SSTV Pictures from the International Space Station

[Bill (Smithville NJ)]

This is mainly for the Ham Radio members, but can be done by anyone.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Space Mission, the International Space Station will be broadcasting SSTV (Slow Scan TV) pictures from July 18 through July 19. Following is link to the announcement:

ARISS

ARRL

You can use free software (MMSSTV is what I use) and a fairly simple FM radio that is capable of tuning to 145.8 MHz.

You will need to know when the pass occurs. You can get a printout of the passes for your area at:

NASA Spotting ISS

Unfortunately for me, I probably won't be able to capture the SSTV signal. I just checked my location and I am only seeing 2 to 4 minute passes.

Back in April, the ISS sent several SSTV photos to celebrate Yuri Gagarin. The ISS had several good passes over my location and, if I went into the street so that I was clear of trees, I could hear the signal real strong on a 2 meter HT using the rubber duck antenna. My radio that was hooked to my computer didn't do as well (bad antenna location), but I did copy the following:

   


Please let me know how you make out from your location.

Oh Yes, if you send them printout of what you copied, they will send a very nice QSL card to confirm your reception.

Bill
WD9EQD
Smithville, NJ