[amsat-bb] Taurus-1 FM to Codec2 Repeater Satellite Launched

[Paul Stoetzer]

BG2BHC reported on Twitter that Taurus-1 launched today on the CZ-4B
launch from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Taurus-1 carries an FM to
Codec2 repeater that operates using the same protocol as LO-90
(LilacSat-1) and can use the same software (after frequencies are
changed). The uplink is 145.840 MHz up and the downlink is 436.760
MHz.

CelesTrak currently has three objects from the launch cataloged out of
an expected four. Two objects are in a circular orbit that seem
unlikely for a CubeSat given international orbital debris stations
(750 km x 730 km). The third cataloged object, Object D is a more
likely candidate in a 738 km x 453 km orbit with an inclination of
98.7 degrees. The currently cataloged objects are 2019-059A,
2019-059B, and 2019-059D. TLEs can be found at
https://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/tle-new.txt

For more information about this unique analog uplink, digital downlink
system, see my AMSAT Journal article / Symposium paper about LO-90 at
https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/N8HM_LilacSat_LO-90.pdf.

73,

Paul. N8HM