Sounds from Scientific, Meteorological and Commercial Satellites 1967-1971

This part of my audio collection is dedicated to commercial and scientific satellites. I started this separate section when Greg Roberts, ZS1BI in Cape Town, started to convert some of his old recordings from a tape recorder with elastic belt drives to electronic format. Greg is a retired professional astronomer and since 1957 has been actively involved in the tracking of artificial satellites, both by optical and radio means. Click on his picture to the right to get more information about him and his activities.

Many thanks to Greg Roberts ZS1BI for getting this section started and to all the other people who kindly contributed: Alois Ochojski DL3PD/SK, Roy Welch W0SL, Sven Grahn, Kurt Ringel DF7FU, Chris Gross, Mike D. Kenny, Brian Hougesen OZ1SKY, Michael Fletcher OH2AUE, Dale Ireland, Alan Banks, Paul Marsh M0EYT, Patrick DK193WN, Mike Rupprecht DK3WN, Loren Moline WA7SKT, Maik Hermenau, Jean-Louis Rault F6AGR, Dick Flagg AH6NM, Don P. Mitchell, Bill Chaikin KA8VIT, Dick Daniels W4PUJ/SK, Patrick Hajagos, Henk Hamoen PA3GUO, Thomas Koziel DG3IX, Tobias Lindemann, Josef Huber, Tetsu Satou-san JA0CAW, Jan van Gils PE0SAT, Nils von Storch, Darko Cikac 9A3LI, Federico Manzini, Phil Williams, Jos Heymann, Roland Proesch DF3LZ, Davide D'Aliesio IW0HLG, Giulio Manzoni IV3DTB/9V1FC, Fer Paglia IW1DTU, Enrico Gobbetti IW2AGJ, Raydel Abreu Espinet CM2ESP, Flavio Archelango PY2ZX, Frederick W. Krappe, Colin Mackellar, Aitor Conde, Davide D'Aliesio IW0HLG, Jean-Pierre Godet F5YG, Milen Rangelov, Francisco Alarcon EA7ADI, Luc Fontaine VE2FXL, Roland Zurmely PY4ZBZ, Rob Engberts PA0RWE, Edgar J. Kaiser DF2MZ, Egor Melcov UB1QBJ, Graham Leighton G8FXB, Luciano Fabricio PY5LF, Igor Monteiro PU4ELT and Daniel Rosentritt DL7NDR.

Picture

Object name
#NORAD

Description

Launch
Date

Weight

ERS 20 (OV5-3)
#02768
(1967-040D)

This military radiation research satellite conducted material studies to determine the effect of the space environment on metals. Even after it was officially lost the very distinctive signal of this satellite could be occasionally heard for up to several hours at a time. Recorded on 136.260 MHz using an SSB receiver by Greg Roberts.

April 28^th 1967

8.6 kg

More than 30 years after ERS 20 was officially lost these recording in SSB mode were made by Greg Roberts on July 14^th 1999 at 16:30h UTC in Cape Town.

GGSE-4
#02828
(1967-053C)

GGSE-4 (Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment) conducted by US Navy. Frequency was 137.740 MHz. Recorded on Dec 14^th 1973 in SSB by Greg Roberts.

May 31^st 1967

4 kg

GGSE-4 recorded on 137.740 MHz in CW on October 24^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

GGSE-4 recorded twice on 137.740 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

GGSE-5
#02834
(1967-053D)

GGSE-5 (Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment) conducted by US Navy. Recorded on 137.890 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

May 31^st 1967

4 kg

SECOR 9
EGRS-9
#02861
(1967-065A)

SECOR 9 (Sequential Correlation of Range) was a joint US Army/Navy satellite. It was a small geodetic spacecraft used to precisely determine points on the earth. Recorded on May 17^th 1975 on 136.840 MHz in CW by Greg Roberts.

Jun 29^th 1967

20 kg

EGRS-9 was recorded on May 17^th 1975 on 136.840 MHz in CW and AM by Greg Roberts.

COSMOS 177
Zenit-2  53
#02947
(1967-088A)

1^st Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite, the film capsule was recovered after 8 days.
This FSK/PDM signal was received on 19.995 MHz by Sven Grahn.

Sept 16^th 1967

4000 kg

ATS-3
#03029
(1967-111A)

ATS-3 was the third Applications Technology Satellite in geostationary orbit (approx 47°W) and in the early 1970's it was conducting tests like relaying weather pictures, time signals and aircraft communications. Click on the picture of the globe to get a full disc picture recorded and transmitted by ATS-3 on Jan 21^st 1968. Downlink frequencies used were 135.600 MHz for the APT system (40 W ), 136.470 MHz and 137.350 MHz (each 16 W), an ionospheric beacon ar 412.08 MHz and 4 S-Band downlinks (up to 24 W).
Starting on August 1^st 1971 NBS began broadcasting the WWV time and frequency format through ATS-3. The uplink frequency was 149.425 MHz, the downlink freqeuncy was 135.625 MHz, modulation was FM, 30kHz BW, downlink power was +48dBm EIRP).

Nov 5^th 1967

365 kg

This is a recorded communication via this satellite between "Mojave" and an aircraft heading to "New Amsterdam". The spin modulation of the satellite signal is quite obvious. Recorded on 135.600 MHz by Greg Roberts in Johannesburg/South Africa.

Enclosed signal of a dutch (?) transmission was recorded around 1972 by Greg Roberts.

Enclosed pictures transmitted by ATS-3 were received in May and June 2974 by PA0RWE. They were originally from NOAA-3 (in a low earth orbit) and then retransmitted through ATS-3 (in a geosynchronous orbit).

As Rob did not have a computer in those days he was using a modified B/W TV and a photograph paper with a lens in front of the TV. In a complete dark room he played the recorded APT signal and processed the photo paper immediately after the transmission was ended. Pictures kindly provided by Rob Egberts PA0RWE.

COSMOS 193
Zenit-2 58
#03052
(1967-117A)

1^st Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite, the film capsule was recovered after 8 days.
This FSK/PDM signal was received on 19.995 MHz on November 26^th 1967 by Sven Grahn.

Nov 25^th 1967

4000 kg

COSMOS 201
Zenit-4
#03118
(1968-009A)

2^nd Generation high resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite.
This FSK/PDM signal was received on 19.995 MHz on February 11^th 1968 by Sven Grahn.

Feb 6^th 1968

4000 kg

SOLRAD 9
(Explorer 37)
#03141
(1968-017A)

Solrad 9 measured Solar Radiation. Telemetry was transmitted simultaneously in AM and FM. Frequencies used were 136.41 MHz, 136.53 MHz and 137.59 MHz. Solrad 9 decayed in November 1990. Both recording were done between end of October and beginning of November 1974 by Greg Roberts using an SSB receiver.

Mar 5^th 1968

198 kg

Recorded May 17^th 1972 on 136.530 MHZ be Greg Roberts.

Recorded on August 2^nd 1972 probably on 136.41 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Explorer 37 recorded on October 24^th 1973 in AM by Greg Roberts.

COSMOS 210
Zenit-2 60
#03168
1968-024A

1^st Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite, the film capsule was recovered after 8 days.
This FSK/PDM signal was received on 19.994 MHz on April 7^th 1968 by Sven Grahn.

Apr 3^rd 1968

4000 kg

RAE 1
(Explorer 38)
#03307
(1968-055A)

RAE 1 (Radio Astronomy Explorer) measured the intensity of celestial radio sources, particularly the sun, as a function of time, direction, and frequency (0.2 to 20 MHz). Recorded on May 17^th 1975 on 136.350 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Jul 4^th 1968

602 kg

HEOS 1
#03595
(1968-109A)

Heos 1 (Highly Eccentric Orbit Satellite) was built by Junkers-Werke in Munich/Germany and studied the inter-planetary magnetic field, solar wind and space particles. Recorded on May 17^th 1975 on 136.650 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Dec 5^th 1968

128 kg

TETR 2
TETR B
#03534
(1968-100B)

TETR 2 was a small magnetically stabilized satellite instrumented with an s-band transponder (9.5 W) to provide training to Apollo ground stations. It included also a PAM/FM/PM telemetry transmitter on 136.860 MHz (1.2 W). It decayed in Sept 1979. Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.860 MHz in CW/AM/CW by Greg Roberts.

Nov 8^th 1968

40 kg

Proton-4
#03544
(1968-103A)

Proton 4 was the last in a series of spacecraft designed to study the energy spectrum and the chemical composition of cosmic rays. The spacecraft was cylindrical in form and had extended solar panels and antennas. Proton-4 also studied the possible collisions of cosmic ray particles with the nuclei of hydrogen, carbon, and iron. It was hoped that the postulated fundamental particle, the quark, might be discovered during this flight. The spacecraft was in orbit for 250 days.
Enclosed FSK/PDM signal was received and recorded on 19.910 MHz by R.S. (Dick) Flagg in Gainesville Florida.
This recording was kindly provided by Sven Grahn with permission of R.S. (Dick) Flagg.

Nov 16^th 1968

17000 kg

OAO 2
OAO A2
OAO B
#03597
(1968-110A)

OAO-2 (Orbiting Astronomical Observatory) transmitted on 136.260 MHz (data) and 136.440 MHz (beacon). Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.260 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

Dec 7^th 1968

2150 kg

Beacon recorded on 136.440 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

ESSA 8
(TOS F)
#03615
(1968-114A)

Environmental Survey SAtellite (ESSA) was a meteorological satellite with APT equipment. The APT transmission was on 137.620 MHz (5 W), the tracking beacon was on 137.770 MHz (250 mW). APT transmission recorded December 14^th 1973 at 07:25 UTC on 137.625 MHz by Greg Roberts.
The APT signal was decoded and kindly provided by Mark B.

Dec 15^th 1968

132 kg

Tracking beacon recorded on 137.770 MHz on December 14^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

The beacon was also recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.770 MHz in CW and AM (not much to hear in AM) by Greg Roberts.

Recorded on August 2^nd 1972 on 137.620 MHz in AM or FM by Greg Roberts.

Enclosed pictures transmitted by ESSA-8 were received by PA0RWE.

As Rob did not have a computer in those days he was using a modified B/W TV and a photograph paper with a lens in front of the TV. In a complete dark room he played the recorded APT signal and processed the photo paper immediately after the transmission was ended. Pictures kindly provided by Rob Egberts PA0RWE.

OSO 5
#03663
(1969-006A)

Orbiting Solar Observatory. PCM/PM telemetry was transmitted in the frequency band 136.290 MHz. Both recording were done on October 31^st 1974 by Greg Roberts using an SSB receiver.

Jan 22^nd 1969

645 kg

ISIS 1
#03669
(1969-009A)

ISIS (International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies) was an ionospheric observatory instrumented with sweep- and fixed-frequency iono-sondes, a VLF receiver, energetic and soft particle detectors, an ion mass spectrometer, an electrostatic probe, an electrostatic analyzer, a beacon transmitter and a cosmic noise experiment. Recorded on Sept 2^nd 1975 on 136.080 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Jan 30^th 1969

241 kg

An unmodulated carrier of ISIS-1 could still be received end of 2012. Enclosed signal was received and recorded on December 28th 2012 at 16:30 U´TC. Recording and waterfall plot kindly provided by Flavio PY2ZX.

ESSA 9
(TOS-G)
#03764
(1969-016A)

ESSA 9 was a sun-synchronous meteorological satellite designed to take and record daytime earth cloud-cover pictures on a global basis for subsequent playback to a ground acquisition facility. Beacon recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.770 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Feb 26^th 1969

145 kg

ESSA 9 recorded on Oct 24^th1973 on 136.770 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

NIMBUS 3
NIMBUS B2
#03890
(1969-037A)

NIMBUS 3 was a meteorological satellite. It transmitted APT pictures on 136.950 MHz. This APT signal was actually an IR scan and was recorded on June 29th 1969 on 136.950 MHz by Greg Roberts.

The APT signal was decoded and kindly provided by Mark B.

April 14^th 1969

635 kg

This APT signal was also an IR scan and was recorded on 136.950 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

SECOR 13
EGRS-13
#03891
(1969-037B)

Sequential Correlation of Range provided geodetic determination measurements. Launched together with Nimbus-3. It contained a transponder and a telemetry system. Frequencies used were 136.8 MHz, 224.5 MHz, 449 MHz. Both recording were done on October 31^st 1974 by Greg Roberts on 136.800 MHz using an SSB receiver.

April 14^th  1969

20 kg

Recorded also previously on August 2^nd 1972 on 136.800 MHz by Greg Roberts.

EGRS 13 recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.800 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

ERS 29 (OV 5-5))
#03950
(1969-046A)

OV5-5 (ERS 29) gathered data for basic research on solar radiation and its effect on the magneto-sphere. Using a VLF plasma wave detector, an altitude sensor, a magnetometer and seven particle detectors, it measured the VLF proton and electron fluxes as well as the temporal variations of such fluxes. Recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.650 MHz by Greg Roberts.

May 23^rd 1969

11 kg

ERS 26 (OV 5-6)
#03951
(1969-046B)

Gathered data for basic research on solar radiation. Included a solar flare monitor, six particle detectors, solid state detectors, a magnetic spectrometer, a Faraday cup and a flux-gate magnetometer. Transmitted on 136.380 MHz in FM (500 mW , 17 W on command) and 400.450 MHz in CW (750 mW). It was observed several times that every 2 hours the signal on 136.38 MHz disappeared and reappeared after 15 minutes. It is assumed that during this time the satellite transmitted on 400.45 MHz. Recorded on 136.380 MHz using an SSB receiver by Greg Roberts.

May 23^rd 1969

11 kg

OV5-6 recorded on June 21^st 1975 by Greg Roberts.

OV5-6 recorded when the satellite was closer to Earth on his highly elliptical orbit on June 21^st 1975 by Greg Roberts.

OV5-6 recorded on 136.380 MHz on a pass near perigee (height ranging from 17000 km to about 10000 km) on August 15^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

45 years after its launch, Frederick W. Krappe received the downlink signal of OV5-6 on 136.380 MHz using his Alinco DJ-X10 with a VHF eggbeater antenna. Enclosed recording of ERS-26 was done on October 2^nd 2014 at 18:05 GMT in LSB by Fred Krappe.

OSO 6
OSO G
#04065
(1969-068A)

The primary objectives of OSO 6 were the acquisition of high spectral-resolution data within the 1 to 1300 A range, the observation of solar X-rays in the 20 to 200 keV range and the observation of high-energy neutron flux in the 20 to 130 MeV range. Recorded on August 2^nd 1972 on 136.710 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Aug 9^th 1969

647 kg

OSO 6 recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.710 MHz by Greg Roberts.

TIMATION-II
#04256
(1969-082B)

TIMATION 2 (TIMe/navigATION) was a US military navigation satellite launched on a Agena-D rocket from Vandenberg AFB/USA. It incorporated sidetone range signals transmitted at 150 and 400 MHz. 9 higher frequency range tones (from 100Hz up to 1 MHz) increased the range measurement resolution to 10 m. Recorded on 137.380 MHz in AM/FM by Mike D. Kenny.

Sep 30^th 1969

57 kg

TIMATION-2 was received on Dec 28^th 2012 at 12:05 UTC. Audio recording and waterfall plot kindly provided by Flavio PY2ZX.

POPPY 6B
NRL-PL 162
OPS 7613 P/L 4
#04258
(1969-082E)

Poppy 6B is a military satellite launched together with Timation-2 into a 909km x 937km orbit with 70° inclination. Poppy 6 replaced Poppy 5 and had several improvements including a wider frequency range. Together with Poopy 6B there were two other Poppies launched: Poppy-6A (OPS 7613 P/L3, NRL-PL 161, 1969-082D, NORAD 4259 and Poppy-6C, OPS 7613 P/L5, NRL-PL 163, 1969-082F, NORAD 4247). Received at 137.410 MHz. Waterfall plot kindly provided by Flavio PY2ZX.

Sep 30^th 1969

101 kg

ITOS-1
TIROS-M
#04320
(1970-008A)

ITOS-1 was a box shaped meteorological satellite (size 1.016m x 1.016m x 1.245m) with 3 solar panels (250W). It was launched together with Amsat Oscar 5. It transmitted on 137.500 MHz APT (5W) and on 136.770 MHz a Beacon (250mW). Data was transmitted on 1697.5 MHz (2W).
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Jan 23^rd 1970

306 kg

SERT 2
#04327
(1970-009A)

SERT 2 (Space Electric Rocket Test) mission carried two ion thrusters. It transmitted on 136.230 and 136.920 MHz. Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.230 MHz in CW/AM by Greg Roberts.

Feb 4^th 1970

1404 kg

Ohsumi
#04330
(1970-011A)

Ohsumi was the first Japanese satellite. It carried thermometer, accelerometer. It transmitted on 136.159 MHz a tracking beacon (50 mW). The batteries failed after transmitting for 30 hours.
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Feb 11^th 1970

38 kg

NIMBUS 4
#04362
(1970-025A)

Meteorological satellite. APT system transmitted on 136.950 MHz (5 W), tracking beacon transmitted on 136.500 MHz (500 mW), data transmission on 1702.5 MHz (10 W). APT recorded on 136.950 MHz in FM on December 14^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

The APT signal was decoded and kindly provided by Mark B.

April 8^th 1970

620 kg

Nimbus 4 transmitted 200 sec long pictures, then a short bit of sync pulses and then the next picture. These recordings were made on December 14^th 1973 in FM by Greg Roberts.

Beacon recorded on May 17^th 1972 by Greg Roberts. Started using AM (not much can be heard), then switched to CW.

TOPO-1
(S70-3)
#04363
(1970-025B)

Geodetic cube shaped satellite. Launched piggyback with Nimbus 4. Tracking beacon transmitted on 136.840 MHz which was also used as a transponder. It had similar tones like the EGRS / SECOR satellites. Recorded in AM on December 14^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

Apr 8^th 1970

18 kg

TOPO 1 transmitted with a typical EGRS sound. Recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.840 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

China 1
PRC 1
DFH 1
Mao 1
#04382
(1970-034A)

DFH-1 (Dong Fang Hong - Red is East) Chinese communications satellite was the first Chinese experimental satellite launched by a LM-1 booster into a 441 x 2286 km orbit inclined at 68.4 deg. from a launch facility near Lop Nor. The primary satellite mission was to broadcast the song "Dong Fang Hong", paying tribute to Chairman Mao, and to announce the time. The satellite was spherically shaped with a one meter diameter. It ceased transmitting in June 1970.

Apr 24^th 1970

173 kg

Enclosed tone telemetry and tune "The East is Red" was received on 20.009 MHz on April 25^th 1970 by Sven Grahn.

Recorded on 20.009 MHz in AM on April 27^th 1970 between 09:39 and 09:53 UTC by Kurt DF7FU.

COSMOS 346
Zenit-4
#04409
(1970-042A)

2^nd Generation high resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite-
This FSK/PDM signal was received on 19.995 MHz on June 12^th 1970 by Sven Grahn.

Jun 10^th 1970

4000 kg

COSMOS 353
Zenit-2M
#04455
(1970-053A)

3^rd Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite.
This wideband telemetry signal was received on 66.2 MHz on July 12^th 1970 by Sven Grahn.

Jul 9^th 1970

4000 kg

Cosmos 356
#04487
 (1970-059A)

Cosmos 356 was a Soviet DS type military satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.DS (Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik) were small satellites built by Yangel's OKB-586 / KB Yuzhnoye in the Ukraine for launch by the same KB's Kosmos launch vehicles. They were used for a wide range of military and scientific research and component proving tests. This mission studied the Earth's magnetic poles. 
Enclosed signal of the ionospheric beacon was received on 20.005 MHz by Sven Grahn.

Aug 10^th 1970

400 kg

COSMOS 364
Zenit-4MK
Hermes
#04553
(1970-075A)

3^rd Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite.
This 2-tone-beacon signal was received on 19.989 MHz by Sven Grahn.

Sep 22^nd 1970

4000 kg

COSMOS 376
Zenit-4M
Rotor
#04599
(1970-092A)

3^rd Generation low resolution Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite, the spacecraft was maneuverable.
This Morse code, digital telemetry signal was received on 19.150 MHz in November 1970 by Sven Grahn.

Oct 30^th 1970

4000 kg

COSMOS 384
Zenit-2M
Hektor
#04791
(1970-105A)

3^rd Generation low resolution  Soviet Photo Reconnaissance satellite, satellite deployed a science capsule, it included microwave radiometers  and a narrow angle IR radiometer.
This TG recovery beacon signal from recoverable COSMOS 384 satellite was received on December 22^nd 1970 by Sven Grahn.

Dec 10^th 1970

5900 kg

NOAA-1
ITOS-B
#04793
(1970-106A)

NOAA-1 was a box shaped meteorological satellite (size 1.016m x 1.016m x 1.245m) with 3 solar panels. It transmitted on 137.620 MHz APT (5W) and on 136.770 MHz a tracking beacon (250mW). Data was transmitted on 1697.5 MHz (4W).
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Dec 11^th 1970

306 kg

China 2
Shi Jian 1
PRC-2
#05007
(1971-018A)

Shijian 1 was the second satellite launched by the PRC.
This Chinese experimental satellite was launched on a LM-1 booster into a 265 x 1825 km orbit inclined at 69.8 deg. The mission was to broadcast stored messages. The satellite bus was similar to that of DFH-1, with the addition of solar cells.
Initial transmissions were at 20.006 MHz and later changed to 19.995 MHz. China 2 re-entered in 1979 through natural orbital decay.

Mar 3^rd 1971

221 kg

Enclosed 10 sec telemetry frame was received on 20.009 MHz by Sven Grahn.

Enclosed 15 sec telemetry frame with 5 sec. subframes was received on 20.009 MHz by Sven Grahn.

Enclosed 5 sec PPM telemetry frame was received on 19.995 MHz by Sven Grahn.

IMP 8
IMP I
Explorer 43
#05043
(1971-019A)

IMP 8 was a satellite dedicated to radio astronomy and space physics. One of the two transmitters operated on 136.170 MHz and was recorded twice between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

Mar 13^th 1971

635 kg

Isis 2
#05104
(1971-024A)

Isis 2 (International Satellite for Ionospheric Studies) was an ionospheric sounder carrying 8 Canadian and 4 US experiments. It transmitted on 136.080 MHz, 401.750 MHz (4W), 136.590 MHz (3W), 136.410 MHz and 137.950 MHz. Recorded on 136.080 MHz by Greg Roberts.

April 1^st 1971

262 kg

D2-A Tournesol
#05128
(1971-030A)

Spin stabilized cylindrical French satellite 70cm in diameter and 80 cm long. Astronomical mission including the search for hydrogen in space. Both recording were done on October 30^th 1974 on 136.630 MHz in SSB by Greg Roberts.

April 15^th 1971

96 kg

Recorded on 136.630 MHz on December 14^th 1973 using an AM receiver by Greg Roberts.

Recorded on 136.630 MHz on December 14^th 1973 using an FM receiver by Greg Roberts.

SOLRAD 10
(Explorer 44)
#05317
(1971-058A)

SOLRAD 10 measured solar radiation in the UV, soft and hard X-ray regions. This spin stabilized satellite was a 12-sided cylinder that measured 76 cm in diameter and 58 cm in height and had 4 solar panels. Transmitted tracking beacon and telemetry on 137.710 MHz (5W) and telemetry only on 136.380 MHz (3W). Recorded on October 29th 1974 by Greg Roberts using an SSB receiver.

July 8^th 1971

260 kg

Explorer 44 (Solrad-10) recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 137.710 MHz in AM mode by Greg Roberts.

EOLE
CAS 1
#05435
(1971-071A)

EOLE was designed to function primarily as a communications satellite to acquire and relay data on altitude, pressure, temperature, moisture and upper atmospheric wind velocities from instrumented earth-circling constant density meteorological balloons. Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.350 MHz in CW mode by Greg Roberts.

Aug 16^th 1971

84.7 kg

EOLE recorded on 136.350 MHz in AM on October 16^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

EOLE recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.350 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

Shinsei
(MS-F2)
#05485
(1971-080A)

Japanese scientific observation satellite. Its objective was to measure solar and cosmic radiation. The tracking beacon transmitted continuously on 136.695 MHz at 90 mW and real time telemetry was transmitted on 400.695 MHz at 45 mW. Incidentally still transmitting mid 2007 but now a continuous tone. Recorded on Dec 14^th 1973 on 136.694 MHz in AM with CW filter by Greg Roberts.

Sept 28^th 1971

65 kg

Recorded on December 14^th 1973 on 136.694 MHz in FM by Greg Roberts.

Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.694 MHz by Greg Roberts. First recording in CW suffered from locally generated hum. Second recording in AM mode was ok.

Shinsei recorded on 136.694 MHz in AM mode on October 24^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

OSO 7
OSO H
#05491
(1971-083A)

  OSO 7 (Orbiting Solar Observatory) studied the solar corona. This experimental platform consisted of a sail section, which pointed two experiments continually toward the sun and a wheel section, which spun about an axis perpendicular to the pointing direction of the sail. Transmitted PCM/PM telemetry on 136.290 MHz with 0.57W. Recorded on May 17^th 1972 on 136.290 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Sept 29^th 1971

635 kg

OSO 7 decayed on July 9th 1974. Recorded on 136.290 MHz in AM mode on October 24^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

TETR 4
#05492
(1971-083B)

Test and Training satellite 4. Launched piggyback with OSO 7. Octahedral 30cm wide satellite. Carried an S-band transponder. The tracking beacon and telemetry transmitted continuously on 136.62 MHz at 0.1 W and 2282.5 MHz at 0.5 W. Command frequency was 259.700 MHz. Recorded on 136.620 MHz using an SSB receiver by Greg Roberts.

Sept 29^th 1971

20.4 kg

TETR 4 recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 136.620 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

Prospero 1
X-3
#05580
(1971-093A)

Prospero was UKs first satellite and launched on a Black Arrow rocket from launch pad 5B in Woomera/Australia into an elliptical low earth orbit with an inclination of 82 degrees, an apogee of 1582 km and a perigee of 547 km. This British scientific satellite was spin stabilized and the flattened sphere shaped structure had a diameter of 1.1m and a length of 0.7m. It's main purpose was to test equipment for future satellites and to conduct a scientific experiment to measure the incidence of micro-meteoroids. This satellite transmitted on 137.560 MHz with 0.3W a phase modulated signal with PCM at 2048 bit/s. The uplink frequency was 148.250 MHz. Prospero X-3 operated successfully until 1973 after which it was contacted annually until being de-activated in 1996.

Oct 28^th 1971

72kg

Recorded on October 24^th 1973 on 137.560 MHz in AM by Greg Roberts.

Prospero was recorded twice on 137.560 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

S-Cubed A
SSS-A
SSS-1
(Explorer 45)
#05598
(1971-096A)

SSS-A (Small Scientific Satellite) performed a wide variety of investigations within the magneto-sphere with regards to particle fluxes, electric and magnetic fields. SSS-A transmitted continuous tracking and telemetry signals on 136.830 MHz (0.5W). Command uplink channel was 148.98 MHz. A second downlink on 137.950 MHz could be commanded on and off. Recorded on May 17^th 1975 on 136.830 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Nov 15^th 1971

114 kg

Ariel 4
UK 4
#05675
(1971-109A)

Ariel 4 (UK 4) was a small observatory investigating the interactions between electromagnetic waves, plasmas and energetic particles present in the upper ionosphere. It transmitted on 137.050 MHz with 0.25 W telemetry data or a continuous tracking carrier. The command uplink frequency was 148.250 MHz. Recorded on May 17^th 1975 and on August 2^nd 1972 by Greg Roberts.

Dec 11^th 1971

99.5 kg

Recorded on Oct 24^th 1973 with a rather noisy signal on 137.050 MHz by Greg Roberts.

Ariel 4 was recorded three times on 137.050 MHz between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

Ferret 24
POPPY-7A
NOSS 0 (A)
#05678
(1971-110A)

Ferret 24 was a surveillance and military spy satellite used during the cold war. It is meanwhile declassified. It transmitted on 136.800 MHz and 137.080 MHz. Recorded on October 24^th 1973 by Greg Roberts.

Dec 14^th 1971

700 kg

Ferret 24 received on 136.800 MHz using an SSB receiver on October 31^st 1974 by Greg Roberts.

Ferret 24 recorded with AM demodulator between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

Ferret 24 recorded with CW demodulator between June 20^th and June 25^th 1972 by Greg Roberts.

POPPY-7D
NOSS 0 (D)
#05681
(1971-110D)

The group of 4 military reconnaissance satellites Poppy-7A to -7D were also called NOSS 0 satellites. NOSS stands for Naval Ocean Surveillance System and there were multiple groups of satellites each having two or three satellites in close proximity to one another. NOSS satellites locate and track ships at sea by detecting their radio transmissions and analyzing them using the TDOA (time-difference-of-arrival) technique. 71110D, transmitted on 136.320 MHz and 137.050 MHz. Recorded on Oct 24^th 1973 in AM on both frequencies by Greg Roberts.

Dec 14^th 1971

700 kg

Picture

Object name
#NORAD

Description

Launch
Date

Weight

If you have further sound tracks from space objects please let me know. I will be happy to post them here on my homepage. Many thanks in advance.

Vy 55 & 73 de Matthias DD1US