PCSAT2 ready to go on Shuttle's return-to-flight

PCSAT2, which had previously been stowed in the Space Shuttle Discovery, arrived at Launch Complex 39B on 07 April 2005. PCSAT2 is now standing by ready to be launched on the first Space Shuttle return-to-flight mission.

PCSAT2 will use the same dual redundant AX.25 command and control system as used on PCsat (NO-44) offering 8 on/off commands, 5 telemetry channels and a serial port for the solar cell experiment telemetry. It also supports the Digital Comms Relay support of the PCsat/APRS mission.

The packet uplink is on 145.825 MHz and the default downlinks are in the 435 MHz band to avoid any possible interference with existing ARISS missions.

PCSAT2 will have quad redundant transmit inhibits for EVA
safety issues, thus, it is also easy to turn off to avoid any issues with other UHF ARISS experiments that may be activated in the future. Also, the mission lifetime of PCSAT2 is only 1 year, because it is a sample-return mission, thus terminating any long term conflicts in spectrum management.

The PCSAT2 mission is intended as an opportunity to augment existing ARISS communications experiments with an external autonomous communications payload. In this regard, it has several potential uses:

* A UI-Digipeater to help ease congestion on the currently shared ARISS PMS (Packet Mail system)

* A PSK-31 transponder for multi-user communications to improve accessibility for schools and ARISS outreach programs.

* An FM Voice repeater for full duplex crew communications to facilitate crew-to-school ARISS contacts.

* Routine Telemetry on the spacecraft systems

For more information and pictures visit the PCSAT2 website at http://www.ew.usna.edu/~bruninga/pcsat2.html

[ANS thanks Bob, WB4APR for the above information]

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