AMSAT China (CAMSAT) reports that at around 0230 UTC on December 15, China launched its first Amateur Radio satellite named XW-1 into space.
The microsatellite a secondary payload aboard the CZ-4C rocket launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center was launched into a Sun-synchronous orbit with an apogee of approximately 1200 kilometers. XW-1 successfully reached orbit at 0253 UTC. Members of the XW-1 launch team reported they received a beacon from the satellite shortly after the satellite deployed. In the first few days, the XW-1 team will work on the satellite’s FM and store-forward transponder mode and its linear transponder mode. Once those tests are complete, they will upload a new flight program to set up the payload schedule. The satellite’s communications payload includes a beacon and three crossband transponders operating in FM, SSB/CW and digital modes. Uplink and downlink frequencies can be found on the CAMSAT Web site.
About XW-1
- Satellite Type: Microsatellite
- Apogee: 1200km
- Perigee: 1200km
- Inclination: 105
- Period: 109
- Local time of descending node: 21:30
- Weight: 50kg
- Dimension: Φ680mm×432mm
Mode V/U (J) FM Voice Repeater (30 dbm (1 w)):
- Uplink: 145.8250 MHz FM, PL 67.0 Hz.
- Downlink: 435.6750 MHz FM
Mode V/U (J) Linear Transponder (Inverting) (30 dbm (1 w)):
- Uplink:145.9250 - 145.9750 MHz SSB/CW
- Downlink:435.7650 - 435.7150 MHz SSB/CW
Mode V/U (J) PacSat BBS (30 dbm (1 w)):
- Uplink:145.8250 MHz AFSK 1200 BPS
- Downlink: 435.6750 MHz AFSK 1200 BPS
Mode Beacon (23 dbm (200mw)):
- Downlink:435.7900 MHz CW
Read More
- CAMSAT Website
- AMSAT
- For the latest Keplarian elements for XW-1 and other satellites, check out the W1AW Keplarian Bulletins.
Sourced from mail posting to CQ_VU Yahoo groups.
