OBSERVATIONS GM1SXX & LA2QAA 13 May 2009
For anyone who doesn't yet know, KIWISAT is a MICROSAT being built by New
Zealand radio amateurs that will carry both AM and FM transponders and beacons
in LEO.
Kiwisat, a long running attempt by New Zealand amateurs to build the country's
first amateur satellite seems to be making some progress. KIWISAT is a MICROSAT
and will carry both Linear and FM transponders.
Linear uplink on 1268.880 to 1268.850 (Inverting) and 435.260 MHz to 435.230
(Inverting) with downlink on 145.850 MHz to 145.880 MHz @ 2W PEP.
FM uplink on 435.245 MHz and 1268.865 MHz with downlink on 145.865 MHz @ 1watt.
Three beacons are planned
Beacon 1:CW Beacon on Linear Transponder: Frequency: 145.885 MHz@50mw
Beacon 2 (Data Beacon):145.865 MHz@1 Watt B/W 20Khz 9k6 G3RUH or 1200bauds AFSK
AX25
Beacon 3 (UHF Beacon):437.425 MHZ, B/W 20 KHz, 9K6data (G3RUH Packet)@100 mW
http://kiwisat.org/index.html
http://kiwisat.org/status.html
http://kiwisat.org/media/fred_dec06.html
Cutting metal for the microsat trays is underway now, after the purchase of
aluminium material for the spaceframe. AMSAT-DL supplied the flight
battery, built from matched cells
AMSAT ZL hope to secure a launch on the Russian DNEPR (converted SS-18 / R-36
ICBM).
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DNEPR Silo-Launched Converted ICBM (Photos Kosmotras) |
Dnepr is a silo-launched rocket. The rocket is ejected from the silo by a steam generator that is ejected sideways as the rocket clears the silo. The first stage engine is ignited as the rocket exits the silo. The round drum-shaped package in photo 2 is the 'black powder' based gas generator unit being ejected.
http://www.npointercos.jp/DneprLV.html
http://www.kosmotras.ru/en/program_dnepr/
James - ZL4JM adds the following information (as of 13 May 2009)
Hi Al and the group, In addition to the information you
provided re KiwiSAT, the latest AMSAT-ZL newsletter with enclosed KiwiSAT
abstract states the following:
1) The transmitter tray is complete and fully machined
2) The BCR, IHU, and battery trays are machined to within 3mm of final
dimensions, and are expected to be in a finished state by mid June.
3) Present planning is to have a "FlatSat" sometime this month, with details of
the launch vehicle interface being finalised at present.Once the trays are
finished machined, final assembly can be commenced.
4) There are links to YouTube of the tray machining available from
www.kiwisat.org.nz
5) Major fund raising will be required for the launch program, and there is a
PayPal link on the website . (see below...
GM1SXX)
Hope this additional information is of use to you all
regards and 73,
James - ZL4JM
Kiwisat is making progress and now requires launch funding. If
like me, you think LEO's are more fun, you can donate directly to the KIWISAT
launch fund via Paypal. As the old saying goes.... 'no bucks.... no Buck
Rogers'.
You can donate to the KIWISAT Launch Fund by Credit Card or Paypal. Paypal was
the easy option for me.
where any interested parties can make a donation directly to the Kiwisat Launch Fund. Note that the amounts are un Australian Dollars. Use www.xe.com to work out how much you'd like to pay in your local currency. KIWISAT needs your help.
73 Al.
GM1SXX