MB (1,596 votes), of West Palm Beach, Florida, was declared...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Regional championships are on the line on this final Friday night before Thanksgiving, with schools across central Ohio hoping to practice on Turkey Day with a win this evening. Teams will be competing at neutral sites across the state, including Historic Crew Stadium, where No. 1 Olentangy Orange and No. 2 [...]

Solar activity has remained low this past week. The largest flare
was a C9.9 on November 19 from a region just beyond the NE limb near
N17. Region 4284 grew slightly in the early part of the period but
was in decay after November 19.

New Region 4287 was numbered. A Type II radio sweep (estimated at
695 km/s) was observed on November 19 at 2215 UTC, likely associated
with a B9.0 flare from just beyond...

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority has added a new cell phone waiting lot at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, providing drivers with a free and convenient option for picking up passengers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A company serving coffee, boba tea and soft serve ice cream recently launched its first central Ohio location in north Columbus. On Thursday, Candy Cloud began welcoming customers at 1543 Lennox Town Lane in the University View neighborhood, marking its first Columbus-area storefront. The location was previously a Zoup, which closed [...]