Amateur radio payload on new South African satellite approved

The University of Stellenbosch and the Department of Science and Technology have in principle approved SA AMSAT’s proposal to include an amateur radio payload on the new South African satellite due for launch in December next year.

SA AMSAT proposed to the University and the Department that an entry-level payload be included in the project to give as many radio amateurs as possible, using basic equipment, the opportunity to enjoy satellite operation.

Besides a mode J transponder that has an uplink on 2 metres and a downlink on 70 cm, the payload will include a digitalker, also referred to as a parrot repeater, which will be of educational value in promoting amateur radio to the youth as a useful activity that will lead to career choices in Science and Technology based vocations. Consideration is also being given to include a basic packet radio based digipeater.

The SA AMSAT Team will hold a series of teleconferences with the University of Stellenbosch team during the next two weeks to finalise specifications for the payload.

SA AMSAT invites Amateurs who would like to participate in the design and construction of the project to submit details of their experience in software design and engineering as well as contact information to saamsat@intekom.co.za as soon as possible.

Courtesy of The South African Radio League