For HAM RADIO 2026, AMSAT-Deutschland e. V. (AMSAT-DL) cordially invites all QO-100 users and amateur radio satellite enthusiasts to an open community workshop. This community workshop is part of an overarching process within the ARTES Future Preparation Program (1A.126) “Future Amateur Geostationary Payload Definition” of ESA. AMSAT-DL has been working on a feasibility study for ESA as part of this program since January 2025. In September 2025, the initiated process was consolidated at an international workshop, the focal points were prioritized and summarized for ESA. This result, consisting of 3 mission proposals, is now to be reflected back to the amateur radio community; we want to see whether the results from fall 2025 actually correspond to the will of the user community. The study will provide the ESA with a future-proof concept for our futureGEO.<\/p>\n
Based on the experiences with Qatar OSCAR 100 (QO-100) and current activities in the futureGEO environment, we would like to discuss with the community what a future geostationary amateur radio payload should look like. The aim of the workshop is to present the ideas, requirements and perspectives evaluated so far to the broad user community. <\/p>\n
Here are the 3 specific pillars and payload concepts that represent different development directions:<\/p>\n
An evolutionary approach that builds on the success of QO-100: classic bent-pipe narrowband and wideband transponders, an advanced beacon architecture, multi-band downlinks and additional functions such as text and image transmission, e.g. for emergency and disaster communication, IoT.<\/p>\n
A more experimentally oriented concept with extensive digital signal processing on board. The focus is on flexible, software-defined payload architectures (SDR), regenerative processing and a “digital playground” for new modulation, access methods and user experiments. But with the risk of being very software-heavy. <\/p>\n
An explorative approach with beacons and experiments in very high frequency ranges (mm Wave), supplemented by new antenna concepts, propagation and environmental measurements, as well as earth and space imaging.<\/p>\n
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The workshop is designed to be explicitly open.<\/p>\n
These concepts and prioritizations from autumn 2025 should not be presented as a finished solution, but rather serve as a basis for discussion. The aim is to re-evaluate the Bochum results together with the participants in Friedrichshafen. Are these approaches also interesting, sensible, sustainable and feasible for the general amateur radio satellite community? Which aspects should be pursued or deepened, but the risks and dependencies should also be addressed. In this way, the previous process of participation should be reopened and reviewed. The search for concrete cooperation should also be reviewed once again. We believe that HAM Radio provides the best framework for community participation. <\/p>\n
Both experienced satellite radio operators and anyone interested in the future development of amateur radio satellites, new technical concepts and possible applications are invited to attend.<\/p>\n
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The workshop thrives on participation, discussion and the exchange of ideas – it is not a frontal lecture, but an interactive format with an open end.<\/p>\n
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Registration is not necessary – just come along and bring your ideas, questions and experiences, we are very excited! We are looking forward to an exciting exchange with the community and to many new impulses for the future of amateur radio in geostationary orbit.<\/p>\n
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