AMSAT-UK Space Symposium/Colloquium 2005

AMSAT-UK Space Symposium/Colloquium 2005

AMSAT-UK will be holding a Space Symposium (Colloquium) at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England from 29 – 31st July.

This 3 day event always attracts Radio Amateurs from across Europe as well as North America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Over a third of those attending come from outside the UK. It provides an opportunity to rub shoulders with the designers of the Amateur Satellites and find out the latest news.

As in previous years there will be special beginner’s sessions to teach newcomers how to get started in the fascinating world of Amateur Radio Space communications. You can get started using little more than a standard dual-band FM HT.

An antenna testing range will be available to enable you to check out the gain of your latest antenna, not all commercial antennas perform as well as you might think! Microwave experts will be on-hand with test equipment covering up to 24 GHz so you can have your equipment tested and receive professional advice.

There will be guided tours of the Surrey Space Centre with the satellite mission control centre and the satellite assembly facility. These tours are always popular as they provide a unique opportunity to see satellites in various stages of construction.

The RSGB GB4FUN van, which has a fully equipped satellite station, will be available during the event for visitors to work the Satellites.

There is an extensive lecture programme ranging from highly professional technical presentations to basic down to earth "how to do it" type talks. We were privileged last year to have Professor Colin Pillinger who led the Beagle 2 Mars Probe project as our keynote speaker.

Guildford is 40 miles from Central London and easily reached from both London-Heathrow and London-Gatwick airports.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in Space Communications. Details of day passes or 2/3 day packages covering meals and accommodation in the University grounds are available from:

Sophie Haigh, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford GU1 7XH United Kingdom.
Email: s.haigh@sstl.co.uk
Phone +44 (0) 1483 689888, FAX: +44 (0) 1483 689503
(Mark Fax, Attn Sophie Haigh)

For information on AMSAT-UK contact the secretary Jim Heck G3WGM
Tel: +44 (0) 1258 453959 Email: g3wgm@amsat.org
Website: http://www.uk.amsat.org/