NCube-2

We have received a report from NORAD that they have recently detected an additional object in an orbit which is very close to SSETI Express.

It is possible that this could be NCube-2 which should have been deployed from Express just after launch on October 27th.

It would be really good to see if signals from NCube-2 can be detected on 437.305MHz +/- Doppler.

NORAD will be cataloging this new object as 28897 and an element set should be forthcoming shortly - in the meantime the existing SSETI Express TLEs/Keps will be accurate enough.

Here is some prelaunch data to help recognition of the signal!

Downlink: 437,305MHz
Bitrate: 9600b/s
Modulation technique: GMSK

The message:
"DE=LA1CUB=NCUBE2=FF=LA1CUB===" is morsed using a 2400Hz tone, 26 words per minute" where FF is a hex number [00=3,0V - FF=4,5V]
If battery voltage is above 3,8V, every 2 minutes
If battery voltage is below 3,8, every 5 minutes
In the end of the message an unnumbered AX.25 packet is attached containing the string:

DE=LA1CUB=NCUBE2=NORWEGIAN CUBESAT - WWW.NCUBE.NO

In the header of the AX.25: Callsign: NCUBE Destination: EARTH

The satellite will transmit at a power of 1,5W at full battery charge

Reception reports will be welcome - email to ncube@rocketrange.no and to
missioncontrol@sseti.org

Keep those fingers crossed

73

Graham G3VZV