FUNcube at UKSC 2010

The United Kingdom Space Conference was held from March 24-28 in Godalming Surrey.
This premier event always attracts a stellar cast of speakers and this year was no exception.
The launch of the UK Space Agency in the same week added to the excitement. Many of the presentations are available for view from the Ustream server.

AMSAT-UK attended to explain their exciting plans for the FUNcube satellite. As well as the Amateur Radio SSB/CW transponder FUNcube will provide an in-orbit tool for science education outreach and hands-on training in space and all the STEM subjects (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics). The telemetry system is designed for easy reception by school pupils using extremely simple hand held VHF receive equipment connected to a PC soundcard or USB port.

AMSAT-UK Stand at UK Space Conference

The satellite contains a materials science experiment and pupils will be able to receive the results direct from space and compare them with similar reference experiments in the classroom.

The FUNcube stand at the conference included a mock-up of the new satellite and a demonstration of the telemetry. FUNcube is expected to be launched in early 2011.

Michael Castle, G1ZVN , gave a short introduction on FUNcube during one of the education sessions and FUNcube was also featured in a presentation on the UK National Cubesat project.

During the 5 days over 1000 people attended the event and the concept behind FUNcube was well received.

There will be more demonstrations of FUNcube at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium to be held in Guildford from July 31 to August 1.

AMSAT-UK publishes a colour A4 newsletter, OSCAR News, which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at https://secure.amsat.org.uk/subs_form/

FUNcube: http://www.FUNcube.org.uk/

AMSAT-UK: http://www.uk.amsat.org/

Ustream Server: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/uksc-2010