SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS033
ARLS033 Sputnik model launch update

ZCZC AS33
QST de W1AW
Space Bulletin 033  ARLS033
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington, CT  October 17, 1997
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS033
ARLS033 Sputnik model launch update

New information indicates that the launch of a working model Sputnik
1 from the Russian Mir space station won't take place until early
November. According to information received today from Sergei
Sambourov, chief of the cosmonaut Amateur Radio department for
Russia*s Energia space agency, the Sputnik 1 model will be launched
November 3 during a spacewalk, although he cautioned that schedule
could change. The model Sputnik, assembled by students in Russia and
equipped with a 2-meter transmitter by students in France, now is
aboard Mir. It was carried to the space station last week by a
Progress supply rocket. The program sponsors initially intended to
have the working Sputnik model launched from Mir on October 4, the
40th anniversary of the original Sputnik 1 satellite.

The Sputnik-40, as it's called, reportedly will be hand-released by
the Mir crew during the space walk. Latest information indicates the
mini-satellite will transmit a ''beep-beep'' signal on 145.82 MHz (FM)
from its 200-mW onboard transmitter. The batteries are expected to
last a month or two. A QSL card will be available for those who
receive the signal.

For additional details and photos see
http://www.oceanes.fr/~fr5fc/spoutnik.html.


NNNN
/EX