ISSCOM 20 February 2004 (042) Communications via Russian Channels: When the ISS is in range of the Netherlands there is not much radio traffic via VHF-1 (143.625 mc), however the amount of that traffic somewhat increased during the last weeks. In general the traffic contains matters like technical problems with Russian systems, medial checks for instance with the so called cardio-cassette, operational data like the times for angles of attack (forms 14, 6 figure groups), private conversations with relatives and friends by Kaleri. Often for contacts between the crew and TsUP-Moscow American facilities via TDRS-s and the S-band are in use. One of the facilities in the Russian segment is the system Regul, originally developed to be used via geostationary comsats like Luch. For a long time such a new satellite was ready. This is the Altair-3, for which a Proton carrier rocket was necessary. Such a carrier rocket was not available and finally the Russians were at their wit's end and stored the magnificent satellite in the Museum for Communications in St. Petersburg. It is clear that the lack of such a satellite, especially in the slot over 16 degrees West, is great concern for Russian space flight authorities. The system Regul can also be used for direct communications with Russian NIP-s (Tracking stations on Earth). Now and then it is in use for duplex radio telephony and data traffic. Channels in the 700 and 900 mc bands are in use. NPO PM, the enterprise which in the past constructed the Luch satellites does not lose heart and is working on a more sophisticated Luch, the Luch-5A. Among many other facilities this Luch can also serve in the Sarsat-Kospas network and for voice and data traffic between TsUP-Moscow and the Russian segment of the ISS. The Russian government supports this project financially, but that is not enough and the firm is willing to fill up the budgetary gap by own means. Molniya-3: This communication satellite has an elliptic orbit with an apogee of approx 40000 KM and a perigee of approx. 600 KM. For ISS communications this satellite is in use for relays between ISS and TsUP-Moscow via tracking stations within the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. For the link between Shcholkovo and TsUP-Moscow the proximity makes it is possible to use underground cables. Recent interesting radio traffic: During the flight of the freighter Progress-M1-11 between 29-01-04 and 31-01-04 the telemetry transmitters in the 165 and 166 mc bands could be monitored. On 31-01-04 the automatic approach and docking took place. On 1313UTC the freighter docked at the aft docking port of the service module Zvezda. Before the docking the crew tested the manual system TORU. The signals of this system could be monitored at approx. 30 minutes before the docking via 130.165 and 121.750 mc. On 19-02-04 a lot of voice traffic on 130.165 and 143.625 mc. The crew was training for the eventual evacuation of the ISS. This training also was used to check the space suits for the EVA on 26-02-04. During the pass over the Netherlands in orbit 29966 (0701-0711UTC) as usual strong interference by cross modulation from air traffic control stations. It was clear that there was a training going on, but reliable analyses were impossible. During the next pass (orb. 29967, 0836-0846UTC) Foale reported to TsUP-Moscow that he had some problems with 3 air hoses in the right sleeve of his space suit. In the pass in orbit 29968, 1012-1022UTC, TsUP-M was loud and clear in the background. TsUP gave Foale permission to enter the BO (life compartment of the Soyuz-TMA). Further about opening and closing of a hatch. Kaleri reported that a hatch was closed and that everything was perfect. ISS telemetry frequencies: During passes over the Netherlands these are koften active. From the service module, Zvezda, 2 separate telemetry systems can be heard via 630.125 and 628.125 mc, and one system from FGB Zarya via 633.850 mc. Radio amateur traffic: Now and then voice traffic can be heard on 145.800 mc. Regularly the same frequency is in use for Packet Radio. Via the P/R transponder of the ISS radio amateurs on earth transmit messages without interference of the crew. The signals of the ISS P/R transmitter are very strong. Chris van den Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202