Schedule Shifting for AMSAT Fox Satellites

The AMSAT News Service reports that the Fox-1B (RadFXSat) satellite is now scheduled to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California next March 16. It is scheduled to be a secondary payload aboard a NASA launch on the about-to-be phased out Delta II rocket.

Meanwhile, the launchpad explosion of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on September 1 has caused an indefinite delay in the launch of AMSAT's Fox-1C and 1D satellites. Both are scheduled to be launched on a different Falcon 9 rocket, but all Falcon 9 launches have been put on hold until the cause of the September 1 explosion can be determined. According to SpaceX, initial indications are that a breach in a helium tank was the immediate cause of that accident.

November 1 Deadline for 2017 ARISS Applications

Schools and other educational organizations have until November 1 to apply for a contact in the second half of next year with the International Space Station through the ARISS program - Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. Greatest consideration will be given to groups that can bring together large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan, according to the ARRL Letter. For more information, visit <www.ariss.org>.

Jamboree On The Air October 14-16

2016 Jamboree on the Air patch
(From scouting.org website)

Scouts and Guides around the world will be introduced to amateur radio during Scouting's annual Jamboree on the Air, or JOTA, on the weekend of October 14-16.

Hams are encouraged to make arrangements with local scout units to either have groups of scouts visit their home stations or bring a portable station to a scouting event. JOTA officials urge hams to register ahead of time and to follow up with an activity report afterward. More than 1 million Scouts around the world are expected to take part in this year's event. For more information, visit <http://www.scouting.org/jota.aspx>.

Update: Hurricane Watch Net Secures

The Hurricane Watch Net closed operations earlier today, Sept. 2, as Hermine moved inland and was downgraded to a tropical storm. The announcement did not indicate this, but we assume that the net will resume operations when and if Hermine moves back over the Atlantic and picks up strength. Please check <http://hwn.org> for updates and/or listen closely before operating on or adjacent to the HWN frequencies of 7.268 and 14.325 MHz.

Hurricane Watch Net Activates for Hermine

The Hurricane Watch Net has begun operations in preparation for the expected landfall of Tropical Storm (likely soon to be Hurricane) Hermine. According to Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, the net is operating on both 7.268 and 14.325 MHz, as propagation conditions on 20 meters are poor at this time. Please keep both frequencies clear for storm-related traffic and watch the CQ Newsroom and <http://hwn.org> for updates.

Hermine is currently expected to make landfall on the Gulf coast of northern Florida and then to head up the US east coast over the next several days.