What is the Mars Relay Flight Test?
The Mars Relay Flight Test will be a test of the UHF relay on board the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft. The test will occur approximately two weeks after launch of while the spacecraft is still in proximity of the Earth. The Mars Relay will be used at Mars for communications between MGS and small stations placed on the surface of Mars by other missions. The Mars Relay uses frequencies of 437.1 MHz for transmission, and 401.5 and 405.6 MHz for reception. Because these frequencies are near the radio amateur bands, Hams will have the opportunity to help out NASA and listen for the Mars Relay beacon transmission at 437.1 MHz. JPL is currently working with Stanford University to develop the uplink (or transmission) portion of the test at frequencies of 401.5 and 405.6 MHz. How can Amateur Radio Operators Participate? The broadcast beacon frequency for the Mars Relay is 437.1 MHz (the signal will be Doppler shifted). Signal strength should such that amateurs with capable equipment sho
