IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination
 
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KUMO Updated: 15 May 2025   Responsible Operator Kazuki Nishioka JG6YBW
Supporting Organisation Kyushu Institute of Technology  
Contact Person nishioka.kazuki381@mail.kyutech.jp.nospam  
Headline Details: The Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite project. The acronym “Birds project” is a cross-border interdisciplinary satellite project. The BIRDS-RPM project is the seventh generation. During this 2-year project, students, including international students, shall design and develop a 3U CubeSat (less than 3.3 kg, 10 x 10 x 34.05cm ±0.01 cm) in Japan, and operate the satellite in their home countries. The satellite is named KUMO, and it will be released from the International Space Station (ISS). The goal of BIRDS-RPM project is to bring diversity to the space sector and democratize the usage of space. More specifically, this satellite performs the following missions: 1. APRS digipeater (CABUREI-4S) 2. New COM UHF 3. Open Space Imaging Laboratory (OSIL) 4. Cosmic Radiation Sensor 1. APRS digipeater (CABUREI-4S) The APRS CABUREI-4S payload consists of three main units: 1) Main Controller and TNC - MCU handles software-based TNC functionality, a well-known APRS decoder in the amateur radio community. It processes incoming APRS packets and stores ground station callsigns using the satellite. 2) Audio Codec – Responsible for signal generation and decoding, ensuring proper processing of APRS signals. 3) VHF Transceiver – A narrowband FM transceiver operating at 145.825 MHz with RF power levels 1W, enabling communication with amateur ground stations. The payload supports two operational modes: 1) Real-Time APRS – Relays packets directly between amateur operators and ground stations. 2) Forward Mode – The satellite stores received APRS callsigns until it passes over a main ground station, where data is downlinked for verification. The uplink is established via VHF APRS transmissions from amateur operators, while the downlink is managed through the main UHF transceiver for data retrieval. This system improves APRS coverage and engagement within the amateur radio community. 2.New COM UHF A new COM UHF transceiver mission is to verify in orbit functionality of newly designed and compiled UHF transceiver by using COTS electronics parts which is installed in parallel to the primary space proven UHF transceiver (MAIN COM). Please refer to the communication subsystem block diagram. 3.Open Space Imaging Laboratory (OSIL) OSIL aims to advance Rwanda's space program by providing hands-on satellite imaging experience to students and space communities. 4. Cosmic Radiation Sensor mission This mission uses COTS radiation sensors to detect Single Event Upsets (SEU) and classify measurements with AI. It also includes a nano-sensors module to demonstrate their feasibility in space. Mission data is collected by the onboard computer and transmitted to the ground station. The Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite project. The acronym “Birds project” is a cross-border interdisciplinary satellite project. The BIRDS-RPM project is the seventh generation. During this 2-year project, students, including international students, shall design and develop a 3U CubeSat (less than 3.3 kg, 10 x 10 x 34.05cm ±0.01 cm) in Japan, and operate the satellite in their home countries. The satellite is named KUMO, and it will be released from the International Space Station (ISS). The goal of BIRDS-RPM project is to bring diversity to the space sector and democratize the usage of space. More specifically, this satellite performs the following missions: 1. APRS digipeater (CABUREI-4S) 2. New COM UHF 3. Open Space Imaging Laboratory (OSIL) 4. Cosmic Radiation Sensor 1. APRS digipeater (CABUREI-4S) The APRS CABUREI-4S payload consists of three main units: 1) Main Controller and TNC - MCU handles software-based TNC functionality, a well-known APRS decoder in the amateur radio community. It processes incoming APRS packets and stores ground station callsigns using the satellite. 2) Audio Codec – Responsible for signal generation and decoding, ensuring proper processing of APRS signals. 3) VHF Transceiver – A narrowband FM transceiver operating at 145.825 MHz with RF power levels 1W, enabling communication with amateur ground stations. The payload supports two operational modes: 1) Real-Time APRS – Relays packets directly between amateur operators and ground stations. 2) Forward Mode – The satellite stores received APRS callsigns until it passes over a main ground station, where data is downlinked for verification. The uplink is established via VHF APRS transmissions from amateur operators, while the downlink is managed through the main UHF transceiver for data retrieval. This system improves APRS coverage and engagement within the amateur radio community. 2.New COM UHF A new COM UHF transceiver mission is to verify in orbit functionality of newly designed and compiled UHF transceiver by using COTS electronics parts which is installed in parallel to the primary space proven UHF transceiver (MAIN COM). Please refer to the communication subsystem block diagram. 3.Open Space Imaging Laboratory (OSIL) OSIL aims to advance Rwanda's space program by providing hands-on satellite imaging experience to students and space communities. 4. Cosmic Radiation Sensor mission This mission uses COTS radiation sensors to detect Single Event Upsets (SEU) and classify measurements with AI. It also includes a nano-sensors module to demonstrate their feasibility in space. Mission data is collected by the onboard computer and transmitted to the ground station. Proposing a VHF frequency for the APRS Digipeater and a UHF downlink for data and telemetry using 4k8 GMSK and CW @ 20 wpm. Planning a JAXA deployment from the ISS in Q2 2026. More info from https://birds-rp.birds-project.com/satellite-documentation/
Application Date: 14 May 2025   Freq coordination completed on

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