[Moon] Recovery Assistance Request: IRVINE02

[Rainer]

Hello EMEers

Thank-you W9IP for permission to make this off-topic post.

IRVINE02 was launched on the recent SpaceX SSO-A mission with a large 
number of other objects.  During the process of commissioning we 
initially heard weak signals from IRVINE02 and began the process of 
identify the satellite's orbit.  However, the signals have gotten weaker 
and the we are unable to proceed with orbital characterization so we can 
get a command station to take control of the satellite.

IRVINE02 transmits on 437.450MHz ± Doppler.  It uses FSK 9K6 (G3RUH) 
mode and FM CW at an interval of ~17 seconds between transmissions.

We suspect that the antenna is mis-orientated which is causing weak 
down-link signal.

Based on the limited Doppler evaluations done to-date our best guess is 
that IRVINE02's is best represented by the Spacetrack TLE 43789, Object AH.

What we'd like to request is suitably equipped amateur 70cm stations 
take up a 'planar' scan for the presence of signals from IRVINE02 and 
record time vs frequency data of those signals and/or take timings of 
the signal as it passes through your beam. Concurrent recording of IQ 
data for later detailed analysis by our comms team would be 
appreciated.  Reports of no observation are also relevant with details 
of the equipment used, time and location of station.

I propose that a high gain/directive station aim either at the AOS point 
or LOS point of the expected orbital plane and collect that data while 
the angular motion of the satellite is minimal so there is a good chance 
of multiple data points being established. The station would begin 
monitoring many minutes before expected AOS and for many minutes after 
and take note of any signals ± Doppler of 437.450MHz.

Any interested stations can contact me off list for further information 
and co-ordination of activity.

https://www.irvinecubesat.org/ is a high school STEM program and the 
students would appreciate the support in regaining contact with IRVINE02 
so their ambitious experiments can proceed.

tu es 73

Scott Tilley

VE7TIL

On twitter @coastal8049