AMSAT EA: Connecting to space
At the forefront of the YPSAT project, AMSAT EA, a Spanish association, plays a crucial role in shaping the GENESIS-A module. This collaboration not only highlights the expertise of AMSAT EA but also underscores the dedication of the YPSAT team, blending the experience of seasoned professionals with the enthusiasm of young talents.
AMSAT EA, a Spanish non-profit cultural association, is dedicated to the study and the development of space satellites for the communication of the Amateur Radio Service. At the heart of their recent accomplishments is the notable collaboration with the YPSAT team.
Indeed, AMSAT EA played a crucial role in the YPSAT project by crafting the GENESIS-A module, designed to enable radio amateurs globally to receive a low-energy radio signal and slow-scan television (SSTV) images. This innovative module promises to generate heightened interest in the YPSAT project within the radio amateur community.
We defend the free use of space for radio amateurs around the world - AMSAT EA
While YPSAT marked AMSAT EA's first collaboration with an ESA mission, their extensive experience in satellite development has equipped them with valuable knowledge.
The significance of coordination between different teams in the YPSAT project emerged as a key lesson, emphasizing the importance of experienced project leaders in managing complexity and guiding less-experienced teams.
“All the young people working in YPSAT are very good professionals, so it has not been difficult working with them. The difference collaborating with you [YPSAT Team members] has been that working with young people it is always more funny!” Félix Páez Pavón, AMSAT EA's Project Manager.
AMSAT EA has managed to integrate in a very small capsule a modulation widely used in the radio amateur world called FT8. FT8 is a weak signal communication mode invented by Steve Franke and Joe Taylor, a Nobel Prize laureate.
This modulation has been chosen for the module due to the necessity of transmitting with a very low power to not interfere with the signal from Ariane 6 while it is flying. Nevertheless, this module was bigger than expected and it was not possible to fit in in the main structure of YPSAT, so it had to be placed at one of the sides. The team was worried it would not fit anywhere!
Finally, the collaboration between AMSAT and YPSAT has been a tremendous success and helped tackle the complexity of the project. The merging of seasoned professionals with young, enthusiastic talents contributed to the project's completion.