Can we listen to the Space Shuttle?

[quicksilva89]

Hey guys I was just wondering if there is any way we can listen to the space shuttle communications from space. Since they must use some kind of radio communications can we listen to them in any way? And if so whats the frequency? Any advice or help would be great!!!!

 

[eyes00only]

There are usually some great simulcast on the HAM freqs. In my area it's on 147.225, but just search the HAM bands. Have fun!

Jerry

 

[ka3jjz]

Grove's NASA page and George's Milcom page would be the places to start. I'm pretty sure that while the Shuttle is up that they're going to be using satellite comms via TDRS a lot, and most likely that won't be receivable without some pretty good gear (it's possible that hams are still retruansmitting, but if past missions are any guide, they generally shut that down once the launch is complete- but I'd like to hear of any that are still up myself)....73s Mike

 

[sq322]

you can listen live to the shuttle at the nasatv website
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

 

[nmaleu]

Shuttle Comms

Currently hearing Shuttle Comms on 147.450mhz. Coming in loud and clear from Crofton MD.

Nate

 

[rdale]

Nate: Those are not the Space Shuttle freq's, it is a local rebroadcast of NASA TV.

 

[enginecompany]

Im hearing them loud and clear on 224.1800 from Philadelphia, very interesting.

 

[NC3Z]

Hey guys I was just wondering if there is any way we can listen to the space shuttle communications from space.

On launch and landings they use MilAir UHF (AM). This past launch I copied them directly on 259.700MHz AM (this is not a rebroadcast but directly from the Shuttle) once they got enough altitude. You will notice that they are talking about "single engine" so they were at a point after the solid rocket boosters seperated.

Here is a link to the wav file I recorded from my station in Montgomery County:

http://www.mitchelson.org/pages/wav/STS-114.wav

Will be listening for them Monday morning as they will switch back to UHF for landing and I have copied them before during their descent.

 

[ka3jjz]

If they return early Monday morning (weather permitting), you may want to check the WA3NAN rebroadcast on 147.45 and their various HF ham freqs (hopefully someone at Goddard will remember to turn it on, but it would be understandable if they don't - they've got a LOT going on...) Also from the suprisingly slim loggings on WUN Cape Radio was using 10780 for the launch; but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they used a lower frequency since it will be dark when the shuttle starts it reentry procedures....73s Mike

 

[nexus]

296.8000 mHz AM is the primary Shuttle freq.

Here is a page with all of the shuttle frequencies. They're expected to land at Kennedy around 4 AM Sunday about 5 hours from now (EST). I would probably suggest tuning to that freq and try listening.

I live on the gulf coast of MS and if I'm still awake I'm going to go out and see if I can hear anything.

http://www.ku4ay.net/scanner/shuttle.html

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/pages/nasa_freq.html

 

[rdale]

You won't hear anything tonight - they are landing MONDAY morning...

 

[NC3Z]

296.8000 mHz AM is the primary Shuttle freq.

My listing has 259.7 as primary and 296.8 as the secondary. 259.7 is where I confirmed comms this past launch (Check out message #8 above for a link to the recording I made). Best to scan both!

 

[NC3Z]

You won't hear anything tonight - they are landing MONDAY morning...

They'll test out the UHF comms well before landing so you mich catch comms on 259.7 (or 296.8) a day or 2 before their return.

 

[NC3Z]

This morning (Tue 9 Aug, day of landing) I am receiving good signals from Discovery talking with Houston on 259.700 MHz AM (this is direct, not rebroadcasts) at 0500L.

 

[nexus]

My mistake when I wrote that I didn't mean to put down Sunday. I some how got the days confused. Either way the original landing day was scrubbed. As for the primary/alternate issue, thanks for the clear up...

I am curious, you're in Maryland, the landing was clear across the US from you. Were you using that discone or something else to get that signal?

 

[NC3Z]

I am curious, you're in Maryland, the landing was clear across the US from you. Were you using that discone or something else to get that signal?

As I noted it was at 0500 local that I heard them talking to Houston so they were still in orbit at the time.

I am using a Discone made by Nevada electronics, Andrews heliax feedline, LNA Technologies GasFET 25dB preamp and a Watkins-Johnson WJ-8618B receiver.

 

[NC3Z]

Here is a link to the wav file I recorded from my station in Montgomery County:

http://www.mitchelson.org/pages/wav/STS-114.wav

Here is a wav file of the Shuttle about 2 hours before landing. This is from Discovery talking with Houston on 259.700 MHz AM

http://www.mitchelson.org/pages/wav/STS-114_landing.wav

 

[Rover]

Listening To Shuttle and local KSC Base Ops

I know it's after the STS116 flight, but FYI: http://kscops.com streams the KSC and CCAFS Base APCO25 Operations, mixing in the NASA PAO commentary and Shuttle Comms as launch approaches, some on-orbit ISS/STS segments and then the Landing Ops.

Delta and other non-classified ELV (non-manned) Launches are often covered as they happen.

The KSC/CCAFS Base Ops can be pretty interesting even during routine and late-night chatter... (CCAFS is Cape Canaveral AF Station.)

Ray

 

[Jarhead325mvfd]

259.7 at 336,000 Ft at launch for about 10 sec.