Present:
35 Delegates representing:
AMSAT NA
SA AMSAT
AMSAT DL
AMSAT F
AMSAT UK
AMSAT OZ
AMSAT ISRAEL
HAMSAT ( The Netherlands)
AMSAT Italia
AMSAT SM

1.0 WELCOMING

1.1 Ray Soifer W2RS, Chairperson of the meeting, welcomed all present.

2.0 REPORT FROM REGION 2 MEETING

2.1 Ray Soifer delivered a brief report from the IARU Region 2 meeting.

2.2 A discussion ensured around the following issues:

2.2.1 A knowledgeable AMSAT person should participate in each IARU regional conference. The Forum recommended that each region undertake this, consistent with its operating procedures.

2.2.2 In Region 2 effective co-operation between AMSAT, IARUMS and member societies has resulted in the elimination of several interference sources to AO27 and UO14. Other regions are urged to institute close cooperation with their IARUMS groups.

2.2.3 The forum unanimously supported a proposal that the Satellite Adviser request the IARU AC to recommend to all three regions to recognise that the following segments are designated exclusively to Amateur satellite and space operation:

145,800 -146,000 MHz
435,000 - 438,000 MHZ
1,26 -1,27 GHZ
2,4 - 2,45 GHz
5,65 - 5,668 GHz uplink
5,79 - 5,85 GHz downlink
10,45 - 10,5 GHz
24,0 - 24,048 GHz

Additional frequencies above 47 GHz, allocated to the amateur-satellite service in the ITU Table, when they are incorporated into any Region's band plan in future

IARU SATELLITE ADVISER AND IARU AMSAT FREQUENCY CO-ORDINATOR REPORT

2.3 Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV presented his report which basically dealt with the revision of the of the AMSAT Frequency Co-ordinator as accepted at the Atlanta meeting.

2.3.1 To replace the current position of the IARU AMSAT Frequency Co-ordinator with a panel that supports the IARU Satellite Adviser. This panel will consist of not more than 5 persons.

2.3.2 The forum recommended that no arbitrary number should be set that that panel members should be appointed to meet the needs of all regions.

The following person were confirmed to serve on the panel:

Ray Soifer W2RS
Jan King W3GEY
Graham Shirville G3VZV

AMSAT DL will confirm a further panel member after consultation with the person. Peter Gulzow DB2OS to facilitate.

The Satellite Adviser to consult with national AMSAT organisations in Region 3

3.1.3 Ray Soifer and Hans van de Groenendaal have been working on a draft questionnaire to facilitate the correct information on which the panel can make a recommendation. The questionnaire was completed by the end of the AMSAT UK Colloquium and is attached for comment.

3.1.4 It was unanimously agreed to proceed with the creation of satellite frequency web pages, containing previous, present and proposed Amateur Satellite frequencies and other relevant information.

3.1.5 It was agreed that the panel should process requests for coordination in the shortest possible time frame but should respond to the applicant within 4 weeks after receipt of a complete questionnaire.

3.1.6 It was agreed to create a separate Email address (SATFREQ) where request for coordination should be sent.

3.1.7 A Reflector will be set up by AMSAT NA to facilitate fast communication between panel members

3.1.8 The "What is an Amateur Radio Satellite" information document to be reviewed to include the additional information and coordination request requirements. Action Ray and Hans

3.0 OTHER MATTERS

3.1 AMSAT OZ requested that consideration be given to set up two frequencies which could be used by University Satellite Projects which meet the requirement of "What is an Amateur Radio Satellite". The forum agreed that the Advisory panel should consider the request and make a recommendation. Jan King to be requested to take a close view of development in the education section to support the panel in its deliberation.

3.2 The problem of interference on 2,4 GHZ was discussed. It was recommended that the IARU AC should take a closer look at the policy of canvassing for a narrower but exclusive amateur and amateur satellite allocation in the GHZ spectrum. Geert Jan de Groot to prepare a document for the Satellite Adviser and Panel to consider before submission to the AC.

3.3 AMSAT Israel proposed that the panel proactively encourages Universities that build satellites that carry a form of amateur payloads using advanced technologies.

3.4 Robin Haighton VE3FRH inquired as to the status of frequency coordination for Cubesats. He will provide further information to the Satellite Adviser. Robin Haighton and Hans van de Groenendaal to follow up.

3.5 Ib Christoffersen, OZ1MY, noted that AMSAT-OZ is working with the builders of two Cubesats in Denmark.

The forum concluded with a vote of thanks to AMSAT UK

The next meeting of the forum will be held in Toronto, Canada in October 2003.