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Ham Satellite news

RadFxSat-2 Signals Detected

Info from ANS-028:
RadFxSat-2 Signals Detected, AMSAT Engineering Continues to Assess
Status

On January 27th, Brad Schumacher, W5SAT, reported copying his CW
signal weakly via the RadFxSat-2 transponder. On the morning of
January 28th, AMSAT Engineering and Operations confirmed these reports and determined that RadFxSat-2 is partially functioning, though
signals are extremely weak. AMSAT thanks W5SAT for his report.

We also appreciate those who joined in determining whether they could
detect their own or other signals in recent passes today.

At this time it is essential and we ask you: Please do not attempt to
transmit through the transponder until further notice. This is very
important to the next steps we are taking now.

The next crucial step in evaluating the condition of RadFxSat-2 is to
determine whether or not the 1200 bps BPSK telemetry beacon is
operating and, if possible, copy telemetry from the beacon. We ask
that everyone with 70cm receive capability listen to the beacon
frequency of 435.750 MHz (+/-) Doppler, upper sideband (USB). Use
FoxTelem with your receiver in order to tune and capture any telemetry
you can. Also make sure FoxTelem is set to “Upload to server” so that
we receive your telemetry data. If you capture a good IQ recording on
SDR, please send a detailed description of your recording to
foxtelem@amsat.us. We may respond with a request for your recording
and details on how to transfer it to the AMSAT Engineering team.
Please understand that keeping the transponder clear is essential to
putting all power and attention to the beacon telemetry.

Two-line elements (TLEs) are available in AMSAT’s nasabare.txt
distribution at https://www.amsat.org/tle/current/nasabare.txt.
Available data suggests that RadFxSat-2 is OBJECT M from the Virgin
Orbit LauncherOne launch, NORAD ID 47320, international designation
21-002M.

We thank the amateur satellite community for their perseverance and
assistance while the AMSAT Engineering and Operations teams work to
understand and resolve the situation with RadFxSat-2.

[ANS thanks the AMSAT Engineering and Operations teams for the above information]

By SM0TGU

Webmaster and member of the AMSAT-SM steering group.

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