AMSAT News Service

ANS-032

February 1, 2026


In this edition:


* NASA Selects Global Tracking Volunteers for Artemis II Lunar Mission

* Thailand?s KNACKSAT-2 CubeSat Preparing for Deployment from the ISS

* CubeSatSim Satellite Emulator Kits Now Available in the AMSAT Store

* Open.Space Phased Array Project Targets Low-Cost EME for Hams

* Changes to AMSAT-NA TLE Distribution for January 30, 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 news related to Amateur Radio in Space including reports on the activities of a worldwide group of Amateur Radio operators who share an active interest in designing, building, launching and communicating through analog and digital Amateur Radio satellites.



The news feed on https://www.amsat.org publishes news of Amateur Radio in
Space 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 Bulletins via the ANS List; to join this list see: https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/



________________________________

NASA Selects Global Tracking Volunteers for Artemis II Lunar Mission


NASA has selected 34 volunteer organizations and individuals from around the world to help track the Orion spacecraft during the upcoming crewed Artemis
II mission, which will carry four astronauts on a journey around the Moon.
The selected participants include commercial service providers, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individual amateur radio operators, reflecting a broad international collaboration supporting
humanity?s return to deep space.



While NASA?s Near Space Network and Deep Space Network will provide primary communications and navigation support, the volunteers will passively track radio signals transmitted by Orion during its approximately 10-day mission. Participants were chosen from proposals submitted in August 2025. They will submit tracking data to NASA for analysis, helping the agency evaluate
broader aerospace and amateur radio tracking capabilities. No funding is exchanged as part of this collaborative effort.



?This is a real step toward SCaN?s commercial-first vision,? said Kevin Coggins, NASA?s deputy associate administrator for Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN). ?By inviting external organizations to demonstrate their capabilities during a human spaceflight mission, we?re strengthening the marketplace we?ll rely on as we explore farther into the solar system. This isn?t about tracking one mission, but about building a resilient, public-private ecosystem that will support the Golden Age of innovation and exploration.?


[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Artemis_2_Orion_Optical_Comms-1024x576.jpg]

NASA?s Orion spacecraft will also use infrared optical communications to
return high-rate data during Artemis II. [Credit: NASA<https://x.com/NASAArtemis>]



The initiative builds on a similar effort during Artemis I in 2022, when 10 volunteers successfully tracked Orion and provided valuable lessons on data formatting, quality, and standards compliance. For Artemis II, SCaN now requires all submitted tracking data to meet its system standards. Public interest has increased significantly, with about 47 ground assets across 14 countries expected to support the mission.



Amateur radio organizations and enthusiasts are well represented in the selected group. Participants include AMSAT Argentina, AMSAT Deutschland, the Amateur Radio Exploration Ground Station Consortium, CAMRAS in the
Netherlands, the Deep Space Exploration Society in Colorado, and several individual operators, including Scott Tilley of Canada. Their involvement highlights the growing technical capability of the global amateur radio community to contribute meaningfully to deep-space missions.



Although NASA has formally selected a limited group to submit official
tracking data, anyone with appropriate equipment can attempt to track Artemis II independently, either by monitoring Orion?s radio emissions or by
observing the spacecraft optically with a telescope during its trans-lunar coast. NASA has emphasized that it is simply accepting data from a designated group and is not restricting independent observation. For amateur astronomers and radio operators alike, Artemis II offers a rare opportunity to witness
? and participate in ? humanity?s return to deep-space exploration.



Read the full article at: https://www.nasa.gov/technology/space-comms/nasa-selects-participants-to-track-artemis-ii-mission/


[ANS thanks Katrina Lee, NASA<https://www.nasa.gov/>, and Scott Tilley, VE7TIL<https://x.com/coastal8049>, for the above information]



________________________________

Thailand?s KNACKSAT-2 CubeSat Preparing for Deployment from the ISS


Thailand?s KNACKSAT-2 satellite is preparing for deployment from the International Space Station, with release currently scheduled for February 3, 2026 at 08:55 UTC (03:55 AM EST). The mission continues Thailand?s university-led CubeSat development program following the earlier KNACKSAT-1 mission. The project is led by King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok in Thailand, working with domestic and international partners to advance satellite engineering, payload integration, and on-orbit operations. The deployment is expected to be viewable live online via the project livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB4PIOS-hSs.



KNACKSAT-2 was transported to the International Space Station in late 2025
and is a 3U CubeSat designed to host multiple payloads. The satellite expands on KNACKSAT-1, which demonstrated Thailand?s ability to design and build a satellite domestically. Development and testing were conducted in cooperation with NBSPACE and other academic and research partners. The mission is
intended to help Thailand develop multi-payload CubeSat platforms and prepare for future ride-share launch opportunities.



The satellite carries both educational and research payloads. Non-amateur missions include an Earth imaging camera, a store-and-forward IoT data collection system for remote sensors, ultraviolet radiation measurement instrumentation, and in-orbit evaluation of space-qualified components. These payloads are part of broader national workforce development programs coordinated through the Thai Space Consortium and academic partner networks. The satellite will be operated in orbit using ground stations located in Thailand.


[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Knacksat_2_Cubesat_Display-1024x683.jpg]

KNACKSAT-2 is a Thai-developed 3U CubeSat designed as a multi-payload
platform for in-orbit technology demonstration. [Credit: PMUC<https://pmuc.or.th/>]



KNACKSAT-2 also supports amateur radio operations through an APRS digipeater payload developed in cooperation with the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand. The amateur payload operates using coordinated frequencies through the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) satellite frequency coordination process. The APRS digipeater system uses 145.825 MHz for uplink and downlink using FSK modulation at 9600 bps with AX.25 framing. The amateur satellite callsign assigned to the mission is HS?K.



In addition to amateur payloads, the spacecraft transmits engineering
telemetry on 400.630 MHz using FSK at 9600 bps with AX.25 framing and a one-minute beacon interval. Following deployment, project coordinators have requested assistance from the monitoring community to receive, decode, and submit telemetry reports from the 400.630 MHz downlink, which is outside the amateur radio allocation. Many satellite observers actively search for newly deployed spacecraft and contribute reception reports, helping mission teams verify spacecraft health and early on-orbit performance. The satellite is expected to rotate in orbit, and ground stations are recommended to use circular polarization, with RHCP preferred, to improve reception reliability.


KNACKSAT-2 continues the growing trend of university-driven satellite
programs contributing technical capability, education, and operational experience to the global amateur satellite community. University-built satellites are playing an increasing role in expanding access to space while supporting educational outreach and new opportunities for amateur radio experimentation.



For more information:

Deployment Live Stream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB4PIOS-hSs

KNACKSAT-2 Packet Forwarder Software Download

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/18fa1jQJff-JiHCe3aBd1pGhCkZLYsv98

KNACKSAT-2 Packet Forwarder Software Manual

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHfO3wFxgxnFv4PHQVXjML2r8pdHhOGU/view

API Registration for KNACKSAT-2 Packet Forwarder

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3XvkZU3XPdodgZIm94c7DczWjIqJlDF-46hGutW0aE_sLFA/viewform

KNACKSAT-2 Telemetry Dashboard

https://dashboard.knacksat.com/telemetry/d/knacksat-telemetry/knacksat-satellite-telemetry-monitor


[ANS thanks Tanan Rangseeprom, HS1JAN<https://x.com/nanrspm>, and the IARU<https://iaru.amsat-uk.org/> for the above information]



________________________________

[SDR Gen 2 Ad - 2026]

________________________________

CubeSatSim Satellite Emulator Kits Now Available in the AMSAT Store


CubeSatSim is an educational satellite emulator designed to provide a
hands-on introduction to space communications, telemetry, and satellite systems. Kits are now available for purchase through the AMSAT Store (https://www.amsat.org/product/cubesatsim-kit). Priced at $550 with shipping included for U.S. addresses, the CubeSatSim Kit requires no soldering and
only minimal assembly, making it ideal for educational use and public demonstrations.



The CubeSatSim Kit includes:


* Fully assembled and tested PCBs (Main, Solar, and Battery Boards)

* Raspberry Pi Zero 2 with a Pi Camera and fully programmed micro-SD
card, along with a fully programmed Raspberry Pi Pico WH


* AMSAT logo "Remove Before Flight" tag switch

* 3D printed frame, nylon screws, and nuts, with a mini screwdriver included for assembly


* Metal standoffs, stacking headers, and JST jumpers for stacking the
PCBs and Pi Zero 2


* 10 solar panels with pre-soldered JST connectors and mounting tape

* BME280 sensor (pressure, temperature, altitude, humidity) and MPU6050 IMU/gyro pre-soldered


* Two 6? SMA coax cables and two SMA antennas


The kit also comes with an instruction sheet, parts inventory, and links to online instructions. Assembly time is estimated to be under two hours, with scissors and the provided mini screwdriver.


[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CubeSatSim-KitKit-Parts-with-Labels-915x1024.png]

CubeSatSim kit hardware and components are now available for purchase through the AMSAT Store.



The v2.0 CubeSatSim features improvements over v1.2, such as an FM
transceiver, Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, and RF command and control using DTMF or APRS packets. It can also be modified to function as a 500 mW high altitude balloon payload.



For those interested in creating their own CubeSatSim, v2.0 blank PCB sets
are available at the AMSAT Store for $35. These require additional
components, which can be purchased for approximately $400 using the provided Bill of Materials.



Additional resources include:

Kit Instructions

https://cubesatsim.org/kit

Kit Videos

https://cubesatsim.org/kit-videos

Discussion Forum

https://github.com/alanbjohnston/CubeSatSim/discussions

Quick Start Guide

https://cubesatsim.org/qsg


How to Order

Kits are sold exclusively through the AMSAT Store.

Only U.S. shipping addresses are eligible; orders with non-U.S. addresses
will be refunded and closed.



About CubeSatSim

CubeSatSim is a low-cost satellite emulator powered by solar panels and batteries. It transmits UHF radio telemetry and can be expanded with
additional sensors and modules, making it ideal for educational and public demonstrations.



[ANS thanks Alan Johnston, KU2Y, AMSAT Vice President Educational Relations
for the above information]



________________________________

Open.Space Phased Array Project Targets Low-Cost EME for Hams


An upcoming open-source hardware project called Open.Space aims to lower the barrier to Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communications for amateur radio operators
by using a modular, software-defined phased-array system instead of
traditional large dish antennas. EME, or moonbounce, involves transmitting a signal toward the Moon, reflecting it off the lunar surface, and receiving it back on Earth. Historically, this has required large high-gain antennas, high-power transmitters, and precise mechanical tracking, putting it out of reach for many amateurs.



Open.Space proposes using electronically steerable phased arrays built from small, low-cost software-defined radio (SDR) tiles. A phased array combines
the signals from many small antennas using precise timing delays, allowing radio beams to be steered electronically without motors or moving parts. This enables rapid tracking, improved interference rejection, and compact, low-profile installations. A familiar consumer example of phased-array technology is the flat-panel antenna used by Starlink satellite internet terminals.



At the core of the system is the Open.Space Quad tile, a 4-antenna SDR module covering 4.9 to 6.0 GHz in the C-band. Each tile supports 40 MHz of bandwidth using an 8-bit ADC and delivers about 1 watt of transmit power per antenna.
The tiles can operate as standalone 4?4 MIMO SDRs for RF experimentation, direction finding, or digital communications, or they can be combined into larger phased-array structures.


[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Open_Space_Mini_Phased_Array_Infographic-1024x486.jpg]<https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Open_Space_Mini_Phased_Array_Infographic.jpg>

The Open.Space<https://open.space/> Mini phased array uses 18 Quad tiles to form a compact, electronically steerable antenna system. [Credit: Open.Space<https://open.space/>]



Multiple tiles can be assembled into phased arrays using a modular lattice frame. The ?Mini? starter array consists of 18 tiles, totaling 72
antennas. It is expected to provide roughly 34 dBi of gain, about 52.6 dBW of EIRP, and up to 60 degrees of electronic beam steering. While the Mini configuration is not large enough for moonbounce, it is intended for
learning, experimentation, satellite downlinks, and long-range directional links.



For full EME capability, Open.Space proposes the ?Moon? array, built from
60 tiles and 240 antennas in a one-meter-wide aperture. This configuration is expected to deliver around 39.3 dBi of gain and 63.1 dBW of EIRP, making moonbounce experiments feasible. Additional planned applications include
radio astronomy, RF imaging, and advanced phased-array research.



One of the most notable aspects of the project is its proposed cost in U.S. dollars. Individual tiles are expected to sell for approximately $49 to $99 USD. The Mini array is projected at $899 to $1,499 USD, and the Moon array at $2,499 to $4,999 USD?significantly less than traditional EME hardware
setups. The Open.Space hardware has not yet been released, but the project website lists March 2026 as the expected shipping date. The developers note that the system is not intended for radar applications due to export-control restrictions. Those interested can sign up on the Open.Space<https://open.space/> website to receive email updates when the hardware becomes available.



[ANS thanks Open.Space<https://open.space/> and RTL-SDR.com<https://www.rtl-sdr.com/> for the above information]



________________________________

The 2026 Coins Are Here! Help Support GOLF-TEE and FoxPlus.

Annual memberships start at only $120.


[Presidents' Club 2026 Coin]<https://www.amsat.org/join-the-amsat-presidents-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 January 30, 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 updates
are completely adequate for most amateur satellites. TLE bulletin files 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-resources/>.


An alternate source for TLE for IO-86 has been identified, and it has been re-added to the AMSAT TLE distribution.



The following satellite has been removed from this week's AMSAT TLE distribution:



GHS-01 NORAD Cat ID 65733, Decayed from orbit on or about 20 Jan 2025


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



________________________________

ARISS News


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



Scheduled Contacts


+ Recently Completed


Conn Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC., direct via K4EB

The ISS callsign was NA1SS

The scheduled crewmember was Chris Williams KJ5GEW

The ARISS mentor was AA6TB

Contact was successful: Fri 2026-01-30 15:10:30 UTC

Watch for Livestream at https://youtube.com/live/tOj-SpbmA30?feature=share
and https://live.ariss.org/



+ Upcoming Contacts


Aznakaevsky District of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Mikaev

The ARISS mentor is RV3DR

Contact is go for: Mon 2026-02-02 09:55 UTC


School No. 4, Semenov, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Mikaev

The ARISS mentor is RV3DR

Contact is go for: Tue 2026-02-03 10:45 UTC


Lyceum No. 23, Kaliningrad, Russia, direct via TBD

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be RS?ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Sergey Mikaev

The ARISS mentor is RV3DR

Contact is go for: Thu 2026-02-05 10:45 UTC


Klimop Tongeren, Tongeren-Borgloon, Belgium, telebridge via ON4ISS

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS

The scheduled crewmember is Chris Williams KJ5GEW

The ARISS mentor is ON6TI

Contact is go for: Thu 2026-02-05 12:21:51 UTC


Many times, a school makes a last-minute decision to do a Livestream or runs 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://live.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 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down). If a crewmember decides to pick up the microphone and turn up the volume, you may hear them on the air?so keep listening, as you never know when activity might occur.



The service module IORS is not currently in APRS configuration and is being used only for voice contacts at this time. HamTV in the Columbus Module is configured for scheduled digital amateur television operations on 2395.00
MHz.



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



The latest information on the operation mode can be found at https://www.ariss.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 for 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 appropriate 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+
presentations so far has been customized/tailored to their audiences.



Scheduled Events


Hamcation 2026 - February 13 thru 15, 2026

Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park

4603 West Colonial Drive

Orlando, FL 32808

https://www.hamcation.com/

AMSAT will have a table and many items available for purchase

Contact Dave Jordan, AA4KN to volunteer n4csitwo [at] bellsouth.net<http://bellsouth.net>



Midwinter Madness Hamfest 2026 - March 21, 2026

Maple Grove Radio Club

Buffalo Civic Center

1306 County Road 134

Buffalo, Minnesota 55313

https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/

K?JM, AD?HJ, KE?PBR


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


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



________________________________

AMSAT Remove Before Flight Key Tags Now Available

Yes, These are the Real Thing!

[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Keytag1D-300x155.jpg]<https://www.zazzle.com/amsat_car_flag-256716714380264543>

Your $20 Donation Goes to Help Fly a Fox-Plus Satellite

Includes First Class Postage (Sorry ? U.S. Addresses Only)

Order Today at https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain<https://www.amsat.org/product/amsat-remove-before-flight-keychain/>

________________________________

Satellite Shorts from All Over


+ AMSAT-HB has announced the dates for the next edition of the HB9RG Trophy, which will take place from March 2 through March 15, 2026. The competition commemorates the first amateur radio satellite contact achieved on March 10, 1965, by Hans Rudolf Lauber, HB9RG, and Alfons H„ring, DL6EZA, a milestone
in amateur satellite communications. Organizers report that the event will return following strong international participation and enthusiastic feedback from previous editions of the Trophy. Based on participant input, AMSAT-HB is currently revising the competition rules to improve fairness, accessibility, and the overall operating experience. These adjustments are intended to
better reflect the needs and operating practices of the global satellite amateur radio community. Complete rules, participation procedures, and event updates are available on the AMSAT-HB website at https://www.amsat-hb.org/hb9rg_trophy. (ANS thanks AMSAT-HB<https://www.amsat-hb.org/> for the above information)



+ AMSAT-Francophone has opened ticketing for the 9th Amateur Radio Space Meeting, scheduled for March 7?8, 2026, in Nanterre, France. The annual gathering brings together amateur satellite operators, spacecraft designers, students, researchers, and space enthusiasts to share projects, ideas, and technical advances. The event will be hosted at the ElectroLab Fab Lab, with free admission to all conference sessions. Attendees are asked to reserve tickets in advance to assist with organization, with meals available on site.
A call for contributions remains open to everyone, offering formats that include 15?25 minute conferences, five-minute ?T-minus 5?
presentations, and short videos of up to three minutes. Ticket reservations
and event details are available at https://www.billetweb.fr/9-eme-rencontre-spatial-radioamateur, with presentation and video submissions due by February 10, 2026. (ANS thanks AMSAT-Francophone<https://site.amsat-f.org/> for the above information)



+ Blue Origin successfully completed the 38th flight of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle on January 22, marking the program?s first mission of
2026. The mission, designated NS-38, launched from Blue Origin?s Launch
Site One in West Texas during a morning launch window. The flight carried six people on a brief suborbital journey above the K rm n line, the
internationally recognized boundary of space. The crew included Tim Drexler, Dr. Linda Edwards, Alain Fernandez, Alberto Guti‚rrez, Jim Hendren, and Dr. Laura Stiles. Stiles joined the mission shortly before launch after another crew member was unable to fly due to illness. With this flight, New Shepard
has now flown 98 people to space. New Shepard is Blue Origin?s operational human spaceflight system and serves as a testbed for reusable launch technologies and crewed operations. The program continues to support Blue Origin?s long-term goals for expanding human access to space. (ANS thanks
Blue Origin<https://www.blueorigin.com/> for the above information)



+ For 21 years, from 1999 to 2020, millions of volunteers worldwide used
their home computers to support SETI@home<https://setiathome.berkeley.edu/>, one of the largest citizen-science efforts ever conducted. Operated by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, the project analyzed radio data from the Arecibo Observatory and identified roughly 12 billion signals of interest. After a decade of follow-up analysis, researchers
narrowed those detections to about one million candidates and then to 100 signals worthy of further investigation. Since July 2025, those targets have been reobserved using China?s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical
Telescope, or FAST radio telescope, which has eight times the collecting area of Arecibo. While researchers do not expect these signals to be extraterrestrial in origin, the results helped establish new sensitivity
limits for large-scale SETI searches. Scientists say the project?s biggest legacy may be the lessons learned about filtering radio-frequency
interference and designing future all-sky technosignature surveys. (ANS
thanks UC Berkeley News<https://news.berkeley.edu/> 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 information.



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 Street NE, Suite 1653, Washington, DC 20002


AMSAT is a registered trademark of the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation.




--- PyGate Linux v1.5.8
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)