Researchers at the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology are preparing to send an amateur radio satellite into a geosynchronous orbit in 2017.

This will be a great opportunity for Amateur Radio satellite operators! Some preliminary information about this satellite may be found here.

The proposed frequency plan for the spacecraft is:
Uplinks: 5655-5665 MHz
Downlinks: 10455-10465 MHz

The amateur radio payload will comprise a Software Defined Transponder capable of supporting many different modes, including analog SSB.

 

Possible coverage of a Geosynchronous satellite at 74 degrees West – Credit NX5R

 

 

 

 

This satellite’s high altitude will create a very large coverage footprint. Also, see the following article on the ARRL website for more information.

According to AMSAT Vice President-Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, the satellite’s potential footprint would extend over the US from the Mid-Pacific to Africa.

Source: First amateur radio in geosynchronous orbit will aid disaster communications