IARU Amateur Satellite Frequency Coordination

 
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Mario Updated: 20 Apr 2021   Responsible Operator James Cutler KF6RFX
Supporting Organisation University of Michigan  
Contact Person jwcutler@umich.edu.nospam  
Headline Details: The primary project mission is the training of next generation space and radio engineers. MARIO will provide a hands-on, inspirational opportunity for these students. As part of their training, students will integrate a technology demonstration payload into the MARIO satellite. The purpose of the MARIO science mission is to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric actuators, by measuring their performance and durability in a spaceflight environment. NASA is looking for an on-orbit testbed to advance these actuators to TRL 8 so that they may be used in future space applications. The MARIO payload will provide performance and durability data for a pair of MFC actuators as part of a Beam Experiment (BE) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The MARIO science mission will consist of a 1U (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) payload, contained in a 3U (30cm x 10cm x 10cm) CubeSat. The satellite is being developed by Extreme Diagnostics, U-M’s Adaptive Intelligent and Multifunctional Structures (AIMS) Lab, as well as the Michigan Exploration Lab (MXL). The MARIO mission will be used for self-training of and intercommunication between student satellite operators that are also HAMs. Students will learn about space systems, electronics, link budget, RF systems, modulation, demodulation and other HAM-related topics. They will use the spacecraft test and characterize new systems for amateur satellites such as flight computers, power systems, and radios. In addition, the MARIO ground station is integrated into a larger federated ground station network, Satnogs. We actively contribute to the operating and tracking of satellites via Satnogs and collaborate with global HAMs in this effort. Proposing a UHF downlink using 9k6 GMSK with AX25. Planning launch to the ISS in late 2021. More info at https://exploration.engin.umich.edu/ **A downlink on 437.485 MHz has been coordinated**
Application Date: 24 Mar 2021   Freq coordination completed on 20 Apr 2021

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