A while ago a few radio amateurs discussed innovation in Amateur Radio, specifically the "Wow Factor" and deep space amateur radio communications to and from MARS on the ZS Link Network in South Africa. Many at the time were of the opinion that we currently do not have the equipment and money to setup a Deep Space Amateur Radio Station. I at the time was of the opinion that deep space communications are possible and that equipment were not the stumbling block but rather the will to just do it and to explore different methods to communicate successfully to and from Deep-Space via amateur radio.
Amateur reception of deep space probes is a fascinating and challenging field that blends elements of microwave RF, space communications, space exploration, and radio astronomy. While data from space probes is commonly received and processed by space agencies using very large antennas and sophisticated equipment, it is possible for hobbyists to home-brew modest systems capable of receiving signals from deep-space probes. This is currently one of the only ways in which private citizens can directly experience planetary exploration.
Image: Master satellite spotter, Greg Roberts ZS1BI of Cape Town, South Africa, is one of several amateur astronomers and skywatchers who tracked the first X-37B space plane from Earth in 2010.
A South African Radio Amateur by the name of Greg Roberts ZS1BI achieved many outer and deep space successes that was at the time thought to have been impossible.
The following links provide more information about Greg's wonderful achievements:
1. Radio Transmissions from Outer Space - By Greg Roberts ZS1BI (PDF)
2. X 37B found in orbit for second time by South African observer. - sUAS News
3. Secret Space Plane Can't Hide From Amateur Sleuths - Wired
4. Artificial comet over Cape Town - Greg Roberts
5. Grandpa a 'threat to US security'- Sunday Times
6. Sounds from Space - Greg Roberts
7. Secret X-37B space plane has changed orbit -NBC News
Image: Secret X-37B Space Plane
Now there are many more achievements by Greg Roberts ZS1BI. Unfortunately I cannot publish them all but from the above you will agree that Greg Roberts ZS1BI is no ordinary radio amateur and amateur radio astronomer. Greg has paved the way for the younger generation in amateur radio and astronomy to follow in his big footsteps. His achievements surely merit him being inducted to the SARL Hall of Fame if not already done.
Another Radio Amateur by the name of Scott Tilley VE7TIL also a Amateur astronomer made international headlines when he rediscovered NASA's IMAGE satellite 13 years after it mysteriously disappeared. In this interview with Freethink, Scott discusses his role in the satellite's recovery, why he enjoys amateur astronomy, and how citizen scientists like him have contributed to our knowledge of space from the space race to the present day.
As reported on Spaceweather.com, Canadian radio amateur Scott Tilley, VE7TIL copies signal from Mars-Orbiting Satellite from deep space. His latest conquest has been to copy the signal from China’s Tianwen-1 (pronounced “tee-EN-ven”) probe, which went into orbit around Mars on February 10. Tilley told Spaceweather.com that the probe’s X-band signal was “loud and audible.”
“It was a treasure hunt,” Tilley told Spaceweather.com. He explained that while the spacecraft did post its frequency with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), it was too vague for precise tuning (X band is between 8 GHz and 12 GHz).
Launched last July, Tianwen-1 represents China’s first Mars mission. It consists of an orbiter and a rover, which will land on the Martian surface in May or June 2021. It is able to photograph the planet’s surface while in orbit.
Finding signals from deep space is a sub-hobby for Tilley, who seeks what he calls “zombie satellites” among other signal sources. In 2020, he tracked and identified signals from the experimental UHF military communication satellite LES-5. Tilley said he found the satellite in what he called a geostationary “graveyard” orbit after noting a modulated carrier on 236.7487 MHz. Launched in 1967, LES-5 was supposed to shut down in 1972, but it continues to operate as long as its solar panels are facing the sun, Tilley explained.
In 2018, while hunting for an undisclosed US government spacecraft lost in a launch mishap, he spotted the signature of IMAGE (Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration), a NASA spacecraft believed to have died in December 2005. The discovery delighted space scientists.
Tilley has also picked up signals from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the United Arab Emirates Hope probe, both orbiting Mars some 124 million miles away. He uses a homemade 60-centimeter dish and relies on software-defined radios (SDRs) to accomplish the task.
Radio amateurs have been listening for signals from space since the 1957 launch of Sputnik 1, which transmitted at around 20 MHz.
The following links provide more information about Tilley's wonderful achievements:
1. Meet a Citizen Scientist: Scott Tilley - NASA
2. Ham Radio Operators Hack a NASA Spacecraft - SpaceWeatherArchive
3. Long-Lost U.S. Military Satellite Found By Amateur Radio Operator - npr
4. Canadian Radio Amateur Finds Resurrected NASA Satellite - ARRL
The above radio amateurs and amateur astronomers are a good example of how one can explore Deep-Space with a moderate dish antenna, SDR and Software. You might ask me to elaborate on how this can be achieved. Well I am not going to try explain how to receive Microwave Signals from Deep-Space. I will however introduce you to David Prutchi, Ph.D., N2QG who wrote a comprehensive whitepaper that focuses on amateur reception of deep-space probes at S- and X-band frequencies. He explains the selection and construction of antennas, feeds, LNA's, down converters, receivers, software for antenna tracking and SDR signal processing. The whitepaper consists of 55 pages with valuable information. A must read if you are interested in Deep-Space communications, space exploration and radio astronomy.
Image: Deep Space Antennas - David Prutchi N2QG
Here is the link:
Receiving Microwave Signals from Deep-Space Probes: Amateur DSN and the Ulitmate DX (PDF)
In the vast landscape of technological advancement, there are countless unsung heroes whose contributions have had a profound impact on the modern world. Among them, amateur radio operators stand tall as pioneers of innovation in the field of communications. From the early days of Morse code to the era of digital signal processing, the innovations driven by amateur radio enthusiasts have left an indelible mark on the way we connect and communicate today. Receiving Microwave Signals from Deep-Space is a reality as proven by the above radio amateurs.
I am convinced that receiving microwave signals from deep-space is now more accessible and possible than ever before for amateur radio operators that's also amateur astronomers. But what about transmitting signals to deep-space?
Radio Amateurs already reflect signals off the moon and receive them on earth. So we know that with moderate RF power, and a modest antenna, and an SDR receiver one could do a lot better, because there are losses in the reflection process. However, The distance to Mars varies from 35 million miles to 250 million miles, depending on the positions of the planets. 35 million miles is still about 150 times farther than the moon. To transmit signals into space is quite easy but sending the "correct" radio signals millions of miles into deep-space is another challenge for radio amateurs that should be explored.
Transmitting radio signals to deep space, such as to spacecraft or to search for extraterrestrial intelligence, involves sending electromagnetic waves at the speed of light through the vast distances of space. This requires specialized technologies for transmitting signals, and sophisticated coding techniques to minimize noise and ensure reliable communication.
Here's a more detailed look:
1. Radio Waves as the Medium: Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which means they travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 300,000 kilometers per second. While not instantaneous, radio transmissions are relatively fast, especially when compared to the distances involved in deep space communications.
2. Specialized Technology and Techniques: We as radio amateurs need a global network of antennas to communicate with spacecraft, including those that are millions of miles away. Antenna Design: We need antennas that are highly sensitive, able to capture even faint signals from deep space. Coding Techniques: Special coding techniques are needed something similar to WSJT-X to ensure the signal can be distinguished from noise and to maximize the reliability of transmission. Signal Processing: Sophisticated signal processing techniques are used to filter out unwanted noise and extract the relevant information from the received signal.
3. Challenges and Considerations: Long Distances: The vast distances in space mean that signals can take a significant amount of time to travel. For example, a signal to the Moon takes about 1.34 seconds, while signals to outer planets like Jupiter or Saturn take much longer. Signal Attenuation: Radio signals weaken as they travel through space, requiring powerful transmitters and sensitive receivers. Noise and Interference: Various sources of noise and interference can affect the quality of radio signals, requiring careful planning and mitigation.
4. Examples of Deep Space Communication: Spacecraft Communication: The NASA Deep Space Netwrok is used to communicate with spacecraft, sending commands and receiving data from them. SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence): Radio telescopes are used to search for signals from other civilizations in space, although the SETI Institute notes that current commercial demo projects do not significantly contribute to the existing leakage radiation.
5. Future Directions: Deep Space Optical Communications: I and played around with optical communications many years ago. Today there are still many radio amateurs playing around with optical communications. We need to explore higher frequency (and therefore shorter wavelength) light sources to transmit more data efficiently. This new form of spacecraft communication, called Deep Space Optical Communications, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) (.gov), could result in 100 times more data being transmitted. This field of communications provide an abundance of exploration for the radio amateur. Reading the Q65_Quick_Start guide, I saw reference for Optical Scatter using the 300 second period with A tone spacing. What will happen if you use WSJT-X software with optical communications over long distances? Has any radio amateur tried this type of communication?
I am glad to report that radio amateurs are indeed exploring with many communication options relating to Deep Space Communications. At this time I would like to mention two radio amateurs, Joe Taylor K1JT and Rex VK7MO. There are many others out there that is also doing some sterling exploration work in this regard.
Videos: FT8 and beyond! - Joe Taylor K1JT
Videos: Rex Moncur VK7MO
This has been a rather lengthy article about Microwave Signals to and from Deep-Space. A frontier that needs further exploration and serious attention by more radio amateurs. We need to keep on exploring and innovate to be relevant in today's world. Radio amateurs can remain relevant and innovative by embracing new technologies, expanding their activities beyond traditional modes of communication, and engaging in STEM (stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to attract new members and maintain amateur radio's vitality. This can involve exploring digital modes like software-defined radios, digital voice (DMR, etc.), satellite communications and Deep Space Communications, as well as incorporating AI/GROK and other technologies into our activities.
This article only gave a glimpse of what is happening out there. Maybe it would not be a bad idea to do several future articles about Microwave Signals to and from Deep-Space
In closing Part 1 I would like to quote Scott Tilley VE7TIL:
"Around the world, ham radio operators are doing something once reserved for national Deep Space Networks. “We’re monitoring spacecraft around Mars.”
