karn@eagle.UUCP (06/11/83)
By WA2LQQ AMSAT's Phase 3B satellite is now fully prepared for launch. The satellite is mounted on its Ariane launcher in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch window is on 16 Jun from 1159 to 1328 UTC. Repeat. The launch window is Jun 16, 1159 to 1328 UTC. The AMSAT Launch Information Network Service will transmit live reports of the progress of the launch as they occur on launch day. Many stations around the world will carry the audio feed originating at AMSAT's primary command station at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Stations carrying the Launch Network include W1AW. W1AW will transmit will relay the audio on all of its normal single sideband frequencies. They are: 1890, 3990, 7290, 14,290, 21,390, 28,590 kHz and 50.190 and 147.555 MHz FM. Additionally, other HF stations will be on 3780, 3850, 7080, 7170, 7180, 7182, 14250, 14260, 14265, 14280, 21265, 21280 and 21285 kHz. Tune to the station you hear best. Subsequent to launch monitor AMSAT net frequencies including 3850 and 14282 for latest progress reports. Initial spacecraft testing will commence five hours after launch. First AOS will be in Europe and East Africa when the Mode B beacon is activated exactly five hours after launch. Monitor the Mode B General Beacon on 145.810 MHz. Five minutes of CW and 25 minutes of PSK telemetry will be sent each half hour. Telemetry equations are available in Amateur Satellite Report. In summary, all is in readiness for the launch of Phase 3B on Jun 16th with the launch window opening at 0800 AM Eastern Daylight Time. The launch net will commence operations beginning approximately one half hour prior to launch. If all goes well the new OSCAR will be available for general use in 3 to 6 weeks. Announcements will be made. Standby for further news.