Amsat-UK

Space Colloquium 2004

AMSAT-UK will be holding a Space Colloquium and Symposium at the University of Surrey in Guildford from Friday 30 July - Sunday 1 August.

This 3 day event always attracts Radio Amateurs from across Europe as well as North America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In fact over a third of those attending come from outside the UK, and it provides a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with the designers of the latest Amateur Radio satellites.

On the Friday Professor Colin Pillinger has agreed to give a presentation on the Beagle 2 project.This was designed to look for life on Mars and arrived on the Red Planet last December. After his talk there will be a question and answer session.

Professor Colin Pillinger (All Rights Reserved Beagle 2)

Simulation of Beagle 2 on the Martian surface (All Rights Reserved Beagle 2)

As in previous years there will be special beginner's sessions to teach newcomers how to get started in the fascinating world of Amateur Radio Space communications.

With some satellites you can communicate using little more than a standard dual-band FM handheld.

International Space Station - Photo courtesy of NASA

Most of the Astronauts onboard the International Space Station are licenced Amateurs and operate two metres FM when off duty.

An antenna testing range will be available to enable you to check out the gain of your latest antenna, not all commercial antennas perform as well as you might think! Microwave experts will be on-hand with test equipment covering up to 24 GHz so you can have your equipment tested and receive professional advice.

There will be guided tours of the Surrey Space Centre with the satellite mission control centre and the satellite assembly facility. These tours have been very popular in previous years as they provide a unique opportunity to see satellites in various stages of construction.

The RSGB GB4FUN van, which has a fully equipped satellite station, will be available during the event for visitors to work the Satellites.

Throughout the event there is an extensive lecture programme ranging from highly professional technical presentations to basic down to earth "how to do it" type talks.

A bring and buy stall will be available.

There are several new Amateur Satellites due to be launched over the next year and this will be the place to find out all about them and catch up on the latest news in the exciting world of Amateur Space communications.

The colloquium is open to everyone, not just AMSAT-UK members, and new Foundation and Intermediate licensees as well as SWL's are especially welcome.

A day pass for the event costs £10 and more extensive 2 or 3 day packages including meals and accommodation in the University grounds are available.

For further information contact the secretary:

Jim Heck G3WGM
Tel: 01258 453959
E-mail: g3wgm@amsat.org
Website: www.uk.amsat.org

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