[Project OSCAR graphic]
From the very early days of the US Space Program, ham radio has been involved. Hams monitored the first Sputnik launch as well as the US Explorer satellites. As the manned space program developed, many hams were involved in the design and construction of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo communication systems and worldwide support network. Many of those hams lived and worked in Richardson and were members of RWK!
As the space program matured and the potential for orbiting communication satellites was realized, there was a desire for hams to have their own satellites – Project OSCAR (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) was born. Today, most of the satellites that have some ham radio communications capability are still known by the “OSCAR” moniker.
Amateur Radio Satellites
Today, hams have many choices for communicating with and through satellites, each with their own set of challenges. After 50+ years, space is still not that easy.
Satellite Equipment
Radios
Antennas
Gain and Losses
Types of Transponders
FM Birds
Data/Packet
Linear Transponders
Other Satellite Concepts
Doppler Shift
Polarization and Spin
Mode Selection and Visibility
Next: T800 – 6M/2M SSB Operating