The amateur slow-scan TV (SSTV) system on the International
Space Station (ISS) is off the air. The AMSAT News Service reports that the
SSTV card that interfaces with the ISS computer system is damaged and
unreliable. In addition, the station has recently upgraded its on-board laptop
computers and they are not compatible with the current SSTV hardware. The Russian
ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) team is working with
the ARISS International software/hardware team to develop a new interface. Once
completed, the new hardware will be launched to the ISS aboard a supply rocket
and installed. Until then, ARISS SSTV capabilities will be down.
The International Space Station (NASA photo)
News and information of interest to ham radio operators from CQ Amateur Radio magazine, the world's leading independent ham radio magazine.