Still some months away but it should get interesting
Jomjom79
Thanks for sharing this information.
1 Like
“Note that the use of inexpensive, wide-bandwidth, less sensitive SDR receivers (e.g. RTL-SDR) is currently not recommended for the SSTV contestants, given that we are not sure these receivers will provide readable SSTV images.”
If not between the age of 16-25 years:
“… upload your received pictures in the ARISS SSTV gallery and receive a digital certificate for participation.”
Frequency not (yet) IARU coordinated.
3 Likes
SSTV test 13th - 17th Feb
Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on the ISS
The ARISS team will conduct training in SSTV (Slow Scan Television) image reception to prepare all radio amateurs for the upcoming Fram2Ham mission.
From February 13, 2025 to February 17, 2025, the International Space Station will transmit images via the SSTV protocol as part of the experiment “About Gagarin from Space”.
SSTV images will be transmitted on 437.550 MHz using a Kenwood TM-D710GA transceiver. The PD-120 SSTV format is expected to be used. The transmitter power is 5 watts!
6 Likes
Hi @PE0SAT @fredy Is it possible for a transmitter to be setup on the ISS for this frequency 437.550 for SSTV currently there is only one for Mode U APRS Digi AFSK on 437.550 MHz
Sure, you can suggest it in DB site, you need to login, go to ISS page and at the top right click to the edit menu and choose to suggest the new transmitter.
1 Like
Thanks I’ve submitted the request
2 Likes
Transmitter is approved and ready for scheduling in Network.
From here the official announcement about the SSTV experiment:
Click to show the announcement
ARISS News Release No. 25-07
Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on ISS
February 1, 2025—The ARISS international team has devised a proficiency training SSTV (Slow Scan Television) exercise to prepare all SSTV image receivers for what to expect on the upcoming Fram2 mission.
Fram2 Mission and Fram2Ham Payload Overview
Fram2 is a pioneering private astronaut mission, the first to fly astronauts over the North and South poles. Fram2 will give the four on-board astronauts unprecedented first views of the polar regions from space. While astronauts on the ISS can see a large portion of the Earth, it is not possible to see these upper regions of Earth from the ISS. Fram2 is planned to be launched no earlier than March 1, 2025 and is planning a 3 day mission with an optional 2 day extension.
The amateur radio experimental payload on Fram2, called Fram2Ham, is also pioneering in nature. It represents the first use of human spaceflight amateur (ham) radio in polar orbit and the first amateur radio transmissions from a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Fram2Ham operations are being performed by private astronaut Rabea Rogge, amateur radio callsigns LB9NJ (Norway) and KD3AID (USA).Fram2Ham will transmit Slow Scan Television (SSTV) picture images from space to radio receivers on the ground as part of a high school and university student competition. These SSTV images can also be received by radio enthusiasts (hams, educators, and youth) worldwide and posted to the ARISS SSTV Gallery—but with a twist. Images posted will not be shown until after the Fram2 mission. These operations support the youth SSTV competition, where they are to acquire several SSTV “Puzzle Pieces,” assemble the puzzle, determine the polar location, and answer questions related to that location.
For more information on the Fram2 mission and for youth organizations interested in participating in the Fram2Ham SSTV competition, see: f2.com and Fram2Ham.com. ARISS also has a Fram2 tab on its website www.ariss.org.
Fram2Ham SSTV Simulation on ISS
The ARISS international team is planning an SSTV event to help all participating to be as proficient as possible in acquiring images from Fram2Ham and submitting them in the SSTV gallery. Like previous SSTV events, ARISS will provide special commemorative certificates for those who upload images to the gallery. Certificates will be delivered after the completion of both the Fram2 simulation event and the Fram2 mission.SSTV Simulation details
ARISS radio: The Kenwood TM-D710GA transmitter will be set to low power (5 watts vs. 25 watts for previous SSTV events). This is to simulate the challenges and unknowns of a new radio system on a Dragon capsule that might be in an unfavorable attitude in some parts of the mission flight path.Operations Frequency: 437.550 MHz. Using the SSTV (public downlink) planned for Fram2Ham, ground users can practice the more challenging 70 cm doppler correction.
SSTV Mode: PD120. The longer image capture for this simulation (120 seconds, vs. 36 seconds for Fram2Ham’s Robot 36 SSTV mode) will allow ground users to hone their signal polarization switching skills (manually and electronically) as well as precise antenna pointing.
Operations Duration: February 13 (World Radio Day) to February 17, 2025. This long duration, over a weekend, will allow users multiple passes to practice, learn lessons, make corrections, and try again.
SSTV Gallery Site: Welcome to the ARISS SSTV Gallery
Summary
Fram2Ham will be an exciting, first of its kind, mission and the first ham radio operations in a space capsule. Fram2Ham signal propagation will not be fully understood until the mission starts and ground users report their results. Since variations of antenna orientation are expected during the mission, SSTV downlinked signals might be heard to the right or left of the flight path, during the ascending or descending part of the flight path or beamed to space instead of to Earth. In addition, Fram2 will be a short, 3-day, mission duration, with maybe 1-2 higher elevation passes per day and with a startup several hours after launch and shutdown several hours before reentry. These challenges require operating proficiency and the use of the best attainable radio station. Our Fram2Ham pioneers need to be prepared and proficient. Are you up for the challenge?
3 Likes
Nothing heard on pass at 08:0x UTC on 437.550.
1 Like
Again no signal at 09:4x UTC on 437.550.
1 Like
Not sure if they have announced a start and end time for transmissions - not found seen it anywhere.
Anyway nothing heard here either on the 09.3xUTC pass.
1 Like
Got back from shopping to catch the end of the 11.1xutc pass. Haven’t checked the image yet - will only partial and low elevation - but definitely had reception on mk1 ear 
1 Like
ARISS has made a special request regarding the SSTV transmission event.
“Special Request: hold your images from Social Media! Please only post to the ARISS SSTV site.”
2 Likes
Got slide 4/12 “Jannicke Mikkelson of Norway” (should be ‘Mikkelsen’) already at 11:18 UTC and the half of the next one.
1 Like
There are many good observations with decoded images in the Network’s observations.
It looks like that the transmission started around 11:00 UTC.
4 Likes
And now 3/12 “Chun Wang of Malta” at MEL 12° and then 4/12 in even better quality than before now at almost LOS.
Do they really transmit with only 5 watts?
1 Like
Captured 1 image at 11:17UTC but lots of QRM
5 watts on a great antenna?
1 Like
Got a pretty good one today
3 Likes
Congratulations, but please see the message from @pu4elt FRAM2 HAM - SSTV experiment - #14 by pu4elt
Armatures have been asked not to share the images and only post to the ARISS site.
73
2 Likes