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HADES-R FM Repeater Activated

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AMSAT-EA has confirmed that the FM repeater aboard the HADES-R satellite has been successfully activated and is now available for amateur radio operators worldwide. The activation took place on February 19th, 2025, following a series of telemetry and command tests to ensure the satellite’s stability and performance. Early reports indicate that the repeater is functioning as expected, providing strong two-way FM voice communications. AMSAT-EA expressed its gratitude to the amateur radio community for submitting telemetry reports, which contributed to the successful commissioning of the satellite.

HADES-R was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on January 14th, 2025, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. Developed by AMSAT-EA, the satellite carries an FM and digital repeater payload designed to provide communication services to amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide. It was deployed from the D-Orbit ION-SCV-016 orbital transfer vehicle on January 22nd and has since been transmitting telemetry data while undergoing operational testing. With the repeater now active, operators can use the uplink frequency of 145.925 MHz and the downlink frequency of 436.885 MHz for communication, with additional support for digital modes such as APRS and FSK telemetry at various data rates.

At the request of AMSAT-EA, AMSAT has officially designated HADES-R as Spain-OSCAR 124 (SO-124) in recognition of its contributions to amateur satellite communications. This designation underscores the satellite’s role in expanding access to space-based communications for the amateur radio community. AMSAT congratulates AMSAT-EA on this achievement and looks forward to the continued success of this and future projects. Meanwhile, amateur radio operators eagerly anticipate the upcoming launch of HADES-ICM on the Transporter-13 mission in March 2025, which will further enhance satellite-based communication capabilities.

[ANS thanks AMSAT-EA and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations / OSCAR Number Administrator for the above information]

ASTEROID 2024 YR4 IS NO LONGER A THREAT

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As always, The ones who say the world is ending, Sorry, not going to happen, the Christmas 2032 might be Merry, after all. New observations of “city-killer” asteroid 2024 YR4 have ruled out an impact with Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. According to JPL, the odds of a strike have plummeted to a miniscule 0.002% — safer than crossing the street or driving a car.

A HOLE IN THE SUN’S ATMOSPHERE

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Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on March 1st when a stream of solar wind is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field. The gaseous material is flowing from a large hole in the sun’s atmosphere, now squarely facing Earth

X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE

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Earth-orbiting satellites detected an X2-class solar flare on Feb. 23rd (1927 UTC). The source was just behind the sun’s northwestern limb–a location that will not allow it to send a CME toward Earth. However, a pulse of extreme UV radiation did cause a shortwave radio blackout over the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Bus Trip to Hamvention!!

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The ARROW Communications Association and the Toledo Mobile Radio Association (TMRA) are proud to sponsor a motor coach trip to the Hamvention 2025 in Dayton, Ohio. This one-day trip leaves early in the morning on May 17, 2025, and returns the same day after Hamvention closes for the day at 5:00 p.m. The bus has two pickup spots, in Ann Arbor and in Toledo (Rossford). Please join us!

Tickets are $70 per person. Please note that this does not include the Hamvention ticket, which you need to purchase separately. To Register and see full Details visit: w8rp.org/daytonbus2025

There are two pickup/drop off locations on May 17th, 2025

Ann Arbor – 601 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI – Departing 4:30 am

Toledo – 727 Lime City Rd. Rossford, OH – Departing 5:30 am

On board, you can stretch out, relax, take a nap, chat with other hams, and enjoy a light breakfast with coffee as the coach takes you directly to the country’s largest amateur radio event!

Thanks

ARROW & TMRA