Good signals and QSO on low elevation pass of IO-86 with early activation!

Today’s pass of IO-86 or LAPAN A2 with early activation was of maximum elevation 16 degrees in my region. I was not sure of hearing anything because this satellite is difficult to access from large part of VU, with whom I usually have LEO satellite contacts. That is because of the transequatorial pass. I have been able to have contacts earlier whenever there was special early activation, thanks to the controller. To my surprise, I could hear VU2MZT and VU2NXG fairly well several times during the pass. As it went far beyond my region by the time it reached the region of Indonesia, I could not hear anyone from there, though I had rotated my fixed elevation/azimuth Moxon Yagi in that direction manually, towards the second half of the pass.

Here is the curated pass recording after removing silent periods with just the hissing noise of open squelch.

Here is the recording shared by YG4SLJ on X. So I was heard Indonesia, though I could not hear them! Thanks YG4SLJ for the encouraging report.

Let us hope that the LAPAN A2 amateur payload controller YD0NXX will allot more good passes for ID & India special early activation in the coming weekend as well.