Amateur Radio

09/30/2024

Thank you Juliana G. for sharing your picture.

09/22/2024

GreenCube was a revelation! It added to my DXCC Satellite record.

GreenCube (IO-117) Ceases Functioning Due to Radiation Damage
The GreenCube satellite, developed by S5LAB, has likely ceased functioning due to radiation damage. After a successful mission that exceeded expectations, the satellite is no longer responding to commands, and its onboard radio is believed to have been compromised by the harsh radiation environment in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).

Approximately ten days ago, GreenCube experienced a reboot, and telemetry data from the event did not indicate any anomalies. However, the S5LAB team now suspects that the satellite’s radio was damaged, leading to the current communication blackout. MEO is notoriously challenging for satellites due to its high radiation levels, and GreenCube was not the only satellite affected. Several other CubeSats launched alongside it only lasted a few days, making GreenCube’s extended mission duration a remarkable achievement.

Despite ongoing efforts to send commands and reactivate the satellite, the team remains pessimistic about restoring GreenCube’s functionality. The satellite’s survival in the hostile MEO environment is seen as a testament to its robust design, but the likelihood of recovery is slim.

At this time, no successor to GreenCube is planned, primarily due to the infrequency of launch opportunities to MEO. Launches to this orbit are rare, which complicates the prospect of future missions.

In response to the satellite’s success and the interest it generated among radio amateurs, S5LAB has promised to host a webinar in collaboration with AMSAT Italia. The event will provide insights into the GreenCube mission, sharing the challenges and triumphs of the satellite’s journey. This is an opportunity for the amateur radio community to learn more about the satellite’s impact and the technical details behind its impressive mission.

While GreenCube’s operational life may have ended, its contributions to satellite technology and amateur radio will be remembered as a significant milestone.

[Information from Piero IØKPT via Facebooks Greencube Group]

[ANS thanks AMSAT-UK for the above information]

09/05/2024

The San Andreas Fault
This is a world-famous crack that divides California into two parts. As a result of it, they lie on two different tectonic plates - the North American and the Pacific tectonic plates.

08/21/2024

M 2.0 class flair from SN 3796 at 2200 UTC

08/19/2024

Weather Channel said this rain was a 1000 year event!

08/16/2024

Iconic Babe Ruth jersey could sell for record-breaking $30 million

06/24/2024

http://13colonies.us/ W2JV will be streaming the event on the FLEX Radio. Twitch.tv/w2jv 7-1 to 7-7

W2JV licensed since 1964, original call, WB2OQQ, stayed in the family. Active contest station, and enjoy hearing what other hams are doing to enjoy and advance our exciting hobby.

06/22/2024

www.twitch.tv/w2jv

06/22/2024

Field Day will begin at 2PM EDT. W2JV will be on Twitch TV. www. Twitchtv/w2jv. Please join in for the fun.

04/27/2024

Happy birthday Samuel Morse , inventor of Morse Code , born 1791.