ARISS International Teleconference

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 11:15 UTC (7:15 am ET)

Participants:

Rosalie White

Mark Steiner

Larry Agabekov

Keigo Komuro

Gaston Bertels

Lou McFadin

Keith Pugh

Ken Pulfer

Carol Jackson

Robin Haighton

Fabiano Moser

Daniel Lamoureux

Graham Shirville

Kenneth Ransom

Mark Severance

Maurice André Vigneault

David Jordan

Not Present:

Masanobu Tsuji

Ken Nichols

Carlos Eavis

Tadeu Fernandes

Tom Clark

Will Marchant

Bill Boston

Ed Pritchard

Sergey Samburov

Interpreter, Angelique Brice

ARISS I Agenda:

Administrative Session

1. New version of ARISS QSL card with final configuration of ISS, Presenter: R. White

Rosalie summarized an email discussion that has been taking place: The card will need to be updated, and a wider view of the ISS showing all the solar arrays would be very spectacular. An inset of the equipment was considered, but the concern is that it would raise up concerns from the manufacturers not depicted and probably be too small to see details anyway. The information on the back is being reviewed for possible changes as well.

As the design converges it will be circulated among the delegates. Rosalie would like to have delegates email to her their preference for one of the two photos that were circulated, or for another photo they find and prefer.

2. Educational Outreach/School Selection Committee Canadian representative, Presenter: D. Lamoureux

A couple of months ago Daniel decided that, after ten years, it was time to let someone else have the Canadian seat on the Educational Outreach/School Selection Committee. Daniel approached Maurice André Vigneault who accepted the position. Rosalie, the chair, accepted Maurice André as the Canadian representative. Rosalie thanked Daniel for all his service on the committee and welcomed Maurice André.

3. New business (administrative only)

None

General Session

4. ARISSat-1 status, Presenter: L. McFadin

The team is working hard to finish the mechanical design to house the satellite components now that the Orlan EVA suit will not be used. Important considerations are access to internal components, EVA handling, and safety.

Progress continues to be made on software, although it is proceeding at a slower pace than hoped.

A redesign of the power charging controller is almost complete.

One of the factors in the development pace is the geographic spread of the team and the fact that they are all volunteers with full-time jobs and families and therefore other significant responsibilities.

There will be four ground flight-like systems as well as a few other mockups.

Various regions are still working on finalizing their greetings, including the issue as to whether a children's rap song could or should be allowed.

5. New business

Lou brought to the attention of the international team the Dutch proposal to move the D-Star repeater 70 cm frequencies to the satellite sub-band. Graham noted that this probably will need to be worked through the Dutch IARU organization, and Gaston said that discussions are underway. Ken Pulfer asked for full information so he can work the concern as he can.

Final preparations are completed for the launch on STS-129 of the AIS and amateur 2 m/70 cm antennas to be mounted on the outside of Columbus. Launch is anticipated for early November with deployment on the second EVA. This will increase the antenna capability on the module to 2 m, 70 cm, L-band, and S-band amateur radio operations. Current plans for initial equipment inside the module are to install the two Ericsson radios already on orbit, allowing 2 m and 70 cm operations, although not simultaneously.

The next international partners meeting will be Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Steiner, K3MS, for the ARISS Team