SHUTTLE AMATEUR RADIO EXPERIMENT (SAREX) BULLETIN 
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995 
 
For More Information Contact: 
American Radio Relay League (ARRL) 
Educational Activities Department (EAD) 
225 Main Street 
Newington CT 06111-1494 USA 
Telephone (203) 666-1541 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAREX- 
 
WHAT IS SAREX? 
 
With the help of Amateur Radio clubs and ham radio operators, astronauts have
been speaking over the ham airwaves while in orbit. They are talking directly
with large groups of the general public, showing teachers, students, parents
and communities how Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science,
technology, and learning. The program is called SAREX, the Shuttle Amateur
Radio EXperiment. 

NASA's intent in making astronauts available for SAREX operations is to
involve the largest possible numbers of people, particularly youngsters, in
technology and the US space program with the help of Amateur Radio. 

During a SAREX mission, the astronauts will typically make the following
types of Amateur Radio contacts: Scheduled radio contacts with schools. 
Random contacts with the Amateur Radio community. Personal contacts with the
astronauts' families. 

A handful of schools are selected from around the world to make contact with
the shuttle during most SAREX missions. These contacts are prearranged,
giving the schools a greater chance at making a successful contact. Two or
more students at each of the selected schools ask questions of the
astronauts during the contact. The nature of these contacts embodies the
primary goal of SAREX--to excite students' interest in learning. 

 
WHO SPONSORS SAREX? 
 
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), The Radio Amateur Satellite
Corporation (AMSAT) and NASA sponsor these exciting experiments. AMSAT
volunteers support all technical operations for SAREX, and mentor
participating school groups. The ARRL provides the Amateur Radio community
with SAREX information and educational support. The ARRL Educational
Activities Department (EAD) and NASA Headquarters create and distribute
SAREX lesson materials and resources for teachers. SAREX is supported by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators work behind the scenes, including those
from NASA's Amateur Radio clubs at the Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space
Flight Center and Goddard Space Flight Center. 

A SAREX Working Group was created to administer the program. The working
group is comprised of Roy Neal, K6DUE -Chairman; Rosalie White, WA1STO
-ARRL; Frank Bauer, KA3HDO -AMSAT; and Lou McFadin, W5DID -NASA Johnson
Space Center. 

 
I AM A SCHOOL TEACHER--HOW CAN I GET STARTED? 
 
Schools wanting to make a scheduled SAREX contact with the astronauts are 
required to submit proposals and a SAREX school application to ARRL. 

While only a handful of schools get chosen for scheduled contacts, all
schools can participate by eavesdropping, or by trying to make a random
contact with the shuttle astronauts. SAREX lesson materials are available
from ARRL for all schools who participate. Imagine listening in on the
astronauts from your classroom! If you are a school teacher, but you are
unfamiliar with ham radio, you can still become a part of SAREX in your
school. Contact the ARRL EAD to get a list of your local Amateur Radio clubs
to assist you. 

If you are a parent, grandparent and/or a ham radio operator, contact ARRL
EAD and a local school. EAD will send you materials, including ways to
convince teachers and school administrators that Amateur Radio is an
important discipline the school should take advantage of on a full-time
basis. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to showcase SAREX and
Amateur Radio to kids of all ages in a big way. 

 
HOW DO I SUBMIT A SAREX SCHOOL APPLICATION FOR A SCHEDULED CONTACT? 
 
If your school is interested in a radio contact for a future SAREX mission,
you must complete a SAREX school application and write an educational
proposal. ARRL collects applications and proposals, and then forward them to
the SAREX Working Group who makes the final selection in collaboration with
the astronauts. All grade levels and type of schools (rural, suburban and
particularly urban) are encouraged to apply. 

SAREX school applications are available by sending a business-sized self-
addressed stamped envelope to ARRL, or email your request for an electronic 
version of the application to ead@arrl.org. Applications may be returned to
ARRL by mail or email. 

A proposal must accompany all completed applications. The SAREX Working Group
and NASA want to know- 
  1) How will you: 
     a) integrate this activity into the school curriculum and 
     b) involve as many students as you can, participating through essay  
        contests, poster drawing, letter writing, etc. 
  2) What are your capabilities for setting up all necessary Amateur Radio  
     equipment and antennas? Do you have the resources of an experienced
     group of hams to assist you?  
  3) How will you get as much media coverage as possible?  

 
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY SCHOOL HAS BEEN SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE? 
 
Schools that have been selected for scheduled SAREX contacts are contacted by
a SAREX coordinator. NASA requires school selections to be made approximately
seven months prior to launch. If a school is not chosen for the next SAREX 
mission, its application is recycled for future opportunities. Schools
typically wait one year or longer to be selected. 

 
I AM A HAM. HOW CAN I INTRODUCE SAREX TO MY SON OR DAUGHTER'S SCHOOL? 
 
Establish a SAREX station at the school. Bring in a shortwave receiver and
let students eavesdrop on amateur retransmissions of the NASA 
shuttle-to-mission control audio--from launch to landing. Then, set up a
2-meter satellite ground station and attempt a random SAREX contact from the
classroom. The teacher may even apply for a school contact, almost
guaranteeing that the students will have an opportunity to communicate with
the shuttle crew during a future SAREX mission. 

 
ARE THERE VIDEOS AVAILABLE ON SAREX? 
 
The ARRL Educational Activities Department has videos available for school 
teachers to borrow. Use of the Audiovisual Library is free, the only cost
being return shipping. 

"Ham Radio In Space" is a 30-minute color video chronicling the participation
of schools and hams in SAREX. You and your class will enjoy watching
students talk to the astronauts via ham radio as they participate in this
unique educational program. To borrow a copy of this video, mail a postcard
with your request to ARRL EAD. Borrowers, please indicate the date you will
need the video. Requests should be made at least one month in advance. 

 
CAN A HAM MAKE AN UNSCHEDULED SAREX CONTACT? 
 
Yes. The astronauts have not lost sight of why SAREX has been so successful.
It is the Amateur Radio community that has brought the astronaut's voices
into classrooms all around the world. During most SAREX missions, many of
the crewmembers will make random contacts with earth-bound hams. They make
these contacts during their breaks, before and after meal time, and during
their pre- sleep time. In fact, over the past years the astronauts have
contacted thousands of amateurs around the world. On many missions, they
have even carried a 2-meter packet radio station. Innovative computer
software allows the crew to operate the packet gear in an "unattended" mode,
allowing amateurs to make contacts with the ROBOT station when the
astronauts are working or sleeping. 

 
WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED? 
 
A typical SAREX ground station includes a 2-meter FM transceiver and 25-100 
watts of output power. A circularly polarized crossed-Yagi antenna capable of
being pointed in both azimuth (N-S-E-W) and elevation (degrees above the 
horizon) is desirable, but successful contacts have even been made with 
verticals and groundplane antennas. Commercial and public domain computer 
tracking software is available to assist you in determining when the shuttle 
will be within range of your station and where to point your antenna. For
more information on assembling your own satellite/SAREX station, obtain a
copy of the "Satellite Experimenter's Handbook" from ARRL. 

 
HOW DO I "TALK" TO THE ASTRONAUTS? 
 
You may communicate with the shuttle astronauts using a variety of modes:
voice, packet (computer) radio or television. It all depends on which
equipment configuration the astronauts take into space. For example,
astronauts Jay Apt and Mamoru Mohri made hundreds of random voice contacts
with Amateur Radio operators during STS-47 in September 1992. When the
astronauts were sleeping, however, a robot computer ham station aboard the
orbiting Shuttle automatically made contact with hundreds more amateurs
around the world. The robot computer transmitted an acknowledgment to each
ham whose computer successfully made contact with it. 

On other missions, the SAREX configuration has even included Amateur Radio
Slow Scan Television (SSTV) and Fast Scan Television (FSTV) allowing
amateurs a firsthand glimpse at life in space. 

 
WHAT ARE THE SAREX RADIO FREQUENCIES? 
 
The following VHF frequencies are used for SAREX missions. These frequencies 
were chosen after much deliberation to minimize contention between SAREX 
operations and other 2-meter users. If you have any comments, please direct
them to AMSAT via Frank Bauer, KA3HDO (at his address in the "Radio Amateur 
Callbook") or the ARRL EAD. We appreciate the cooperation of all amateurs in 
making the SAREX operations successful. 

Most SAREX operations are split-frequency (the crew uses separate receive and
transmit frequencies). PLEASE do not transmit on the shuttle's DOWNLINK 
frequency. The DOWNLINK is your receiving frequency. The UPLINK is your 
transmitting frequency. For all operations, Earth stations should listen to
the downlink frequency and transmit on the uplink frequency only when the
shuttle is in range and the astronauts are on the air. 

     FM Voice Downlink: (Worldwide) 145.55 MHz  
     FM Voice Uplink: 144.91, 144.93, 144.95, 144.97, and 144.99 MHz 
     FM Voice Uplink: (Europe only) 144.70, 144.75, and 144.80 MHz 
     FM Packet Downlink: 145.55 MHz 
     FM Packet Uplink: 144.49 MHz 
 
 
ARE ALL OF THE CONTACTS MADE BY THE ASTRONAUTS RANDOM? 
 
During each SAREX mission, the astronauts' primary work schedules dictate
when they can and cannot operate the radio equipment. As a result, most of
the general contacts they make are random. If the astronauts are operating
their radio, however, you can be certain that many hams will be attempting
to contact them. 

 
WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF MAKING A RANDOM SAREX CONTACT WITH THE CREW? 
 
The extremely busy work schedules of the astronauts may sometimes reduce your
chance for an unscheduled, random contact with the Shuttle. The SAREX Working
Group recognizes the long-standing commitment of the Amateur Radio community
in supporting SAREX activities and attempts to schedule as many
opportunities as possible for general ham contacts during flights. Keep
posted to Amateur Radio news sources during a SAREX mission for possible
announcements of scheduled general QSO opportunities. 

 
WHEN ARE THE NEXT SAREX SHUTTLE MISSIONS? 
 
The next flights for SAREX are listed below. School applications are no
longer being accepted for these missions. Schools who have been selected
will be contacted by a SAREX coordinator. If your school was not chosen this
time, applications are recycled and you may be chosen for a future flight.
Contact ARRL EAD if your application information should change. 

 
Upcoming SAREX Missions (updated 2/1/95): 
 
The following dates are tentative. Please understand that delays in
spacecraft launches are somewhat common particularly because there are
people on-board! 

Mission    Date              Inclination    Crew/Title/Amateur Call Sign 
Vehicle    Time              Altitude 
*Notes     Mission length    Configuration 
-------    --------------    -------------  ---------------------------- 
 
STS-63     February 2, 1995  51.6 degrees   James D. Wetherbee, CDR 
Discovery  0550:44 UTC       195 miles      Eileen M. Collins, PLT 
           8 days            Config. M      Bernard A. Harris, Jr., PL-CDR 
                                            C. Michael Foale, MS, KB5UAC 
*TENTATIVE*                                 Vladimir G. Titov, MS 
*RANDOM CONTACTS ONLY*                      Janice Voss Ford, MS, KC5BTK 
 
STS-67     March 2, 1995     28.45 degrees  Stephen S. Oswald, CDR, KB5YSR 
Endeavour  0637 UTC          218 miles      William G. Gregory, PLT, KC5MGA 
           16 days           Config. C      Tamara E. Jernigan, PL-CDR, KC5MGF 
                                            John M. Grunsfeld, MS 
                                            Wendy B. Lawrence, MS, KC5KII 
                                            Ronald A. Parise, PS, WA4SIR 
                                            Samuel T. Durrance, PS, N3TQA 
 
STS-71     May 24, 1995      51.6 degrees   Robert L. Gibson, CDR 
Atlantis                     195 miles      Charles J. Precourt, PLT, KB5YSQ 
           10 days           Config. B      Ellen S. Baker, MS, KB5SIX 
                                            Gregory J. Harbaugh, MS 
                                            Bonnie J. Dunbar, MS 
                                            Anatoly Yakovlevich Solovyev, MS 
                                            Nikolai Mikhailovich Budarin, MS 
 
STS-70     June 22, 1995     28.45 degrees  Terrence T. "Tom" Henricks, CDR 
Discovery                    184 miles      Kevin R. Kregel, PLT 
           8 days            Config. C      Nancy Jane Sherlock, MS 
                                            Donald A. Thomas, MS, KC5FVF 
                                            Mary Ellen Weber, MS 
 
STS-74     October 26, 1995  51.6 degrees   Kenneth D. Cameron, CDR, KB5AWP 
Atlantis                     195 miles      James Donald Halsell, Jr., PLT 
           6 days                           Jerry L. Ross, MS, N5SCW 
                                            William S. McArthur, Jr., MS, KC5ACR 
                                            Chris A. Hadfield, MS 
 
 
              Abbreviations: Commander=CDR 
                             Pilot=PLT 
                             Payload Commander=PL-CDR 
                             Mission Specialist=MS 
                             Payload Specialist=PS 
                              
         Configuration A: FM Voice (attended) 
                          Packet (attended/unattended) 
                          SSTV (attended/unattended) 
         Configuration B: FM Voice 
         Configuration C: FM Voice, Packet 
         Configuration D: FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV 
         Configuration E: FM Voice, Packet, SSTV, FSTV (different hardware) 
         Configuration M: FM Voice, using shuttle/MIR radio 
 
 
HOW CAN I USE MY SHORTWAVE RADIO TO EAVESDROP ON THE ASTRONAUTS? 
 
When a shuttle mission carries the SAREX payload, SAREX news and astronaut
retransmissions are carried by the Goddard Amateur Radio Club's station,
WA3NAN, (Greenbelt, MD). This station, and several VHF and UHF repeater
groups, will retransmit the audio signals from the shuttle on most amateur
bands so that you and the students can hear the communications. You will
hear NASA mission commentary, frequent bulletins to advise listeners of
astronaut-planned transmissions, and amateur two-way voice and amateur
television transmissions with the shuttle. WA3NAN operates on the high
frequency (HF) bands at 3.86, 7.185, 14.295, 21.395, and 28.65 MHz and on
VHF at 147.45 MHz (FM). 

 
CAN I RETRANSMIT COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE SPACE SHUTTLE AND MISSION CONTROL ON 
AMATEUR FREQUENCIES? 
 
The FCC rules indicate that amateur stations are permitted to retransmit
Space Shuttle air-to-ground communications, provided that approval has been
obtained from NASA (FCC Rules, Part 97.113 (e)). 

In 1990, ARRL sought permission from NASA, on behalf of radio amateurs, to 
retransmit shuttle communications. The response from NASA's Office of Public 
Affairs encouraged such retransmissions, and indicated that the audio is
public domain. 

If you plan to rebroadcast NASA Shuttle audio, please follow these
guidelines: 

1) In keeping with good amateur practice and the FCC rules, shuttle audio 
retransmissions should be limited to missions of a specific educational
purpose (non-commercial), such as those carrying the SAREX payload. 

2) Retransmissions should be done manually (with a control operator present).
 
3) Occasionally, NASA audio may contain music. Amateurs should avoid, if at
all possible, retransmitting music or any other prohibited transmissions not 
permitted by the FCC rules (FCC Rules, Part 97.113). 

 
HOW MAY I TRACK THE SHUTTLE WITH A COMPUTER? 
 
A number of software packages are available for tracking the Shuttle on a 
personal computer. Here are just a few options (ARRL in no way warrants these
products): 
 
AMSAT Tracking Programs. 
These easy to use programs are perfect for the serious Amateur Radio space 
enthusiast or beginner. Call AMSAT (The Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation)
for current prices and details (301) 589-6062 or write to AMSAT, PO Box 27, 
Washington DC 20044. 

STSPLUS (Shareware for IBM). 
This software was designed by David Ransom Jr. The program allows the user to
track an orbiting space shuttle or satellite. Excellent graphics and maps
help to create a mock Mission Control Center. Look for STSPLUS and other
tracking software posted on NASA Spacelink, bulletin board system (205)
895-0028. 

OrbiTrack (MacIntosh). 
Available from BEK Developers, PO Box 47114, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-7114. 
Includes a user's manual. 

SatTrack (MacIntosh). 
Available from Mike Pflueger, WD8KPZ, 6207 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale, AZ
85306. 

OrbiTrack and SatTrack are also available via FTP from sumex.stanford.edu.
Look in info-mac/app for the programs sat-trak-102.hqx and
orbitrack-214.hqx. 

 
WHAT ARE KEPLERIAN ELEMENTS? 
 
Satellite-tracking computer software use Keplerian elements (also known as 
"orbital" or "tracking" elements or "Keps") to pinpoint the location of a 
satellite (or shuttle) at any given time. The Keplerian elements provide the 
software with a snapshot of a satellite's orbital track, which the computer
uses to calculate the future whereabouts of the satellite. Using such a
computer tracking program allows an observer to determine when a satellite
is to appear above his or her horizon. 

Finding Keplerian Elements for the Space Shuttle: 
 
During shuttle missions carrying SAREX, Keplerian elements for tracking the 
shuttles are available from numerous sources: 

AMSAT SAREX bulletins, which include daily Keplerian element postings, are 
forwarded by W1AW (frequencies listed on the last page) on packet radio, 
Keplerian teleprinter bulletin schedules, and posted to the ARRL telephone 
Bulletin Board System, (203) 666-0578. 

The Goddard Amateur Radio Club, WA3NAN, maintains a Bulletin Board System
(BBS) which is accessible via the Internet, modem and packet radio. The BBS
carries Keplerian orbital elements updated daily, and daily SAREX bulletins
and Space Shuttle mission information. 
     via Internet: wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov or 128.183.105.17 
     via telephone modem: (301) 286-4137 
     via packet radio: WA3NAN on 145.090 MHz in the DC area. 
 
NASA maintains an electronic information system for educators called
Spacelink. Spacelink carries SAREX information, current shuttle mission
status reports and Keplerian elements. 
     via telephone modem: (205) 895-0028 
     via Internet: spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov or 128.158.13.250 

Current shuttle mission tracking elements may be found in the following
directory: Spacelink.Hot.Topics/Current.Shuttle.Mission/Keplerian.Elements.  

The Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club maintains a BBS with the latest 
element sets available during a shuttle flight. 
     via telephone modem: (713) 244-5625. 
 
The most current orbital elements for SAREX and other Amateur Radio
satellites are carried on the Celestial BBS.  
     via telephone modem: (205) 409-9280 
Keplerian elements are updated daily, when possible. Documentation and
tracking software are also available on this system. 

 
The following are prelaunch Keplerian elements for STS-63: 
 
STS-63 
1 00063U          95033.30285722  .00033600  00000-0  25200-3 0    27 
2 00063  51.6484 115.2937 0066401   4.0320 356.1183 16.01425383    25 
 
Satellite: STS-63 
Catalog number: 00063 
Epoch time:      95033.30285722   =    (02 FEB 95   07:16:06.86 UTC) 
Element set:     002 
Inclination:       51.6484 deg 
RA of node:       115.2937 deg           Space Shuttle Flight STS-63 
Eccentricity:     .0066401              Prelaunch element set JSC-002 
Arg of perigee:     4.0320 deg         Launch:  02 FEB 95  05:50:44 UTC 
Mean anomaly:     356.1183 deg 
Mean motion:   16.01425383 rev/day              G. L. Carman 
Decay rate:     3.3600e-04 rev/day^2      NASA Johnson Space Center 
Epoch rev:               2 
Checksum:              233 
 
 
The following are prelaunch Keplerian elements for STS-67 
 
STS-67 
1 00067U          95061.32643015  .00011689  00000-0  86071-4 0    46 
2 00067  28.4675  88.9985 0004519 287.7960  72.2100 15.71297841    21 
 
Satellite: STS-67 
Catalog number: 00067 
Epoch time:      95061.32643015   =    (02 MAR 95   07:50:03.56 UTC) 
Element set:     004 
Inclination:       28.4675 deg 
RA of node:        88.9985 deg            Space Shuttle Flight STS-67 
Eccentricity:     .0004519               Prelaunch element set JSC-004 
Arg of perigee:   287.7960 deg           Launch:  02 MAR 95  06:37 UTC 
Mean anomaly:      72.2100 deg 
Mean motion:   15.71297841 rev/day                Gil Carman 
Decay rate:     1.1689e-04 rev/day^2       NASA Johnson Space Center 
Epoch rev:               2 
Checksum:              304 
 
 
NASA EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 
 
How do you find information on Shuttle schedules, payloads, space science and
mission lesson plans? To make the most of your SAREX experience, NASA has a 
number of materials and resources available to educators: 

 
Teacher Resource Center Network 
Teacher Resource Centers (TRC) contain a wealth of information for
educators: publications, reference books, slides, audio cassettes,
videocassettes, telelecture programs, computer programs, lesson plans and
activities. For more information, contact the TRC nearest you. 

Teacher Resource Centers 
 
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field CA  
Phone: (415) 604-3574 
 
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt MD  
Phone: (301) 286-8570 
 
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston TX  
Phone: (713) 483-8696 
 
NASA Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center FL  
Phone: (407) 867-4090 
 
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton VA  
Phone: (804) 727-0900 x757 
 
NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland OH  
Phone: (216) 433-2017 
 
Alabama Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville AL  
Phone: (205) 544-5812 
 
NASA John C. Stennis Space Center, Stennis Space Center MS 
Phone:(601) 688-3338 
 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA  
Phone: (818) 354-6916 
 
NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards CA  
Phone: (805) 258-3456 
 
Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island VA 
Phone: (804) 824-2297/2298 
 
 
NASA Spacelink 
 
NASA Spacelink is a computer information service that allows individuals to 
receive news about current NASA programs, activities, and other space-related
information, including historical and astronaut data, lesson plans, classroom
activities, and even entire publications. Although primarily intended as a 
resource for teachers, anyone with a personal computer and a modem can access
the network. 
 
Spacelink's telephone modem line is (205) 895-0028. Users need a computer, 
modem, communications software, and a long-distance telephone line to access 
Spacelink (the data word format is 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit). Your 
software must emulate a VT-100 terminal. 

The TCP/IP address is 192.149.89.61. The new system fully supports the
following Internet services: 
     World Wide Web        http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 
     Gopher                spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 
     Anonymous FTP         spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 
     Telnet                spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 
 
For more information, contact the Spacelink Administrator, NASA Marshall
Space Flight Center, Mail Code CA21, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812.
For help with technical problems call the Spacelink Hot Line (205)961-1225. 

 
NASA Television 
 
NASA Television offers the general public a front-row seat at mission
launches and activities taking place in space during a mission, as well as
informational and educational programming, historical documentaries, and
updates on the latest developments in aeronautics and space science. NASA TV
occasionally airs live coverage of SAREX activities. Programming is received
by satellite dish or may be available through your local cable television
network: 

TUNING-IN NASA TV 
Satellite--Spacenet 2 
Transponder--5 
Channel--9 
C Band 
69 degrees west longitude 
Frequency 3880.0 MHz 
Horizontal polarization 
Audio on 6.8 MHz 
 
For more information, contact: Technology and Evaluation Branch, Education 
Division, Code FET, NASA Headquarters, Washington D.C. 20546, or call (202)
358-1540. 

 
HOW DO I OBTAIN A SAREX QSL CARD? 
 
QSL cards are similar to postcards. Hams exchange QSL cards to confirm their 
radio contacts with other stations. 

Participating in the Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment can be an exhilarating 
experience. But, as many hams know, waiting for that coveted QSL card
requires a lot of patience. Designing a card for the ultimate DXpedition can
be a lengthy process. Here's a behind-the- scenes glance at producing a
SAREX QSL, and some tips to help you get your card. 

After a SAREX mission, ARRL and the SAREX Working Group work with the crew 
members to select photos from that mission, and design and layout the QSL
card. This may take a few months because of the busy schedule of the
astronauts, among other things. Once the card is designed and printed, ARRL
forwards the QSL cards to whichever Amateur Radio club is involved with the
awesome task of managing the cards. 

In the past, amateurs sent their contact and listener reports directly to the
managing club. Now, all reports should be sent to ARRL Headquarters. 

In order for the managing process to run smoothly, please include the
following information in your QSL or report: Shuttle flight number (STS-XX),
date, time in UTC, frequency and mode (FM voice, packet, sstv or fstv). This
documents the contact or listener report. In addition, you must also include
an SASE using a large, business-sized envelope if you wish to receive a
card. No cards are distributed without the proper postage affixed or
sufficient IRCs included. 

The following clubs have graciously volunteered their service for handling
QSL cards for the following missions: 
     STS-67 Edison Radio Amateurs Association, Michigan 
     STS-64 Nashua Area Radio Club, New Hampshire 
     STS-65 Lake County Amateur Radio Club, Indiana 
     STS-59 Orange Park Amateur Radio Club, Florida 
     STS-60 Cowley County Amateur Radio Club, Kansas 
     STS-58 Connecticut DX Association, Connecticut 
     STS-57 Miami County Amateur Radio Club, Ohio 
     STS-55 IBM Amateur Radio Club/1993, Florida 
     STS-56 Vienna Wireless Society, Virginia 
 
 
SAREX RESOURCE LIST 
 
 
SAREX Educational Support and Information: 
 
American Radio Relay League (ARRL) 
Educational Activities Department (EAD) 
225 Main Street 
Newington CT 06111-1494 USA 
Telephone (203) 666-1541 
FAX (203) 665-7531 
MCI Mail ID: 215-5052 
CompuServe ID: 70007,3373 
Prodigy: PTYS2A 
America Online: HQARRL1 
Internet (USENET): ead@arrl.org 
Internet e-mail server: info@arrl.org (valid commands include INDEX and HELP) 
ARRL BBS: (203) 666-0578 open to the public (14,000/9600/2400/1200/300 N-8-1) 
Anonymous FTP: oak.oakland.edu in the /pub/hamradio/arrl directory 
 
 
SAREX News and Bulletins: 
 
ARRL's (Newington, CT) Amateur Radio station (call sign W1AW) transmits news 
bulletins (9:45 PM, 12:45 AM EST) on HF bands at 3.99, 7.29, 14.29, 18.16, 
21.39, 28.59 and VHF at 147.555 MHz. W1AW bulletins are also forwarded on 
packet. 

The AMSAT International Satellite Net on Tuesdays, 3.840 MHz, 0130Z to 0300Z,
and on Sundays, 14.282 MHz, 1800Z to 2100Z, +/- QRM. 
 
NASA Spacelink 
BBS phone (205) 895-0028; Internet spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 
 
Goddard Amateur Radio Club 
BBS phone (301) 286-4137; Internet wa3nan.gsfc.nasa.gov 
 
 
Getting Started In Amateur Radio: 
 
"You're Invited...Getting Started in Amateur Radio"--free information
booklet. Provided as a service of the ARRL, this booklet includes
information on your local Amateur Radio clubs, instructors and examination
sites and popular study guides. Call our toll-free hotline for new hams:
1-800-32-NEW HAM (800-326- 3942). Why not get started, today! 

"Now You're Talking!" book (second edition) contains everything you need to
know to pass your first Amateur Radio written exams. (ARRL order #3525 $19) 

ARRL Technician Class Video Course. Learn the "ropes" with the "pros." You
won't find a better course or a better deal anywhere. 5 hours of excitement.
Call 1-800-326-3942 for details. 

 
ARRL Books: 
 
"The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook" has the information you need to 
communicate through, or receive signals from, a growing "fleet" of orbiting 
satellites and spacecraft--including the Shuttle! Whether your interest is in
Amateur Radio, weather, TV-broadcast or other spacecraft, you'll find an
immense store of valuable data--everything from setting up ground station
equipment to antennas. (ARRL order #3185 $20) 

"Your Packet Companion" is perfect for the packet (computer) radio newcomer, 
covers everything--from assembling a station to sending mail, from packet 
satellites and spacecraft to the latest networking systems. Its
straightforward writing style and clear drawings will get you on the cutting
edge of digital ham radio in no time. (ARRL order #3959 $8) 

 
The American Radio Relay League, Newington Conn. USA 
 
SAREXFAQ.TXT 
RJI 2/1/95 

eof

