[amsat-bb] Fwd: [ARISS-ops] ARISS News Release no. 16-09

[Daniel Cussen]

>Thought last year a new rig was purchased for the ISS, using donations from AMSAT >members.  K4AMG donated.  What is the status of the new rig????

It is still on the ground. It takes a lot to get a piece of equipment
approved for use on the ISS. It needs hardware modifications (they
often change capacitors etc.), software modifications (reducing power
levels/fixing known channels & settings). It then has to go through
testing and approval by Russia, ESA, NASA etc.

This often takes multiple years, from concept, funding, agreement,
testing, launch opportunity etc. Often they have to supply many
radios, not just one, for vibration testing/training in multiple
countries and spares on the ground and in space.

There is weekly teleconferences where the progress is tracked and any
delays worked on. I am sure all options are being considered.