IO-86, also known as LAPAN-A2, is Indonesia’s first amateur radio satellite, designed by the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia (LAPAN). Launched in 2015, it serves both the amateur radio community and supports Earth observation for disaster management and environmental monitoring.
Key Features:
- Amateur Radio Communication: Supports FM voice and digital communication (APRS).
- Maritime Tracking: Equipped with AIS to monitor ship traffic.
- Earth Observation: Includes a high-resolution camera for disaster and environmental monitoring.
IO-86 Frequencies:
- FM Voice Uplink (VHF): 145.880 MHz
- FM Voice Downlink (UHF): 435.880 MHz
- APRS Uplink/Downlink: 145.825 MHz (For packet radio and APRS transmissions)
How to Use:
- Track Satellite: Use satellite prediction tools like Heavens-Above.
- Required Equipment: A transceiver capable of 2-meter (VHF) uplink and 70-centimeter (UHF) downlink, plus an antenna (Yagi recommended).
IO-86 enables global communication for amateur radio enthusiasts and contributes to disaster response with its observation capabilities, highlighting the success of Indonesia’s growing space program.
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