• [ANS] ANS-179 AMSAT News Service Weekly Bulletins

    From Mitch Ahrenstorff (AD0HJ) via ANS@ans@amsat.org to rec.radio.amateur.space,rec.radio.info on Sat Jun 27 20:09:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.radio.amateur.space

    AMSAT News Service
    ANS-179
    June 28, 2026

    In this edition:

    * Classic OSCARLOCATOR Returns as Browser-Based Tracking Simulator
    * Katalyst Launches Spacecraft to Rescue NASA's Swift Observatory
    * Rocket Lab Launches Spacecraft for Space Force Orbital Exercise
    * Researchers Propose StormWall System to Reduce Solar Storm Impacts
    * Changes to AMSAT TLE Distribution for June 26, 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 n
    ews related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities o
    f a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest
    in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and dig ital Amateur Radio satellites.

    The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in S pace as soon as our volunteers can post it.

    Please send any amateur satellite news or reports to: ans-editor [at] amsat .org<http://amsat.org>

    You can sign up for free e-mail delivery of the AMSAT News Service Bulletin
    s via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postor ius/lists/ans.amsat.org/

    ________________________________
    Classic OSCARLOCATOR Returns as Browser-Based Tracking Simulator

    A new browser-based recreation of the classic OSCARLOCATOR satellite tracki
    ng aid is now online and free for all amateurs to use at: https://oscarloca tor.n8hm.radio/

    The OSCARLOCATOR Web Simulator is the work of AMSAT Executive Vice Presiden
    t Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, and is modeled on his OrbitDeck<https://github.com/p rstoetzer/OrbitDeck/> desktop application. It runs entirely in a web browse
    r on desktop and mobile devices, with no login, installation, or plug-ins r equired.

    For amateurs who came to satellite operating after the era of paper trackin
    g devices, the original OSCARLOCATOR was a circular, azimuthal-equidistant
    map of one hemisphere paired with a rotating clear overlay. By aligning the
    overlay to a satellite's equator crossing, an operator could determine whe
    re the spacecraft would appear in the sky and when it would be in range - a
    ll without a computer. N8HM's web version preserves that look and method wh
    ile adding the convenience of live, on-demand computation. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_We b_Simulator_Main_Screen-1024x1024.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-c ontent/uploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_Web_Simulator_Main_Screen.jpg>
    The OSCARLOCATOR Web Simulator, showing the polar azimuthal-equidistant map
    , ground track, range circle, footprint, and the station and sweep controls
    .

    The simulator renders the familiar polar azimuthal-equidistant map as well
    as a QTH-centered version, automatically choosing the North or South polar sheet for the operator's location. It draws the satellite's ground track wi
    th 10-minute time marks, plots a range circle over the operator's station,
    and shows the spacecraft's instantaneous footprint. A live readout reports
    the sub-satellite point, azimuth and elevation from the station, slant rang
    e, and whether the satellite is above the horizon. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_Po lar_Tracking_Map-1024x858.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/u ploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_Polar_Tracking_Map.jpg>
    A close-up of the polar map: the blue ground track with 10-minute marks, th
    e green satellite marker and dashed footprint over the amber range circle a
    nd station, and the live data readout.

    Operators can drive the display live in real time, pin an equator crossing
    to a chosen longitude and step forward minute by minute, or jump directly t
    o the next visible pass over their location. A QTH-centered view places the
    operator's station at the center of the map with azimuth bearings and grea t-circle distance rings - the same geometry used by a physical OSCARLOCATOR
    card. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_QT H_Centered_View-1024x858.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/up loads/2026/06/OscarLocator_QTH_Centered_View.jpg>
    The QTH-centered azimuthal-equidistant view, with the station at the center
    cross, compass bearings around the rim, distance rings in kilometers, and
    a satellite pass crossing overhead.

    A "Next Passes" panel lists the next ten visible passes over the operator's
    QTH, with acquisition-of-signal, peak, and loss-of-signal times, pass dura tion, and maximum elevation and bearing. A single click seeds any listed pa
    ss onto the map. A separate reference-orbit table gives equator-crossing ti
    mes and longitudes suitable for setting a physical OSCARLOCATOR. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/OscarLocator_Ne xt_Passes_Panel-1024x448.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/up loads/2026/06/OscarLocator_Next_Passes_Panel.jpg>
    The Next Passes panel lists upcoming passes with AOS, peak, LOS, duration,
    and maximum elevation - each with a one-click Seed button.

    The satellite picker is fed from current AMSAT GP (General Perturbations) o rbital element data, with a bundled offline snapshot so the tool remains us able if live data cannot be retrieved. The station can be set by Maidenhead
    grid square, by latitude and longitude, or automatically through the brows er's geolocation. During live tracking the display follows the satellite ac ross the equator, switching between the North and South polar sheets as app ropriate.

    Position calculations use a from-scratch SGP4/SDP4 propagator validated aga inst the published Vallado reference vectors, with correct deep-space handl
    ing so that high-altitude and geosynchronous satellites such as QO-100 are displayed at their true sub-satellite points.

    The OSCARLOCATOR Web Simulator is free to use and available online at https ://oscarlocator.n8hm.radio. Amateurs new to satellite work may find its vis ual, hands-on approach a useful way to build intuition for how amateur sate llites move and when they can be worked from a given location.

    [ANS thanks Paul Stoetzer, N8HM<https://x.com/PRStoetzer>, AMSAT Executive Vice President, for the above information]

    ________________________________
    Katalyst Launches Spacecraft to Rescue NASA's Swift Observatory

    Katalyst Space Technologies is preparing to launch its LINK servicing space craft aboard Northrop Grumman's Pegasus XL rocket no earlier than June 30.
    The mission will attempt to rendezvous with NASA's Swift Observatory and ra
    ise its orbit, potentially extending the life of the 22-year-old space tele scope. The launch is expected to mark one of the first operational attempts
    to capture and service an unprepared satellite already in orbit.

    Swift was launched in 2004 to study gamma-ray bursts, among the most energe
    tic events in the universe. Although the observatory remains scientifically
    productive, it was built without propulsion capable of maintaining its orb
    it. Atmospheric drag has gradually reduced Swift's altitude over the past t
    wo decades, and increased solar activity accelerated that decay. NASA deter mined the spacecraft was at risk of descending too low for safe servicing o perations later this year.

    To preserve the observatory, NASA selected Katalyst Space Technologies in 2
    025 to develop a rapid-response rescue mission. The company designed and bu
    ilt the LINK servicing spacecraft in less than one year, an unusually short
    schedule for a mission of its complexity. LINK carries electric propulsion
    and a robotic capture system designed to attach itself to satellites that were never intended to be serviced in orbit. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LINK_Servicing_ Spacecraft_And_Pegasus_XL-1024x593.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/2026/06/LINK_Servicing_Spacecraft_And_Pegasus_XL-scaled.jpg

    Katalyst Space's LINK servicing spacecraft is integrated with its Pegasus X
    L launch vehicle. [Credit: NASA<https://x.com/NASA>/Ron Beard]

    Following launch, LINK will enter orbit and begin initial spacecraft checko
    ut and commissioning activities. In the coming weeks, the spacecraft is exp ected to perform a series of orbital maneuvers to match Swift's orbit befor
    e attempting a close approach. Once in position, three robotic arms will be
    used to capture the observatory and establish a secure mechanical connecti
    on.

    The mission is expected to mark the final flight of Northrop Grumman's Pega
    sus XL launch vehicle. First flown in 1990, Pegasus pioneered commercial ai r-launched access to space and completed dozens of missions during its 36-y
    ear career. The launch will utilize the last Pegasus XL rocket remaining in
    inventory and will be conducted from the L-1011 carrier aircraft Stargazer
    , believed to be the last operational Lockheed TriStar aircraft still flyin
    g.

    If successful, the Swift rescue mission could establish a new model for ext ending the lives of aging spacecraft. Beyond preserving a valuable scientif
    ic observatory, the mission will demonstrate technologies that may one day allow commercial operators and government agencies to service satellites ra ther than replacing them. The mission is being closely watched as a potenti
    al milestone in the growing field of commercial on-orbit satellite servicin
    g.

    Read the full article at: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/06/a-bold-sate llite-rescue-mission-came-together-in-record-time-but-will-it-work/

    [ANS thanks Stephen Clark<https://x.com/StephenClark1>, Ars Technica<https: //arstechnica.com/>, for the above information]

    ________________________________
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    Rocket Lab Launches Spacecraft for Space Force Orbital Exercise

    Rocket Lab successfully launched a spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force's Vi ctus Haze mission on June 19, lifting off aboard an Electron rocket from th
    e company's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. The spacecraft, known a
    s Victus Haze Puma, was placed into a sun-synchronous orbit and will partic ipate in a military demonstration designed to test rapid response capabilit
    ies and on-orbit spacecraft operations.

    Victus Haze is the fourth mission conducted under the Space Force's Tactica
    lly Responsive Space (TacRS) program. The initiative seeks to demonstrate h
    ow commercial launch providers and spacecraft manufacturers can rapidly dep
    loy satellites when needed. Unlike earlier demonstrations that focused prim arily on launch readiness, Victus Haze expands the concept by evaluating sp acecraft operations after reaching orbit.

    Following launch, the Puma spacecraft entered a commissioning phase before beginning rendezvous and proximity operations with another spacecraft alrea
    dy in orbit. The mission will pair Rocket Lab's vehicle with True Anomaly's
    Jackal-004 spacecraft, which launched in May aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 ride share mission. During the exercise, the spacecraft will perform a variety o
    f maneuvers intended to demonstrate space domain awareness and the ability
    to characterize nearby objects in orbit. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rocket_Lab_Vict us_Haze_Launch-1024x683.jpg]
    A Rocket Lab Electron rocket lifts off carrying the Victus Haze Puma spacec raft for the U.S. Space Force's Victus Haze orbital exercise. [Credit: Rock
    et Lab<https://rocketlabcorp.com/>]

    The mission also showcased the responsiveness of Rocket Lab's launch system
    . After receiving a formal launch order from the Space Force, the company l aunched the Electron rocket within 16 hours and 42 minutes, surpassing the program's 24-hour launch requirement. Rocket Lab reported that mission plan ners calculated a final trajectory to a previously undisclosed orbit, updat
    ed flight software, and coordinated ground station support within only a fe
    w hours of receiving the order.

    Victus Haze builds on lessons learned from the Victus Nox mission conducted
    in 2023. That earlier demonstration proved that commercial providers could
    rapidly launch a satellite following a short-notice tasking. Victus Haze e xtends the concept by demonstrating that responsive space operations can co ntinue after launch, including the ability to maneuver spacecraft, inspect nearby objects, and gather information about activities occurring in orbit.

    Space Force officials view these capabilities as increasingly important as Earth orbit becomes more crowded and strategically significant. Future mili tary and civil missions may require the rapid deployment of spacecraft to r eplace damaged satellites, investigate unusual activity, or provide additio
    nal sensing capabilities. Through partnerships with commercial companies su
    ch as Rocket Lab and True Anomaly, the Victus Haze mission aims to demonstr
    ate that these capabilities can be delivered on operational timelines measu
    red in hours and days rather than months.

    Read the full article at: https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-launches-satelli te-for-u-s-space-force-victus-haze-responsive-space-exercise/

    [ANS thanks Sandra Erwin<https://x.com/Sandra_I_Erwin>, SpaceNews<https://s pacenews.com/>, for the above information]

    ________________________________
    Researchers Propose StormWall System to Reduce Solar Storm Impacts

    Scientists have proposed a new concept called StormWall that could one day help protect satellites, communications systems, and power infrastructure f
    rom severe solar storms. The idea, described in a recent paper published in
    the journal Space Weather, would use a fleet of spacecraft to temporarily strengthen Earth's natural magnetic defenses when dangerous space weather i
    s approaching.

    Earth is normally protected by its magnetosphere, a magnetic field that def lects much of the charged particle radiation emitted by the Sun. During pow erful solar eruptions, however, interactions between the solar wind and Ear th's magnetic field can allow large amounts of energy to enter near-Earth s pace. These events can disrupt satellite operations, radio communications, navigation systems, and electric power grids.

    The proposed StormWall system would deploy six spacecraft in geosynchronous
    orbit. Each spacecraft would carry stores of material such as barium, lith ium, sodium, or calcium. When a major solar storm is detected, the spacecra
    ft would release the material into space, where sunlight would ionize it an
    d create an artificial cloud of plasma. [https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/StormWall_Magne tosphere_Concept-1024x804.jpg]
    An ESA illustration depicts the interaction between charged particles from
    the Sun and Earth's magnetosphere. [Credit: ESA<https://www.esa.int/>]

    Researchers believe this plasma cloud could increase the mass density along
    the sunward boundary of the magnetosphere. Computer simulations suggest th
    at the added material would reduce the efficiency of magnetic reconnection,
    the process that allows solar storm energy to penetrate Earth's magnetic s hield. By slowing this process, StormWall could lessen the severity of geom agnetic storms reaching Earth.

    To evaluate the concept, the research team simulated the effects of the May
    2024 "Mother's Day" geomagnetic storm. Their results indicated that StormW
    all would not eliminate the storm entirely but could reduce key measures of
    storm intensity by more than 50 percent. The researchers also concluded th
    at the amount of material required and the launch capabilities needed for t
    he system are within the reach of current technology.

    The concept remains a theoretical proposal and no StormWall mission has bee
    n approved or funded. Nevertheless, the study represents an unusual approac
    h to space weather mitigation, shifting the focus from forecasting solar st orms to actively reducing their impact. As satellite constellations and oth
    er orbital infrastructure continue to expand, researchers suggest that larg e-scale protective systems may become increasingly attractive in the future
    .

    Read the full article at: https://www.space.com/astronomy/earth/scientists- propose-spraying-chemicals-into-earths-magnetic-field-to-protect-us-from-po werful-solar-storms

    [ANS thanks Sharmila Kuthunur<https://x.com/skuthunur>, Space.com<https://w ww.space.com/>, for the above information]

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

    [Presidents' Club 2026 Coin]<https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-president s-club/>

    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 June 26, 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 u pdates are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin fi
    les 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/<https://www.amsat.org/keplerian-elements-res ources/>.

    + This week there are no additions or deletions to the AMSAT TLE distributi
    on.

    General Perturbations Data Support

    AMSAT is pleased to announce that modern forms of what are called General P erturbations data are being disseminated via modern formats including JSON,
    XML and KVN at https://newark192.amsat.org/gpdata/current/. The reason thi
    s change is being made is that we are running out of 5-digit catalog number
    s and the TLE format is not viable for satellites launched after July of th
    is year. See https://celestrak.org/NORAD/documentation/gp-data-formats.php
    for details.

    These data are presently considered in beta test for the next two months wh
    ile hosted on the test server newark192.amsat.org<http://newark192.amsat.or
    , and we are very open to community feedback at webmaster@amsat.org<mailt o:webmaster@amsat.org>. Testers may experience outages and errors while we make improvements. We intend to put this into production on our main web se rver in July as we expect that satellites launched after this summer will r equire one of the new formats to accommodate longer object numbers. AMSAT w
    ill continue to publish TLE bulletins for satellites launched before July 2
    026 indefinitely.

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

    ________________________________
    ARISS News

    Amateurs and others around the world may listen in on contacts between amat eurs operating in schools and allowing students to interact with astronauts
    and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. The downlink freque
    ncy on which to listen is 145.800 MHz worldwide.

    Scheduled Contacts

    + Recently Completed

    National STEM Festival, Washington, DC, telebridge via VK6MJ
    The ISS callsign was NA1SS
    The scheduled crewmember was Chris Williams, KJ5GEW
    The ARISS mentor was W4NTR/ KM4YHZ
    Contact was successful: Thu 2026-06-25 13:31:42 UTC
    Congratulations to the National STEM Festival students, Chris, mentor W4NTR /KM4YHZ, and ground station VK6MJ!

    + Upcoming Contacts

    None currently scheduled

    Many times, a school makes a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or run
    s 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://l ive.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 M
    Hz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If a crewmember decides to pick up the m icrophone and turn up the volume, you may hear them on the air-so keep list ening, as you never know when activity might occur. In support of an upcomi
    ng EVA: Power Down June 29 15:15 UTC | Power Up July 1 10:15 UTC

    Kenwood D710GA in the Zvezda Service Module - Call sign RS0ISS. Please note
    we're still in the process of troubleshooting and testing this radio. APRS
    is currently active on 437.825 MHz. Feel free to check out status reports
    at https://ariss-usa.org/ARISS_APRS/. In support of an upcoming EVA: Power Down June 29 15:20 UTC | Power Up July 1 10:20 UTC

    HamTV in the Columbus Module (2395.00 MHz) is currently transmitting a test
    signal. The color bar test generator portion of the system is experiencing
    technical issues, and troubleshooting is underway. For more information, v isit the ARISS Ham TV Live site at https://live.ariss.org/hamtv/.

    Note, all times are approximate. It is recommended that you do your own orb ital prediction or start listening about 10 minutes before the listed time.

    The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ar iss.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 f
    or 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 a ppropriate 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+ presentat ions so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.

    Scheduled Events

    Moon Day - July 11, 2026
    Frontiers of Flight Museum
    6911 Lemmon Avenue
    Dallas, TX 75209
    https://flightmuseum.com/events/moonday/
    N5HYP

    44th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Membership Meeting - October 8 thru 1
    1, 2026
    Crowne Plaza JAX Airport
    14670 Duval Road
    Jacksonville, FL 32218
    https://www.amsat.org/2026-amsat-symposium/

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

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

    ________________________________
    [SDR Gen 2 Ad - 2026]
    ________________________________
    Satellite Shorts from All Over

    + Bird Chaser Bingo Summer 2026 has its first Full Eclipse winner, with Mar
    k KO6MBI of Sacramento, California, becoming the first participant to compl
    ete every square on the event's satellite operating challenge card. Event o rganizer Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF, noted that KO6MBI is relatively new to ama teur radio satellites and encouraged operators to listen for him on the air
    . Bird Chaser Bingo is a summer-long activity that challenges operators to complete satellite-themed operating objectives involving contacts, grids, s atellites, and special operating situations. Participants can earn recognit
    ion for completing traditional bingo patterns or attempt the more difficult
    Full Eclipse by finishing the entire card. The event runs through August 3
    1, 2026, with completed cards due by September 15, 2026. Additional informa tion and downloadable bingo cards are available at https://borgersons.com/.
    (ANS thanks Sean Borgerson, KK7OVF<https://x.com/BorgersonS>, for the abov
    e information)

    + SpaceX launched its new Starfall reentry capsule on June 23 aboard a Falc
    on 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecr
    aft is designed to carry cargo and research payloads to low Earth orbit and
    safely return them to Earth for recovery. Starfall can accommodate up to 1 ,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of payload and is intended to support applica tions such as orbital manufacturing and scientific research. The capsule us
    es a carbon-fiber heat shield, nitrogen gas attitude-control system, and pa rachute-assisted splashdown recovery. During the June 23 flight demonstrati
    on, SpaceX targeted a recovery area in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,30
    0 kilometers (700 nautical miles) off the U.S. West Coast. The mission mark
    ed Starfall's first flight test, with at least one additional demonstration
    mission planned. (ANS thanks Space.com<https://www.space.com/> for the abo
    ve information)

    + Scale RF has launched a Crowd Supply campaign for its QuadRF 4x4 MIMO sof tware-defined radio development kit. The QuadRF operates from 4.9 to 6.0 GH
    z in the C-band and provides four full-duplex transmit and receive channels
    with up to 1 watt of output power per antenna. The kit includes four dual- polarization antennas, an integrated Raspberry Pi 5, and open-source softwa
    re for beamforming and phased-array experimentation. Scale RF says the desi
    gn is intended as the building block for larger phased-array systems, inclu ding its planned MoonRF architecture for Earth-Moon-Earth communication and
    radio astronomy. The complete QuadRF kit is priced at $499 during the Crow
    d Supply campaign, with initial deliveries expected this fall. Additional i nformation is available on the Crowd Supply campaign page at https://www.cr owdsupply.com/scale-rf/quadrf#<https://www.crowdsupply.com/scale-rf/quadrf>
    . (ANS thanks Scale RF<https://moonrf.com/> for the above information)

    + Researchers at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, are testi
    ng a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide long-duration energy storage for future Artemis missions to the Moon. The system generates elect ricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen into water, then recharges by split ting the water back into its original gases for repeated use. The technolog
    y could provide a lighter alternative to batteries while storing enough ene
    rgy to power habitats, rovers, and other lunar systems through the Moon's t wo-week-long nights. Engineers recently began testing the complete integrat
    ed system, including storage of the hydrogen and oxygen produced during rec harge. Data gathered during the test campaign will help prepare the technol
    ogy for future environmental testing under simulated lunar conditions. If s uccessful, regenerative fuel cells could become an important part of the in frastructure needed to support sustained human exploration of the Moon. (AN
    S thanks NASA<https://x.com/NASA> 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<http://amsat.org> for additional membership inf ormation.

    73 and remember to help Keep Amateur Radio in Space!

    This week's ANS Editor,

    Mitch Ahrenstorff, AD+HJ
    mahrenstorff [at] amsat.org<http://amsat.org>

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

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