NASA X-Ray Potential Superfast Deep Space Comms

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New technology could use X-rays to transmit data at high rates over vast distances in outer space, as well as enable communications with hypersonic vehicles during re-entry, when radio communications are impossible, NASA scientists say.

The technology would combine multiple NASA projects currently in progress to demonstrate the feasibility of X-ray communications from outside the International Space Station.

More information - http://www.space.com/34824-nasa-x-ray-tech-deep-space-communication.html

Central African Republic DXPedition

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Members of the Italian DXPedition Team will be active as TL8TT (not TL8T) from Central African Republic between 1 - 14th February 2017.

Confirmed operators include Alfeo/I1HJT, Silvano/ I2YSB, Vinicio/IK2CIO, Angelo/IK2CKR, Marcello/IK2DIA, Stefano/IK2HKT and Mac/JA3USA. The pilot stations are Art/IK7JWY (HF) and Sergio/IK0FTA (6m).

Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes (The RTTY activity will be restricted to 20m). QSL via I2YSB, direct or the OQRS on their Web page - http://www.i2ysb.com/idt

A TL8TT needs/wants survey is available on the Web page also.

Logs will be posted on LoTW about 6 months after the conclusion of the DXpedition. 

UK Ham Space Achievement Award

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UK Amateur / Ham radio operator David Honess M6DNT has been awarded a prestigious space achievement honour for his Astro Pi work with the British Astronaut and Amateur / Ham Radio Operator Tim Peake GB1SS Principia mission 

David Honess M6DNT was presented with a Sir Arthur Clarke Award, on behalf of the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation and the British Interplanetary Society, for Space Achievement - Industry/Project Individual. 

This came after Mr Honess and his Astro Pi project which installed two Raspberry Pi's (Izzy and Ed) on to the International Space Station as the platform for students to run their own code in space and speak with Major Tim Peake GB1SS.

Mr Honess has been "the driving force" behind getting two UK designed and manufactured Astro Pi computers onto the International Space Station to provide a unique facility to inspire children and adults to learn to code.

Media Story - http://www.cornwalllive.com/west-cornwall-man-wins-award-for-space-achievement-after-project-with-tim-peake/story-29893608-detail/story.html

Sir Arthur Clarke Awards Winners - http://www.bis-space.com/2013/04/05/9719/sir-arthur-clarke-awards-winners

ISS Astro Pi's Izzy Twitter - https://twitter.com/astro_pi_ir
ISS Astro Pi's Ed Twitter - https://twitter.com/astro_pi_vis