Amateur Radio News

AMSAT News Service ANS-074
March 15, 2026

In this edition:

• January/February 2026 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available
• IARU Coordinates Two New Amateur Satellites
• Ten-Koh 2 Satellite With Linear Transponder Deployed
• FO-29 Enters Full Sunlight: Veteran Satellite Sees Renewed Activity in 2026
• Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for March 13, 2026
• 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/

January/February 2026 Issue of The AMSAT Journal Now Available

The January/February 2026 issue of The AMSAT Journal is now available to AMSAT members on AMSAT’s Member Portal.

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
• The futureGEO Project: Charting the Path to a New Era in Geostationary Amateur Radio – Paul Stoetzer, N8HM
• AMSAT GOLF-TEE Electronic Power Subsystem – Kip Moravec, AE5IB
• RARS Supports Historic ISS-Conn Magnet Contact that Almost Didn’t Happen – Mike Nutt, K3LOE
• AMSAT-INDIA Amateur Radio & Space Communication Gallery – Activity Report – Rajesh P. Vagadia, VU2EXP

[ANS thanks The AMSAT Journal team 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 FoxPlus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain IARU Coordinates Two New Amateur Satellites

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Satellite Frequency Coordination Committee has recently completed frequency coordination for two CubeSat missions: Taiwan’s Lilium-4 and Montenegro’s Luca-01. These coordinations ensure that the satellites can operate without interfering with other space-based communications, paving the way for their upcoming launches and contributions to scientific research, education, and ham radio communities worldwide.

Lilium-4, a 6U CubeSat developed by National Formosa University is set to enhance amateur radio connectivity and optical experimentation in space. The satellite, with callsign BN0YCA, will feature a 1200 bps AX.25 APRS digipeater on 145.825 MHz for global intercommunication among radio enthusiasts. It also includes UHF telemetry downlink at 437.850 MHz and a high-bandwidth S-band downlink at 2405.0 MHz for monitoring an onboard optical payload. Additional capabilities involve a V/U repeater with uplink at 145.980 MHz and downlink at 435.250 MHz, plus GNSS positioning using the L1 signal at 1575.42 MHz. The mission focuses on student-led studies of space-to-ground optical signal acquisition, with unencrypted telemetry encouraging public participation in decoding and link-budget validation. IARU coordination for Lilium-4 was finalized on January 31, 2026, following a submission in late December 2025. The satellite is slated for launch no earlier than mid-March 2026 aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, targeting a 510 km polar orbit.

Luca-01 represents Montenegro’s entry into amateur satellite technology, spearheaded by Montenegro Space Research. This 1U CubeSat is designed for educational outreach, equipped with a charged particle sensor and a miniature camera to capture Earth’s surface images. It will transmit special Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images and telemetry data to engage radio amateurs, students, and schoolchildren, using an open protocol for easy reception with affordable equipment. The mission aims to inspire young people in amateur radio and space science, including efforts to image various orbital objects. Downlinks have been coordinated on UHF frequencies: 437.180 MHz primary and 436.150 MHz spare, employing GMSK modulation at rates between 2.4 kbps and 19.2 kbps. Coordination was completed on March 13, 2026, after an application submitted on February 6, 2026. Luca-01 is planned for a Roscosmos launch from the Vostochny Cosmodrome into a 500-600 km Sun-synchronous orbit.

[ANS thanks the IARU for the above information]

The 2026 President’s Club Coin is Now Here!
Help Support GOLF and FoxPlus.

Annual memberships start at only $120
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
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Ten-Koh 2 Satellite With Linear Transponder Deployed

The 6U CubeSat Ten-Koh 2 (also written as Tenkoh-2 or てんこう２) from Japan’s Nihon University was successfully deployed into orbit on March 11, 2026, at approximately 09:34 UTC. The satellite was released from JAXA’s new HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft using the HTV-X Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (H-SSOD) after the vehicle departed the International Space Station (ISS) on March 6 and raised its altitude to around 500 km. This marks the first use of the H-SSOD mechanism for satellite deployment from HTV-X.

Developed by the Okuyama Laboratory in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Nihon University’s College of Science and Technology, Ten-Koh 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, Ten-Koh (launched in 2018). The mission focuses on low-Earth orbit environmental observations to gather data for future space development, alongside in-orbit demonstrations of next-generation communication technologies. Key goals include evaluating high-speed data transmission and enabling global access for amateur radio operators to collect telemetry and experiment with the payloads.

The satellite carries an amateur radio payload coordinated by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and supported by JAMSAT (Japan Amateur Satellite Association):

• V/U Linear Transponder (inverting, 40 kHz bandwidth):
  • Uplink (LSB): 145.895–145.935 MHz
  • Downlink (USB): 435.875–435.915 MHz
• Additional Downlinks/Experiments:
  • CW beacon, Digitalker, AFSK 1.2 kbps, GMSK up to 19.2 kbps on 435.860 MHz
  • High-speed experiments (GMSK 4.8–19.2 kbps, 4FSK 38.4 kbps) and photo/picture downlinks on 435.895 MHz
  • 5.839 GHz CW beacon for microwave-band communication demos (SHF experimenters take note—this provides a great target for testing dishes, feeds, and LNAs)

The transponder is expected to operate on a scheduled basis (initially two days per week, with details forthcoming from the team). Operations began shortly after deployment, with the university’s ground station confirming reception of the CW beacon for basic telemetry (voltage, temperature, etc.).

Post-deployment updates from the Okuyama Lab indicate the signal level is currently weaker than anticipated, prompting ongoing monitoring and appeals for reception reports via networks like SatNOGS to aid diagnostics and performance assessment. Early passes over Japan and other regions have yielded mixed results, with some operators reporting no signals yet, while preliminary TLEs (e.g., temporary NORAD 98542) are circulating for tracking.

Ten-Koh 2 (Image Credit: Nihon University)

[ANS thanks the Okuyama Laboratory at Nihon University for the above information]

Need new satellite antennas?
Purchase M2 LEO-Packs from the AMSAT Store.

When you purchase through AMSAT, a portion of the proceeds goes towards
Keeping Amateur Radio in Space.
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FO-29 Enters Full Sunlight: Veteran Satellite Sees Renewed Activity in 2026

Fuji-OSCAR 29 (FO-29), also known as JAS-2, the Japanese amateur radio satellite launched in August 1996, has entered a new operational phase as of early March 2026. Now approaching its 30th anniversary in orbit, the satellite—long limited by failed batteries—relies entirely on solar panel illumination for power, meaning it only functions during sunlight periods and shuts down in eclipse.

In February 2026, the FO-29 control team (operated from Japan) continued scheduled activations of the linear transponder, with commands sent on specific dates to turn it on for limited windows. Operators noted the unstable situation due to the satellite’s age, with activations sometimes failing if the onboard voltage didn’t respond quickly enough. The transponder operates in Mode V/u (inverting SSB/CW): uplink LSB 145.900–146.000 MHz, downlink USB 435.800–435.900 MHz, with a CW beacon on 435.795 MHz.

Around March 9, 2026, when FO-29 transitioned into a full-sunlight orbit season. This eliminates periodic eclipses, allowing continuous operation as long as solar panels receive light. AMSAT highlighted this in early February bulletins, noting that shadow duration had decreased dramatically (from ~20 minutes to ~1 minute per orbit by mid-February), leading to the full-sun entry on March 9.

SatNOGS observers reported recent CW beacon and telemetry receptions as of March 12–13, 2026, with stations like EA5WA and DL7NDR logging data. On March 13, 2026, amateur operators reported successful SSB and CW QSOs during passes, including busy activity with calls from Japan (e.g., JO1XOK, JE6TSP), China (e.g., BA4QNR, BD5EUA, BG5FWV), and others (e.g., E27DPX). One operator described a “very busy pass” with multiple contacts, and another logged several SSB and CW exchanges despite windy conditions affecting reception.

AMSAT’s live linear satellite summaries and status pages list FO-29 as active under full sunlight conditions, with the transponder remaining on until voltage drops below safe thresholds—no longer an issue in continuous sun. The digital modes (1k2/9k6 BBS) remain inactive, and the Digitalker on 435.910 MHz is rarely used.

This full-sunlight period offers a welcome revival for one of the oldest active analog linear transponders in the amateur fleet. Enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor, log contacts via the AMSAT OSCAR Status Page, and share reports to help track performance.

FO-29 prior to launch

[ANS thanks AMSAT, SatNOGS, and various amateur radio operators for the above information]

Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for March 13, 2026

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/.

Ten-Koh2 has been added to this week’s distribution.

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

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

Lewis Center for Educational Research, Apple Valley, CA, telebridge via IK1SLD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN
The ARISS mentor is AA6TB

Contact is go for: Thu 2026-03-19 17:15:13 UTC 48 deg

Watch for Livestream at https://live.ariss.org/

Amur State University, Blagoveshchensk, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Andrey Fedyaev
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR

Contact is go for 2026-03-26 08:50 UTC

MOBU, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RSØISS
The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Kud-Sverchkov
The ARISS mentor is RV3DR

Contact is go for 2026-03-26 13:30 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 crew member 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.

​​Service Module radio: Not in APRS configuration; only being used for voice contacts at this time. Default mode is for​​​ packet operations (145.825 MHz up & down) but occasionally used for SSTV (145.800 MHz down)​​.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ham TV – Configured. ​​ Default mode is for​​​ scheduled digital amateur television operations (2395.00 MHz).

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.

March 21, 2026
Midwinter Madness Hamfest
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo Minnesota 55313
KØJM, ADØHJ

April 11, 2026
Tucson Area Spring Hamfest
Radio Society of Tucson
Calvary Tucson Church
8711 East Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85710
https://k7rst.club/
N1UW

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

+ NASA held a live news conference on March 12 following the Artemis II Flight Readiness Review, confirming the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft remain in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center for final prep work. Repairs to the upper stage helium system (from a quick-disconnect seal issue) are complete, with rollout to the pad expected later this month. The mission targets the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, now aiming for early April launch opportunities (starting April 1) (ANS thanks NASA for the  information. https://www.nasa.gov/2026-news-releases)

+ NASA’s retired Van Allen Probe A (launched 2012) made an uncontrolled reentry over the Pacific west of the Galapagos on March 11. Most of the spacecraft burned up, with a low risk (1-in-4,200) of debris causing harm; its twin Probe B remains in orbit but non-operational. The probes studied Earth’s radiation belts for years. (ANS thanks AP for the  information. See the full article at https://www.kbtx.com/2026/03/11/old-nasa-science-satellite-plunges-back-earth)

+ Roscosmos completed repairs to the damaged Soyuz pad (Pad 31) at Baikonur Cosmodrome after a November 2025 incident where an unsecured service structure fell during launch. Over 150 personnel restored the site; first relaunch (Progress cargo to ISS) targeted for March 22. (ANS thanks Ars Technica for the information. See the full article at https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/03/rocket-report-spacex-launch-prices-are-going-up-russia-fixes-broken-launch-pad)

+  The European Space Agency has confirmed that its Coronagraph spacecraft, part of the Proba-3 solar observation mission, has gone silent following an onboard anomaly in mid-February 2026. The incident led to the loss of attitude control, preventing the satellite’s solar panels from facing the Sun and draining its battery. The spacecraft has since entered survival mode, cutting off all communication with Earth.(ANS thanks MSN for the information. See the full article at https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/insight/europe-s-solar-mission-hit-by-satellite-blackout/gm-GM11D32319?gemSnapshotKey=GM11D32319-snapshot-1&uxmode=ruby.)

+ Texas-based Firefly Aerospace is celebrated on March 11 after successfully launching its Alpha rocket for the first time in nearly a year. The mission, called “Stairway to Seven,” was the seventh flight for Alpha, which suffered two major mishaps during 2025. The first occurred during the “Message in a Booster” mission last April, which carried a technology-demonstrating satellite for Lockheed Martin but failed to deliver it to orbit after an anomaly occurred during stage separation. Then, last September, an Alpha first stage exploded on the stand during prelaunch tests. This mishap added months to the mission development timeline as the company investigated a cause and got another booster ready for flight. Alpha Flight 7 achieved nominal performance and validated key systems ahead of the Block II configuration upgrade. This test flight also delivered a demonstrator payload for Lockheed Martin. (ANS thanks Space.com for the information. See the full article at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/firefly-aerospaces-alpha-rocket-reaches-orbit-on-1st-mission-since-explosive-accidents-last-year-video.) + The second AMSAT Students on The Air Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th. AMSAT’s new initiative for student satellite activity launched on March 3, with operations encouraged on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. A dedicated AMSAT Discord channel supports coordination, sharing, and youth engagement in making satellite contacts. Early participation has been positive as schools and students get on the birds. (ANS thanks AMSAT Operations for the information) + SilverSat’s SSDV schedule can be found at http://operations.silversat.org/ssdv (ANS thanks the SilverSat team 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).
• Students are eligible for FREE membership up to age 25.
• 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] amsat.org

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

Solar activity was very low to low. Only low-level C-class activity
was observed from Regions 4384 and 4389. Slight growth was observed
in Regions 4384 and 4391. New Region 4392 was numbered. The rest of
the spot groups were either stable or in decay. No Earth-directed
CMEs were observed. Solar activity is expected to be at low levels,
with a slight chance for M-class (R1-R2/minor-moderate) flares,
t...

The Indiana General Assembly has passed and Governor Mike Braun has signed a bill that adds protection for amateur radio operators who live in homeowner association (HOA) regulated housing developments.  

Official language of the House Bill 1152 can be found at IGA | House Bill 1152 - Homeowners association matters.  

Credit for adding the new language goes to Hunter Reed, KD9YLQ; Campbell Reed,...

The nomination period for the 2026 spring season Section Manager election cycle concluded on Friday, March 6. There will be no balloted elections because only one nominee per section was received at ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® Headquarters.   

Wisconsin will have a new Section Manager starting on July 1, 2026. Myron Oestreich, KB9STB, was declared elected as the sole nominee...

Dayton Hamvention® has announced its 2026 Awards.

Technical Achievement Award: Robert Famiglio, K3RF

Robert B. “Bob” Famiglio, K3RF, has spent almost 60 years in amateur radio, blending technical expertise, legal knowledge, and leadership in emergency communications. Licensed at age 13, Famiglio later earned a BSE in electrical engineering and a doctorate in law. For more than 40 years he has ser...

AMSAT News Service ANS-067 — March 8, 2026

In this edition:

* Kairos No. 3 Launch Failure Destroys NUTSAT-3
* Ten-Koh 2 to be Deployed Soon
* GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers March 2026 Rankings
* VUCC Satellite Standing March 2026
* Cambodian Students Blast Off With Satellite Training
* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution
* NASA Reveals Astronaut Who Required Evacuation From ISS
* 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 http://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

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/

Kairos No. 3 Launch Failure Destroys NUTSAT-3

The third time was not the charm for Space One’s Kairos rocket.

Kairos launched for the third time ever on Thursday, March 5, lifting off from Space One’s Spaceport Kii in Wakayama Prefecture at 02:10 UTC (11:10 a.m. local time in Japan). But it was all over about two minutes later.

Space One’s Kairos rocket launches on its third-ever mission on March 4, 2026 from Spaceport Kii.
Space One terminated the flight about two minutes after liftoff. (Image credit: Space One)

“Kairos No. 3 was launched on March 5, 2026, at 11:10:00 a.m., but we determined that mission success was difficult and implemented flight termination measures,” Tokyo-based Space One said via X on Wednesday evening (in Japanese; translation by X).

Among the Kairos No. 3 payloads was NUTSAT-3, a 3U CubeSat created with support from National Formosa University and dedicated to amateur radio service. The satellite, was designed to provide FM voice repeater, APRS, and telemetry services to the global amateur satellite community.

In addition to the amateur radio mission, the NUTSAT-3 project was to have actively engaged students in mission data analysis, RF design performance of satellite radio communications, and community participation by encouraging public engagement through open telemetry data.

[ANS thanks Space.com and The International Amateur Radio Union for the above information. Read the full Space.com story at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/private-spaceflight/japan-startup-space-one-kairos-third-launch.]

The 2026 Coins Are Here! Help Support GOLF-TEE and FoxPlus.
Annual memberships start at only $120.

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
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Ten-Koh 2 to be Deployed Soon

A Japanese amateur radio satellite, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) last October, will soon be deployed in a higher orbit.

After delivering about 12,000 pounds of supplies, scientific investigations, hardware, and other cargo to the ISS for NASA and its international partners, JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s) uncrewed HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft departed the ISS on Friday, March 6. The spacecraft arrived at the space station on Oct. 29, 2025, after launching Oct. 25 on an H3 rocket from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center.

The HTV-X1 spacecraft will boost itself to a 500km circular orbit where it will remain for more than three months acting as a scientific platform for JAXA’s experiments.

After attaining this higher orbit, HTV-X1 will deploy Ten-Koh 2, a 6U cubesat constructed by Nihon University carrying a variety of amateur radio experiments. These will include:

• A linear transponder, developed by JAMSAT, that will operate two days each week (schedule to be announced). Transponder frequencies that have been coordinated with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) feature an uplink in the range 145.895-145.935 MHz with downlink 435.875-435.915 MHz.
• Digitalker with pre-loaded audio to be transmitted at 435.895 MHz.
• Transmission of pre-loaded digital images created in cooperation with students from the Faculty of Arts, also at 435.895 MHz.
• Demonstration of microwave band communication technology at 5.8 GHz in the microwave band.
• Tests of high-speed data transmission at 38.4 kbps in 4FSK.

Following the deorbit command, HTV-X1 will dispose of several thousand pounds of trash from the ISS during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, where it will burn up harmlessly. However, Ten-Koh 2 is expected to remain in orbit and active for approximately one year to 18 months.

[ANS thanks NASA and IARU for the above information.]

GridMasterMap Satellite Top 100 Rovers March 2026 Rankings

The March 2026 rankings for the Top 100 Rovers (Mixed LEO/MEO/GEO) in satellite operations, as determined by @GridMasterMap on X (formerly Twitter), have been released. The ranking is determined by the number of grids and DXCC entities activated, taking into account only those grids where a minimum number of QSOs logged on the gridmaster.fr website have been validated by a third party. Grid numbers do not directly reflect the exact number of activations. Satellite operators are encouraged to upload their LoTW satellite contacts to https://gridmaster.fr in order to provide more accurate data.

Gridmaster Top Rovers for March 2026 (Updated: 2026-02-06)

1 ND9M 26 WD9EWK 51 KE0WPA 76 HB9GWJ 2 NJ7H 27 KX9X 52 WD5GRW 77 VA7LM 3 UT1FG 28 KG5CCI 53 KE0PBR 78 DL4EA 4 JA9KRO 29 DJ8MS 54 XE3DX 79 N8RO 5 N5UC 30 N5BO 55 BA8AFK 80 SP5XSD 6 F5VMJ 31 ON4AUC 56 LU4JVE 81 N6UTC 7 DL6AP 32 K8BL 57 W7WGC 82 N4UFO 8 DP0POL 33 KE4AL 58 PR8KW 83 VE7PTN 9 WI7P 34 KB5FHK 59 JK2XXK 84 PT2AP 10 K5ZM 35 AC0RA 60 EA4NF 85 VE1VOX 11 OE3SEU 36 PA3GAN 61 EB1AO 86 AA8CH 12 WY7AA 37 F4BKV 62 XE1ET 87 KB2YSI 13 LU5ILA 38 KI0KB 63 N6DNM 88 KI7UXT 14 N6UA 39 JO2ASQ 64 W8LR 89 AF5CC 15 HA3FOK 40 KI7UNJ 65 W1AW 90 KJ7NDY 16 OH2UDS 41 VA3VGR 66 KI7QEK 91 BI1MHK 17 W5PFG 42 VE3HLS 67 SM3NRY 92 PT9BM 18 AK8CW 43 BG7QIW 68 KE9AJ 93 FG8OJ 19 N9IP 44 LA9XGA 69 F4DXV 94 BG5CZD 20 AD0DX 45 HJ5LVR 70 VE1CWJ 95 YU0W 21 AD0HJ 46 VK5DG 71 AA5PK 96 PU4CEB 22 DL2GRC 47 N7AGF 72 AD7DB 97 W8MTB 23 N4AKV 48 DF2ET 73 PU6JBN 98 N4DCW 24 ND0C 49 K7TAB 74 KM4LAO 99 PS8BR 25 BA1PK 50 JL3RNZ 75 M1DDD 100 WA9JBQ

[ANS thanks @GridMasterMap for the above information.]

LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!

AMSAT is offering a limited-time promotion for new and renewing members
that includes a free digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites.
The promotion is being offered as AMSAT begins the 2026 membership year.

Anyone who joins or renews their AMSAT membership
during the promotional period will receive a download link
for the latest edition of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites
in their membership confirmation email. JOIN TODAY at
https://launch.amsat.org/
(Remember! Students join for FREE!)

VUCC Satellite Standing March 2026

VUCC Satellite Award/Endorsement Change Summary for February 01, 2026 to February 28, 2026.

Callsign Feb Mar PY2PIM 1200 1250 MI6GTY 1201 1202 JN2QCV 1159 1180 IK1IYU 508 900 WD9EWK(DM43) 779 781 WA3YDZ 353 401 IN3EQZ 268 316 DH0GSU 204 250 IW3SSA New 217 N6UTC(DM14) 128 150 PT2VM 126 150 LU4FW New 147 WB9PNU 115 121 WD9EWK(DM13) 116 119 AD7OV New 100 BI8SSW New 100 KE5JXC New 100

Congratulations to the new VUCC Satellite holders.

IW3SSA
LU4FW
AD7OV
BI8SSW
KE5JXC

IW3SSA is first VUCC Satellite holder from JN66
AD7OV is first VUCC Satellite holder from DN50
BI8SSW is first VUCC Satellite holder from OL15
KE5JXC is first VUCC Satellite holder from EL39

No DXCC Standings this month, ARRL hasn’t updated it to March yet.

[ANS thanks Jon Goering, N7AZ, for the above information.]

Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your 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
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

Cambodian Students Blast Off With Satellite Training

Although space technology may have not been officially introduced into the Kingdom’s standard curriculum, the topic is taking center stage at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC), at the 2nd Session of the NPIC SCT Event: QO-100 and LEO Satellite Training, igniting a passion for space communication among students.

The training, from February 26 to March 3, is transforming the campus into a hub of innovation.

Building on their past success of a 12,076-kilometre transmission to Antarctica via the QO-100 satellite, this year’s training elevates the challenge by focusing on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Students are actively engaged in hands-on learning, constructing and utilizing homemade antenna systems to track these fast-moving satellites across the sky, according to organizers.

International specialists from Japan, France and Australia are providing mentorship, guiding students through the complexities of installing ground stations and communicating with a variety of satellites, including the geostationary QO-100 and LEO satellites like RS-44 and SO-50.

Space and satellite training during the first session at NPIC, held last year. Credit: NPIC and The Phnom Penh Post.

“I wanted to show Cambodian students that space technology is accessible. Watching them successfully track an LEO satellite today proves that our youth are ready for the future,” said Jorge Paulo, a French Marine Electronics and Telecommunications System expert.

Mori Mikio, an amateur radio satellite technician from Japan, emphasized the event’s impact, highlighting how the real success is not just in the technical milestones, but in witnessing the passion of the participants.

“Seeing students successfully track LEO satellites with homemade antennas is a powerful reminder of why this event exists,” he said.

Reth Sengvisoth, one of the organising committee members, shared his satisfaction with their efforts. He said the months of planning and coordination went into bringing this international training to life.

[ANS thanks The Phnom Penh Post for the above information. Read the full article at https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodian-students-blast-off-with-satellite-training-programme-at-npic.]

AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available
Yes, These are the Real Thing!

Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a FoxPlus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain

Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for March 6

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/.

URGENT MESSAGE: From TS Kelso of CelesTrak “[The US Space Force 18th Space Defense Squadron] will run out of 5-digit catalog numbers at 69999 not 99999, which is estimated to occur around 2026‑07‑20 (we’re currently at 68014). At that point, newly cataloged objects will have 6-digit catalog numbers of 100000+ and GP data will not be available for them using the TLE format. CelesTrak developed new formats that removed this limitation (and finally fixed the Y2K problem) in May 2020 and immediately began providing GP data in those formats for software developers. The same limitations apply to the legacy fixed-field SATCAT. Follow @TSKelso on Bluesky for the latest updates, tutorials, and changes as we approach this transition. Spread the word!”

AMSAT is presently alpha testing dissemination of orbital data aka “General Perturbations Data” or “GP Data” in formats that do not have the 5 digit object number limitation and will solicit public help for beta testing in April 2026. Many software packages used by hams already accept at least one of the new formats, and we would like to work through any issues before new satellites arrive without TLE sets. AMSAT will continue to disseminate TLE data for all satellites cataloged below 69999 indefinitely.

NOAA Cat ID 67291 has been renamed “RS95S (QMR-KWT-2)”

The following satellites have been removed from this week’s AMSAT TLE Distribution:

RSP-03 NORAD Cat ID 65732 Decayed from orbit on or about 16 February 2026
BOTAN NORAD Cat ID 65942 Decayed from orbit on or about 03 March 2026
MO-122 NORAD Cat ID 60209 End of mission, last telemetry 25 August 2025
CEVROSAT1 NORAD Cat ID 66309 End of mission, last telemetry 09 November 2025
CO-57 NORAD Cat ID 27848 End of mission, date unknown
CO-58 NORAD Cat ID 28895 End of mission, date unknown
EO-80 NORAD Cat ID 40032 End of mission, date unknown
FloripaSat 1 NORAD Cat ID 44885 End of mission, date unknown

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

 

NASA Reveals Astronaut Who Required Evacuation From ISS

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, Crew-11 pilot and commander of the International Space Station’s (ISS) Expedition 74, has revealed that it was his medical issue that prompted the evacuation of the four Crew-11 astronauts from the space station in January.

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT (Credit: NASA)

The exact nature of his ailment remains undisclosed, but Fincke’s statement clarified that the issue, while not considered an emergency, required “advanced medical imaging not available on the space station.” As a result, Fincke and his crewmates — NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, KJ5CMN, Japanese space agency astronaut Kimiya Yui, KG5BPH, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov — returned to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon “Endeavour” on Jan. 15, about a month earlier than originally planned.

The issue arose on Jan. 7, while Fincke and Cardman were preparing for an upcoming spacewalk. “The agency is monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex,” NASA officials said in an emailed statement on Jan. 7, declining to elaborate on the nature of that concern or the astronaut it affected. Then, on Jan. 8, the agency announced that Crew-11 would end early so the issue could be addressed here on Earth.

Crew-11 splashed down aboard Endeavour in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego, on Jan. 15, leaving a skeleton crew of three aboard the ISS.

SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission was originally slated to launch in mid-February, with a typical handover period between them and Crew-11 expected after their arrival in low Earth orbit, allowing the newcomers time to acclimate to microgravity and life aboard the station. Efforts by SpaceX and NASA allowed for an earlier target date of their Falcon 9 launch aboard Crew Dragon “Freedom,” which lifted off Feb. 13 and returned the ISS to its regular crew complement of seven.

[ANS thanks Space.com for the above information. See the full article at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/nasa-reveals-the-astronaut-who-required-1st-medical-evacuation-from-the-international-space-station.]

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.

RECENTLY COMPLETED
Escola Naval (Brazilian Navy Academy), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, direct via PY1AA
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Sophie Adenot, KJ5LTN
The ARISS mentor was VE3TBD
Contact was successful: Mon 2026-03-02 12:17:25 UTC 49 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the Escola Naval students, Sophie (her first ever ARISS contact), mentor VE3TBD, and ground station PY1AA!
Watch for Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/5mA2OppSV5w?si=EwosjCk9Ckv0qcvs

St Joseph’s Primary School, Bombala, NSW, Australia, telebridge via VK6MJ
The ISS callsign was TBD
The scheduled crewmember was Jack Hathaway, KJ5NIV
The ARISS mentor was VK4KHZ
Contact was successful: Thu 2026-03-05 08:53:18 UTC 32 degrees maximum elevation
Congratulations to the St Joseph’s Primary School students, Jack (his first ever ARISS contact), mentor VK4KHZ, and telebridge VK6MJ!

UPCOMING
TBD

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.

Currently running​​​ packet operations at 437.825 MHz. Please note we’re still in the process of troubleshooting and testing this radio. Feel free to check out status reports at https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_APRS/.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ham TV is currently transmitting a test signal at 2395.00 MHz. For more information, visit the ARISS Ham TV Live site at https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/.

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

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]

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.

March 21, 2026
Midwinter Madness Hamfest 2026
Maple Grove Radio Club
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR

April 11, 2026
Tucson Area Spring Hamfest
Radio Society of Tucson
Calvary Tucson Church
8711 East Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85710
https://k7rst.club/
N1UW

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

Satellite Shorts From All Over

+ In a statement on March 3, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said that its engineers have repaired a badly damaged launch pad at the Baikonur cosmodrome ahead of schedule, averting a potentially longer-term problem for supplying the International Space Station (ISS). The agency said a Progress cargo capsule is now scheduled to blast off to the ISS on March 22. The facility suffered a still unexplained mishap last November during the launch of a Soyuz capsule carrying two Russians and one American to the orbiting station. The pad is the only location where Russia can launch its manned Soyuz capsules, which are a mainstay transport and cargo vehicle for the station. (ANS thanks Radio Free Europe for the above information.)

+ SpaceX launched the 600th Starlink satellite of 2026 during predawn Falcon 9 rocket flight from Cape Canaveral on March 4. The Starlink 10-40 mission added another 29 broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit. (ANS thanks SpaceflightNow for the above information. See the full article at https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/03/03/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-29-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-cape-canaveral-10/.)

+ NASA announced on February 19 that it has reclassified Starliner’s Crew Flight Test (CFT) as a “Type A mishap” — the most serious kind, in the same category as the space shuttle Challenger and Columbia tragedies. CFT launched on June 5, 2024, sending NASA astronauts Suni Williams, KD5PLB, and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) for a planned 10-day stay. Starliner reached the orbiting lab safely. On the way, however, the spacecraft suffered multiple thruster failures and temporarily lost “six degree of freedom” control — the ability to precisely maintain its desired orientation and trajectory. NASA prolonged the orbital stay of Williams and Wilmore multiple times to study Starliner’s thruster issues. In the end, the agency decided to bring the capsule home uncrewed, which occurred on Sept. 6. Williams and Wilmore, meanwhile, stayed aboard the ISS. They came home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in March 2025, having spent about nine months in space instead of the originally planned 10 days. Both have since retired from the agency. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above information. Read the full article at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/we-almost-did-have-a-really-terrible-day-nasa-now-says-boeings-1st-starliner-astronaut-flight-was-a-type-a-mishap.)

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

• Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
• Students are eligible for FREE membership up to age 25.
• 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, Mark Johns, KØJM
mjohns [at] amsat.org

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

Solar activity continued at low levels with isolated C-class
flaring. Regions 4381 and 4384 remained the primary drivers of
activity. The largest event of the period was a C2.9 flare from
Region 4381 on March 3. Region 4384 continues to rotate further onto
the disk, but foreshortening still hinders a definitive
characterization of its magnetic complexity. Region 4378 showed some
new flux emergence bu...

AMSAT News Service ANS-060
March 1, 2026

In this edition:

* AMSAT Announces Students On The Air Satellite Activity Beginning March 3
* ISS Amateur Radio Packet System Activated for Temporary APRS Testing
* Launch Planned for NUTSAT-3 with Voice Repeater and APRS Digipeater
* Astro Pi Mission Zero Challenge Offers Youth Chance to Run Code Aboard ISS
* Elon Musk Suggests Moon-Based Mass Driver for Future Satellite Deployment
* Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 27, 2026
* 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/

AMSAT Announces Students On The Air Satellite Activity Beginning March 3

AMSAT has announced the launch of Students On The Air (StOTA) Days, a new initiative aimed at encouraging student participation in amateur satellite operations. The activity was inspired by AMSAT President Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, and his son Carsten, KQ4SJM, and is designed to promote regular on-air activity among licensed student operators.

Students are encouraged to get on the air and operate via amateur satellites on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, beginning March 3, 2026. While student-to-student contacts are especially encouraged, all satellite operators are welcome to participate and help make students feel welcome on the air.

To support coordination, AMSAT has created a dedicated #students-on-the-air channel on the AMSAT Discord server where participants can arrange contacts and share activity: https://discord.com/channels/838897908224360498/1476716108198445066

Reports of StOTA activity and contacts are encouraged and may be submitted to Carsten, KQ4SJM, whose contact information is available via QRZ.com. Activity reports will help AMSAT gauge participation and support future student-focused satellite initiatives.

[ANS thanks Mark Hammond, N8MH, AMSAT Vice President – Operations and Director, for the above information]

ISS Amateur Radio Packet System Activated for Temporary APRS Testing

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) reports that the packet radio in the Zvezda Service Module has been configured for temporary APRS operation on 437.825 MHz. The system is expected to remain active for testing through March 2, 2026, giving stations worldwide an opportunity to receive packet transmissions and attempt limited digipeating through the orbiting station.

Operators wishing to access the ISS digipeater are advised to include ARISS or APRSAT in the PATH field of their transmissions. The Service Module station is operating under the call sign RSØISS using FM packet at 1200 bps. ARISS recommends transmit power of 5 watts or less, preferably with a directional antenna, to improve uplink reliability and help minimize interference.

The current activation follows a prolonged outage of the Service Module amateur radio system that began during ARISS SSTV Series 30 in November 2025. Images were received early in the event, but subsequent passes produced no SSTV transmissions, and the event was ultimately scrubbed. The Service Module radio used for APRS and SSTV was then taken out of service while teams investigated the problem.

The packet radio in the ISS Zvezda Service Module is enabled for APRS testing through March 2, 2026. [Credit: ARISS]Subsequent ARISS updates reported that the primary Kenwood D710GA radio was replaced with an onboard spare D710E while teams continued troubleshooting and preparing reset procedures. Status reports in the following months continued to show the Service Module radio offline while restoration efforts were planned and carried out.

The newly announced APRS configuration suggests the system is now being evaluated through on-orbit testing following these repair activities. Temporary activations such as this allow radio amateurs worldwide to help confirm reception, observe system behavior, and provide useful reports while the station’s amateur radio capability is assessed.

ARISS encourages operators to monitor official status channels for schedule updates and to share reception reports as testing continues. Additional information on ISS amateur radio operations and current station status is available at https://www.ariss.org.

[ANS thanks Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) for the above information]

Launch Planned for NUTSAT-3 with Voice Repeater and APRS Digipeater

IARU amateur satellite frequency coordination has been completed for NUTSAT-3, a 3U CubeSat dedicated to amateur radio service. The satellite, using the callsign BNØUTC, is operated with support from National Formosa University. NUTSAT-3 is designed to provide voice repeater, APRS, and telemetry services to the global amateur satellite community.

The primary payload is a cross-band FM voice repeater with an uplink on 145.980 MHz using a 67 Hz CTCSS tone and a downlink on 435.250 MHz. Telemetry will be transmitted on 437.850 MHz using 1k2 AFSK with AX.25 protocol. All telemetry is unencrypted and intended for public reception and analysis.

An APRS digipeater will also operate on 145.825 MHz, allowing stations to relay position and status data through the satellite. The digipeater is expected to respond to both its unique callsign and the ARISS alias using standard APRS paths. The open telemetry format and public data distribution are intended to encourage worldwide participation, including monitoring through networks such as SatNOGS.

KAIROS stands at Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Japan ahead of its third planned orbital launch mission. [Credit: Space One]Beyond communications service, the mission includes a strong educational component. Students will participate in RF design evaluation, mission analysis, and satellite communications performance studies. Public dashboards and shared telemetry are planned to promote transparency and community collaboration.

NUTSAT-3 is manifested for launch aboard a Space One KAIROS rocket from Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Japan into a planned 500 km polar orbit. Space One recently postponed the vehicle’s third flight following weather analysis, and the launch window now extends through March 25, 2026. A specific launch date is expected to be announced approximately two days prior to liftoff.

KAIROS conducted two previous launch attempts in March and December 2024, both of which ended in mission failure during early flight. The upcoming mission will mark a return-to-flight opportunity for the Japanese commercial launch provider. Frequency coordination for NUTSAT-3 was requested on December 25, 2025, and completed on January 31, 2026.

[ANS thanks the IARU and Space One for the above information]

Astro Pi Mission Zero Challenge Offers Youth Chance to Run Code Aboard ISS

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and amateur radio operator Sophie Adenot, KJ5LTN, is now aboard the International Space Station following her launch on the SpaceX Crew-12 mission on February 13 and docking on February 14. With about one month remaining before submissions close for the Astro Pi Mission Zero coding challenge on March 23, 2026, her mission highlights ongoing opportunities for young people to run their own code aboard the space station.

Astro Pi Mission Zero, organized by ESA in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO), gives young people the chance to have their code run in space. Participants write a short Python program that reads data from the Astro Pi color and luminosity sensor aboard the ISS and uses it to set the background color of a personalized image displayed for astronauts as they go about their daily tasks inside the Columbus laboratory module.

Adenot serves as an ambassador for the Astro Pi initiative, reinforcing the connection between astronaut missions, STEM education, and global outreach. Licensed in amateur radio, she is among the ISS crew members able to support educational engagement activities, including ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station), which enables scheduled radio contacts between astronauts and students around the world.

An Astro Pi IR computer aboard the ISS supports ESA’s student programs that run code in space. [Credit: Raspberry Pi Foundation / ESA]Mission Zero is designed to be accessible to beginners and can typically be completed in a single one-hour session using only a web browser. Young people aged 19 and under may participate individually or in teams of up to four, working under the supervision of a registered mentor such as a teacher, educator, parent, or youth leader, who provides the classroom submission code required to enter programs.

All eligible entries that follow the official guidelines are scheduled to run on the ISS for up to 30 seconds. Each successful team receives a certificate signed by an ESA astronaut showing the exact time their program executed and the station’s orbital position at that moment, providing a lasting record of their software running in space.

Programs such as Astro Pi Mission Zero complement ARISS school contacts by offering multiple ways for students to interact with the International Space Station — whether by speaking directly with astronauts over amateur radio or by running their own code aboard station hardware. Amateur radio clubs and educators are encouraged to share this opportunity while time remains for participation. Eligibility requirements vary by location; readers should consult the official Mission Zero website for full details: https://astro-pi.org/mission-zero

[ANS thanks the ESA, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and the European Space Education Resource Office for the above information]

Elon Musk Suggests Moon-Based Mass Driver for Future Satellite Deployment

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has suggested building a giant electromagnetic “catapult” on the Moon to launch satellites into space, reviving a concept first explored more than fifty years ago. In early February, Musk told employees at xAI that the company could eventually establish lunar factories to build artificial-intelligence satellites and launch them using an electromagnetic mass driver rather than conventional rockets.

Musk argued that advances in heavy-lift launch capability, particularly SpaceX’s Starship vehicle, could enable delivery of large amounts of cargo to the lunar surface. Once infrastructure exists, he suggested that manufacturing satellites on the Moon and launching them from there could dramatically reduce costs. He also noted that in-space propellant transfer and lunar industrial development could support a permanent scientific and manufacturing presence beyond Earth.

The concept of a lunar electromagnetic launcher is not new. Physicist Gerard O’Neill proposed similar “mass drivers” in the 1970s as a way to fling mined lunar material into space for use in constructing orbital habitats and solar-power satellites. Working with colleagues and student researchers at MIT, O’Neill helped build experimental prototypes demonstrating that electromagnetic acceleration could launch payloads without chemical rockets. Later designs suggested that a system only a few hundred feet long might be sufficient to send material off the Moon.

A 1970s NASA concept shows a lunar electromagnetic mass driver designed to launch payloads from the Moon into space. [Credit: NASA]More recent studies have continued to explore the practicality of lunar launch systems. In a 2023 report to the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, General Atomics researcher Robert Peterkin argued that modern electromagnetic launchers could be powered by abundant solar energy on the Moon, eliminating the need to transport large quantities of rocket fuel from Earth. He suggested that adapting technologies such as the Navy’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system could form the basis of a reliable lunar launch capability.

Such systems could play a role in a broader lunar industrial ecosystem. Early lunar bases would initially depend on machinery and supplies delivered from Earth, but the long-term goal would be to use lunar resources — including silicon, aluminum, titanium, iron, and water ice — to manufacture hardware locally. Launching satellites or raw materials from the Moon’s weaker gravity could make resupply of lunar orbit or deep-space infrastructure far more economical than launching everything from Earth.

While Musk’s timeline and plans remain speculative, the renewed discussion highlights growing interest in lunar manufacturing and infrastructure to support future space activity. For the satellite and amateur-radio community, concepts like lunar mass drivers point toward a future in which large-scale space construction, power generation, and satellite deployment may increasingly take place beyond Earth’s surface.

Read the full article at: https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/elon-musk-wants-to-put-a-satellite-catapult-on-the-moon-its-not-a-new-idea

[ANS thanks Leonard David, Space.com, for the above information]

The 2026 Coins Are Here! Help Support GOLF-TEE and FoxPlus.
Annual memberships start at only $120.

Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/
Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 27, 2026

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 additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.

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

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

+ Recently Completed

CityKidz Pre and Primary School, Johannesburg, South Africa, telebridge via AB1OC
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember was Chris Williams KJ5GEW
The ARISS mentor was IN3GHZ
Contact was successful: Wed 2026-02-25 12:40:05 UTC via AB1OC

+ Upcoming Contacts

Escola Naval (Brazilian Navy Academy), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, direct via PY1AA
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS
The scheduled crewmember is Sophie Adenot KJ5LTN
The ARISS mentor is VE3TBD
Contact is go for: Mon 2026-03-02 12:17:25 UTC

St Joseph’s Primary School, Bombala, NSW, Australia, telebridge via VK6MJ
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be TBD
The scheduled crewmember is Jack Hathaway KJ5NIV
The ARISS mentor is VK4KHZ
Contact is go for: Thu 2026-03-05 08:51:56 UTC

Many times, a school makes a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or runs 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 remains configured in the Columbus Module (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If a crewmember decides to pick up the microphone and turn up the volume, you may hear them on the air—so keep listening, as you never know when activity might occur.

The Kenwood D710E in the Zvezda Service Module is currently running packet operations at 437.825 MHz through March 2, 2026. HamTV in the Columbus Module is configured for scheduled digital amateur television operations on 2395.00 MHz.

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]

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

Irving Amateur Radio Club Hamfest – March 7, 2026
Irving Amateur Radio Club
Betcha Bingo
2420 West Irving Boulevard
Irving, TX 75061
https://irvingarc.org/hamfest-2026/
N5AYP

Midwinter Madness Hamfest 2026 – March 21, 2026
Maple Grove Radio Club
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Road 134
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR

Tucson Area Spring Hamfest – April 11, 2026
Radio Society of Tucson
Calvary Tucson Church
8711 East Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85710
https://k7rst.club/
N1UW

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

[ANS thanks Bo Lowrey, W4FCL, Director – AMSAT Ambassador Program, 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 Satellite Shorts from All Over

+ At the 2026 Hamcation AMSAT Forum, AMSAT President Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, highlighted the AMSAT Status Page (amsat.org/status) as a convenient way to see which satellites are active using user reports updated every two hours. He noted the page is especially useful for tracking scheduled or intermittent satellites and mode changes, helping operators quickly decide what to try on the air. Glasbrenner also reviewed the breadth of current on-orbit operating resources, countering the common perception that “there are no satellites up there.” He outlined AMSAT’s education and youth efforts, including CubeSat Simulator kits, a free 113-page classroom guide at CubeSatSim.org, and free online “Satellites in Space” courses at BuzzSat.com. He noted that AMSAT now offers free membership for students age 25 and under with proof of student status. On the engineering side, he discussed progress on GOLF-TEE, FoxPlus 1U satellites, the LTM-1 linear transponder module for student partners, and a modernized PACSAT board as AMSAT works toward new missions and future higher-performance opportunities. The full presentation may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3bp0lF4u4Y. (ANS thanks the Digital Rancher YouTube channel for recording and sharing the presentation)

+ AMSAT-HB has announced the dates for the next edition of the HB9RG Trophy, which will take place from March 2 through March 15, 2026. The competition commemorates the first amateur radio satellite contact achieved on March 10, 1965, by Hans Rudolf Lauber, HB9RG, and Alfons Häring, DL6EZA, a milestone in amateur satellite communications. Organizers report that the event will return following strong international participation and enthusiastic feedback from previous editions of the Trophy. Based on participant input, AMSAT-HB is currently revising the competition rules to improve fairness, accessibility, and the overall operating experience. These adjustments are intended to better reflect the needs and operating practices of the global satellite amateur radio community. Complete rules, participation procedures, and event updates are available on the AMSAT-HB website at https://www.amsat-hb.org/hb9rg_trophy. (ANS thanks AMSAT-HB for the above information)

+ NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission faces a potential delay after engineers identified a helium flow issue in the upper stage of the Space Launch System rocket during recent testing at Kennedy Space Center. The helium system is used to pressurize fuel tanks and purge propellant lines, and the anomaly requires the rocket to be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for inspection and repair. The move removes the possibility of a March launch attempt, with NASA now targeting no earlier than April while teams investigate the cause and determine whether additional testing will be required. Artemis II is planned to send astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a roughly 10-day mission looping around the Moon. The flight will mark the first human journey beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era and is a key step toward future lunar landing missions. NASA officials say launch timing will depend on repair progress, data review, and confirmation that the rocket’s systems perform as expected after returning to the pad. (ANS thanks CNN for the above information)

+ Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket flew its most powerful configuration, the Ariane 64, for the first time on February 12, successfully launching 32 Amazon broadband satellites into low Earth orbit from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. The satellites were deployed into an approximately 465-kilometer orbit less than two hours after liftoff, and Arianespace confirmed mission success. The spacecraft are part of Amazon’s planned Amazon LEO broadband constellation, intended to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network. Amazon has booked launches across multiple providers, including Ariane 6, Vulcan, New Glenn, Atlas V, and Falcon 9, as it works toward deploying thousands of satellites. Delays among several launch providers have tightened global launch availability, prompting Amazon to secure additional rides where possible. The successful debut of the Ariane 64 restores Europe’s heavy-lift launch capability and highlights the continuing rapid expansion of large low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations. (ANS thanks Ars Technica for the above information)

+ A total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will produce a dramatic “blood moon” visible across North and South America along with parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific region. The event occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the full Moon, casting Earth’s shadow across the lunar surface and turning it reddish during totality. The total phase will last about 58 minutes, though how much of the eclipse is visible will depend on local horizon and weather conditions. In the United States, the eclipse takes place during the early-morning hours before dawn, with some eastern locations seeing only part of the event as the Moon sets. Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes, making them useful opportunities for public outreach and astronomy education. Additional local timing details and visibility maps are available at https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2026-march-3. (ANS thanks Space.com for the above 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).
• Students enrolled in at least half-time status are eligible for free membership to age 25.
• 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,

Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ
mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org

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

Spaceweather.com for February 27 reports about a minor CME hurling
towards Earth.

Solar activity remains at low levels due primarily to C-class flares
just beyond the SE limb near S21. The largest was a C5.3 flare on
February 25. On the visible disk, an approximate 5-degree filament
eruption was observed centered near S08W27 with an associated C2.6
flare.

The eruption was accompanied by a Type II radi...

A historic blizzard paralyzed much of the Northeast in late February, and amateur radio operators were on the air to help forecasters keep track of the storm’s impact. Southeastern New England was one of the hardest-hit areas. ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator and Boston-area SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, provided this summary for ARRL News:

A severe blizzard left...

Due to a severe winter storm, ARRL Headquarters and the Maxim Memorial Station, W1AW, will be closed on Monday, February 23, for the safety of our staff. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency ahead of a blizzard that is moving into the state Sunday and continuing into Monday.

There will be no W1AW bulletin or CW practice transmissions on Monday.

Members can access many...

February 22, 2026

In this edition:

• REMINDER: AMSAT New Memberships & Renewals Includes Getting Started Guide
• AMSAT Publishes “Satellites in Space” Coloring Book
• AMSAT-DL’s Peter Gülzow, DB2OS Honored
• “Satellites and Pollution Control” Added to BuzzSat Online Courses
• Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for February 20, 2026
• ARISS News
• AMSAT Ambassador Activities
• Satellite Shorts From All Over

The AMSAT(R) 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 http://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 [dot]org .

Sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletins via the ANS List. Join this list at: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

REMINDER: AMSAT Membership Now Includes Getting Started Guide

AMSAT is offering a limited-time promotion for new and renewing members that includes a free digital copy of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites. The promotion is being offered as AMSAT begins the 2026 membership year.

Anyone who joins or renews their AMSAT membership during the promotional period will receive a download link for the latest edition of Getting Started with Amateur Satellites in their membership confirmation email. The guide is designed to help radio amateurs understand the fundamentals of satellite operation and serves as a practical reference for both newcomers and operators returning to the hobby. Additional information about AMSAT membership is available at https://launch.amsat.org.

In addition to this limited-time promotion, AMSAT membership includes a subscription to The AMSAT Journal, access to archived issues, discounts on selected items in the AMSAT online store, and opportunities to participate in AMSAT elections, committees, awards programs, and other AMSAT activities and programs. Members may also access archived proceedings from past AMSAT Space Symposiums through the AMSAT member portal.

Beyond these tangible benefits, AMSAT membership supports the development, launch, and operation of amateur radio satellites, along with education and outreach efforts. Joining AMSAT is not just about individual benefits — it is about being part of the community that builds and operates amateur satellites for radio amateurs worldwide. As AMSAT looks ahead to 2026, the promotion helps launch another year of growth and opportunity for amateur radio in space.

[ANS thanks Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT President for the above information.]

The 2026 President’s Club Coin is Now Here!
Help Support GOLF and FoxPlus.

Annual memberships start at only $120
Join the AMSAT President’s Club today and help
Keep Amateur Radio in Space!
https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-club/

AMSAT Publishes “Satellites in Space” Coloring Book

As part of its Youth Initiative, AMSAT just published its “Satellites in Space” coloring book on www.BuzzSat.com. The free coloring book is available at no charge in both English and Spanish language versions.

The complete title of the coloring book is “Satellites in Space Help us Live a Better Life on Earth.” This theme shows how satellites play an important role in virtually every aspect of modern life. The book includes twelve two-page spreads that illustrate different roles that satellites play and the benefits they provide.

For example, one spread explains “Helping Farmers Grow bountiful Crops – For Healthy Meals on Every Table!” Another spread features teenagers using Amateur Radio “Sharing Messages and Pictures ‘ With Friends Around the World!”

The complete list of topics include:

• Agriculture
• Broadcasting
• Communications
• Climate Change
• Pollution Control
• Fighting Wildfires
• Preserving Wildlife
• Space Exploration
• Navigation
• Meteorology
• Research on the ISS
• Search and Rescue

Each topic also includes a one-page discussion guide for adult leaders to use when working with youth and the coloring books.

Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development explains, “We have produced the coloring book for several reasons. First, it is the ‘right thing’ to do. We must educate and encourage youth to become active contributors in satellite and communication technology. Second, It helps us satisfy part of our responsibilities spelled out in AMSAT’s Articles of Incorporation to encouragement of skills, even at the earliest stages of our youth’s development. Third, it begins to develop an awareness in young people of amateur satellites and amateur radio. We, of course, won’t convert every young person into and amateur radio operator and an AMSAT member, but we will get our fair share. The earlier we start, the better our chances.

“There are two very unique aspects of AMSAT’s Youth Initiative. First is it is a ‘community based’ program. The materials are designed so that any parent, scouting leader, amateur radio club or teacher can use the materials as they stand. It does not require buy-in by a school system for get started.

“The second unique feature is that, although its ultimate goal is to interest kids in amateur satellites ans amateur radio, the materials appeal to a broader spectrum of youth’s interests. If they have an interest in current events affecting our planet or in their future careers, we have at least begun a dialog with which we can nurture their possible interest in satellites and communications technologies. And, if we haven’t won them over along the way, at least we have educated them in some aspects of STEM and perhaps even inspired them.

“The Spanish language version of the coloring book is our first step in attempting to publish the coloring book in as many languages as there are AMSAT sister-organizations. I am interested in exchanging ideas with representatives of AMSAT organizations around the world to help make this happen.

“AMSAT thanks Amateur Radio Digital Corporation for a generous grant to make this project possible.”

Persons interested in viewing the coloring book and perhaps downloading copies for the kids can learn more at www.BuzzSat.com.

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, 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 FoxPlus Satellite
Includes First Class Postage (Sorry – U.S. Addresses Only)
Order Today athttps://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain

AMSAT-DL’s Peter Gülzow, DB2OS Honored

Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, was recently honored as one of the “Top 100 of the Table 2025/26”: The 100 key figures in the space scene, and among the ten most influential leaders in the associations category. This recognition was bestowed by by the editors of Space.Table. The Table.Briefings editorial team is a diverse group of talented editors who are experts in their field and bring a wide range of experience and knowledge.

Peter commented, “The space editors of Table.Media have honored me as one of the ten formative minds in the associations category. However, I see this recognition not only as a personal award, but above all as a tribute to an extraordinary community: AMSAT!

“For more than 50 years, the global AMSAT community has been developing, building and operating small satellites – driven by voluntary commitment, enthusiasm for space travel, passion, technical excellence and a clear vision. If AMSAT were a ‘space nation,’ we would rank about 10th in the world with over 130 amateur radio satellites launched. This is a remarkable result for a non-governmental organization run by volunteers.

“AMSAT was and is an incubator for technology, training and entrepreneurial thinking in the space sector. Generations of radio amateurs, students, engineers and founders have been shaped by this platform.

“However, against the backdrop of growing commercial mega-constellations and increasing regulatory consolidation, a central question arises: What role will non-commercial, experimental satellite radio play in the orbit system in the future?
Amateur radio via satellite is not a nostalgic relic. It is:

a low-threshold access to space travel for the next generation,
an experimental testing ground for new technologies,
an international cooperation model beyond geopolitical tensions, and a building block of technological sovereignty – also in Europe.

“This requires reliable frequency protection, regulatory planning security and a political framework that does not suppress voluntary innovation structures, but recognizes them as part of the space ecosystem.”

[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL for the above information.]

“Satellites and Pollution Control” Added to BuzzSat Online Courses

Retired school science teacher and AMSAT volunteer Eric Sonnenwald, N2XSE, has been hard at work finishing AMSAT’s third online course “Satellites and Pollution Control.”

The first two course published, “Introduction to Satellite Meteorology” and “Satellites and Climate Change” have gone through their initial test reviews and are now fully active. The pollution control course is online but not promoted until its review cycle is completed.

Two additional courses, “Satellites and Conservation” and “Satellites in Wildfire Fighting” are nearing completion and will be online shortly.

These courses are designed for teenage students and are available at no charge to any parent, group leader or teacher.

Future titles planned include:

• Amateur Satellites
• Building a Ground Station
• Satellite Telemetry
• Broadcasting
• Navigation
• Point-to-Point Communications
• Space Exploration
• Research in Space
• Search and Rescues
• And, many more.

Persons who are subject matter experts in any of the above fields or any other topics that you think are important to STEM education are invited to email volunteer [at] AMSAT [dot] org. The AMSAT Youth Initiative has a great working team and welcomes more volunteers to help stimulate youth interest in amateur satellites and amateur radio. Try the online courses at www.BuzzSat.com.

[ANS thanks Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, AMSAT VP-Development, for the above information.]

Want to fly the colors on your own grid expedition?
Get your 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
https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_gear

Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for February 20, 2026

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 additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distribution.

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

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.

Upcoming Contacts

+ CityKidz Pre and Primary School, Johannesburg, South Africa, telebridge via AB1OC.
The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be NA1SS.
The scheduled crewmember is Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor is Peter Kofler, IN3GHZ.
Contact is go for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 12:42 UTC.

Completed Contacts

+ The Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Discovery (CCID), Providence, UT direct via W7IVM.
The ISS callsign was NA1SS.
The crewmember was Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor was Charlie Sufana, AJ9N.
Contact was successful at Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 17:13 UTC.

+ FIRST x XRP Governors Cup, Washington, DC, telebridge via K6DUE.
The ISS callsign was NA1SS
The crewmember was Chris Williams, KJ5GEW.
The ARISS mentor was Charlie Sufana, AJ9N.
Contact was successful: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 14:56 UTC.

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.

The packet system is also active (145.825 MHz up & down).

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

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.]

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.

March 21, 2026
Midwinter Madness Hamfest 2026
Maple Grove Radio Club
Buffalo Civic Center
1306 County Rd 134
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/
KØJM, ADØHJ, KEØPBR

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

Satellite Shorts From All Over

• Flatsat 1 is a hardware based training platform designed to be vulnerable — on purpose. It’s built for hackers, engineers, and space enthusiasts who want to dive deep into space-grade systems, learn cybersecurity concepts, and prototype their own payloads. The board contains an RP2040 MCU for comms and simulation, 2 x SX1262 LoRa radios for realistic space-ground communication scenarios, LIS2DH 3-axis accelerometer for sensor data emulation and tampering challenges, and a BME280 environmental sensor for telemetry testing. All firmware and documentation is open source. Boards are scheduled for availability on April 30, 2026, but pricing information is not yet announced. [ANS thanks Electronic Cats for the above information. See the full description at https://electroniccats.com/flat-sat/.]
  
• The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAA-B) has approved the resumption of Falcon 9 first-stage touchdowns in the nation’s waters. The decision ended a lengthy review spurred by a test flight mishap with SpaceX’s Starship megarocket, which rained debris down on parts of the island nation nearly a year ago. SpaceX can land its rockets in The Bahamas again — and will do so very soon, if all goes according to plan. [ANS thanks Space.com for the above information. See the full article at https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-resume-rocket-landings-bahamas-after-starship-mishap-debris.]
  
• A new SpaceX tool for tracking satellites and other objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) could help prevent future satellite collisions, and it’s attracting significant industry interest by requiring users to provide data on their own satellites. The system, known as Stargaze, uses the star tracker cameras on SpaceX’s near-10,000 Starlink satellites to image objects in LEO, creating a detailed map of where everything is at any one time. That information could make a huge difference in avoiding satellite collisions. [ANS thanks Yahoo!Tech for the above information. See the full article at https://tech.yahoo.com/science/articles/spacex-pushes-stargaze-space-management-191417399.html.]

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

In addition to regular membership, AMSAT offers membership to:

• Societies (a recognized group, clubs or organization).
• Students are eligible for FREE membership up to age 25.
• 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, Frank Karnauskas, N1UW.
f.karnauskas [at] amsat [dot] org

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

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is looking for qualified applicants for Field Agents in seven Enforcement Bureau (EB) offices across the United States: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY, and Portland, OR. Incumbents will resolve Radio Frequency (RF) interference, educate users, and enforce regulations. The GS levels for this position hav...

Solar activity returned to low levels this past week. The strongest
event of the period was a C1.8 flare on February 17 from region
4374. This region was also responsible for a C1.4 flare on February
18. The only other flare of note was a C1.1 flare on February 17
from an unnumbered plage region near S05E85. (A plage region is a
bright, intensely hot region in the Sun's chromosphere, typically
found ...

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®’s new book, Digital Networking for Ham Radio, a practical, hands-on guide to designing and implementing high-speed data networks for amateur radio stations, is now shipping.

Written by Glen Popiel, KW5GP, the book brings together in one comprehensive resource the knowledge needed to build, configure, and expand digital networks for ham radio. From...

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® announced the winner of the 2025 ARRL Sweepstakes Icom® Dream Station on Saturday, February 14, at 2026 Orlando HamCation. The announcement was made by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, with Icom America Senior Sales Manager Ray Novak, N9JA.

The ARRL Sweepstakes ran from January 3 to December 31, 2025, as the centerpiece of a year-long membershi...