The Kodiak Star mission lifted off into clear blue skies on Sunday, September 30, 0240 UTC after a flawless countdown from the Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska.
The Kodiak Star mission lifted off into clear blue skies on Sunday, September 30, 0240 UTC after a flawless countdown from the Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska. |
NEWINGTON, CT, Oct 1, 2001--Following several delays, the Kodiak Star launch vehicle took off into space from Alaska early Sunday, September 30 UTC. The Athena I rocket boosted three Amateur Radio payloads into orbit. Initial indications are that all satellites deployed properly and have been monitored on the ground. The payloads included the APRS-equipped PCSat, built by midshipmen from the US Naval Academy under the guidance of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, the acknowledged "father of APRS."
PCsat is a 1200-baud APRS digipeater designed for use by amateurs using hand-held transceivers or mobiles. Bruninga reports that PCSat successfully separated and has been transmitting 1200 baud AX.25 AFSK telemetry on 145.825 MHz, but the satellite has not yet been commissioned for general amateur use. "We ask that users please wait while we get the system loaded," he said. PCsat's only "brain" is two TNC's.
According to a statement on the PCsat Web site, the new bird is undergoing operational check out and "needs a clear uplink without congestion." PCsat's downlink has been heard around the world, with reports logged from Alaska and Hawaii as well as from South Africa, Europe, Africa and even Antarctica.
Carried into space in addition to PCSsat were the Starshine 3 and Sapphire payloads. Starshine3 is a "disco" mirror ball with AX.25 9600 baud telemetry on 145.825. Sapphire has 1200-baud AX.25 telemetry and a voice replay on 437.1 MHz. Starshine 3's "disco" ball will be visible to the eye and give earthbound students the opportunity to participate in its primary mission of satellite tracking.
 Bob Bruninga, WB4APR (center), looks on as ensigns Dan Boutros (left) and Brad Schwenzer (right) describe satellite's telemetry sub-module. |
Sapphire is a joint effort between the Naval Academy's Small Satellite Program, Stanford University and Washington University at St. Louis. Starshine is a NASA payload.
 The Starshine 3 spacecraft. [Michael A. Savell and Gayle R. Fullerton/NRL] |
The Starshine 3 team was jubilant. "We have been deployed and are operating!" said Project Director Gil Moore. Starshine 3 has been inserted into a circular orbit at an altitude of 300 statute miles and an inclination of 67 degrees. Its ham radio beacon on 145.825 MHz was acquired by Mark Williams of Raytheon Polar Services Company at Palmer Station in Antarctica. "All systems are GO!"
 The Sapphire payload. |
The Kodiak Star launch--the first orbital mission from the Kodiak launch complex--had to be delayed several times--most recently due to high solar flare activity this past week and earlier because of unsuitable weather conditions and travel delays resulting from the recent shutdown of airline traffic following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
For more information, visit the PCSat Web site. For more information on Sapphire, visit the Stanford University Space Systems Development Laboratories Web site. The Starshine Web site is http://www.azinet.com/starshine/
 Previous: USTTI Class of 2001 Learns About Amateur Radio |  Next: Youth@HamRadio.Fun: Jamboree On The Air 2001! |