Äldre nyheter efter
uppskjutningen
(Internationellt/ANS)
Fler telemetriprogram
2 decemberDet kommer fler och fler program för att ta emot AO-40 telemetrin.
26 novemberNu finns ett telemetriprogram för Windows av iz8bly
Status 26/11
26 novemberSenaste status från AMSAT-DL översatt av SM0DY/Olle:
AMSAT-DL redovisar ett ändrat körschema för bankorrektionen:
1. Första ändring av apogee-höjden till 50 000 km sker med 400 N-motorn.
2. En ytterligare höjning till 70 000 - 80 000 km sker med arc-jet- motorn 3.
Ökning av inklinationen till 65 grader med hjälp av 400 N-motorn Man överväger
att eventuellt inledningsvis öka perigee-höjden ända upp till 100 000 km. Detta
skulle spara bränsle när man sedan ökar inklinationen. Det anses också göra
det lättare att uppnå önskade RAAN- och argument of perigee-värden.
AMSAT-DL redovisar ytterligare bilder från separationen framtagna av den oförtröttlige
James Miller, G3RUH.
Status 22/11
22 novemberSenaste status från AMSAT-DL: normal temperatur: (Bat:
17°C; 2mTX: 35°C; UVRX: 19°C; IHU: 7°C). Batteristatus: (UBat: 28,5V; IBat:
+0,7A).
AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, har sagt till ANS att det finns planer
på att öppna AO-40 för begränsad amatörradiotrafik
inom en vecka eller två på "ett eller två band"
(?). Vi får väl se hur det blir... mer info följer!
P3-D blir AO-40
20 novemberSom ni ser har nu Phase 3-D fått ett Oscar-nummer, och
det blev alltså OSCAR 40 eller AO-40. Det är detta
namn som ska användas men i "folkmun" kommer vi nog säga
P3D ett tag till! Eller som Bill Tynan, W3XO, sa till ANS: "We have been calling
it Phase 3D for far too long".
Status 20/11
20 novemberFrån AMSAT-DL har jag kapat följande info:
K AMSAT OSCAR 40 **STATUS REPORT FROM DJ4ZC** (2000-11-20)
1. AMSAT OSCAR 40 had a perfect launch on Nov. 16 and was injected into a nominal
orbit.
2. Transmission of telemetry from OSCAR 40 on 70cm was expected 3h after launch.
But we ran into a problem with the 70cm Tx. Consequently the spacecraft was
switched to use the 2m middle beacon as downlink for telemetry. This required
a "repeater program" in IHU-2 which was uploaded.
3. After communication was established, the health of OSCAR 40 was analysed
and everything testable at this stage except for the 70cm Tx was found to be
nominal and fine.
4. The attitude control system then was calibrated and torque operations were
started to take the attitude to 270/0. This reorientation should be finished
in a few days. Then we are ready for the first planned orbit change (400N-mtr)
resulting in 50000 km apogee altitude. The attitude will also allow a... M thorough
study of the 70cm Tx problem with the hi-gain ant.
5. The two 2400 MHz transmitters were operated and are ok.
6. Pictures from the separation sequence are being downloaded and will shortly
be available on our website. There we will also show the test-schedule for some
first amateur operations.
7. Steps after 1st orbit change: test the electric propulsion system and then
use it to further increase appogee altitude using the arcjet before the big
i-change. --73s Karl--
Mot rätt bana
20 november
Hos AMSAT-DL kan man idag läsa att AO-40 nu börjar att manövreras
mot rätt position, ALON/ALAT 270/0, för den första tändningen
av Arcjet:en (raketmotorn).
P3D är uppe!
16 november
Så kom den äntligen upp - Phase 3-D, världens största amatörradiosatellit.
Den officiella bulletinen från AMSAT-NA:
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 320.01
FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD
NOVEMBER 15, 2000 TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-320.01
A new era in Amateur Radio communications was ushered in on November 16, 2000
(UTC) as AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President and P3D Mission Director Peter Guelzow,
DB2OS, informed AMSAT News Service that the launch of the Phase 3D satellite
from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana was successful --following
a spectacular night time launch. "It was a textbook launch" said DB2OS, "from
the first minute of flight, until P3D separated from the Ariane 5 launch vehicle,
all received telemetry indicates the launch went perfectly and our satellite
appears to be in very good health." Launched with three other satellites - the
large PAS-1R communications satellite and the smaller STVR-1C and 1D satellites,
Phase 3D was placed into geostationary transfer orbit, from where it will be
nudged into it's final elliptical orbit.
The Ariane 5 flight proved to be a record setting mission as it marked the first
use of the ASAP-5 platform. The ASAP-5 enables the launcher to carry auxiliary
micro and mini satellite payloads. By coincidence, P3D was married to the PanAm-1R
satellite, which was also the case when the first Ariane 4 (flight 401) rocket
also launched both an AMSAT and a PanAm satellite. On this launch, PAS-1R becomes
the largest commercial satellite ever put into orbit -- and P3D the largest
Amateur Radio satellite ever built and launched. At liftoff the Ariane 5 launch
vehicle mass was over 6,200 Kg (almost 13,700 lbs.)!
This included the mass of the PanAmSat primary payload and the three auxiliary
satellites (of which P3D was one), as well as the mass of the ASAP-5 platform
and the other payload mounting and interface hardware. AMSAT-NA President Robin
Haighton, VE3FRH, welcomed the news of the launch, noting "that the design,
building and financing of P3D by international volunteers is a great achievement."
Immediate AMSAT-NA past President Keith Baker, KB1SF, told ANS that he was "delighted"
by the news of the Phase 3D launch. "Obviously this is a big thrill for all
of us who have spent the better part of our lives over the past ten years bringing
the satellite to fruition. I have no doubt that today will be regarded as one
of the greatest days in the history of Amateur Radio." ANS also received word
from AMSAT-NA Board of Directors Chairman (and past AMSAT-NA President) Bill
Tynan, W3XO. "I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to see P3D in orbit,"
said Tynan, "as I followed the launch sequence, I thought of the many people
who have been involved with this project from the very beginning and how pleased
everyone must be to see the reward of such hard work."
Although safely in orbit, there is much work to be done with Phase 3D before
the satellite is opened for general Amateur Radio use. Initial housekeeping
tasks are now underway to verify the health of the many complex systems onboard
- followed by bringing these systems online. As previously noted P3D is now
in a transfer orbit used for geosynchronous satellites. To move P3D from this
orbit the Arcjet motor will burn intermittently (at perigee) over a 270-day
period, with final inclination and apogee adjustments made by the spacecraft's
400 Newton motor. "When these maneuvers are completed and three-axis stabilization
is achieved, the satellite solar panels will then be spread out to receive full
sunlight," said Haighton. "It is anticipated that at this time the satellite
will be fully operational for use by Amateur Radio operators around the world."
Stay tuned to ANS for additional bulletins from AMSAT, the official source
of information on the Phase 3D satellite. [ANS thanks AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-NA
for this information]
Svenska kommentarer efter uppskjutningen
27 nov
Hej igen alla.
Nu har även jag lyssnat på "den nya". Alltså några punkter för ett lyckat lyssnande.
1. Ha riktiga keplerdata i spårnings-programmet.
2. Se till att klockan i pc går rätt.
Jag hörde den igår med S 5-6 på 35000 km avstånd 14 graders el. Strax före LOS
på 45000 km avstånd var den S 1-2 med min 6 el. utan el. med ett LNA i antennen.
Jag har inte hunnit prova dekoderprogrammet från IZ8BLY ännu.
73 SM0IKR
24 nov
Hej alla. Jag hann med en snabb lyssning på 145,890 i morse. Hörde en bärvåg
på ung S4-5 i ssb läge. Men ingen 400 Bd modulatuíon. Lyssnade jag på en störning?
Den fanns i "rätt" riktning. Jag kör med en 6 el. utan elevation. Synd att den
inte finns uppe kvällstid.
CU es 73 de SM0IKR
Vänliga hälsningar / Kind regards, Goran Bjork
23 nov
Hej ! Det stämmer att jag hade S9+5 dB under de första dagarn när jag lyssnade
en hel del. Jag har 2x6 element i cirkulär och den är lika stark i höger som i
vänster vilket den skall vara när den är rundstrålande. Jag använder en SSB Electronics
lågbrusande mastförstärkare invid antennen. Jag är ett utmärkt antennläge
och kan lyssna ner till 1 grads elevation.
Man vet inget om effekten. Det är ju helt möjligt att man sänder med klart högre
effekt än vad en enskild andvändare bland många kan disponera med normal trafik.
Å andra sidan kör man med en rundstrålande antenn att jämföras med riktantenner
hela tiden riktade mot jorden i framtiden. Jag har skrivit några artiklar i tidigare
INFO-blad om vad man kan räkna med för signalstyrkor. Jag tror att det kommer
mer i ärendet i INFO 4. Vi får vänta och se. De första testkörningarna kan komma
redan inom en eller ett par veckor. Det är helt klart att AO 40 är mycket starkare
än AO10 även om även den gamlingen har varit stark de senaste dagarna när vi haft
perigee-passager.
73 de SM0DY/Olle
23 Nov
21dbd 4x18 el M2 med MGF1302 Preamp ej så lämplig för satellit trafik men jag
tror att SM0DY OLLE hör den lika bra med sin satellit antenn på 2x6el cirkulär
(rätta mig om jag har fel Olle) skillnaden att lyssna på AO10 och AO40 är stor
och blir det den här styrkan på nerlänken så tror jag inte man kommer att behöva
särskilt avancerade antenner för att ha stor framgång på AO40 (Den som lever får
se, kul är det i alla fall)
PS: Närradion ett par mil härifrån som har amatörer i styret ringde och gjorde
en intervju om satelliter, det verkar vara stort intresse för den här delen inom
amatör radion och det hoppas man ju att fler ska upptäcka hur roligt det är att
köra QSO via satellit, Ju fler vi är desto större tyngd i våra argument angående
bandplaner, mm och det kan ju aldrig vara fel. 73 De Håkan Harrysson SM7WSJ
22 Nov
Hej,
tog emot följande från P3D / AO40 på 145.898 400bps PSK beacon
i morse:K AMSAT OSCAR 40 **STATUS REPORT FROM DJ4ZC** (2000-11-20)
1. AMSAT OSCAR 40 had a perfect launch on Nov. 16 and was injected into a nominal
orbit.
2. Transmission of telemetry from OSCAR 40 on 70cm was expected
3h after launch. But we ran into a problem with the 70cm Tx. Consequently the
spacecraft was switched to use the 2m middle beacon as downlink for telemetry.
This required a
"repeater program" in IHU-2 which was uploaded. **************VERIFICATION
CRC*************
CALC : CRC=A2FF RECU : CRC=A2FF Trame : OKGissar att det är förklaringen
till att vi inte hört något på 70cm ännu...73's
SM0RJV / Mats
19 Nov 2000 kl 11:40
Mats SM0RJV har tagit emot telemetri och skriver så här på mailinglistan:
" Mjukvaran fungerar således, synd att man inte kan franska... Övrig utrustning:
5EL Yagi (horisontell), Preamp NF 0.5dB vid antennen (homebrew). Converter 2m
-> 10m (homebrew) IC-735 (kortvågsrig), linjeutgången ansluten till LINE IN på
PC'ns ljudkort. Thats it! Någon som hört något på 70cm ?? 73's SM0RJV / Mats"
18 Nov 2000 kl 16:15
Läs om hur man kan ta emot telemtri utan special-modem på telemetrisidan.
17 Nov 2000 kl 21:37
Nu är även AMSAT-SMs hemsida uppdaterad med det senaste om P3D Oscar 40. På
AMSAT-NAs maillista kommer det många mail angående satelliten, men det är tunnare
med officiella nyheter från ANS. tex. så undrar vi nog alla vad som hänt med 70cm-beaconen?
P3D-sidan på hemsidan är uppdelad i två delar - en med internationella nyheter
och en med svenska kommentarer, mest från vår egen lista. Vidare finns en separat
sida med senaste keplerelement. Jag fortsätter samla nyheter under helgen. Även
WAP-sidorna och den engelska förstasidan är uppdaterade. Våra hemsidor har slagit
besöksrekord under de senaste dagarna, ca. 300 träffar varje dag mot 30 - 40 träffar
normalt!!
//Lars SM0TGU
17 Nov 2000 kl 08:25
Följande tider gäller baserade på de förberäknade keplerelementen (UTC):
Dag AOS LOS max Elevation Az (AOS)
001117 1207 15 126
001118 0606 1147 14 106
001119 0610 1127 12 105
001120 0614 1107 11 104
001121 0620 1042 9 103
Signalerna är starka, BPSK 400 bps och återfinns på 145.898
73 de SM0DY/OlleA
17 Nov 2000 kl 08:25
AO40/P3D:s middlebeacon för sekundärdatorn IHU-2 hörs med mycket starka signaler
( 5/8) på 145.898. Fylligaste information verkar f.n. AMSAT-DL ha. www.amsat-dl.org
Där finns även keplerelement- hittills bara de förberäknade- men de fungerar
bra.
73 de SM0DY / Olle
16 Nov 2000 kl 18:11
Det kommer ganska många mail på AMSAT-BB listan om P3D beacon. Här är ett,
mottaget på 2 meter. Visa telemetrin.
(16 Nov 2000 kl 09:22)
Det är natt i USA och det finns inte mycket info om vad som hänt P3D efter separationen
från raketsteget. På http://news.cq-amateur-radio.com/announce.htm
finns minutrapporter från själva starten, vilket kan vara roligt att läsa.
På AMSAT-NAs hemsida finns en officiell bulletin där DB2OS skriver "It was a textbook
launch" said DB2OS, "from the first minute of flight, until P3D separated from
the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, all received telemetry indicates the launch went
perfectly and our satellite appears to be in very good health." När det blir morgon
i USA hoppas vi på mera info och jag återkommer då...
73 Lars SM0TGU
Äldre nyheter innan uppskjutningen
Sista mailet innan uppskjutningen:
A new era in Amateur Radio communications is about to be ushered in as Amateur
Radio satellite operators worldwide await the upcoming launch of the Phase 3D
satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The anticipated
date and time of launch for Arianespace Flight 135, on which P3D will fly, is
confirmed for 01:07 UTC, Wednesday, November 15, 2000.P3D will be launched with
three other satellites - the large PAS-1R
communications satellite and the smaller STVR-1C and 1D satellites, all to be
placed into a geostationary transfer orbit.As of Monday, November 13th, the AR-507
launcher was rolled-out
to the Launch Zone (ZL). Peter, DB2OS, reported to ANS "the
spacecraft is still in perfect shape and everything looks very well.
Tonight they will start filling the helium tank and tomorrow at they
will start filling the cryogenic main stage with LOX and LH2. In the
morning I will be attending a press conference and I will then be in
the Jupiter control center before launch."Peter went on to say that "a
very exciting day is ahead," adding
"thank you all for a wonderful satellite, in particular Karl."Best regards
from Kourou,Signed, Peter, DB2OSThis Ariane 5 flight will prove to be a record
setting mission, marking
the first use of the ASAP-5 platform. The ASAP-5 enables the launcher to carry
auxiliary micro and mini satellite payloads. If successful, this launch will place
into orbit the largest commercial communications satellite ever built (PAS-1R)
-- and the largest Amateur Radio satellite ever built (P3D). P3D will be ejected
from the launcher by three spring-loaded arms pushing on the bottom of the satellite.
As it now
sits ready for launch the satellite is being restrained from this happening by
explosive nuts attached to bolts holding P3D in place. The Ariane 5 launcher will
be spinning at the time of separation (which in turn means) P3D will also be spinning
when it's ejected.A view of the entire payload can be found at the following URL:http://www.arianespace.com/news_missionupdate.htmlThe
complete Phase 3-D frequency band plan is available at:http://www.amsat-dl.org/p3dqrg.html.orgAMSAT's
Ken Ernandes, N2WWD, provided ANS with estimated
Keplerian Elements for the Phase 3D spacecraft. Ken reports the
vector data was computed from Arianespace orbital parameters at
the time P3D is scheduled to separate from the Ariane 5 upper stage. The elements
were computed, in turn, from the vector.Catalog number: 93400
Satellite: Phase 3D
Catalog number: 93400
Epoch time: 00320.07636550
Element set: 1
Inclination: 6.5034 deg
RA of node: 246.6469 deg
Eccentricity: 0.7357988
Arg of perigee: 175.9296 deg
Mean anomaly: 13.3886 deg
Mean motion: 2.02435417 rev/day
Decay rate: 7.71000e-09 rev/day^2
Epoch rev: 1
Checksum: 283N2WWD also notes that 93400 is a temporary catalog number and the
Keplerian elements represent a pre-launch estimate of Phase 3D's initial orbit.North
American P3D Command Station operator Stacey Mills, W4SM, has placed a zip file
containing his P3D telemetry decoding program (P3T.exe) as well as some additional
supporting files at the following
URL:www.cstone.net/~w4sm2/software2/P3t_AP.zipThe program will run on Windows
95/98/NT/2000 platforms. W4SM reports additional programs are under development
for Mac and Linux platforms. A 400 baud PSK is required. Additional information
regarding demodulators, and the telemetry format can be found at:http://www.amsat-dl.org/p3d/Russ
Tillman, K5NRK, AMSAT Journal Editor, told ANS "we plan to
devote two pages in the November/December issue of The AMSAT
Journal to show photographs of what our members were doing during
the launch of Phase 3D." For example said Russ, "if you are hosting
a Galaxy 4 viewing or HF net party for local ham radio club members, take a photo
of the get-together and send it in." Photos can be e-mailed to k5nrk@amsat.org
or sent via the K5NRK postal mail address.The Radio Club of Kourou's FY5KE has
announced plans to broadcast the Phase 3D launch on 14.315 MHz in French ''and
probably in English.'' The FY5KE transmission will start at approximately 15 minutes
prior to launch and will end about 45 minutes later when the satellite reaches
orbit.Closer to home, AMSAT-NA Vice President of Operations Keith Pugh, W5IU,
reports that details are being worked out for an AMSAT-NA P3D Launch Information
Net to run "live" during the launch. Keith told ANS that "at a
minimum, the net will include several HF stations and bands." The current
plan is to start about 15 minutes before launch and carry through separation of
P3D. The U.S. net will be based on the live Arianespace satellite feed from the
launch site and will also contain commentary by key AMSAT officials associated
with the launch. Participating commentators will include newly elected AMSAT-NA
President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, Andy MacAllister, W5ACM, Pat ilroy, N8PK, (at
the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center), launch team second-in-command Chuck Green,
N0ADI, Stacy Mills, W4SM, and
IARU Satellite Coordinator Hans van den Groenendaal, ZS5AKV.
Others will be added as the launch approaches.According to W5IU, "dissemination
of the launch information will be by the Houston AMSAT Net connection and by key
HF stations, led by WA3NAN on their Shuttle re-transmission frequencies. Additional
HF stations and frequencies will be added to fill in North American
coverage." W5IU reports the plan is to monitor Arianespace for real
time information and then communicate the information. Keith reports the group
will not re-transmit Arianespace audio to avoid possible problems with the FCC.WA3NAN
will re-transmit launch reports on 3.860, 7.185, 14.295,
21.395, and 147.450 MHz. Other HF frequencies used will be 3.840,
7.279, and 14.282 MHz. These frequencies will be used by W5RRR
or alternates.The plan for WA3NAN participation in the overall AMSAT Launch
Information Net Service (ALINS) is to conduct standard, independent
Amateur Radio nets on each of the HF bands noted above during the
hour before launch. Callsign check-ins will be accepted and traffic
listed. Then, at about 15 minutes prior to launch, NCS will switch
over to simulcast the AMSAT audio. Shortly after Phase 3D separation from the
launch vehicle (L+42 minutes) the nets will close in the absence of any additional
traffic.W5IU is still in need of additional HF stations (with phone patch
capability) to participate in the P3D AMSAT Launch Information Net. If interested,
contact Keith at w5iu@amsat.org.The Houston AMSAT Net connection will also be
available via the
Internet using the Real Audio format. Visit the net web site at:http://www.amsatnet.com/Bob
Arnold, N2JEU, is also planning to make the Arianespace audio
available on the Internet. Details are available at:http://www.ralabs.com/livep3d/The
page currently contains information on the live audio stream
that N2JEU will be providing to the Internet along with a test stream
to check out your system.CQ Amateur Radio magazine will offer continuously-updated
coverage of the upcoming launch on its web site:www.cq-amateur-radio.comThese
updates will be made every few minutes, or more often if events require. In addition,
there will be a link provided from the CQ web site to one of two sites featuring
live video of the launch.ANS has been informed that live video of the launch will
be available
via the C-band Galaxy 4 satellite. In addition, the Arianespace web
cast can be found at:http://www.arianespace.com/news_livevideo.htmlThe AMSAT-UK
launch net operated by Richard, G3RWL, will not
operate during the launch. G3RWL reports that "the AMSAT-UK net
will happen the following evening so that people can find out what
happened. This will be on Wednesday, 15 November at 19:00 UTC
on/about 3.780 MHz.Stay tuned to ANS for additional bulletins from AMSAT, the
official
source of information on the Phase 3D satellite.[ANS thanks the ARRL, AMSAT-DL
and AMSAT-NA for this
information and congratulates the AMSAT launch team on their
outstanding work]
15 november senaste datum
5 novemberSenaste nyheten om uppskjutningstid är den 15 november.
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 306.01
FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD,
NOVEMBER 01, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-306.01
As AMSAT News Service earlier reported -- the launch of the Phase 3D satellite
was moved from the first possibility of an October 31st launch -- to a mid-November
date. Various sources have now informed ANS that a launch date has been assigned
to AR-507 and the launch of Phase 3D. The anticipated date of launch for Arianespace
Flight 135, on which P3D will fly, has been confirmed for 01:07 UTC, Wednesday,
November 15, 2000. P3D will be launched with three other satellites - the large
PAS-1R communications satellite and the smaller STRV-1C and 1D satellites. All
four are to be placed in geostationary transfer orbit.
Flight 135 is set to be a record-setting Ariane 5 mission, marking the first use
of the ASAP-5, a platform that will enable the Ariane 5 launcher to carry auxiliary
micro and mini satellite payloads. The total launch vehicle performance to geostationary
transfer orbit is over 6,200 kg. This includes the mass of the PAS-1R primary
payload and the three auxiliary satellites (of which P3D is one) as well as the
weight of the ASAP-5 platform and the other payload mounting and interface hardware.
Stay tuned to ANS for additional bulletins from AMSAT, the official source for
information on the Phase 3D launch.
[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-NA for this information]
Spela in telemetrin efter start
5 novemberFrån AMSAT-UKs hemsida har jag hämtat följande information
om hur man gör för att spela in den telemetri, ljud och bildinspelningar
som P3D gör under starten.
P3D In-Flight Entertainment
The following are notes taken by G3RWL during G3RUH's presentation at this year's
Amsat-UK Colloquium which was about recording flight and separation data in the
first minutes after P3D leaves the Earth. Currently G3RUH is very busy writing
software for the main P3D computer sustem so please do not send e-mails to him
about this; this is all the information anyone needs to know about the system
but general technical questions about this could be posted to the amsat-bb reflector.
A data collection program will be loaded to the IHU-2 before launch and will run
from liftoff until 10 minutes after separation from the Ariane rocket.
Photos (JPEG compressed), microphone and 3-axis accelerometer data will be collected,
totalling 8 MBytes, a recording of 488sec duration. That data will be downlinked
at 9600 bps FSK in asynchronous 8N1 serial format, with randomiser and NRZI encoding
as per packet radio conventions, on 435.950 MHz. The data is in 512 byte
blocks, separated by a few ms gap, and it repeats every 2.5 hours (approximately).
Each block begins with the string "D OH".
Your assistance is requested in gathering the data To do this, you need a 9600
bps packet radio modem + TNC connected to a dumb terminal program set to 9600
baud, 8N1 format and no RTS/CTS handshaking. The first part of the TNC is used
to convert NRZI data into data that a terminal program can read. Locate the point
in your TNC where data leaves the NRZI-NRZ converter (thats the same as where
the serial data enters the microprocessor system), and connect to a MAX232 chip
so as to generate RS-232 levels, feeding the output to the RXD of your computer's
serial port.
Log as much data as you can, in as many randomly grabbed fragments as you like,
PKZIP it and e-mail it to:g3ruh@amsat.org The files are then automatically
pieced together, the 8MB of data reconstituted, the JPEGs extracted, Microphone
data converted to a .WAV file, and the accelerometer data plotted. This material
will then be placed on the amsat www ftp site for public use.
For further information about the AMSAT IHU-2, consult: http://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/g3ruh/124.html
Källa: AMSAT-UK
P3D klar för start
21 oktober
Phase 3-D har nu gått igenom alla tester och förberedelser inför
starten. Nästa steg blir att montera alla satelliter på Ariane 5-raketen.
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 289.01
FROM AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD,
OCTOBER 15, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BID: $ANS-289.01
AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, has informed AMSAT News
Service that the Phase 3D satellite is now "ready to fly" as it has passed all
pre-launch inspection, testing and preparation. The launch of P3D is scheduled
for mid-November. Phase 3D is currently being moved into the final assembly building
at the European Spaceport where it will remain "on hold" according Peter. As P3D's
launch partners also arrive in the building, the next step will be to mate all
the satellites to the Ariane 5 launch vehicle.
Uppskjutet (?!)
12 oktoberNu gäller inte 31 oktober längre som uppskjutningsdag då
en av de andra satelliterna som ska med har blivit försenad. Den ska dock
komma snarast, enligt bulletinen nedan...
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 282.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, OCTOBER 08, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-282.01
AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, has informed AMSAT News
Service that the launch of the Phase 3D satellite will now be delayed until mid-November.
ANS had earlier reported a possibility of an October 31st launch. The November
launch delay stems from the non-arrival of one of P3D's launch partners and the
subsequent launch preparations that this satellite will need to undergo. DB2OS
told ANS that the delayed satellite is due to arrive at the European Spaceport
in Kourou, French Guiana very shortly and will immediately begin the same style
launch preparations that P3D has been undergoing.
[mer...]
Tankning pågår
8 oktoberBränslet för P3D är nu påfyllt och klart. Tankningen
har tagit två dagar varav den första dagen enbart bestod av förberedelser.
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 280.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, OCTOBER 06, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-280.01AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, has
informed AMSAT News Service that launch preparations for the
Phase 3D satellite continue to go well.As ANS earlier reported, fueling operations
have started and should be
nearing completion as this bulletin is transmitted. Because of the safety
considerations involved in handling the fuels being loaded into the
satellite (N2O4, MMH, and NH3), this is a slow, tedious process.
"These are not your every-day household chemicals," said team member
Chuck Green, N0ADI, "they are very hazardous! However, with proper
training and equipment, it can be done safely."The filling process of each
fuel takes approximately two days. The first
day is setting everything up for the fueling operation. Actual fueling is
done on the second day.The first fuel installed was N2O4. When the preparations
were
completed, protective clothing worn and all the final connections
made to the equipment and tanks -- only then was the fueling
process started. The entire operation is carefully monitored by both
on-site safety people as well as members of the AMSAT launch team.
The room for monitoring the fueling operation is in a building about one
quarter of a mile away. There are several TV monitors which can be
panned and/or zoomed - enabling the safety officer to closely follow
the entire process. There is also an impressive array of vapor detection
devices and access controls available to the safety team. During
each filling operation, the three people actually doing the work
are in constant two way communication with the people in the control
room. Dick Daniels, W4PUJ, is one of the team members fueling P3D.Filling the
N2O4 tanks in P3-D took almost exactly one hour. However,
Chuck reported that " the process started early in the morning and final
clean-up ended much later that evening, a very long day through most
of which was spent wearing rather uncomfortable clothing."
Förberedelserna fortsätter
28 september
Förberedelsrna inför starten fortsätter inom tidsramen.
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 272.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, SEPTEMBER 28, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-272.01AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, has
informed AMSAT News Service that launch preparations for the
Phase 3D satellite "remain on schedule."As ANS reported earlier - Arianespace
and AMSAT-DL announced the
official date of launch for Ariane Flight 507, on which P3D will fly, has
been brought forward to October 31, 2000. This date is the start of the
launch window and is the first date the launch could take place.Recently, P3D's
solar cells were fitted to the satellite and passed a
preflight test where high-intensity lights were focused on the solar
panels - allowing panel electrical output and battery charging circuitry
to be verified.Following the solar panel success, a mechanical fit check between
P3D and the SBS adapter was also completed. "The fit required a few
minor modifications and the result is now a perfect fit between the
satellite and the adapter," said Guelzow.The satellite fueling process will
begin early next week.DB2OS also told ANS that Phase 3D has been seen by several
visitors,
both from Arianespace and commercial satellite company personnel,
including representatives of the birds that will fly with P3D, "and they
have been impressed by both the complexity and workmanship of our
satellite," said Peter.The launch team has updated its Internet web site
with several new
photographs showing the latest changes made to Phase 3D.
To visit the site, point your browser to:http://www.amsat-dl.org/launch/Källa:
ANS
Uppskjutning 31 oktober!
27 september
Nu är det klart att Ariane 507 ska skjutas upp den 31 oktober. Nedräkningen
har börjat!!
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 271.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, SEPTEMBER 27, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-271.01
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-271.01AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS,
has
informed AMSAT News Service that an official launch date has now
been assigned to Ariane Flight 507 and the launch of Phase 3D.
"Arianespace and AMSAT-DL are pleased to announce that the official
date of launch for Ariane Flight 507, on which P3D will fly, has been
brought forward to October 31, 2000," said DB2OS, adding, "this is the
start of the launch window and is the first date at which the launch could
take place."Currently, the RUDAK team, the RF team and members of the
electronics team from AMSAT-NA have returned home after completing
their work. The electronics team members from Europe are preparing to
leave as this aspect of the launch preparation work is also complete.
Five of the six bays around the satellite have had their covers installed
for the final time and the sixth bay has been prepared for loading of the
satellite fuel. That task should be completed shortly.The thermal blanket additions
have also been completed. Final tests
have been made on several detectors (such as the sun sensor) and
Peter reports "all is well in this area." At this time the solar cells
are
being mounted on the satellite and will be connected to the battery
chargers.Guelzow told ANS that satellite operators planning to use Phase 3D
after launch are reminded that it could be a few months after launch
before the bird is ready for standard operation. Several things will
determine this time frame, including orbit parameters (such as the
work that will be needed to nudge P3D into its final elliptical orbit).
DB2OS added, "that satellite operators worldwide can rest assured
that every effort will be made to initiate operations at the first possible
opportunity consistent with flight operations.'The launch team has established
an Internet web site that includes
photographs of the team preparing the satellite. The visit the site, point
your browser to:http://www.amsat-dl.org/launch/Stay tuned to ANS for additional
bulletins from AMSAT, the
official source for information on the Phase 3D Launch. Källa: ANS
Förberedelserna fortsätter
23 september
Förberedelserna inför starten fortsätter. Bla. med tester av sändarna.
*******
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 267.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, SEPTEMBER 23, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-267.01
SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-267.01The final preparation of AMSAT's Phase 3D satellite
continues to
proceed "on target" according to AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President
Peter Guelzow, DB2OS.RF testing of the various transmitter and receiver systems
has
been successfully completed. The RUDAK system has also passed
all functional tests. The IHU-2, one of two internal housekeeping
systems (that also includes the YACE camera) has been installed and is
performing its functions correctly. Fitting of P3D's IR-Laser equipment
is complete and tested in addition to other onboard experiments including
the GPS, CEDEX, MONITOR and CAN-SmartNode system. The
IR-LASER experiment installed on P3D includes an engraved memorial
for Werner Haas, DJ5KQ. He will continue to be with us by his
achievements and in our hearts.The SBS adapter has been unpacked from its transport
container and
has passed a mechanical fit check. AMSAT-NA's Dick Jansson has
recently joined the launch team and will begin making final adjustments
to P3D's thermal systems.The launch team has established an Internet web site
that includes
photographs of the team preparing the satellite. The visit the site, point
your browser to:http://www.amsat-dl.org/launch/Stay tuned to ANS for additional
bulletins from AMSAT, the
official source for information on the Phase 3D Launch.Källa: ANS
P3D teamet
19 sept 2000
ADetta är teamet som har hand om P3D inför uppskjutningen från
Kourou. Teamchef är Peter DB2OS. Övriga:
Wilfried Gladisch (AMSAT-DL)
Horst Wagner (AMSAT-DL)
Konrad Muller (AMSAT-DL)
Herrmann Gunther (AMSAT-DL)
Mirek Kasal (AMSAT-DL)Michael Fletcher (AMSAT-OH)
Freddy deGuchteneire (AMSAT-ON)Chuck Green (AMSAT-NA)
Dick Daniels (AMSAT-NA)
Jay Ramdas (AMSAT-NA)
Lou McFadin (AMSAT-NA)
Bdale Garbee (AMSAT-NA)
Jim White (AMSAT-NA)
Lyle Johnson (AMSAT-NA)
Stacey Mills (AMSAT-NA)
Stan Wood (AMSAT-NA) Källa: ANS
P3D upp tidigast den 3:e november
16 sept 2000
AR-506 kom upp den 14 september. Nästa raket i Ariane 5-serien blir AR-507
och på den är Phase 3-D med. Detta blir dock tidigast den 3:e november.
Läs nedan:
------------
AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 259.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, SEPTEMBER 15, 2000
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-259.01AMSAT News Service is pleased to report an Arianespace Ariane
5
launch vehicle has successfully delivered a pair of communications
satellites into Earth orbit. AR-506 placed the Astra 2B and GE-7 satellites
into the desired geostationary transfer orbit after a spectacular launch
from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.The launch took place Thursday,
September 14, 2000 at 22:54 UTC.The Astra 2B satellite will broadcast digital
TV programs throughout
Europe. The GE-7 satellite will primarily provide radio and Internet
transmission services for North America and the Caribbean.Following the successful
launch of AR-506, Arianespace and AMSAT-DL have announced that V-507 is scheduled
not to occur before November 3, 2000. Aboard this flight will be the AMSAT Phase
3D communications satellite, which is now undergoing final preparation at the
Kourou launch site.According to AMSAT-DL Executive Vice President Peter Guelzow,
DB2OS, who is leading the launch team, the advance members of the
launch team arrived in Kourou on September 9th. Most importantly, they
have ascertained that Phase 3D appears to be in excellent condition.Tests of Phase
3D's systems are now underway, including charging of
the satellite batteries. The launch team has successfully performed
pressure tests on the propulsion systems and are now preparing P3D
for RF testing. AMSAT-NA Executive Vice President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, informed
ANS the Phase 3D launch team is awaiting the provision of electronic mail in Kourou
which will enable more frequent bulletins to
be provided.Stay tuned to ANS for additional bulletins from AMSAT, the official
source for information on the Phase 3D Launch.[ANS thanks AMSAT-DL and AMSAT-NA
for this information]
Åter igen försenat
17 juli 2000
Ariane 507 som Phase 3-D ska upp med är planerat för uppskjutning under fjärde
kvartalet i år (alltså inget nytt...). Raketen före, 506, är planerad för september:
** Arianespace Ariane 506 (Flight 130) with the Astra-2B and GE-7 communication
satellites from ELA-3 at Kourou, French Guiana. (Launch rescheduled from July
25 because of upper-stage anomaly.)
**
Källa: http://www.flatoday.com/space/next/sked.htm
ANS bulletin:
Arianespace has released a press statement announcing the launch postponement
of Flight 130. The release states that until an upper stage anomaly (detected
during endurance testing on Ariane-5 components) is resolved, Flight 130 and subsequent
Ariane-5 launches are delayed.
AMSAT-NA President Keith Baker, KB1SF, stated that it is unknown at this time
how the delay may affect the upcoming launch of Phase 3D. KB1SF also reported
that AMSAT-DL is exploring the delay on behalf of the Phase 3D team.
The delay was mandated by an anomaly that was detected during a long duration
ground test of the attitude control system used on the Ariane series upper stage.
Additional checks could not confirm the flight readiness of the attitude control
system hardware installed on the Flight 130 vehicle. In compliance with its policy
to give absolute priority to quality and reliability, Arianespace will not authorize
the launch of Flight 130 until all causes of the anomaly have been completely
analyzed and corrective measures applied. AR-130 had been scheduled for launch
near the end of July, using the Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher to orbit the Astra
2B and GE-7 satellites.
Uppskjutning i september
6 juni 2000
Phase 3-D ska upp med raketen AR507, som tidigast kan skjutas upp i mitten av
september. Den var från början tänkt att komma upp i juli.
Källa: Peter, DB2OS
Uppdaterade hemsidor
14 maj 2000
AMSAT-UK
i England har 
uppdaterat
sin hemsida med information om Phase 3-D. De senaste nyheterna är de samma
som du kan läsa här, men de har gjort en bra länksamling på
företag som säljer utrustning lämpligt att använda för
P3D. Vidare finns bilder på den plakett med callsigns (Callsign to fly)
som följer med satelliten upp. Där finns även AMSAT-SM med eftersom
vi under flera år har bidragit med pengar. Om du klickar på bilden
får du upp en större bild.
Phase 3-D Laboratory
har haft så fullt upp den senaste tiden så att hemsidan har blivit
lidande. Nu hälsar de dock att nya bilder finns upplagda från de sista
testerna och transporten till Kourou.
P3D försenad
21 april 2000
Flight 130, Ariane 506, som var planerad för uppskjutning den 23 maj har
blivit försenad till slutet av juli. Detta medför att Ariane 507, som
P3D ska med på, blir försenad. Följande bulletin kom från
ANS:
Special ANS Bulletin 104.01:
ANS has learned that the launch of Arianespace Ariane 506 (Flight 130) with the
Astra-2B and GE-7 communication satellites from Kourou, French Guiana has been
delayed. The launch, originally scheduled for May 23, 2000 has been rescheduled
for late July.
At this time AMSAT-NA and AMSAT-DL are unaware of what effect this delay will
have concerning the launch of the Phase 3D satellite. Stay tuned to ANS for more
information as it becomes available.
Källa: Florida Today, Arianespace och AMSAT-NA Vice President Robin Haighton,
VE3FRH
Uppskjutning i juli!
1 mars 2000
Nu är det klart att Phase 3-D äntligen har fått en plats på
en Ariane-raket, nämligen med Ariane 507 i slutet av juli. AMSAT-NAs president
Keith Baker, KB1S, säger så här om denna händelse:
"slowly but surely, Phase 3-D is moving ever closer to a launch. To finally see
it listed on a launch manifest is a major milestone. Needless to say, we're most
grateful for all the outstanding support we've been getting from the fine people
at Arianespace!" Former AMSAT-NA President Bill Tynan, W3XO, echoed the statements,
adding, "the recent news that Phase 3D has been designated for launch on AR-507
was indeed gratifying to all who have waited so long to hear such tidings. As
the President of AMSAT-NA during much of the time the spacecraft was being constructed
at our Orlando facility, I am especially pleased that the hard work of so many,
for so long, is now coming to fruition. I look forward to meeting many of my friends
on Phase 3D once it becomes operational."
Mera info på följande adress:
http://www.arianespace.com/news_espace.html
P3-D till Kourou
18 januari 2000
Den 17:e januari flögs P3D till Kourou från Atlanta med en 767. Kontainerna
med satelliten vägde 1000 kg och en andra kontainer innehållandes testutrustning
vägde 1600 kg. Frakten kostar ca. 20000 US$ !
Den 19:e beräknas P3D att komma fram till uppskjutningsplatsen i Kourou.
Med följer KF4KSS/Bob, Jay Ramdas och DB2OS/Peter.
Inget datum för uppskjutning är klart men med satelliten i närheten
är det nu väldigt nära att den kommer upp. Nästa Ariane 5-start
är i mars.
Källa: AMSAT-NA
P3-D kvar i Orlando
23 december 1999
Precis innan julafton nås vi av beskedet att Phase 3D fortfarande är
kvar i Orlando, USA. P3D-teamet jobbar för fullt med att ordna alla papper
runt transporten till Kourou. Planerna är att få satelliten till uppskjutningsplatsen
så fort som möjligt.
Källa: ANS 353P3-D är prioriterad
26 oktober 1999
Enligt ett pressmedelande från Arianespace
kommer Phase 3-D att bli en av de första att åka med som "payload"
på Ariane 5. Läs pressmedelandet här:
Arianespace Launch To Benefit Amateur Radio Operators
15-Oct-99 Geneva
Today at Telecom ’99, Arianespace and AMSAT-DL, the German branch of the international
amateur radio satellite community, announced the signing of a launch contract
for the AMSAT Phase 3-D communications satellite, to be carried aloft on an Ariane
5 as auxiliary payload. The launch will take place in the year 2000 from Europe’s
Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
AMSAT Phase 3D will be one of the first secondary payloads boosted by Ariane 5,
which will use a special adapter for orbital injection. Weighing 650 kg (1,430
lb) at launch, AMSAT Phase 3-D will be injected into a geostationary transfer
orbit. It will then use its own propulsion system to reach elliptical orbit (4,000
x 47,000 km, inclined at 60 degrees), where it will be used as a relay by the
international community of amateur radio operators for nearly ten years.
In 2000, Arianespace will also inaugurate its new ASAP-5 (Ariane Structure for
Auxiliary Payloads), designed for micro-satellites weighing less than 100 kg (220
lb) or mini-satellites weighing less than 300 kg (660 lb). ASAP-5 replaces the
previous-generation ASAP-4, which has been used 6 times on Ariane 4.
Arianespace has orbited some 27 auxiliary payloads since 1980.
Phase 3-D upp med Ariane 5
9 oktober 1999
Det glädjande beskedet har nu kommit från Phase 3-D projektledare Karl Meinzer,
DJ4ZC, att P3-D har fått en plats på "första bästa" uppskjutning med en Ariane
5 ! Dock kan väntan bli lång tills möjligheten kommer, det mest positiva är att
den kommer upp första halvåret 2000.
P3-D kommer redan denna månad att fraktas till Guiana Space Center , Kourou, Franska
Guiana. Där kommer den att ligga "stand-by" för snabb montering om ett uppskjutningstillfälle
dyker upp.
Alltså, ett mycket glädjande besked för alla oss som väntar på denna nya DX-satellit!
Originalbrevet följer här:
MARBURG, GERMANY (October 8, 1999) AMSAT's most ambitious project to date...
the International Phase 3-D communications satellite... has now been accepted
for launch aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC,
AMSAT-Germany's President and Phase 3-D Project Leader released the following
statement:
"As the primary agency responsible for securing a launch opportunity for Phase
3-D, I am pleased to announce that AMSAT-Germany and Arianespace have now come
to an agreement calling for the launch of P3-D as a secondary payload aboard the
"first suitable" Ariane 5 flight. Dr. Meinzer went on to comment that, "From the
very beginning of the Phase 3-D project, we considered the Ariane 5 series our
primary launch vehicle. Our long history of success and mutual cooperation with
both the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace, coupled with our need to
lift P3-D into a high geostationary transfer orbit, made the Ariane 5 the unanimous
choice by AMSAT."
Following standard protocol, specific details of the launch agreement were not
released. AMSAT-NA President Keith Baker, KB1SF, was elated with the latest news.
"I'm very pleased to see that AMSAT-DL's negotiations with Arianespace have resulted
in a launch contract for Phase 3-D, and I'm delighted we are again slated to fly
on an Ariane vehicle," he said. "Following the resounding success of Ariane flight
503, the Ariane 5 has now proven itself to be a very capable launcher.
When coupled with our many past successes with ESA and Ariane, I believe we now
have an unbeatable combination. Once it is in orbit, the Phase 3-D satellite will
not only help us usher in the new Millennium, it will also signal the dawn of
a brand new era for Amateur Radio," he concluded.
While both AMSAT presidents expressed optimism for an early launch of the satellite,
Dr. Meinzer expressed caution that the wait for the "first suitable" flight could
still turn out to be a long one.
"While the launch of Phase 3-D could come as early as the first half of the year
2000, we must remember that Ariane's launch manifests are continually being updated
to accommodate market changes as well as the availability of other payloads. Thus,
one or more changes to P3-D's anticipated launch date, along with its specific
Ariane 5 mission number, are a very real possibility before our satellite actually
flies," he said.
Nevertheless, based on its new 'standby' launch status, Phase 3-D is slated to
be delivered to the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana later this month
so as to be ready for quick integration once Arianespace identifies a specific
Ariane 5 launch vehicle for P3-D's ride to orbit. While its primary focus is on
improved worldwide satellite communications, the Phase 3-D satellite will also
have a very positive influence on the very future of Amateur Radio.
Built primarily from donated resources, the International Phase 3-D team includes
participating AMSAT groups from Austria, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Finland,
Russia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, France, New Zealand and Hungary
- in addition to the groups from AMSAT-Germany and AMSAT-North America. AMSAT
is very proud of its long tradition of excellence and the contributions it has
made to the advancement of space communications, space education and the space
sciences.
Phase 3-D will be Amateur Radio's premier vehicle to continue the quest for new
communications technologies for generations yet unborn.
[ANS thanks AMSAT President's Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC and Keith Baker, KB1SF,
and congratulates the entire Phase 3-D team on this exciting announcement]
VIBRATIONSTESTEN KLAR
27 aug 1999
Vibrationstesterna är nu klara och satelliten kommer åter att föras
tillbaka till Orlando för funktionstester.
Lou, W5DID, tells ANS that vibration testing of the Phase 3-D satellite has
been completed successfully. "This is a major milestone for the spacecraft,"
said W5DID, "the satellite did very well under rigorous environmental tests."
Full details of the initial roll out and vibration testing can be found in the
July/August issue of the AMSAT-NA Journal. The authors, W5DID and Peter, DB2OS,
invite everyone to check out the story and the additional information on the
Tom Clark, W3IWI, web site. The W3IWI URL is: http://www.clark.net/pub/tac/p3d.htm
W5DID reports the next milestone to be completed is to bring Phase 3-D back
to Orlando lab and to verify that all systems are functioning normally following
the return trip. Stay tuned to ANS for further details.
[ANS thanks Phase 3-D Integration Lab manager Lou McFadin, W5DID, for this information]
NYA FOTON
27 juli 1999
Tom Clark, W3IWI, har tagit flera foton på Phase 3-D vid NASA Goddard Spaceflight
Center.
Finns på följande adress: http://www.clark.net/pub/tac/p3d.htm
Även Rick, WB2TNL, har nya foton: http://gw.cnssys.com/~rick/p3d/p3d.html
Källa: SpaceNews 26 juli
3-D TESTAS I ORLANDO
15 juli 1999
On behalf of the P3-D Team and the P3-D Integration Manager Lou McFadin
W5DID, Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, would like to thank everyone for all the positive
mail and reactions the Phase 3-D team received as a result of their recent P3-D
status reports. In the meantime, the entire team consisting of Karl Meinzer
DJ4ZC, Werner Haas DJ5KQ, Peter Guelzow DB2OS, Wilfried Gladisch, Hermann Guenther,
Mirek Kasal OK2AQK, Matjaz Vidmar S53MV, Michael Fletscher OH2AUE and Danny
Orban ON4AOD are back in Europe.
Over the last three weeks, the team has successfully tested all subsystems,
the bus and the electronic modules of P3-D. All receivers and transmitters were
tested again with the satellite high-gain and omni antennas during the rollout,
including the 10GHz TWT and the 21MHz and 24MHz shortwave receivers. One of
the last things was the installation and testing of the YACE camera and the
microphone for the experimental IHU-2 (YAHU), performed by Lyle Johnson WA7GXD,
Chuck Green N0ADI and Peter Guelzow DB2OS. This will enable controllers to make
visual and audible recordings of the separation during launch. The microphone
will also pick up the mechanical noise of the wheels and other sources in the
spacecraft after launch. In space no one can hear you, but the microphone can
still pick up the mechanical noise in the structure. The camera will be later
used for other experiments, including earth imaging. James Miller, G3RUH was
able to obtain a license from ARM
Technologies Ltd. to use their assembler JPEG coding library for P3-D. Compressing
of a typical YACE picture will take only 56ms at an IHU-2 speed of 133 MHz using
the StrongARM processor.
With a compression factor of 25, the original 256 KByte image will be reduced
to about 15-20 KByte file size, depending on the image contents. Thus, downloading
will be drastically improved without too much loss of image quality. With the
8MB bulk memory of the IHU-2, controllers will be able to take a "movie" of
the separation, probably including sound. P3-D will be the first (amateur radio)
satellite to use on-board JPEG compression software. Stacey Mills, W4SM was
able to almost complete his telemetry decoding software, which is also used
for commanding purposes. A general version and detailed specification of the
flight telemetry format will be made available soon. Another major event was
the successful completion of the SBS (support bearing structure) load testing
by Rick Leon KA1RHL, Bob Davis KF4KSS and Jay.
The SBS will carry the P3-D satellite inside during the launch and needed to
be tested according to the specification of the launcher agency. After a few
more close-out items and the spin balance test, P3-D is ready for the vibration
and shake test, which is scheduled for later this month at NASA facilities in
Washington. The test will be performed according to specifications from the
launcher agency. A final check-out of all electronics and a visual inspection
will follow when P3-D returns to Orlando, before it will than be shipped to
the launch site.
73s, Peter DB2OS
PHASE 3-D UPP I ÅR?
19 maj 1999
Det har kommit positiva nyheter om Phase 3-D. Eventuellt finns det möjligheter
till uppskjutning i höst: Här originalbrevet från DJ4ZC/Karl
Mainzer, Phase 3-D projektledare:
Greetings!
May 14, 1999 As you well know, I very much have been looking forward to
joining you
for the 1999 Dayton Hamvention. Unfortunately, recent developments
regarding our launch situation for Phase 3-D have now made it
necessary that I remain here in Germany during the Hamvention event. As
many of you know, AMSAT-DL is the principal agency responsible for
securing a safe and affordable launch for Phase 3-D. Since this project
began, we had secured such a launch opportunity on one of the Ariane-5
test flights, which were conducted under the control of the European
Space Agency (ESA). Unfortunately, this launch agreement for P3-D with
ESA did not work out,
essentially due to the failure of the first Ariane-5 flight and the resulting
aftermath. Since ESA is not conducting such flights anymore, my team
and I have been working very hard over the past year or so to find a
replacement launch. We have been patiently negotiating with a number
of different launch agencies and it looks now that this work is starting to
pay off as it is beginning to yield results. I am pleased to report to
you that we are currently in the final phase of
working out the details of an agreement for the launch of Phase 3-D with
one of these launch agencies. At this point, I am very optimistic and I
believe this launch agency is genuinely working very hard toward
providing us a launch for P3-D. I am also very hopeful that in the
following weeks a launch contract can be closed which contains
conditions we can meet. The agency has now identified some launches
over the next year or so which have enough performance margin to allow
the inclusion of P3-D in addition to the main payload. The launcher business
these days has become extremely competitive
and it is has become nearly impossible for launch agencies to fix their
launch-plan for more than half a year ahead. Thus, even after our
contract is closed, we will remain a stand-by passenger. However,
judging from the presently known plans, they could - and I emphasize
the word could - lead to a launch of our satellite as early as of October
1999. Of course, this all assumes that the remaining open details of our
interface with their launch vehicle can be successfully worked out and
that we do not run into some last-minute problems with our contract. Needless
to say, I am delighted with this turn of events. My only
remaining wish is that I could be there in Dayton to share them with you
in person. Please accept my sincere best wishes for a productive
AMSAT Forum at Hamvention and my thanks for your continued
patience and strong support of our efforts. 73, --signed--
Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC
AMSAT-DL President and Phase 3-D Project Leader Källa: ANS-136
PHASE 3D TESTING
HR AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 291.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD, OCTOBER 18, 1998
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-291.01 The AMSAT Phase 3D spacecraft is set to
undergo testing at the Orbital
Sciences Corporation (OSC) test facility in Germantown, Maryland, just
outside of Washington, DC. The satellite arrived safely in Maryland on
October 13th, transported from the Phase 3D Integration Lab in a well
padded truck. According to Lou McFadin, W5DID, AMSAT P3D Laboratory
Manager,
the spacecraft will soon be placed in Osco's thermal-vacuum (T/V)
chamber. Pre-launch vacuum testing will analyze the satellite's ability to
withstand the harsh environment of space. In addition to most of the air
being removed, the temperature of the chamber is cycled up and down
to simulate the severe heating and cooling P3D is expected to
encounter. Vibration testing is also scheduled, although that test will not
be conducted until late this year or early 1999. According to AMSAT-NA
Executive Vice President Keith Baker, KB1SF, "the exact timing of
vibration testing will depend primarily on any problems encountered with
the initial thermal-vacuum testing, and the availability of the test
facilities. Our invitation at OSC is on a space-available basis," he
explained. Maryland-DC AMSAT Coordinator Pat Kilroy, WD8LAQ, tells
ANS that
P3D will be "hidden" in the chamber for up to ten days during the
thermal-vacuum testing phase. Current plans are to broadcast P3D
telemetry in real-time during the test phase, from the chamber itself.
Local amateur stations in the Maryland area equipped to copy AMSAT
OSCAR 13 PSK 400-bps telemetry should be able decode any P3D
transmissions with little effort. WD8LAQ also said DC area AMSAT
members are also looking into providing a possible Internet link as well,
so that amateurs world-wide can see and decode the satellite
broadcasts. Pat says the test phase is continuous. "One complete
thermal cycle is
predicted to run about 36 hours," he said, and "P3D will go through five
cycles." Pat told ANS that there may be opportunities for AMSAT
members to
view Phase 3D at the Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) test facility.
Visitors also might get a tour of the OSC building "that is rich in history,"
WD8LAQ said. Any requests for information on P3D during its stay
in Maryland, or
viewing the OSC facility, should be directed to Pat at the following e-mail
address: wd8laq@amsat.org. For more information on P3D,
see the Phase 3D Spacecraft Integration
Laboratory web site at: http://www.magicnet.net/~phase3d/
Information on the Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) test facility in
Germantown, Maryland is available at the following URL: http://www.orbital.com/Gtown/docs/defense/facil.htm
[ANS thanks the AMSAT P3D Team, the ARRL, and Maryland-DC
AMSAT Coordinator Pat Kilroy, WD8LAQ, for this information]
Flera frågetecken om P3D!
Jag har pratat med en av våra medlemmar som varit med på det stora
internationella satellit-mötet vid University of Surrey i Guildford England
sista helgen i juli, Mer än 100 "storheter" i amatör-satellitbranchen
från AMSAT från hela världen fanns på plats. Mycket diskuterades
där som vanligt, men det kommer väl utförligare rapporter via
våra vanliga nyheteskanaler, t ex ANS-nyheterna, se länkar i e-INFO,
där kommer info om mötet! Jag frågade förstås
om man diskuterat P3D, och det hade man naturligtvis. Men inget nytt kom fram
direkt. Man meddelade dock, att det nu kunde anses fastställt, att P3D
kommer upp inom de närmast kommande 12 månaderna! Alltid något!
Man sa också, att det nu fanns två andra alternativ till de ARIANE-starter
som diskuterats med ESA. Men vilka två alternativ detta var ville man
ännu inte avslöja. Så det får vi väl spekulera över
lite till mans... Det finns ju några altenativ bland de 9
länder som klarar att sända en raket i satellit-omloppsbana runt jorden.
Men vi får väl vänta tills ryktena blir mer säkra innan
vi spekulerar vidare! Vet eller hör Du något - så
kom med det snabbt i e-INFO! Vi är alla spända på
vad det kan innebära! Bästa hälsningar
Reidar ´RAY´ Haddemo
73's de SM7ANL :-)
Ämne: AMSAT: Ingen P3D på ARIANE 503!!
Datum: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 22:25:45 +0200
Från: "R. HADDEMO" <reidar.haddemo@swipnet.se>
Hej AMSAT-vänner.
Idag 16 juni kom den av många väntade press-releasen från
ESA som
bekräftar allas våra dystraste misstankar - det blir ingen start
med P3D på
Ariane 503! I press-meddelandet idag säger ESA, att satelliten
W2, som skulle varit
kommerciell passagerare på ARIANE Flight 503 skall i stället upp
med en
ARIANE-4 raket. ESA tillägger, att man därför stannar vid att
ta med ARD
(Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator) som redan står klar på Guiana
Space
Centre. För att uppnå beräknad last mm ordnar man en s.k. Mock-up,
alltså
en 'låtsas-satellit ' t ex en betongklump, som skall följa ARD på
Flight
503! Denna start är nu framflyttad igen till mitten av oktober 1998. Och
P3D är ingen betongklump! Varför man valt att inte ta
med P3D får vi kanske reda på en dag. En
gissning från min sida (SM7ANL) kan vara, att man fortfarande är
litet
osäker på ARIANE 5 och dess chanser att klara en lyckad uppskjutning.
Och
om ARIANE 5 än en gång misslyckas, är P3D definitivt förlorad
för alltid.
Alla i AMSAT är livrädda för att detta skall hända!
Kvar står dock det 'löfte' som ESA gett AMSAT att få upp P3D
med ett
ESA-projekt. Och då återstår nog inget annat än en litf
med ARIANE 4. Och
det är ju nu en väl beprövad raket, som dock inte kan få
upp P3D till den
höjd som vi önskar. Men ombord på P3D finns ju ganska rejäla
mängder
bränsle och en 'booster' som kan hjälpa till att lyfta P3D till en
bra
bana. Dock går det många värdefulla kilo av bränslet till
detta, vilket
minskar den tid som P3D kan styras och justeras i attityd och banläge
i
rymden. Så en lift med ARIANE 4 senare i höst är
mitt tips nu! Det kanske vi kan
stå ut med - bara vi får upp P3D i en hyfsad bana helskinnad!
Eller hur? Så knyt nävarna och fortsätt hoppas,
vänner! Jag känner på mig, att P3D
blir en succé för oss satellit-amatörer! Men det tar bara litet
längre tid
än vi trodde! Ännu är inte loppet kört! P3D
kommer säker att finnas där uppe! Bästa hälsningar
Reidar ´RAY´ Haddemo
73's de SM7ANL :-)
Originalmeddelandet följer här:
Bad News on Phase 3D LaunchThe following message was posted to the AMSAT-BB
mailing list on June 16, 1998 by AMSAT-NA President Bill Tynan,W3XO.
TO: All AMSAT-NA Members and everyone interested in Amateur Radio satellites
worldwide
From: Bill Tynan W3XO President AMSAT-NA
Subject: Bad News on Phase 3D Launch By now many of you have heard
the bad news that Phase 3D will not fly on Ariane 503. This is, obviously very
disappointing news. We must, however, persevere and continue our present course
to get the satellite tested and ready for a launch. And we pledge to do so.
I think the situation is best summarized by the words sent this morning by Dr.
Karl Meinzer DJ4ZC the Phase 3D Project Leader. But first, a few words of explanation
may be in order. 1.Arianespace is a commercial company
set up to sell Ariane launches.
2.ESA is the European Space Agency, much like the U.S. NASA, but
a multinational organization.
3.W1 is a commercial satellite built in Europe, which was damaged
in a fire a few months ago. Reports have said that it has
been refurbished and made ready for flight.
4.Although not mentioned in Karl's note, previous information has
referred to CNES. CNES is the French equivalent of
NASA. They have been designated by ESA as the technical agency in charge of
developing the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. An official AMSAT News Service
(ANS) bulletin will be issued shortly on the unfortunate news regarding the
Phase 3D launch situation. 73,
Bill Tynan W3XO DJ4ZC's statement Gentlemen,
First I would like to thank all of you who sent me notes of sympathy and encouragement
following the recent news from ESA. Since that information was released,
I have spoken with many people and the situation has become a bit clearer. First
let me give a short rundown of events to put things into perspective.
1.Before the launch of AR 502, ESA terminated our launch-contract based on the
fact that we "were not ready in time for the launch". This of course was
due to the specification change which was imposed on us shortly before the launch
following the AR 501 failure. We always maintained that the termination of the
contract was on somewhat shaky legal grounds because of the unacceptable
short notice we were given for the spec-change. ESA maintained that this was
a risk we had to accept because the flight was a test-flight.
2.As a consequence of the AR 501 failure, a third test-flight (AR 503) had become
necessary. Because there was an uncovered hole of about $US 40,000,000 in the
AR 5 development budget, ESA turned to Arianespace to find a paying customer
for this flight and partly delegated the responsibility for the payloads to
Arianespace. For the case that such a customer could not be found, the countries
developing ARIANE 5 would have had to pay this missing sum.
3.In January we accepted the termination of the contract and with acceptable
financial provisions without further squabbles after ESA agreed to
a. Carry us as a backup on AR 503 if no paying customer could be identified.
b. ESA would use "best efforts" to place us elsewhere if a flight on AR 503
did not become available due to a paying customer.
4.While we always maintained that it would be unlikely that Arianespace would
find a paying customer (and in fact we were proved right by the events) and
thus we would be flying on AR 503, ESA always assumed that Arianespace would
come up with a paying customer. Thus ESA unfortunately did not pursue the provisions
of 3.a. in an active way. In particular they failed to perform the necessary
studies to include us on AR 503 if the option 3.a. would have to be exercised
rather late in the game.
5.In the ESA Programme Board meeting last week, Arianespace surprised everybody
by stating that they (the company Arianespace) would cover the missing $US 40,000,000
in return for having the freedom to decide the composition of the lower
payload. So in fact Arianespace had become the "paying customer" for this slot,
and we were off. Initially it was not clear why Arianespace would
take this step. But after having spoken with many people, eventually the following
picture emerged: First of all, it is clearly in the interest of
Arianespace to get AR 503 as quickly into orbit as possible. Assuming that ultimately
they want to launch one AR 5 per month, each month of delay will cost them in
the order of $US 200,000,000 of lost revenue.This is all the more true since
recently there has been some discussion about the performance of the AR 5 with
regard to the market demands for launchers. So Arianespace may have some fears
that they may lose the competitive edge if the AR 5 is further delayed and their
customers may wander off to other launch-suppliers. But also with
AR 503 itself Arianespace looked into optimizing the cost/profit ratio. To this
end Arianespace has been negotiating with the insurance about the damaged W1.
If the W1 can be refurbished in time for the AR 503 launch, they would launch
it and then sell the communication services themselves. I had earlier indications
of this, but I did not take it very seriously because I assumed that Arianespace
would stay away from this option in view of the resulting conflict of interest
with their customers - it turned out that I misjudged this. So in a way we have
become the first victim of this conflict of interest. But in the light of this
gamble, it is now doubtful that Arianespace would have considered us as backup
even if ESA would have done their homework. Clearly they want to retain the
option of switching the refurbished W1 against the W1-dummy to the last second
before the launch. We simply could not compete with this by our offer of $US
1,000,000 and some moral justification of not flying ballast. So
we wept some, and that done - let us now look forward: 1.For ESA
the launcher development has come to an end, and this phasing out is also reflected
in the size of their staff and their commitments. So frankly, I do not
expect very much from them in the future in spite of the above commitment 3.b.
2.With Arianespace we have to start to deal in serious for a launch. In an initial
contact they stated that they would launch us for $US 10,000,000. Clearly
for us this is out of reach, but I hope that, once Arianespace has a better
understanding of our environment and the constraints we work under, there will
be room for negotiation.
3.I expect that we will get some significant help from our government, [German]
given that they saved quite some money, and that this saving occurred essentially
at our expense. Also all players agree that we have to finish the
work on the spacecraft including the tests as soon as possible to be ready once
the opportunity arises for a launch. It is clear that it will not be this year
- but I think that the chances are not bad that we will find something next
year on AR 5. This is all the more true given the mismatch of payloads with
AR 5 performance. But also in parallel we should and will pursue
other launch options. Although in the short term we have a problem,
in the medium term I am reasonably optimistic. So keep your fingers crossed
- I will inform you by this path on the progress we make in securing a launch.
Dr. Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC
President AMSAT-DLe.V.
dj4zc@amsat.org
Ämne: AMSAT: P3-D upp i september?
Datum: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:26:28 +0200
Från: "R. HADDEMO" <reidar.haddemo@swipnet.se>
Nya uppgifter om P3-D! I senaste numret av AMSAT Australia NEWSLETTER.
nr 157 , daterat 3 maj
1998, finns en rapport från P3-D's chefsorganisatör, Karl Meinzer,
DJ4ZC,
ordförande i AMSAT-DL, som är mycket intressant. Jag skall här
redovisa
hans avslutning, som är viktig, men även om den också
är enbart en
gissning, får den betraktas som mycket kvalificerad.
Karl skriver: "ESA's personal vidhåller, att ett beslut om
den slutliga konfigurationen
för AR 503 (ARIANE FLIGHT 503) måste fastställas innan slutet
av april för
att kunna vara kompatibel med en start i mitten av september....
...Detta innebär, att vi måste skicka iväg P3-D till Kourou
i första veckan
av juli, och hela vår fortsatta planering måste grunda sig på
detta. Just
nu har vi förstås ingen garanti för att få följa
med ARIANE 503 starten,
men om något, så har denna möjlighet hela tiden ökat,
och jag har nu
organiserat min personliga planering för resten av årets arbete på
ovanstående schema. Om vi kan behålla våra strävanden
focuserade, och dessutom har en portion
TUR, kommer P3D att vara i bana i rymden senare detta år! "
SM7ANL's kommentarer: Nu har vi alltså fått ett meddelande från
P3-D's
högste chef som ger oss litet mer att ta på. Någon start i
maj, eller ens i
sommar med P3-D blir det således inte. Men chansen för en start med
P3-D
med FLIGHT ARIANE-503 i september tycks mycket stor! Och det gör
det litet lugnare för oss - sommaren kan vi använda till
förberedelser med att utrusta våra stationer och sätta upp antenner
mm, så
att vi är klara när sensommaren och hösten 1998 är inne.
Så sätt igång att
utrusta ditt schack till att ta emot P3-D!
Så hörs vi via P3D till hösten! Bästa
hälsningar
Reidar ´RAY´ Haddemo
73's de SM7ANL :-)
