HollyKing's Journal

Sometime today the newest amateur radio satellite, SuitSat, will be pushed into orbit. That's right, pushed into orbit. Some amateur radio equipment has been attached to a surplus Russian Orlan spacesuit and it will be deployed by hand during an upcoming ISS EVA.

SuitSat (NASA link) will transmit special international voice messages, spacesuit telemetry and a pre-programmed SSTV picture on the 145.990 MHz FM downlink. I can receive voice transmissions and I'm going to try and scramble to hook the radio up to my computer to record the telemetry. Does anyone know of any free audio recording applications for OS X?

If you want to listen act quickly, the batteries will only last a few days. The suit should orbit for up to 6 weeks before the orbit decays. NASA has a tracking applet that lets you find the when ISS is going to pass over your head. Parents, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) folks will send a certificate to any student who sends them a signal report. There are details on their website or I can help you if you have any questions.

Damn, I am out of space for more user pics and I don't have an AMSAT one. Looks like I need to buy more space.

cheesentoast sent me a link in email. I love davywavy's version of There is Nothing Like a Dame from South Pacific. You know if I didn't have such an overwhelming case of stage fright and an inability to sing I would try to arrange a group performance. Perhaps at the upcoming OSCON here in Portland.