Emirates-OSCAR 88 - the United Arab Emirates'
first amateur radio satellite, is in orbit and on the air. Previously
designated as Nayif-1, the nanosatellite was one of a record 104 satellites
launched on a single rocket from India on February 15. The ARRL reports that it carries a FUNcube communication package which includes a dual-band linear transponder for SSB and CW (uplink 435.045-435.015 MHz; inverting downlink 142.960-145.990 MHz) as well as a telemetry transmitter on 145.940 MHz.
Prior to beginning
regular service, the satellite transmitted a pre-recorded message from Dubai's ruler and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashad. The message, in Arabic, says, "The renaissance
of peoples, nations and civilizations starts with education; and the future of
nations starts at their schools."