Telebridge Network Status and Future Dave Taylor, W8AAS U.S. Delegate to ARISS-International w8aas@amsat.org

Background Telebridge network began in 1985 Supported SAREX mission for Tony England Telebridge stations have been a United States responsibility since then

Recent History In 2008, we began a search for additional telebridge stations In 2009, we added LU8YY and LU1CGB in Argentina VK6MJ in Australia In 2010, we added IK1SLD in Italy

Current Stations 9 active telebridge stations AH6NM, Hawaii, USA IK1SLD, Casale Monferrato, Italy K6DUE, Maryland, USA LU1CGB, Buenos Aires, Argentina LU8YY, San Luis, Argentina W6SRJ, California, USA VK4KHZ, Queensland, Australia VK5ZAI, South Australia, Australia VK6MJ, Western Australia, Australia

Current Stations (cont.) In development VE4ISS, Winnipeg, Canada Inactive ON4ISS, Belgium W5RRR, Texas, USA

Active Inactive Future Telebridge Locations ON4ISS VE4ISS IK1SLD W6SRJ K6DUE W5RRR AH6NM VK4KHZ LU8YY VK6MJ LU1CGB VK5ZAI Active Inactive Future

Evaluation Process Get details about operator and station Review application Conduct test pass

Selection Criteria Considerations for approving a telebridge station include: Location Technical Language Access Legal

Impact of Added Stations Increased processing when generating best weeks and pass options Increased work to filter options and check station availability Decreased contacts for existing stations, particularly if footprints overlap Station operators become out-of-practice Time spent tracking status of station, monitoring performance

Current Status We receive occasional requests from interested hams Three requests pending Italy Malaysia Brazil

Proposal ARISS should take over operation of the telebridge network from AMSAT-NA The Operations Committee should be responsible for selecting and managing telebridge stations The ARISS-I Delegates should be responsible for approving new stations