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WG3K > ANS 24.03.24 04:00l 32 Lines 1734 Bytes #89 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS084.3
Read: GUEST
Subj: METEOR M2-4 Meteorology Satellite Readying for Operation
Path: IW8PGT<IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<N6RME<CX2SA<N3HYM<WG3K
Sent: 240324/0044Z 2467@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
Low earth orbit meteorology satellites are usually overlooked as an easy
way to get newcomers involved in amateur satellites. They transmit with
high power and gain antennas so they are easily received with a simple
dipole antenna and a $30 RTL-SDR dongle that plug into a computer that most
everyone owns. They are always on and transmit data that is actually fun
and usable: very clear pictures of ones' own locale that is easily decoded
with free software.
From this first experience, it is a simple jump to tracking and copying the
ARISS voice and APRS repeaters, and from there getting a Technician class
license and inexpensive handheld.
In addition to the NOAA low earth orbit polar meteorology satellites, the
Russian METEOR M2-4 was recently added on February 29, 2024. It was
launched into a 800km sun-synchronous orbit with a 98 degree inclination
from the Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Soyuz 2 rocket.
Having achieved orbit, it is currently undergoing testing and calibration.
There is currently no information when setup will be completed, but it did
take several months for NOAA to get the NOAA-21 satellite running. Once it
is functioning it will begin transmitting its low-rate picture transmission
(LRPT) imagery on 137.1 MHz and/or 137.9 MHz. The antennas are right-hand
circular polarization but are easy received with a home-made three-element
yagi or even a simple dipole.
Complete information on suitable SDR receivers, and free receiving and
decoding software can be found at rtl-sdr.com. A simple You Tube search on
the topic will also provide you with enough demonstration videos to help
get you started. More information at https://www.rtl-sdr.com/.
[ANS thanks rtl-sdr.com for the above information.]
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