[amsat-bb] Re: Chinese bird

[Luc Leblanc]

On 25 Sep 2008 at 20:47, Tyler Harpster wrote:

> Anyone have keps for the Chinese bird?   Anyone trying to listen to it?  

News on the mission on:

http://english.cri.cn/3126/2008/09/26/1461s409334.htm

On Schenzhou 5 we get a vague summary of their frequencies:

Radio systems of Shenzhou
Chinese media did provide some insight into the radio systems of Shenzhou-5:

" ..... in addition, the ultrashort-wave communication of "Shenzhou-5" will also be able to collect the physiological data from the
astronaut. ...."     To prevent sudden external interference jamming, this time "Shenzhou-5" spacecraft will also use seven different wave 
bands ..... in addition to transmitting data, the spacecraft will also use short wave, ultrashort wave, S-band, C-band as well as wave 
bands with different frequencies for transmission......" (1)

So, UHF was used for transmitting biomediacal telemetry it seems. Normally UHF means frequencies in the 300-1000 MHz range. S-band 
frequencies for transmitting telemetry from the craft is logical since the Malindi station operated by the Italian Space Agency ASI 
probably supports only S-band. C-band is the traditional Chinese TT&C frequency band. The use of shortwaves is interesting and it is 
obvious from pictures of the re-entry vehicle that shortwaves is used during the touchdown phase. Whether or not shortwaves is used on 
orbit is unknown.

The only illustration that could possibly indicate that there are shortwave transmitters in orbit can be found on the PLA Daily headline 
banner reprdoced below. The two whips at te bottoms of the service module couldpossibly be a real representation of antennas. 

Is anyone knows the exact frequencies they are using aboard on Shenzhou 7?


"-"


Luc Leblanc VE2DWE
Skype VE2DWE
www.qsl.net/ve2dwe
WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE