Space Shuttle Information Posted on the WUN List-Serv
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Booster Recovery
Date: Fri, 4 Dec 1998 04:22:48 -0500
After the launch of STS-88, one of the booster recovery ships,
the Liberty Star, advised Booster Recovery Director that they
will wait till 1100/1130 UTC and plan recovery ops then.
So those up in the morning should still find 3187.0 busy
with BRD and the booster recovery ships.
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 17:33:15 EST
Subject: [WUN] 20380: Another STS-88 HF freq to monitor
In comms I heard on 10780 today, DodCape advised USCGC Mohawk to
coordinate with Range Control on 10780 and 20390. The 20390 mention was the
first I have for this freq and may be worth monitoring tonight.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 16:43:59 EST
Subject: [WUN] 10780 USB: KING 29 Phone Patch to Canada
10780 USB, Cape Radio: KING 29, HC-130, Patrick AFB AFRC 920RQG pp to
479-1373, tells Canforce Shearwater Ops ETA at station 2125z; requests Customs
and transportation to Halifax. 03/Dec (ALS)
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 16:20:36 EST
Subject: [WUN] STS-88 freqs and participants confirmed
I confirmed the following frequencies and participants during the STS-88
launch attempt Wednesday, 98/12/02:
259.70: Orbiter-Ground prelaunch comms.
133.75: Patrick Tower: JOLLY 1,2,3; KINGs
132.65: Patrick Departure South: Many participants.
134.95: Patrick Departure North: Many participants.
121.05: Patrick Discrete for STS support acft.
122.85: Patrick PTD: Many participants.
124.35: Patrick Ground: Many participants.
118.40: Patrick Clrnc Dlvy: Many participants.
372.20: Patrick Base Ops.
128.65: Miami Ctr at Melbourne: Many participants.
132.25: Miami Ctr at Vero Beach: CG 2139
118.20: Melbourne IAP: PATROL 3 (FAA acft) takeoff/landing.
118.625: CCAS Tower.
125.90: RELAY 1, CLEARANCE 1, VARIETY 1, PARISH 1.
141.30: Cape Leader, KING 3.
126.65: NASA Wx Coord with NASA 955.
148.4850: KSC Photo Ops.
138.075: Patrick AFB OSI CID (at public viewing sites).
165.0850: CCAS Security.
163.5125: CCAS Disaster Ops.
171.00: KSC Civil Engrg/Maint.
173.6625: KSC Range Safety, RESCUE LEADER.
282.80: CG 2139, JOLLYs 1, 2, 3.
246.80: THINKER 1 CHARLIE, CCAS Sr RSO.
294.60: CCAS STS Support, Cape Leader RSO, VARIETY.
321.00: Rescue Ops, JOLLYs, KINGs.
157.10: Cape Canaveral CG Sta, CG Range Control.
10780: Cape Radio, KING 2, KING 3.
3041: Cape Radio, KING 1, KING 2, Defender.
9043
5180
NOTES:
SLUG 600, aka SLUG 01, an E-2 Hawkeye from Norfolk's VAW-78, was
CLEARANCE 1. He returned to Norfolk after the scrub this morning and will be
back tonight for the launch attempt. According to a phone patch he made to DSN
565-1646, they will prepare him for immediate return to Patrick [where the
pilot can retrieve the pager the pilot misplaced at Base Ops ;-D ].
As usual, FAA acft PATROL 1 and PATROL 2 returned to Patrick, while
PATROL 3 returned to Melbourne IAP. PATROL 3 seems to be the senior or
commander of the FAA STS support operation. (Remember, it was PATROL 3 who
pursued the acft that intruded on launch-restricted airspace seconds before
the Glenn launch.) RELAY 1 also flew from and returned to Melbourne IAP.
CG 2139, an HU-25C from CGAS Miami, flew a range clearance pattern around
N29-33, W079-09. After the scrub, he returned to his base (Opa Locka
Airport). [For tonight's launch attempt CG 6530, an HH-65 Aerospatiale Dolphin
from CGAS Miami, will work.]
The SRB Recovery Ships Freedom Star and Liberty Star were stationed at
N30-04, W78-30.
NASA 955, a T-38, took off at 1:00am and 2:45am, and flew around the
launch area, reporting cloud and wind conditions to "WEATHER COORDINATOR" on
126.65. He also made a couple of simulated Shuttle Landings on SLF Rnwys 15
and 33, right before the launch window, to report conditions the STS would
experience if forced to land right after launch. He made many of his
observations using NVGs.
On comms from the Orbiter, the astronauts identify themselves by their
position; e.g., CDR-1 for the commander, MS-1 and MS-2 for mission
specialists.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
• Patrick AFB • NASA-KSC • Cape Canaveral AS
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle comms/lost e-mail service
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 15:46:14 -0500
At 2040 UTC, NRUF, USCGC Mohawk (WMEC-913) was
up on 10780 working Cape Radio w/coordination comms.
A second try to launch the Space Shuttle is suppose to
be scheduled for around 0840 UTC Dec.4th (lost all my NASA
e-mail in a server problem).
Between 0900 UTC (0400 am EST) and 1830 UTC (1:30 pm
EST) Dec.3, my e-mail server dumped all stored messages. If
anyone sent a reply or new mail during that time, please resend it.
RD
Rick "RD" Baker C
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] STS-85 Shuttle Launch/Shuttle FAQ
Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 22:33:32 -0500
Mark your calendar!
Mission: STS-88
Shuttle: Endeavour (OV-105)
Launch Pad: 39-A
Launch Time: 12/03/98 - 3:59 am EST (0859 UTC)
Launch Window: 5-10 minutes
Target Landing: 12/14/98 - 10:23 pm EST
Duration: 11 days, 18 hours
I get so many e-mails about shuttle launches, I made up
a space shuttle FAQ to help folks out. The file will be on the
WUN site and posted a few days before a launch as it is revised.
Monitoring the launch of the Space Shuttle on HF -FAQ-
The question "can I hear the space shuttle on HF?" is often asked.
The answer is no, not directly. However, what we can hear are some
of the interesting behind the scenes traffic working Cape Radio in
support of these launches.
Whoizit?
Cape Radio is at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The facility is
run by a private contractor who operates and maintains all the HF radio's
for the Eastern Test Range (ETR), which is the official designation for the
facility at Cape Canaveral AFS. The facility is actually located across
the Banana River from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and is not
affiliated with NASA in any way. However ETR, better known as Cape
Radio, does support all shuttle launches and unmanned launch vehicles.
What is heard?
There are two nets on HF for every shuttle launch. The first is Safety
of Range. This net is usually controlled by "DoD Cape" on a circuit set
up by Cape Radio. There is usually a U.S. Navy ship tasked to "launch
danger area support" on this net. Sometimes a U.S. Coast Guard cutter
is also deployed to assist. The job of these ship's is to ensure that no
planes or ship's are in the area where if a rocket would have to be
destroyed, debris may fall. They generally ID by the ships name, such
as "USS Moosbruger" (DD-980).
Also on this net are KING 1, 2 and 3, the U.S. Air Force Air Rescue
HC-130's, as well as some other assets. The second net which is
active every launch is controlled by "BRD" or the Booster Recovery
Director. The two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) carried aloft by the
shuttle are jettisoned at two minutes, seven seconds into the flight.
They are retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean by special recovery vessels
and returned for refurbishment and eventual reuse on future Shuttle
flights. The BRD net coordinates the two SRB recovery ships; M/V
Liberty Star (callsign WRPH) and M/V Freedom Star (callsign KRFB).
What frequencies are used?
These two nets can make use of any of the hundred or so HF
frequencies available to the Eastern Test Range. However, early
listening to ETR primary frequency 10780.0 kHz. as early as 16 to 24
hours before scheduled launch time, will reward the listener with
Cape Radio giving the working frequencies for both nets as the assets
check in. If you miss this, then its a hit and miss affair.
Other shortwave listening
One last way to catch shuttle action is to monitor comms via the
Goddard Amateur Radio Club in Greenbelt, Maryland. "WA3NAN" retransmits the
air-to-ground Space Shuttle communications for all
non-classified shuttle missions on: 3860 kHz. (LSB); 7185 kHz. (LSB); 14295
kHz. (USB); 21395 kHz. (USB); and 28650 kHz. (USB) plus or
minus 5 kHz. for interference.
Internet
Also, check this url for scheduled missions:
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/countdown.html
HF Frequencies
Frequencies used for past Shuttle launches
Freq Mission Use UTC Remarks
2622.0 STS-63 Booster Recovery 0521
2622.0 STS-76 Booster Recovery 0523
2764.0 STS-63 Range Safety 0401
2764.0 STS-67 Range Safety 0225
2764.0 STS-68 Booster Recovery 0755
2836.0 STS-68 Range Safety 0653
3041.0 STS-76 Range Safety 0739
3120.0 STS-56 Range Safety 0426
3120.0 STS-68 Range Safety 0508
3187.0 STS-55 Booster Recovery 0440
3187.0 STS-56 Booster Recovery 0325
3187.0 STS-64 Range Safety 1108
3187.0 STS-68 Booster Recovery 0746
3187.0 STS-69 Range Safety 1108
3365.0 STS-59 Range Safety 0734
3859.0 STS-54 WA3NAN 1329
3859.2 STS-69 WA3NAN 1346
3860.0 STS-78 WA3NAN 1449
3860.2 STS-51 WA3NAN 1142
3860.2 STS-57 WA3NAN 1245
3860.3 STS-56 WA3NAN 0509
3860.3 STS-63 WA3NAN 0522
3860.5 STS-68 WA3NAN 1054
3860.5 STS-70 WA3NAN 1342
3860.5 STS-76 WA3NAN 0813
3861.4 STS-74 WA3NAN 1256
4520.0 STS-68 Range Safety 0653
4704.0 STS-68 Range Safety 0949
4992.0 STS-76 Range Safety 0705
5011.0 STS-67 Range Safety 0006
5180.0 STS-56 Range Safety 0310
5180.0 STS-56 Booster Recovery 2339 Attempt #2
5180.0 STS-59 Range Safety 0731
5180.0 STS-61 Range Safety 0459
5180.0 STS-87 Range Safety 1814
5180.0 STS-95 Range Safety 1900
5190.0 STS-68 Booster Recovery 1037
5190.0 STS-69 Booster Recovery 2310
5246.0 STS-86 Range Safety 1951
5246.0 STS-95 Booster Recovery 1926
5711.0 STS-69 Range Safety 1516 Attempt #2
5711.0 STS-70 Range Safety 1323
5711.0 STS-71 Range Safety 2003
5711.0 STS-76 Booster Recovery 2335
5711.0 STS-77 Launch Failure Exercise 1159
5810.0 STS-51 Range Safety 2034
6897.0 STS-54 Range Safety 1338
6937.0 STS-75 Range Safety 1818
6937.0 STS-82 Range Safety 0730
6937.0 STS-84 Range Safety 1543
7184.2 STS-54 WA3NAN 1329
7184.8 STS-55 WA3NAN 1450
7185.0 STS-58 WA3NAN 1439
7185.7 STS-85 WA3NAN 1441
7765.0 STS-77 Range Safety 1038
7765.0 STS-78 Range Safety 1436
7765.0 STS-80 Range Safety 1956
9023.0 STS-74 Range Safety 1303
9043.0 STS-54 Range Safety 1335
9043.0 Delta II Launch 11/98 2200
10780.0 STS-51 Coordination 1953
10780.0 STS-58 Coordination 1443 Cape ID'ed as FISHER
10780.0 STS-59 Coordination 1831
10780.0 STS-61 Coordination 1913
10780.0 STS-69 Coordination 1845
10780.0 STS-75 Coordination 1815
10780.0 STS-76 Coordination 2122
10780.0 STS-77 Coordination 1637
10780.0 STS-80 Coordination 1735 Cape ID'ed as FISHER
10780.0 STS-81 Coordination 0123
10780.0 STS-83 Coordination 0248
10780.0 STS-84 Coordination 1435
10780.0 STS-85 Coordination 0119
10780.0 STS-86 Coordination 1948
10780.0 STS-95 Coordination 1800
11217.0 STS-72 Range Safety 0930
14295.0 STS-79 WA3NAN 1615
20185.7 STS-61 WA3NAN 1610
Copyright 1998 R.D. Baker/Popular Communications magazine.
Based on original article in the Communications Confidential column
"Monitoring Space Shuttle Launches" (June, 1998) parts of which
are reprinted with permission here.
Additional mission logs or other information always appreciated.
This file may be freely distributed so long as the file remains intact
and is not edited in any way. File originally posted on Worldwide UTE
November 1998.
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Delta II launch now 2329z on 9043
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 16:05:09 -0500
At 1517 UTC, NAVY NIYJ, USNS Invincible (T-AGOS-10)
wkg Cape Operations on 9043 being advised of new
launch time of 2329z with a launch window to 0004z. Looks
like 9043 will be used for 2nd attempt also....
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 16:51:45 EST
Subject: [WUN] Cape Ops up on 9043 again. Boeing on 407.5250.
At 4:29pm EST (1629z), Cape Operations was heard in comms concerning the
Delta 2 rocket launch rescheduled for this evening. Cape Ops was heard: "On
my mark, minus 120 minutes and counting; 5 4 3 2 1 Mark!"
Not to toss water on the probability of a launch tonight, but comms on
the Boeing-KSC freq (407.5250) are discussing a problem of some kind: "The
problem is not at this end; we are leaving the pad now."
Coast Guard support can be heard also: "BRC is your Bearing Range Coarse
adjust and BRF is your Bearing Range Fine adjust. Turn the BRC knob all the
way clockwise, then all the way counterclockwise, and leave it at the midpoint
of the turn. Then use your BRF to adjust." Sounds like me toying with my
FRG-7 last night.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 18:32:08 EST
Subject: [WUN] Tune to 10780 at 2000z Friday for Delta 2 Launch freqs
Immediately after the scrubbing of tonight's Delta 2 launch, it was
announced that there would be a 24-hour turnaround for the launch. And the
launch windows grow tomorrow night, by about 20-40 minutes each.
Tonight's launch was precluded by booster rocket problems.
At 2000z tomorrow, Cape Ops will be announcing the launch support freqs
over HF 10780.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: Re: [WUN] 9043.0 FISHER
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 16:55:37 -0500
9043.0
FISHER calling NIYJ at 1825 in USB. FISHER keeps saying Indigo
instead of India in NIYJ callsign. FISHER is NASA, I think, not sure
of NIYJ.
FISHER is a static callword for Cape Radio, Eastern
Test Range, Cape Canaveral AFS, Fl.
NIYJ is the USNS Invincible (T-AGOS-10), a Stalwart-
class ocean surveillance ship.
USNS Invincible would have a great number of
sensors that could either aid in tracking or require
calibration. Wasn't that test Tomahawk launch from
a British sub today?
Whoa, at 2151 UTC Cape Operations wkg NIYJ, re
are they radiating towards the Cape, getting a
reading from the "launch vehicle". Real strong signals
into Ohio.
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: Re: [WUN] Liberty Star/Freedom Star address
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 21:14:40 -0500
Yesterday (Oct.29th) I received the Solid Rocket Booster recovery vessels
Liberty Star (WRPH) and Freedom Star (KRFB) on 5246 kHz. I would like to QSL
the Liberty and the Freedom. Does anybody know an address for these vessels?
Does anybody know if they QSL?
Both ships have QSL'ed in the past. This address is
from 1992 (STS-53), but should still work:
M/V Liberty Star (or M/V Freedom Star)
Attn: Master
THI-705
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32815
Make sure you include a Prepared Form Card (PFC)
as the ships do not have their own QSL's. They
applied a nice chachet of the SRB's splashing down
with the vessel near-by to my PFC.
Other standard rules of utility QSL'ing apply.
Good luck!
RD
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] LOGS: Mixed logs from NE Ohio, USA
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 16:43:01 -0500
Recent logs from N.E. Ohio, USA
-SSB/CW Logs using an Icom R-72 with a 85 foot (25.91 meter)
longwire antenna mounted at 35 feet (10.67 m), end fed with coax.
-Some with the Icom PCR-1000 using a 75 foot longwire.
-Digital using an Icom R-71A and mostly the humble M-1000, but
sometimes the Hoka, with an inverted "L" center fed 100 foot
(30.48 m) antenna....all times UTC.
These are 10/24/98 to 10/29/98
5180.0 NTLW: USS O'Bannon (DD-987) 1715 USB Spruance-
class destroyer wkg DoD Cape reporting on-scene, & passing
on-scene wx, in support of launch of shuttle Discovery for
STS-95 (aka 'the John Glenn mission'). (RB)
5180.0 DoD Cape (via Cape Radio patch) 1815 USB wkg USS
O'Bannon, KING 1 advising of resumption of count-down, in
support of STS-95. (RB)
5246.0 WRPH: M/V Liberty Star 1907 USB SRB recovery vsl
wkg BRD (Booster Recovery Directory, via Cape Radio
patch) w/comms re recovery of right booster, later with
additional reports to well after 2300z, in support of STS-95
(Discovery OV-103). (RB)
5320.0 NMN70: USCG Group Eastern Shores,Va 2021USB
wkg Group Atlantic City w/radio ck. (RB)
5427.8 Unid 0110 PACTOR 200/200 weak, only synched for
a few letters. (RB)
5696.0 NCF: USCG Group Miami, Fl, USA 2229 USB clg
KING 52, USAF HC-130P #61-4852, no joy. (RB)
5696.0 NMR1: GANTSEC, USCG Greater Antilles Section,
"CG San Juan", PR 0446 USB wkg CG 6510 w'flight op's.
6702.0 Unid 0550 FSK? 75/850 Unid FSK like mode. (RB)
6761.0 Unid-51 0520 USB clg 52 no joy, sounded like
JETT/JEBB... (RB)
7185.0 WA3NAN: Goddard Amateur Radio 1820 LSB
w/rebroadcast of shuttle comms for STS-95 w/lift-off of
Discovery (OV-103) // 14295//21395. (RB)
7535.0 NRAR: USS Monterey (CG-61) 1456 USB
Ticonderoga-class Aegis missile cruiser, wkg SESEF
Norfolk w/HF testing, ANDVT tests. Later testing
URT23 #1. (RB)
7822.3 RFFA: French MoD, Paris, F 0502 ARQ-E3 200/400
(assumed, "FDX" to RFFVAE Dharan) idling. (RB)
8392.5 ELTH8: TK Tikhoretsk 2155 ARQ Liberian-flagged,
Russian crewed tanker w/RR tlx via UFN. (RB)
8392.5 UCUT: TK Burgas 2206 ARQ Russian-flagged tanker
w/admin tfc fm master KM Papulov via UFN, login 54651
UCUT. (RB)
8392.5 ELOB4: SCF Endurance 2306 ARQ Liberian-flagged
96027 DWT combination tanker w/tlx tfc, login 24410
ELOB4. (RB)
8397.0 UCMP: TKH Vera Mukhina 0618 ARQ Russian-
flagged timber carrier, w/admin msg via UCE from master,
KM Sedki. (RB)
8398.0 ELTD6: M/V Otrada 0612 CW clg unid stn re QSY
8412. (RB)
9122.5 WUE1: Unid USACE stn 1658 USB U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, wkg unid stn re ALE & ANDVT check. ALE
hrd after. (RB)
10192.5 DRAF: FGS Molders (D-186) 2301 USB German
Navy guided missile destroyer, clg DHJ59, German Navy
Wilhelmshaven no joy. (RB)
10780.0 Cape Radio: USAF ETR, Cape Canaveral AFS, Fl.
1613 USB wkg CU456 for relay of info, unk if related to
STS-95 launch. (RB)
10780.0 CLEARANCE 1 1622 USB wkg Cape Radio for ETA,
was in support of launch of shuttle Discovery for STS-95
(aka 'the John Glenn mission'). At 1644 reports "on station".
(RB)
10780.0 FISHER (Cape Radio) 1625 USB att to work NTLW,
Sprunace-class destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD-987) in
support of STS-95 launch. (RB)
10780.0 KING 3: USAF HC-130 1655 USB wkg Cape Radio,
followed by KING 2 w/status, KING 2 relays to USS
O'Bannon to switch to 5180.0 kHz. (RB)
10780.0 JSTARS 03 1709 USB wkg FISHER (Cape Radio)
for rdo ck, unknown if was in support of STS-95. (RB)
12670.5 WNU: Slidell Radio, La, USA 2014 ARQ w/sitor free
signal, CW ID. (RB)
12673.5 CLA33: Havana Radio, Cuba 2016 CW w/QSX
marker. (RB)
12695.5 KFS: Palo Alto Radio, Ca, USA 2017 CW w/QSX
marker. (RB)
12701.5 CKN: Vancouver Military, BC, CAN 2025 RTTY
75/850 w/NAWS marker. (RB)
13932.0 Unid 2003 IRA-ARQ? 300/500 strong, don't have
this mode. (RB)
16260.0 Unid 2030 ARQ-M2 192/425 Yes, 192 baud!, Hoka
ID'ed it and it synched, but still not 100% sure! Idle both
channels for over an hour. (RB)
18032.8 CLP1: Cuban Ministerio de las Relaciones Exteriores
(MINREX), Havana, Cuba 1953 RTTY 50/500 w/MINREX
circulars to Embacubas. (RB)
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
From: "Roland R. McCormick"
Subject: [WUN] Booster Recovery Net
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 16:54:33 -0500
Logs from the Booster Recovery Net after Discovery launch:
1921Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR
1926Z 5246U DOD clg LIBERTY STAR, LIBERTY STAR giving range,pos.
of boosters.
2006Z 5246U DOD CAPE wkg LIBERTY STAR reference position
of right booster
2017Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR wkg DOD CAPE, LIBERTY STAR removing
parachute from a booster
2029Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR wkg DOD CAPE, reference position of
left booster
2055Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR wkg DOD CAPE, reference operations,
have one parachute along side, about to begin dive
ops
2058Z 5246U FREEDOM clg BRD, BRD responded "Happy Birthday
Freedom" FREEDOM requesting details on what type
of debris info is wanted.
2101Z 5246U BRD clg FREEDOM STAR, any structural damage, anything
that may look important wanted, FREEDOM STAR
responded that everything looked OK, no major damage
noted.
2119Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR clg BRD, reference status and condition
of right hand booster
2131Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR clg BRD with ops report. BRD called back,
wanting status report on left hand booster - LIBERTY
said he would tell them when he knew
2147Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR clg BRD with ops report. Divers back on
surface, getting ready to go after other two parachutes
Will try to get BRD some info on left hand booster
2149Z 5246U LIBERTY STAR clg BRD with report on left hand booster.
About to begin parachute retrieval on left hand booster.
Mac
Roland R. "Mac" McCormick III
KF4LMT
146.37/97 146.55
Savannah, Georgia
rrmccormick
kf4lmt
---
From: "Roland R. McCormick"
Subject: [WUN] SHUTTLE LAUNCH LOGS
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 14:37:10 -0500
Here are my logs for the shuttle launch today. Start several hours before
and end just after launch with Booster Recovery.
1458Z 10780U CU456 wkg Cape Radio with PP to KSC. Getting wrong
numbers off of both DSN numbers given. CU456 gave
two more numbers to try. KSC could not copy CU456,
so Cape Radio relayed to KSC.
1532Z 10780U CU456 wkg Cape Radio with PP to KSC, same request
as before - request to pass to DELTA. Message passed,
message being sent and received was coded - letter/
number combinations.
1603Z 10780U CU456 wkg Cape Radio, requesting phone patch to same
DSN number as previous times. Have been having
problems, CU456's signal not good, other party not
hearing, Cape Radio having to relay again. Message
passed, will pass to DELTA.
1620Z 10780U "FISHER this is OBANNON, over", Cape Radio called back,
but no answer.
1621Z 10780U CLEARANCE 1 wkg Cape Radio, off at minute 12, 22 minutes
will reach gate, ETA 1144.
1623Z 10780U OBANNON clg Cape Radio. USS OBANNON, Cape Radio wants
position reference station, OBANNON at MST, but Cape
Radio needs magnetic position from Station. OBANNON
having HF troubles, switch Transcievers, heading 093
magnetic.
1630Z 10780U Cape Radio clg USS OBANNON, multiple calls, no answer
1644Z 10780U CLEARANCE 1 wkg Cape Radio, on station
1648Z 10780U O'BANNON clg FISHER, CLEARANCE 1 clg FISHER - has
both O'BANNON and FISHER LC. passed on 5180 as freq.
1655Z 10780U KING 2, KING 3 checking in with Cape Radio
1656Z 5180U FISHER clg O'BANNON
1701Z 5180U FISHER clg O'BANNON again
1707Z 10780U JSTARS 03 getting radio checks from FISHER for radios
1 and 2.
1713Z 10780U CU456 again, same message as previous times to KSC
1715Z 5180U O'BANNON with DOD CAPE, need postion and on scene
wx for O'BANNON's positon. Passed position, sea state,
temp, visibility, etc.
1758Z 5180U DOD CAPE wkg O'BANNON - passing along status info, just
passed T-60 min.
1800Z 5180U KING 4, 5 clg DOD CAPE "on HF"
1804Z 5180U KING 1 clg DOD CAPE, checking in, KING 1 told go in
T-54 minutes
1828Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg USS O'BANNON, need position, O'BANNON
at MST, T-29 minutes
1829Z 5180U O'BANNON wkg KING 1 reference callsign 467, also refernce
2 SH-60s in the area
1842Z 5180U KING 1 wkg DOD CAPE
1849Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg USS O'BANNON - Launch on hold at T-9
DOD CAPE clg KING 1, KING 1 copied launch on hold
at T-9
1900Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg USS O'BANNON - Launch count resumed
DOD CAPE clg KING 1, same traffic
1903Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg USS O'BANNON - T-5 on hold
DOD CAPE clg KING 1, same traffic
1912Z 5180U O'BANNON clg DOD CAPE interrogative count status, count
resumed. KING 1 copied all.
1916Z 5180U O'BANNON clg DOD CAPE, interrogative count - T -1.5
1917Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg O'BANNON - T-22 seconds
1918Z 5180U DOD CAPE clg O'BANNON - lift off
1920- 257.9 DISCOVERY comms with control
1926Z
1921 5246U LIBERTY STAR
1926 5246U DOD clg LIBERTY STAR, LIBERTY STAR giving range,pos.
of boosters.
Mac
-------------------------------------------
Roland R. "Mac" McCormick III
KF4LMT
146.37/97 146.55
Savannah, Georgia
rrmccormick
kf4lmt
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] update shuttle comms
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 14:43:50 -0500
Booster recovery is on 5246
Rick
---
From: "Mike Wolfson"
Subject: [WUN] Re: [MilCom] Shuttle comms update
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 12:51:30 -0500
The "1" might be CLEARANCE 1. Have heard them repeatedly. Mike
Mike Wolfson
Ashland, Ohio USA
mwolfson
This message sent by smoke and mirrors.
----------
: From: Rick "RD" Baker
: Subject: [MilCom] Shuttle comms update
: Date: Thursday, October 29, 1998 11:34 AM
:
: At 1634 UTC, NTLW, USS O'Bannon (DD-987), a Spruance-
: class destroyer, is up on 10780.0 kHz USB attempting to
: Cape Radio, who is using their FISHER callsign.
:
: 5426.0 reported last night by Clay as being used by Booster
: Recovery Director (BRD) has had the typical tone carrier
: heard on it that Cape Radio throws up to keep the frequency
: open.
:
: At 1613 Cape was working CU456 on 10780, weak here,
: but don't think it was related. At 1623 working ?-1 with
: related comms.
:
:
: ---
: Submissions milcom
---
From: "Mike Wolfson"
Subject: [WUN] 5180 for SHUTTLE
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 12:56:27 -0500
O'BANNON was instructed to go to 5180 at 1650. Unclear if that is a
secondary or what. Mike
Mike Wolfson
Ashland, Ohio USA
mwolfson
This message sent by smoke and mirrors.
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Re: Shuttle comms update
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 13:28:34 -0500
O'Bannon relaying for them to come up on 5180.
KING 1 and 2 have also checked in now.
We have a gang up on irc.irfnet.com (and others)
and #monitor for live exchange of freqs if anyone else
wants to join us. 1 hour to launch...
Rick
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: Re: [WUN] Cape Radio heard in Europe
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 21:58:28 -0400
In 1989 I've received my QSL from Patrick AFB saying the transmitter
is in Antigua. Is it still there?
Cape Radio is really the "Eastern Test Range", which is the
official designation for the facility at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fl.
The facility is actually located across the Banana River from
Kennedy Space Center and is not affiliated with NASA in any
way. However they do support all shuttle launches and un-manned
launch vehicles. ETR provides range safety, telemetry, radar,
command destruct, communications and optical tracking for all
launches from the Cape.
ETR also uses stations at Ascension and Antigua, but they
play a back-up role to ETR, which BTW is run by a private
contractor.
There was a 4 channel ISB link from Malabar north of the Cape
to Ascension in the south Atlantic. The link dated back to at
least the Apollo moon shot era when it often had the tracking
network and mission voice circuits on it. The link had ring-down
voice channels from Ascension to the Patrick AFB switchboard,
which was the ringing telephone answered by the Patrick AFB
operator widely reported up till around 1993. Not sure, but
Antigua may have been a part of that link. But that's the only
link to Patrick I was aware of and its gone now.
Maybe Dave Emery or one of guys that monitored the Apollo
into the shuttle era have more information.
But these days I'm pretty sure it would have been the ETR
you heard. They had 8 HF transmitters that have an output
of 45 kw, 6 transmitters with 30 kw capability, and 8 trans-
mitters of 10 kw capability, the last I knew.
A rare QSL in any case!
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: (Joachim Stiller)
Subject: [WUN] Cape Radio heard in Europe
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 98 22:40:00 CET
Hi there:
thought I post this one after reading some logs of Cape Radio
Heard here at April 16 at 1048z calling the USS Philippine Sea on
10780. Signal loud and clear then. Also heard later at 1052/1102/1158/
1212/1225. Nothing heard from the vessel though.
1957z Cape Radio in contact with Philippine Sea and 2006 Cape with
Liberty Star
April 17 0020/0056/0102 Cape Radio l/c with the Philippine Sea again.
In 1989 I've received my QSL from Patrick AFB saying the transmitter
is in Antigua. Is it still there?
7030's de
--
Joachim Stiller in Central Germany
editor of DSWCI's ute-shack
---
From: jdstephens
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 22:40:41 -0500
Subject: Re: [WUN] Space shuttle reminder (for real this time!)
On Wed, 15 Apr 1998 23:54:15 -0300 (ADT) "Craig J. MacKinnon"
writes:
>
>Right with you on this one Rick... Around 2130 I caught CAPE RADIO
>working Phillipine Sea (USCGC, USS?) with a radio check on 10780.
>Phillipine Sea wanted the "other freq" and was given 4707.4 (told they
It's the USS Phillipine Sea (CG58). I'm not as well-versed as I would
like to be in identifying ships by their hull #, but I believe this hull
designation is for a certain class of Aircraft Carrier. AnyWUN?
73,
J.D. Stephens
jdstephens
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle launch postponed
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 22:37:00 -0400
The shuttle launch has been postponed to Friday at the
same time (1819 UTC) due to a hardware problem.
However, thanks to a few lurkers and a few posters, we
have some info. The frequencies that would have used
today are: 4708.4 (range safety) and 5718.4 (booster recovery).
Besides the USS Philippine Sea, the USS Samuel Eliot
Morrison (FFG-13) is in the area and was monitored on VHF.
Good hunting!
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 1998 12:08:04 EST
Subject: [WUN] You're a little early, Rick, on the STS-90.
> I have not confirmed the launch is still a go, but STS-90
> with Columbia (OV-102) was scheduled to launch 4-2-98 at
> 1819 UTC.
MISSION: STS-90 - NEUROLAB
VEHICLE: Columbia/OV-102
LOCATION: Pad 39B
TARGET LAUNCH DATE/TIME: April 16, 1998 at 2:19 p.m. EDT
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours, 30 minutes
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: May 3 at 11:07 a.m. EDT
EXPECTED MISSION DURATION: 16 days, 21 hours, 48 minutes
CREW: Searfoss, Altman, Linnehan, Williams, Hire, Buckey, Pawelczyk
ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 150 nautical miles/ 39 degrees
* The mission is currently baselined to last 16 days (MET of 15/21:50). The
option to add the 17th day, (MET of 16/21:48) if power margins permit, will be
addressed during the flight.
NOTE: Yesterday, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test was completed
successfully. Loading of prelaunch propellants into Columbia's on-board
storage tanks begins today and continues through Friday. Drying of the gaseous
nitrogen (GN2) lines on the mobile launch platform is in progress as GN2
system cleaning efforts conclude. Technicians will resume external tank
ordnance canister modifications in Columbia's aft compartment after hypergolic
loading is complete. Early next week, orbiter aft compartment close-outs and
ordnance installation will begin.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 14:36:19 +1200
From: Noel Jones
Subject: [WUN] shuttle launch soon?
6224 0905z ...central pacific space shuttle
hazardist operations 16 1849z to 17 0004z April within 3.0 miles either side of line joining
06 27S 149 21W
04 40S 147 16W
03 14S 145 39W
01 25S 143 34W
00 25N 141 29W
02 14N 139 24W
03 42N 137 41W
05 30N 135 38W
07 19N 133 31W
09 06N 131 23W
10 58N 120 14W
12 39N 127 03W
14 28N 124 44W
--
Noel Jones, Auckland, New Zealand
Latitude: 36 55' 00" S
Longitude: 174 47' 00" E
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~njones
Kenwood R5000, AOR AR3000A, AR8000
T2FD cf=8000 kHz, Diamond D130 25-1300MHz discone
--
---
From: "Craig J. MacKinnon"
Subject: Re: [WUN] Space shuttle reminder (for real this time!)
Right with you on this one Rick... Around 2130 I caught CAPE RADIO
working Phillipine Sea (USCGC, USS?) with a radio check on 10780.
Phillipine Sea wanted the "other freq" and was given 4707.4 (told they
would probally switch aroung 0630 local).
Craig
73 de VE1JMA
Craig MacKinnon
Halifax, NS Canada (44.37N 63.35W)
Amateur radio: HF and VHF DX'ing,
SWL'ing: Util monitoring - military and marine
Member: HARC and WUN
---
From: "Tom Sevart"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle Emergency Exercise
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 07:46:42 -0600
Hello WUN,
I found this NAVTEX intercept to be quite interesting:
ZCZC AA51
CCGD7 BNM 337-98
1. FL - NEW SMYRNA - FT PIERCE - SPACE SHUTTLE BAILOUT SAR EXERCISE
SURFACE TO 1800FT, WITHIN THE FOLLOWING AREA: _850N 08040W TO 2720N
08010W TO 2850N 07830W TO 2720N 07837W TO BEGINNING. SAR EXERCISE TIMES:
0700Z THRU 2300Z,11,12, AND 13_ MARCH 98. _ARA_ESCUE JUMPS WITH RECOVERY
VESSELS IN AREA, SMOKE AND FLARES WILL BE USED. ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE
CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA. .
NNNN
Should make for some interesting monitoring, however, I'll be going to the
Winter SWL fest in Kulpsville, PA so I may not have time to listen. But I
will take along my 2010 just in case.
Regards,
Tom Sevart
Registered Monitor KKS0CE
Amateur N2UHC
Located in Frontenac, KS USA
37°27'10"N 94°41'07"
---
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 22:00:58 -0500
From: Shaun
Subject: [WUN] SAREX log 3-12-98
Log of Shuttle SAREX Thursday 3-12-98
10780
16:43Z
AIR FORCE RESCUE 95830 (C-130 out of Patrick at 14:30Z)
made phone patch via CAPE RADIO to
AUTOVON 854-8500 RESCUE OPERATIONS
arrived at search area at 16:30Z will search for 5 hours
search area is 31.35N 72.28W searching from 500ft AGL
On-Scene commander is COAST GUARD 1719
will call you every 30 mins with ops
maintaining watch with CAPE RADIO on 10780
17:07Z
COAST GUARD 1719 calling AF RESCUE 95830
CG 1719 said Victor freq is 122.4500
AF RESCUE said he could hear them and other station
but you could not hear me, on both VHF radios.
CG 1719 justed passed 381.800 as CG U freq
10780
18:07Z
CAPE RADIO made a phone patch to
WHITE SOCKS (??) for EAGLE
EAGLE wanted to know the overhead time
of Helo of his unit.
WHITE SOCKS said after 17:00
EAGLE said they were 25nm off Cape Canaveral
weather was improving. EAGLE said he was, or
he was just off the FRIGATE.
18:44Z
WHITE SOCKS on phone patch with EAGLE
Helo is taking off at 15:00 expect overhead
your station at 15:30 (must be local)
Helo will make 4 paxs runs ending at about
17:30-18:00
Callsign of Helo will be VENOM 511 (sp??)
and they will check comms when overhead
19:13Z
CHUMMER (sp?) telling EAGLE they are 28 ( or 20)nm
North of MSP, wanted Comms check
19:23Z
Coast Guard 1719 and Air Force Rescue 95830
on 5680 HIGH FOX
AFR 95830 has been making phone patches
to AUTOVON 854-8500 every 30mins with
ops normal via CAPE RADIO on 10780
20:02Z
AFR 95830 pp to RESCUE Ops via CAPE RADIO
RESCUE ops wants to know what time AFR 95830
will be on the ground. AFR 95830 said 17:40EST
20:32Z
AFR 95830 Ops normal again
21:09Z
AFR 95830 pp to PATRICK METRO for winds at FL100 and FL150
for landing at 22:40Z (17:40EST). Winds were 270 at 45 knots
at FL 10k and 260 at 70 knots at FL 15k
Anyone know who WHITE SOCKS, EAGLE, or CHUMMER are???
Shaun
Melbourne, FL
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle SAREX
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:25:24 -0500
At 1516 "Fisher" (Cape Radio) wkg KING 1, advising net primary
is 5180.0 with administrative being 7672.0 kHz. Nothing heard
yet on either of those freqs.
Today is the last day for the shuttle SAR exercise...
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Cape Radio/SAREX up 7672
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:58:00 -0500
At 1552 UTC, Cape Radio is up with KING 1 (USAF HC-130)
on 7672.0 USB advising the "launch" is a go for 12 noon launch
(1600 UTC). This will start today's SAR Exercise.
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle SAREX
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:25:24 -0500
At 1516 "Fisher" (Cape Radio) wkg KING 1, advising net primary
is 5180.0 with administrative being 7672.0 kHz. Nothing heard
yet on either of those freqs.
Today is the last day for the shuttle SAR exercise...
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: [WUN] Cape Radio/SAREX up 7672
Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:58:00 -0500
At 1552 UTC, Cape Radio is up with KING 1 (USAF HC-130)
on 7672.0 USB advising the "launch" is a go for 12 noon launch
(1600 UTC). This will start today's SAR Exercise.
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 14:31:41 -0500
From: Jeff Chambers
Subject: [WUN] MIL: AF Rescue 5830 and Cape Radio.
12 March 1998
10780 CAPE RADIO: 1919 USB wkg AirForce Rescue 8530. No tfc at
present, but will be ready for pp at 1945z. (JC5)
10780 CAPE RADIO: 1923 wkg AirForce Rescue 8530 and Coast Guard
1719...Sets up comms between the two a/c, and they QSY to 5680
kHz. AF RES 8530 and CG 1719 are both weak barely readible on
5680. (JC5)
Looks like 10780 kHz will be active today.........
Jeff Chambers
---
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 18:43:11 -0500
From: Jeff Chambers
Subject: Re: [WUN] Re: [MilCom] Re: Shuttle Emergency Exercise
Rick "RD" Baker wrote:
>
> >What about some good HF freqs?
>
> As with the shuttle launches, they have more than a hundred
> (known) frequencies that Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
> (aka the Eastern Test Range), and home of Cape Radio, can
> use.
>
> So the best bet would be early monitoring of Cape primary
> 10780.0 kHz just like the shuttle launches. Cape will advise
> the assets checking in what the net frequency is.
>
> BTW, I suspect the times listed in the NAVTEX message
> may have been fouled up as 0700z is 3am local. Just a
> guess, but the times may have been intended to be local
> (7am/1100z to 11pm/0300z) which are more common times
> for these things.
>
> Post 'em if you find them...:-)
In addition to 10780, I have noticed 6937, 5246, 3187, (especially 5246,
and 3187) active in the recent past for related affairs.
73's
Jeff Chambers
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker
Subject: Re: [WUN] Re: [MilCom] Re: Shuttle Emergency Exercise
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 09:31:59 -0500
>What about some good HF freqs?
As with the shuttle launches, they have more than a hundred
(known) frequencies that Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
(aka the Eastern Test Range), and home of Cape Radio, can
use.
So the best bet would be early monitoring of Cape primary
10780.0 kHz just like the shuttle launches. Cape will advise
the assets checking in what the net frequency is.
BTW, I suspect the times listed in the NAVTEX message
may have been fouled up as 0700z is 3am local. Just a
guess, but the times may have been intended to be local
(7am/1100z to 11pm/0300z) which are more common times
for these things.
Post 'em if you find them...:-)
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
---
From: AllanStern
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 14:29:23 EST
Subject: [WUN] Re: Shuttle Emergency Exercise
98-03-07 10:28:09 EST, tmsevart writes:
> SAR EXERCISE TIMES: 0700Z THRU 2300Z,11,12, AND
> 13MARCH 98. PARARESCUE JUMPS WITH RECOVERY
> VESSELS IN AREA, SMOKE AND FLARES WILL BE USED
.
This will be quite an event. It is a Mode 8 simulation. The failure modes go
from Mode 1 through Mode 8. Mode 8 is when the astronauts end up in the ocean
after an Orbiter mishap after launch.
Best freqs for the action will be 251.9 and 282.8. Patrick Kings and Jollys
will participate, along with a C-130 from Gabreski NY.
AL STERN Satellite Beach FL
---
From: "Tom Sevart"
Subject: [WUN] Shuttle Emergency Exercise
Date: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 07:46:42 -0600
Hello WUN,
I found this NAVTEX intercept to be quite interesting:
ZCZC AA51
CCGD7 BNM 337-98
1. FL - NEW SMYRNA - FT PIERCE - SPACE SHUTTLE BAILOUT SAR EXERCISE
SURFACE TO 1800FT, WITHIN THE FOLLOWING AREA: _850N 08040W TO 2720N
08010W TO 2850N 07830W TO 2720N 07837W TO BEGINNING. SAR EXERCISE TIMES:
0700Z THRU 2300Z,11,12, AND 13_ MARCH 98. _ARA_ESCUE JUMPS WITH RECOVERY
VESSELS IN AREA, SMOKE AND FLARES WILL BE USED. ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE
CAUTION WHEN TRANSITING THE AREA. .
NNNN
Should make for some interesting monitoring, however, I'll be going to the
Winter SWL fest in Kulpsville, PA so I may not have time to listen. But I
will take along my 2010 just in case.
Regards,
Tom Sevart
Registered Monitor KKS0CE
Amateur N2UHC
Located in Frontenac, KS USA
37°27'10"N 94°41'07"
---
From: "Rick \"RD\" Baker"
Subject: Re: [WUN] Pse help: USAF ARIA Control
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 00:23:29 -0500
>anybody has a positive identification what/who is ARIA CONTROL
>I think that is operated by the USAF for Shuttle Missions ??
>QTH ? "real ITU"-Callsign ??
>Frequencies listed/and really heard last 1-2 years ?
ARIA (sometimes mistaken for Orion) Control is the 512th
Test Wing Operations Center, Edwards AFB, California. They
are usually found working ARIA -Advanced (sometimes called
"Airborne", & originally "Apollo") Range Instrumentation
Aircraft (EC-18/EC-135's, 452nd Flight Test Squadron, AF Flight
Test Center, Edwards AFB CA. They were formerly the
4950th Test Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Advanced Range
Instrumentation Aircraft do provide flight support to launches
from the Eastern Test Range (aka Cape Canaveral AFS, Fl, aka
Cape Radio) including some shuttle missions. They also support
launches from the Western Test Range at Vandenburg AFB
(call sign ABNORMAL 10). These special aircraft are used worldwide
to track & receive telemetry from rockets, missiles, satellites, etc.
during the times they aren't capable of being tracked by the
traditional ground-tracking network.
The aircraft information I have is:
60-0326 EC-135E ARIA A/C
60-0374 EC-135E ARIA A/C
61-0329 EC-135E ARIA A/C
61-0330 EC-135E ARIA A/C
81-0891 EC-18B ARIA A/C
81-0892 EC-18B ARIA A/C
81-0894 EC-18B ARIA A/C
81-0896 EC-18B ARIA A/C
I'm not sure as to the status of 81-0893 (EC-18D) & 81-0895
(EC-18D).
The ITU callsign is unknown. I'm not 100% sure what transmitter
would be in use, depending on if it's at Edwards AFB, linked to
a site at Vandenburg AFB or from Cape Radio via links. The
following logging I made in 1993 demonstrates this problem:
11104.0 Cape Radio working Aria 1 and 2 (Advanced Range
Instrumentation Aircraft) setting up comms, going duplex 11104/13878
after 11621 rejected by Aria 1, said needed frequencies more than 10%
apart. Cape Radio then put's Aria Engineering and station 28 (NASA
facility, Jupiter, FL) into 'HF port'. Was off a satellite downlink of
261.900 in USB. 08/93 (Baker-OH)
The frequencies used can be any frequency that has supported
either Eastern or Western Test Range comms. Here are some of them
that have been logged since 1995:
3029 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 6889)
4486 wkg ABNORMAL
5120 wkg ABNORMAL
5145.5 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 7706.5)
5700 wkg ABNORMAL
5837 wkg ABNORMAL
6750 wkg ARIA 1
6820 wkg ABNORMAL
6871 Aria 93 wkg Hurlburt radio maintenance
6889 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 3029)
7706.5 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 5145.5)
10352 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 11110)
10780 wkg Cape Radio (Cape primary)
11104 wkg Cape Radio (duplex on 13878)
11110 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 10352)
11205 ARIA 7 wkg ARIA 1
11414 wkg ABNORMAL
11621 wkg Cape Radio (duplex on 11104)
12107 wkg Cape Radio (duplex on 13787)
13218 wkg ABNORMAL, wkg ASHLEY 12 (Wheeler AFB)
13787 wkg Cape Radio (duplex 12107)
13878 wkg Cape Radio (duplex on 11104/11621)
13900 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 15793)
14432 wkg Cape Radio
14497 wkg ARIA 2 (duplex on -??)
14937 wkg Cape Radio, wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 17560)
15560 wkg Ascension Radio
15793 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 13900)
16246 wkg Cape Radio
17554 wkg Cape Radio
17560 wkg ABNORMAL (duplex on 14987)
Also, I dug this post up from the WUN archives:
Date: Fri Mar 31 23:47:11 1995
From: tim (Tim Tyler)
Subject: WUN: 4950 TW / ARIAs
For those of you who have enjoyed monitoring the 4950th Test Wing's
operations (usually the ARIA missions, but also many others that you
might not have known were 4950th TW missions), I located a great book
that talks about the unit's history & ops up until they recently moved
from Wright-Patterson AFB to Edwards AFB.
The softcover book is called "Against the Wind" & is by the
History Office, Aeronautical Systems Center, AFMC.
I found a copy at the Gov't Books Depository at a college
library. It is also for sale at the AF Museum bookstore, or via the GPO.
It is publication # 008-070-00691-0, cost is $19.
It can be ordered via:
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh PA
15250-7954
It has a lot of interesting color photos (including of "ARIA CONTROL")
& info useful to those of us who have been monitoring military comms on
HF/VHF/UHF/SATCOM for a number of years.
Tim
This is probably more than anyone wanted to know, but I
was researching these comms anyway! As usual, I appreciate any
updates or corrections. I whipped this together pretty fast.
Rick "RD" Baker
Listening to the ute's from NE Ohio, the USA
Contributing Editor Pop'Comm, 'Communications Confidential' column
"RD's" Utility Station page http://www.concentric.net/~Commconf
--
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sources, we do not assume responsibility for their accuracy.
Standard disclaimer applies!
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