Monthly Archives: October 2013

Amateur/Student Satellite, Space Radio

AMSAT and ISS amateur radio news

Go to AMSAT News for the latest headlines about developments in amateur and student satellites and for updates about amateur radio on the ISS.

ANS 279 Weekly AMSAT Bulletin – October 5, 2013:
* AMSAT SYMPOSIUM – Procrastinator ALERT!!
* Space News in October CQ Magazine
* Cubesat Spaceport Coming to Jacksonville, Florida
* AMSAT-DL Satellite Symposium
* Two Ham Astronauts Depart NASA
* High altitude Ham Radio balloon to study comets
* Amateur Satellites in World Radio Online
* YURI UT1FG/MM ALERT!
* AMSAT Journal Call for Articles
* ARISS News
* Satellite Shorts From All Over

Space Science, The Moon

LADEE aims to reach Moon today

The LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer) spacecraft, launched by the Orbital Sciences Minotaur V rocket from Wallops Island back on Sept. 6th (see launch video here), was set to enter lunar orbit today with a nudge from firing its rocket: LADEE set to enter lunar orbit after transit from Earth – Spaceflight Now. (News of how the firing went is delayed due to the government shutdown.)

[ Update: The probe did successfully enter lunar orbit –  Twitter / StephenClark1: 

LADEE is in orbit at the moon. First look at data indicates the orbit is nominal. Two burns Oct. 9 and 12 to circularize before laser demo.

Here “laser demo” refers to the  laser communications system on the probe that will be used to demonstrate high bandwidth communications with earth. ]

Here is an explanation of why and how the probe will study the Moon’s nearly non-existent atmosphere: LADEE – Measuring Almost Nothing and Looking for the Almost Invisible – The Once and Future Moon/Air&Space Mag.

This video gives an overview of the mission:

http://youtu.be/XyW5QiqftYE

 

 

DIY space, Rockets, Space participation

Copenhagen Suborbitals: CS wins FAI Breitling Milestone Trophy

Congratulations to the Copenhagen Suborbitals team on winning the Milestone Trophy in the FAI-Breitling Awards for 2013: FAI Breitling Award Goes to Copenhagen Suborbitals – Wired Science.

The jury gave this statement for the decision:

“Copenhagen Suborbitals have achieved an outstanding performance and contribution to astronautics by designing, building and launching the world’s first amateur built full size rocket with full computer control and steering – based completely upon amateurs and donations.

The results has been achieved from nothing – and this has demanded the highest level of vision, patience, and creativity, organizational and technical skills in different areas from computer programming to economics and funding.

The way of thinking, working and the way of sharing information in aeronautics has never been seen before, and can change the way we interact with others and the way we travel in space.”

Contests and Games, History

Name selected in contest for Space Shuttle replica at Space Center Houston

An announcement from  with Space Center Houston :

 Space Center Houston unveils official name of Space Shuttle replica
Winning submission selected from more than 10,000 entries in Texas-wide naming contest

HOUSTON – Officials with Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center (NASA-JSC), today announced the winning entry in the “Name the Shuttle” contest during a public christening ceremony. The full-scale Space Shuttle replica will now be known as “Independence,” a name that fittingly symbolizes the spirit of Texas and its unique characteristics. The replica will eventually sit atop the massive 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) as part of a new $12 million, six-story attraction currently under development.

“We received a total of 10,263 entries from all across Texas, and our elite panel of judges sorted through a widespread collection of possibilities,” said Richard Allen, president of Space Center Houston. “It was a tough decision, but we ultimately chose a name that celebrates the Lone Star State and highlights its distinct contribution to America’s Space Shuttle Program.”

The winner, Tim Judd of Kingwood, was present for the unveiling ceremony and helped reveal the new moniker. Judd, 29, will have his name and hometown incorporated onto a placard at the exhibit, once construction is completed. He was also awarded a multi-day trip for four to Space Center Houston, which includes a VIP tour of the facility, a behind-the-scenes experience at NASA-JSC, hotel accommodations, meals and travel compensation.

“When I first heard about the ‘Name the Shuttle’ contest, ‘Independence’ was the first thought to pop into my mind,” Judd said. “This concept is important, not just to the State of Texas, but to all Americans. We enjoy freedom every day, constantly striving for a greater sense of independence. It was that exact mindset that brought the settlers here in the first place and what drives explorers into space today.”

The state-of-the-art Space Shuttle attraction is slated to open in 2015 and will be unique to Space Center Houston. It will be the only place in the world where guests can climb aboard the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and the Shuttle replica to experience the 30-year Space Shuttle program in the most dynamic, hands-on environment imaginable.

“The Shuttle was a fantastic spacecraft. Visitors from around the world will have the unparalleled opportunity to explore this vehicle through the eyes of an astronaut, creating a truly unique Shuttle experience,” said Chris Ferguson, STS-135 shuttle commander, who spoke at the event. “Space Center Houston will be the only place in the world where visitors will be able to see the Shuttle ‘piggyback’ on one of the authentic carrier airplanes. It’s most fitting that this magnificent combination will live its second career as a learning tool, inspiring generations to come.”

About Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) education foundation with award-winning educational programs designed to inspire and encourage students to consider a career in math and science. Space Center Houston features a multitude of permanent exhibits, attractions and theatres and is open every day with the exception of Christmas Day. Space Center Houston is located at 1601 NASA Parkway; Houston, TX 77058. Please visit www.spacecenter.org.

Asteroids & Comets, Eyes in the Sky, Multiple media

The Chelyabinsk meteor in weather sat images + Glorious earth images

Here’s an interesting account of tracking down images from the Russian Elektro-L weather satellite showing the trail of the fireball meteor that struck over Chelyabinsk last February: On space kindness and the Chelyabinsk meteor – The Planetary Society.

And here is a GIF animation of the meteor created from images made by the EUMETSAT Meteosat-10 geostationary satellite : Trails of Chelyabinsk viewed from space – The Planetary Society.

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Here is a sequence of beautiful full color images of earth produced by Elektro-L over January 2013:

http://youtu.be/PTuztgc8T6searth

The satellite images the earth every 30 minutes. Twice a year during an equinox, it captures an entire hemisphere in a single shot with no night terminator line in view.