SO-124 (HADES-R): Latest Amateur Radio Satellite from Spain

SO-124 (HADES-R), the latest amateur radio satellite from Spain is active and it is a 1.5P PocketQube. PocketQubes are smaller than CubeSats. 1P unit measures just 5 x 5 x 5cm. One CubeSat unit is 10 x 10 x 10cm. Still I have seen some recordings of the satellite audio using just handheld radio and stock antenna from Spain, posted on X. That is really fantastic as HADES-R seems to have a power output of just 40mW. Compare this to the 5W of the Amateur Radio on International Space Station, which uses even 25W or more for usual SSTV transmissions. FM voice transponder of HADES-R has been activated from February 19th, 2025.

Pass direction and timing of HADES-R in your region can be obtained from N2YO.COM, which also provides 10 day predictions so that you can plan well in advance. This is quite useful if you are planning any satellite roving activities in other regions.

Uplink for HADES-R should be on 145.925 MHz FM, no CTCSS or PL tone needed for access. Downlink from the satellite is on 436.885 MHz FM, and needs Doppler correction during pass as usual. Some of my VU friends have been able to hear the downlink. Looking forward to working them during a high elevation pass in my region soon.